Feds stick state with the tab for Medicare

CARSON CITY -- A deadlock in Congress has left Nevada stuck with a $134,000 bill for October for the premiums for some residents' Medicare Part D coverage.

And unless the state wants to cut off aid to 1,715 low-income senior citizens and disabled Nevadans, it may have to continue paying at least $134,000 each month.

Until now, the federal government had been covering the $78 monthly Medicare premiums for people who are 65 or older or who are disabled, and have monthly incomes of $1,097 to $1,464 a month. In Nevada, the state paid the premiums each month and was reimbursed by the federal government at the end of each quarter.

more ...