Following Paul Ryan’s Policy Framework, Jeb Bush Outlines His Medicare Plan
Bush's proposal moves Medicare toward privatization with premium support and health savings accounts. He also pledged to push for new plan options.
Politico:
Bush Follows Paul Ryan On Medicare Overhaul
Jeb Bush unveiled his proposal to overhaul Social Security and Medicare this morning, embracing a politically risky conservative platform as he tries to revive his flagging campaign. Bush’s plan would transform Medicare into a premium support program, adopting one of Rep. Paul Ryan’s most controversial budget ideas to give beneficiaries a set amount of money to purchase either a private insurance plan or traditional Medicare. (Cook, 10/27)
The Wall Street Journal:
Jeb Bush Outlines Social Security, Medicare Overhauls
Bush outlined a package of changes to limit the rising costs of Social Security and Medicare, including scaling back retirement benefits for wealthier Americans. ... On Medicare, Mr. Bush proposed a model similar to one offered by Rep. Paul Ryan, (R., Wis.), the chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee. He called for a “premium-support” plan that allows Americans to choose private insurance plans or to enroll in traditional Medicare. The government would then contribute a set amount toward the insurance premium. (Timiraos, 10/27)
The Associated Press:
Bush Proposes Overhaul Of Social Security, Medicare
Bush outlined his proposals on the website Medium.com on Tuesday, the day before the third Republican presidential debate, in Colorado. ... Bush proposes a "Medicare premium support" program to provide seniors with a fixed amount to pay for "guaranteed coverage options" to obtain traditional Medicare or purchase a private health insurance plan. Seniors could also choose a specialized insurance plan that targets medical conditions like diabetes or Alzheimer's. (10/27)
The New York Times' First Draft:
Jeb Bush Calls For Curtailing Costs Of Social Security And Medicare
His plan includes a call for “bipartisan Medicare premium support” — a much debated approach championed by Republicans like Representative Paul Ryan in the past — which would allow private health care plans, traditional Medicare and other entities to compete on price and other factors. Seniors’ premium support would be based on the average on those prices, Mr. Bush said, estimating a 6 percent reduction. (Flegenhaimer, 10/27)
CNN:
Bush Rolls Out Entitlement Proposals
For Medicare, Bush... said he would allow seniors to keep their Health Savings Accounts, and he would push for new plan options. Earlier this year, Bush took heat from critics after saying in New Hampshire that he wants "to phase out this program for others and move to a new system that allows them to have something. (Killough, 10/27)
Meanwhile, the other Republican presidential hopefuls stake out policy positions and spar on the trail -
The Wall Street Journal:
For John Kasich, Medicaid Expansion Is Both Accomplishment And Liability
As John Kasich struggles to gain traction in the GOP presidential race, one of his biggest accomplishments as Ohio governor—an expansion of health insurance for the poor—is looming as one of his biggest political liabilities. The issue of expanding Medicaid was raised in the very first question to Mr. Kasich in the first Republican presidential debate in August, and it may re-emerge during Wednesday’s debate in Colorado, where Mr. Kasich is under heavy pressure to deliver a breakout performance. (Hook, 10/27)
Politico:
Trump Attacks Carson: 'Ben Wants To Knock Out Medicare'
Donald Trump dinged fellow presidential candidate Ben Carson on Tuesday for his Medicaid and Medicare proposals, minutes after a national Republican poll came out showing the retired neurosurgeon leading him for the first time. (Gass, 10/27)
The Washington Post:
Carly Fiorina Slips Two New Words In A Rarely Told Tale: Planned Parenthood
This year, Fiorina, as a Republican candidate for president, started regularly telling another powerful, personal story that she said helped harden her antiabortion position. And two weeks ago, the story seems to have acquired two new words: Planned Parenthood. (Phillip, 10/28)
Meanwhile, in anticipation of tonight's GOP debate -
Politico:
Budget Deal Will Be 'Pinata' During GOP Debate
The bipartisan congressional budget deal will be an easy target for the GOP presidential field during Wednesday’s prime-time debate. And GOP leaders are bracing for their carefully crafted work to be treated like a punching bag. ... The deal actually will be good news for the eventual GOP nominee, taking presidential year shutdown and default threats off the table. (Everett, 10/28)
