[NeoCaveman]

But using imaginary numbers like "Trillions" of Dollars in costs is not a fair argument, and isn't based upon the current facts at hand.

I'm going with 1 trillion to be near the low end. Look at the original cost estimates of other entitlements SSI and Medicare at their inception.

[Southack]

"I'm going with 1 trillion to be near the low end. Look at the original cost estimates of other entitlements SSI and Medicare at their inception."

1 Trillion isn't in this bill.

This Medicare reform bill authorizes precisely $39.5 Billion per year for each of ten years. Barring no additional legislation, this program runs out in ten years (which coincides nicely with the Privatization provision that it contains).

So if you want to argue facts in this bill, your numbers are limited to $39.5 Billion per year.

Anything else is idle speculation.

And if you can't make your case based upon the numbers in this bill, then you probably don't have a very strong case to make in the first place.

[NittanyLion]

Look at the original cost estimates of other entitlements SSI and Medicare at their inception.

We're not allowed to reference what has actually happened when similar bills were enacted. Instead, Southack is going to speculate wildly over privatization - which is contrary to 75 years of entitlement program history - while telling US we're out of line.

Amazing...