GOP Sens. Burr, Coburn Unveil New Medicare Plan

Two Republican senators say they have a new Medicare rescue plan for policymakers to debate this political year.

The proposal from Tom Coburn (M.D.) of Oklahoma and Richard Burr of North Carolina features an accelerated transition to private health insurance for many seniors, a gradual increase in the eligibility age to 67, and higher premiums for middle-class and upper-income retirees.

The plan is unlikely to advance in Congress before the election, but it will help define the debate for presidential and congressional candidates.

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