Democrats and Republicans see Medicare issue working to their advantage

Regardless of who emerges as the victor, the Medicare debate makes it likely that changes will be made to the program in the future, according to The Associated Press. Also, Kaiser Health News examines how Medicare policies are playing among Reagan Democrats.

The Associated Press: Both Parties See Gains Coming From Medicare Debate
A little more than two weeks before Election Day, Republicans and Democrats alike say Medicare is working to their political advantage in campaigns for the White House and Congress. They can't both be right, and no matter which side is, this is one campaign clash with consequences extending well beyond Nov. 6 (Espo, 10/20).

Kaiser Health News: Voters' Voices: Three Reagan Democrats Talk Medicare
Of those voting this year, count in the so-called Reagan Democrats -- that group of once loyal left-leaners who crossed party lines in 1980 and helped the former California governor relocate to the White House (Varney, 10/21). 

The Medicare NewsGroup: Fact/Fiction: President Obama Hasn't Been Able To Establish Reforms That Will Preserve Medicare
The Sound Bite: In a campaign ad, GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney uses video from a town hall-style presidential debate to criticize President Obama on the economy and Medicare. In the 30-second ad, Romney says, "(Obama) just hasn't been able to put in place reforms for Medicare and Social Security to preserve them." The Facts: Fiction. Although not as dramatic as Romney's plan to turn Medicare into a premium support model, President Obama does include Medicare provisions in his 2010 health care law to curb program spending (Solana, 10/19).