Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus, D-Mont., has proposed some changes to Medicare as part of his health care reform plan. He would allow people over 55 to buy into Medicare early as a temporary measure until that age group is covered by a national insurance pool.
Baucus also would make it easier for people with disabilities to enroll in Medicare. Currently, there is a two-year waiting period, but Baucus would phase that out.
What is the likely impact of these proposals on Medicare, and on the health care system as a whole? What is the financial impact?
-- Marilyn Werber Serafini, NationalJournal.com