President Obama has launched a new campaign ad defending his record on Medicare. At the same time, of course, President Obama has attacked Romney's running mate Paul Ryan for his plans to cut Medicare.
The Social Security Trust Fund will run out of money three years earlier than previously thought in 2033. As for Medicare, that's still on track to run out of cash in 2024.
After a yearlong experiment, Medicare will start shopping like the rest of the federal government. It will use a competitive bidding process for medical supplies.
Senator Ron Wyden and Representative Paul Ryan released a bipartisan Medicare reform plan. The timing, amid budget and payroll tax fights, could be intentional.