****

Senate Republicans, with President Donald Trump's support, are examining methods to cut "waste, fraud, and abuse" in Medicare to fund their extensive domestic agenda. This initiative follows discussions about similar savings in Medicaid.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., stated that while Medicaid has been a primary focus for identifying savings, Republicans are open to exploring potential waste in other government programs. Emphasizing fiscal prudence, Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., encouraged colleagues not to shy away from tackling waste in Medicare.

At a recent closed-door meeting, this issue was discussed among Senate Republicans and with President Trump during a session with the Senate Finance Committee. Sen. Steve Daines, R-Mont., highlighted that while the president is opposed to cutting benefits, he strongly supports efforts to eliminate inefficiencies in the program.

White House spokesman Kush Desai reiterated the administration's stance, asserting that there will be no cuts to Medicare, Social Security, or Medicaid benefits as part of these efforts. Desai emphasized that the goal is to address government spending waste.

Despite Medicare's popularity, this exploration sparked immediate criticism from Democrats. Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin condemned the initiative, accusing Republicans of attempting to undermine a vital program that millions rely on for health insurance.

The search for cost-saving measures is partly driven by concerns over the projected $2.4 trillion increase in the national debt over the next decade, as estimated by the Congressional Budget Office. The House-passed bill includes Medicaid and health spending reductions, described by Republicans as targeting "waste, fraud, and abuse." However, the CBO projects that the changes could result in over 10 million people losing insurance.

There is some division within the GOP regarding the approach to Medicare reforms. Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., voiced his opposition to revising Medicare and warned against the potential electoral repercussions, recalling past Republican struggles with similar efforts. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, also expressed surprise at the discussions and emphasized the importance of preserving Medicare benefits.

A possible bipartisan solution could involve a bill aimed at enhancing Medicare Advantage plans and reducing overpayments. Co-sponsored by Sens. Bill Cassidy, R-La., and Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., the "No UPCODE Act" has broad bipartisan support and could save an estimated $124 billion over ten years, according to a recent CBO report.

As Republicans navigate these sensitive discussions, the balance between reducing waste and protecting essential benefits remains a critical concern.