New information from the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) about H.R. 2, the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015, has only added to the uncertainty surrounding the fiscal impact of the bills many proposed reforms. While NTU remains supportive of several provisions in the package – most notably the strengthening of means-testing in portions of Medicare – CBO’s analysis provides an incomplete picture of the legislation’s long-term effects. Thus, it would be premature at this time to issue an endorsement of the entire bill. Still, NTU is hopeful that additional research will project that the reforms in the legislation will lead to significant reductions in deficits relative to current policies.
Reforming entitlement programs is one of the most critical – and difficult – tasks facing Congress. NTU is encouraged by the House of Representatives’ decision to address this matter and looks forward to playing a constructive role in the process ahead.