After losing a House seat in Tuesday’s special election, Republicans may be tempted to distance themselves from the Medicare reform plan proposed by House Budget Chairman Paul Ryan, R-Wis. That would be a mistake. The plan is not a voucher plan, nor would it deny treatment to low-income seniors.

Page 46 of Ryan’s budget resolution reads, “Starting in 2022, new Medicare beneficiaries will be enrolled in the same kind of health care program that members of Congress enjoy. Future Medicare recipients will be able to choose from a list of guaranteed coverage options, and they will be given the ability to choose a plan that works best for them.”