Medicare: Republicans face uphill battle to find like minds across the aisle

House GOP lawmakers are having a hard time making the case that plans to revamp Medicare have broad bipartisan support.

The Hill: House Republicans Struggle To Find Allies Across The Aisle For Medicare Overhaul
House Republicans are struggling to make the case that their proposed Medicare overhaul has broad support. The GOP has been ramping up its argument that Democrats have, in the past, supported "premium support" reforms despite the party's united attacks against the proposal ahead of the November elections. They are trying to persuade voters that Republicans have a bipartisan plan to save the program from bankruptcy, while painting Democrats as hypocrites out to scare seniors (Pecquet, 4/1).

Meanwhile, Medscape offers more detail on the plan.

Medscape: House Passes Budget Plan Shaking Up Medicare, Medicaid
Besides repealing the ACA, the bill would give new Medicare beneficiaries beginning in 2023 a choice between traditional fee-for-service Medicare and any number of approved private health plans. If a senior chooses to go with a private plan, the government would help him or her pay for it by giving the plan a "premium support payment." Americans who are sick and poor would receive more assistance. In addition, the eligibility age would be gradually raised from 65 to 67 (Lowes, 3/30).