WASHINGTON — The idea behind Paul Ryan’s Medicare plan is to slow growing costs and keep the program more affordable for the long haul.
But it’s all in the details. The Republican-backed shift to private insurance plans could saddle future retirees with thousands of dollarsa year in additional bills.
That would leave the children of the baby boom generation with far less protection from medical expenses than their parents and grandparents have had in retirement.
And there’s another angle consumers need to look at: Medicaid.
The GOP vice presidential candidate has also proposed to sharply rein in that program and turn it over to the states. Usually thought of as part of the safety net for low-income people, Medicaid covers nursing home care for disabled elders from middle-class families as well.
Medicare and Medicaid cover about 100 million people between them, touching nearly every American family in some way.
Pulling no punches, President Barack Obama’s campaign launched a new online video Monday attacking what it called the “Romney-Ryan” Medicare plan. It features anxious seniors and closes by accusing the Republicans of “ending Medicare as we know it” to pay for tax cuts for the wealthy.
Mindful of the risks, Romney is trying to put some distance between his agenda and the specifics of Ryan’s budget proposals.
In an interview Sunday on CBS’ “60 Minutes,” Romney and Ryan both offered words meant to reassure the elderly. Full Article
