GOP Lawmakers Considering Cuts, Changes to Medicare

Last week, House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) said that the GOP plans to develop a budget proposal for the upcoming fiscal year that would include significant cuts to Medicare to control the program's costs. Meanwhile, House Budget Committee Chair Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) is promoting a voucher system as part of proposed Medicare reforms. Under the proposal, Medicare beneficiaries would receive vouchers -- at an amount dependent on their income and health status -- to purchase health coverage.

• "GOP Aims To Tame Benefits Programs" (Bendavid/Hook, Wall Street Journal, 3/4).
  
• "GOP House Budget Chairman Ryan Pushes Medicare Vouchers" (Serafini, Kaiser Health News, 3/3).