Filed by KOSU News in US News.
December 3, 2009

The Senate has voted to keep significant Medicare cuts in its health care overhaul bill despite polls showing seniors are concerned about their benefits.

Senators voted 58-42 to reject an amendment by Republican Sen. John McCain of Arizona that would have stripped more than $400 billion in Medicare cuts from the health care bill. The measure would have sent the bill back to the Senate Finance Committee for a redo.

Republicans said the cuts to health insurance plans and medical providers would mean seniors in the popular Medicare Advantage program will lose some benefits. Democrats said no guaranteed benefits will be lost, and the cuts will help keep Medicare solvent. AARP threw its support to the Democrats. Copyright 2009 National Public Radio