Lawmakers draw lines, offer views on Medicare

Senate Democrats argue that the best way to find savings in Medicare is to build on the program changes that were included in the health law. Meanwhile, Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis., says he is open to Medicare changes that would leave the traditional program intact as an option for seniors in the future.

Politico: Senate Dems: Health Law Reins In Medicare
Top Senate Democrats argue that if Republicans want to find savings in Medicare, they can build on the health care reform law passed last year instead of cutting benefits. "The Affordable Care Act makes significant changes to our health care system to control health care costs, changes that are already under way," several Senate Democrats write in a letter to be sent to Republican Leader Mitch McConnell today. "To protect Medicare, we should build on these kinds of delivery system reforms, rather than cut seniors' benefits" (Haberkorn, 6/16).

The Hill: Ryan Open To Changing Medicare Plan
Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) said Thursday that he is open to reforming Medicare in a way that would leave a traditional fee-for-service system as an option for future seniors. Ryan, speaking at a policy discussion hosted by The Hill and sponsored by No American Debt, an advocacy group, said that he has consistently been open to an optional version of his controversial Medicare plan, which Democrats have seized upon as a campaign issue (Becker and Wasson, 6/16).