In his Inaugural Address, the president called the Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security programs commitments we make to each other that strengthen us. Are Medicare and Social Security safe now? They are for the moment.
In the New England Journal of Medicine, both President Obama and Governor Romney offer statements revealing their vision for the future of health care. Finally we have a definitive statement of Romney's vision for the future. Actually -- not really.
Paul Ryan is most widely known as a proponent of a radical restructuring and privatization of Medicare. But beware the hyperbole on both sides. Ryan's plan would not necessarily "save" Medicare; nor would it necessarily destroy it.