It's Official: Bush Administration hates the elderly

New York Times:

The Bush administration came out today in opposition to Democratic proposals to hold down the scheduled 17 percent increase in Medicare premiums next year, saying that a one-year freeze would lead to much higher premiums in 2006.

Dr. Mark B. McClellan, administrator of the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, said the premiums would rise 20 percent in 2006 if Congress blocked the increase planned for next year. Under current law, the monthly premium is scheduled to be $78.20 next year, up $11.60 from the premium this year. In most cases, the amount is deducted from Social Security checks.

First off, the difference between 17% this year and 20% next year is probably negligible, aside from the fact that seniors would not have to pay that 17% this year. Secondly, with another year of debate, perhaps someone could come up with a way to snuff out the 20% increase, or at least limit its impact.

Honestly, it is this lack of foresight I have come to expect from our current President.