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Boomer Panel to Tackle Medicare In Washington D.C., the infighting is fierce for the big baby boomer political prize of the decade, appointment to the National Bipartisan Commission on the Future of Medicare. The commission is charged with finding a way to keep Medicare solvent in the face of the approaching ranks of the baby boom generation, hence it is nicknamed the Boomer Commission. Although it may sound like another blue-ribbon panel destined to be forgotten, the commission has the potential for high-profile achievement. Serving 37 million older and disabled Americans and growing every day, Medicare constitutes a huge share of the nation's health system, giving the commission the platform to shape medical care for the coming decades. "These are appointments many would die for," said Robert Reischauer, a health policy expert at the Brookings Institution. And, yes, Reischauer concedes, he would grab a commission post if one were offered. Recognizing the possibilities, interest groups and political figures have pulled out the stops in pursuit of the 17 appointments. Dear List-Family.... The following has far reaching implications to those of our members living in the USA, and who knows - possibly other nations as well. Barb Mallut [log in to unmask] -------------------------------------------------------------------- Political types are climbing over one another to gain the ear of congressional leaders who -- along with President Clinton -- must name panel members this month. The position of chairman is considered critical to the credibility of the commission. Democrats and Republicans in Congress must agree on the candidate. But experts say a miracle cure for Medicare will be hard to find. The possible remedies range from privatizing the program to nationalizing the entire health care system.