I cannot believe you want to take seniors on a fixed income and raise the Medicare Premium.  It is not like those in a higher bracket got more than 12-20.00 more for 2013.  The premium is already higher than it should be, We did pay into that tax system when be busted our A$$ for 65years.  The Premium is over 100.00 per month with copays of 20% of the charges.   What will happen next?   Will you deny us if we become so ill we surprass a Cap?   Will our physicians turn us away because it is not profitable to care for a Medicare patient?   They are already doing that.  Let me advise you that many physicians are urging patients to opt put of Medicare advantage plan, since they get a monthly flat fee per patient to be seen as often as needed, this includes every day and hospital visits, they will receive about 133.00 per month, per patient assigned to them on a Medicare Advantage plan.  If we opt out and use Medicare only, Medicare will have tot pay them for each and every visit, this could quadruple their income, I think it is a great idea.   Doctor's have the option to waive or reduce the 20% copay but cannot waive the yearly deductible of 133.00.  I would be willing to pay the deductible and have my copay reduced.  SInce I am on a fixed income, and live in senior subsidized housing, I have no assets to be attached.   I would gladly stay with Meicare only and a chep Part D plan if it menat I could retain the doctor I so love and they would be moe willing to make hospital visits or additional appointments, I could choose from a cadre of physicians who are leaningthis way.  As a retired Nurse Practitioner, my choices will be opened to a better class of physician.  Medicare cannot deny you this choice, it is your right.  MY suggestion is you think this over carefully, those of us who are retired from the Medical field are entertaining this option.   We get what is called professional courtesy.   Think carefully all you politicians, the baby boomers are staging a revolution.