Tess Canja

In the following viewpoint, excerpted from testimony before Congress, Tess Canja argues that while Medicare is in need of reform, such reform should be done cautiously so as to ensure the continued success of the program. Canja contends any reform should build on the foundation that was created by the Medicare+Choice program. According to Canja, such reform must be done carefully in order to ensure that policy makers and the public understand the effects of any changes. Canja is the president of the AARP (formerly the American Association of Retired Persons), a nonpartisan association that is dedicated to improving the experience of aging for all Americans.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. What was the impact of the Balanced Budget Act on Medicare, as explained by Canja?
2. In the author’s view...