Medicare cost estimates are no shock to some

0 Comments | USA TODAY, March, 2004 | by William M. Welch

WASHINGTON -- The Bush administration has angered Republicans and Democrats in Congress by withholding higher cost estimates during last year's debate on legislation overhauling Medicare. But Congress had plenty of warnings that its 10-year, $395 billion price tag was too low.

Research institutes run by conservatives and moderate Democrats warned repeatedly last year, in reports and congressional testimony, that Medicare changes sought by President Bush and Republican leaders could cost far more. But it wasn't until this year that the White House said the law would cost $534 billion. Even higher estimates by Medicare's top actuary were withheld from Congress -- an omission now under investigation.

Republicans, eager to give seniors prescription-drug coverage going...