WASHINGTON (December 22) – The 17-member National Bipartisan Commission on the Future of Medicare will meet January 5-6 in Washington, D.C., to continue examining the impacts of various hypothetical Medicare reforms, Sen. John Breaux (D-La.) and Rep. Bill Thomas (R-Calif.) said today.

On Tuesday, Jan. 5, the Commissioners will explore hypothetical reforms to Medicare fee-for-service and Medigap (supplemental insurance).

On Wednesday, Jan. 6, members will discuss "premium support," a health care model that is similar to the current health insurance program for federal employees.

Proponents of the Federal Employees Health Benefits Plan (FEHBP) have noted its ability to provide good benefits, manage costs and promote competition among participating health plans.

At their Dec. 2 meeting, the Commissioners heard analyses and cost estimates on potential changes to the Medicare program. "For nine months, we heard ideas from experts, organizations, associations, volunteer groups and citizens about how Medicare should work. Now, we’re analyzing some of those ideas to see if they can make Medicare more responsive to the interests of beneficiaries while making Medicare fiscally solvent," the chairmen said.