◼ The Paul Ryan veep pick — and the truth about his Medicare reform plan
1. No one over the age of 55 would be affected in any way.
2. Traditional Medicare fee-for-service would remain available for all. “Premium support”—that is, government funding of private insurance plans chosen by individuals—is an option for those who choose it. No senior would be forced out of the traditional Medicare program against his will.
3. Overall funding for Medicare under the Ryan-Wyden plan is scheduled to grow at the same rate as under President Obama’s proposals. Is this “gutting Medicare” and “ending Medicare as we know it”? In reality, it’s the market giving seniors cheaper, higher quality choices they can take if they wish, with the traditional program remaining an option.
◼ TOP DEMOCRAT: RYAN BUDGET IS “SENSIBLE, HONEST, SERIOUS” - Stephen Hayward/Powerline
Erskine Bowles, former chief of staff to President Clinton and a leading Democratic grandee, calling Paul Ryan “amazing,” and saying his budget proposal is “sensible, serious . . , and honest” (and also admitting that Obama’s budget proposals are neither serious nor honest).
