Experts foresee no quick resolution to intertwined issues of US deficit reduction and healthcare reform

Gridlock on reducing the US deficit and on healthcare policy is not likely to change until after the November 2012 presidential and congressional elections, a panel of experts told a congressional briefing on 2 December. However, the next year will be crucial for laying out the issues and policy alternatives for subsequent action.

Failure of the so called congressional “super-committee” to make budget cuts has triggered automatic cuts of $1.2 trillion in a process known as sequestration, unless Congress intervenes. Half of the cuts will come from military expenditure.

The huge Medicare health insurance programme for senior citizens will …