RT Journal
A1 Song Z, Cutler DM, Chernew ME
T1 POtential consequences of reforming medicare into a competitive bidding system
JF JAMA
JO JAMA
YR 2012
FD August 1
VO 308
IS 5
SP 459
OP 460
DO 10.1001/jama.2012.7909
UL http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/jama.2012.7909
AB 
Proponents of premium support cite 2 potential strengths. First, competition may lower health care spending. Second, by pegging the Medicare contribution to one of the lower-cost plans and limiting the increase in the government's contribution over time, public spending on Medicare will slow.1 Critics state that bidding essentially shifts costs to beneficiaries by increasing their required premiums.2