GOP at work on Medicare voucher program

http://www.latimes.com/health/la-na-gop-medicare-20130303,0,1993497.story

Republicans revisit Medicare reform to cut spending
A budget blueprint being drafted by Rep. Paul Ryan includes a proposal to create a voucher-like system, despite the GOP promise not to change the program.
By Lisa Mascaro and Michael A. Memoli, Washington Bureau
March 2, 2013, 7:28 p.m.

WASHINGTON — Fired up as once-unimaginable spending cuts start to slice the federal budget, Republicans are launching a new phase in their austerity campaign — resurrecting the party's cost-cutting plan to turn Medicare into a voucher-like system for future seniors.

Despite public uncertainty Saturday about the $85 billion in so-called sequester cuts, Republicans now believe they have momentum to ask Americans to make tough choices on Medicare, as rising healthcare costs combine with an aging population to form a growing part of future deficits.

That effort will form the backdrop as the White House and congressional Republicans enter their next round in the budget wars — keeping the government funded through Sept. 30. Unless they make a deal by March 27, the government could run out of money and be forced to shutter offices and curtail services.

President Obama and Republican leaders have signaled that they are eager to avoid another bruising battle and federal shutdown as both sides position themselves for the next major pressure point, in late spring or early summer, when the government faces a potential debt default.