Health budget spends on mental health; cuts Medicare

By Toni Clarke WASHINGTON (Reuters) – President Barack Obama's proposed 2014 budget includes an increase of $3.9 billion to the health department as it prepares to implement the administration's healthcare overhaul, setting money aside for mental health, but cutting medicare. The budget asks for $1.5 billion in increased funding to help set up healthcare exchanges and educate consumers on the enrollment process, which is scheduled to begin on October 1. The exchanges are to begin providing coverage on January 1. The increase would contribute to a budget of $80. …