Romney Unveils Medicare Overhaul Plan To Lower Debt

On Friday, Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney unveiled a proposal to overhaul Medicare that observers note resembles a plan in House Budget Committee Chair Paul Ryan's (R-Wis.) fiscal year 2012 budget blueprint. Romney said his plan would give beneficiaries the option to stay in the Medicare program or enroll in private health plans using a "premium support system." Ryan's plan would have altered Medicare from a fee-for-service program to one that would have beneficiaries purchase coverage on the private market. Romney said his plan would gradually raise the Medicare eligibility age and would not affect current beneficiaries or those approaching retirement.

• "Romney Debt Plan Includes Medicare Overhaul and Social Security Changes" (Parker, New York Times, 11/4).
• "Romney: Overhaul Medicare and Social Security To Reduce Debt" (Rucker, Washington Post, 11/4).