The basis of the coming Medicare crisis.

The legislative and executive branches of the Federal government must recognize that the current political premises of the Medicare program have serious economic effects on hospitals resulting in an unworkable , unstable system. The time to make changes is now, before a crisis arises. Which of the nine political imperatives Congress and the administration will compromise is not known. Obviously there will be political debate before any modifications in legislation are enacted. It is reasonable to predict that the final decision will be balanced between additional costs to the Medicare patient and the political price paid by politicians . Unfortunately, the outcome will be based not on what is best for healthcare , but what is best for the political well-being of Congress and the administration. In the meantime, hospitals will remain caught in an era of uncertainty, unable to adequately plan for their financial future.