"But more Medicare handouts are??"
Yes and no is the answer. Of course the folks on Medicare are getting the prescription plan but at the same time the healthcare providers (physicians and hospitals) are getting the fees cut for services provided. Too bad these healthcare professionals (especially hospitals) can't opt out of the Medicare program.
Don't ya just love the compassion of GWB? </sarcasm>
The hospitals in this area can't survive without the handout of medicare. Their handout increased with the Medicare Bill in which a billion is used to fund the border hospitals. Over 75% of the total cost of health care on this part of the border is paid for by you taxpayers in other parts of the country.