Lobbyist: Medicare extension costs more than ever

The total cost of the extenders bill scheduled to be
unveiled this week has also increased, to $226 billion.

The ballooning cost is causing heartache for vulnerable
House members and moderate senators.

The lobbying source added that the bill is unlikely to be
released before Wednesday as members keep close tabs on the results of
Tuesday’s elections, which may affect lawmakers’ appetite for passing measures
that add to the deficit.

Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.) this
afternoon said the situation was “fluid.”

Asked about the duration of the change to the Medicare Sustainable
Growth Rate formula (SGR) that’s going to emerge, he said: “SGR has
got to be extended. These things are all fluid. It’s down to policy and votes.”