Sheilah Kast talks to Rep. Pete Stark (D-CA) about the Trustees' Report

We explore how Medicare issues affect everyone.  And Congressman Stark suggests that the current administration is to blame for Medicare's troubles.  He proposes changes to keep the program solvent.

The Hosts

Through most of her distinguished reporting career, Sheilah Kast has focused on the economy and workplace and how they affect people's lives. Well known to viewers of public television, ABC News, and CNN, she has covered the White House and Congress.

Kast also reported on the Washington aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks. Her stories included an investigation of anthrax in the mails and the struggles of bereaved Pentagon families to secure benefits.

At The Washington Star, in her first reporting job, Kast covered financial regulation, taxes, and energy. Her expertise in these important issues eventually led her to start a national public-television show, "This Week in Business," which she hosted in association with Business Week magazine.

Ms. Kast is a skilled interviewer. She has often hosted NPR'S Weekend Edition Sunday and has her own current-affairs interview show on public radio in Maryland.

Guests

Rep. Pete Stark (D-CA)

Congressman Pete Stark has served in Congress since 1973. A senior member of the powerful Ways and Means Committee, he is currently the Chairman of its Health Subcommittee. Stark previously served as the subcommittee's Ranking Minority Member from 1995 to 2006 and as its Chairman from 1985 to 1994

Peter Orszag-Director, Congressional Budget Office

He is responsible for ensuring that all duties of the organization, as specified by law, are performed effectively, appropriately, and in a timely manner. The Director regularly consults with the budget committees to ensure that the agency's work and capacities meet and keep pace with Congressional demands.

David Certner-Legislative Policy Director, AARP

David Certner is the Legislative Counsel and Director of Legislative Policy, and is a member of AARP’s Government Relations Senior Leadership team. He has been with AARP since 1982.

 Herb Kuhn

Kuhn comes to CMS from his position as corporate vice president for advocacy at Premier Inc., a not-for profit hospital alliance. The Center for Medicare Management operates the fee-for-service portion of Medicare, the federal program of health care insurance for older and disabled Americans. Medicare has more than 41 million enrollees. Kuhn is a graduate of Emporia State University (Kan)

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