WALLY HERGER: “However, we must ensure that consolidation is not simply used as a tool to increase revenues by driving up Medicare…”

These cuts will significantly alter the program and jeopardize seniors' access to the health plans they rely on.

Understanding the successful structure of the current MA program, and the challenges the program will face because of the Democrats' health law, is key to ensuring Medicare meets the needs of seniors now and into the future.

The issue of consolidation warrants this subcommittee's attention as all health care cost drivers need to be closely examined, especially in this challenging economic and budget environment.

This highlights a concern I have. The President and congressional Democrats clearly went out of their way during the legislative debate to hide the fact that this is a tax.