WASHINGTON – On the eve of the contentious Arkansas Democrat Senate run-off, new reports have emerged that the Democrats’ costly and contentious health spending bill – which U.S. Senator Blanche Lincoln’s (D-AR) cast the critical 60th vote to pass into law – will cut benefits and raise costs for Arkansas seniors.

The Wall Street Journal reports:

Many insurance companies are planning to increase costs for a range of services for seniors next year, according to consultants who have helped prepare their bids. Dozens of Medicare Advantage providers plan to cut back vision, dental and prescription benefits. Some plans are eliminating free teeth cleanings and gym memberships, and raising fees for hearing aides [sic], eye glasses and emergency-room visits…

This news comes on the heels of a recent government report from the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) that the Democrats’ bill would cost even more than Democrats like Lincoln originally claimed. The Obama Administration’s own Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) also reported that the new law will raise some premiums, despite the Democrats’ promises to the contrary.

Earlier this year, another HHS report found that Lincoln’s new health care law will break another Democrat promise by failing to control runaway costs. According to the Associated Press, the report also warned that Medicare cuts may be unrealistic and unsustainable, driving about 15 percent of hospitals into the red and “possibly jeopardizing access” to care for seniors.

“Once again, Arkansans are reminded that Blanche Lincoln put President Obama’s priorities before her constituents’ best interests when she cast the critical 60th vote to pass this health spending bill into law,” said National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) spokeswoman Amber Marchand.  “If Lincoln survives her brutal intra-party battle and makes it to the General Election, there’s no doubt that Arkansans will hold her accountable when they elect John Boozman as their next U.S. Senator this November.”