WASHINGTON — A Democratic senator, Ron Wyden of Oregon, and a Republican member of the House, Paul Ryan of Wisconsin, unveiled a bipartisan plan Wednesday to revamp Medicare and make a fixed federal contribution to the cost of coverage for each beneficiary.
The lawmakers aim to reshape the debate over the giant health insurance program by addressing concerns that have provoked fierce opposition to similar ideas.
In 2010, many Republicans won House seats — and the support of older voters — by arguing that President Barack Obama’s health care law would damage Medicare. Democrats are hoping to retake the House by arguing that Ryan and other House Republicans are pushing for the privatization of Medicare, which they say could greatly increase costs for beneficiaries.
The new Wyden-Ryan proposal, by blurring the contrast between the parties on this issue, could make it more difficult for Democrats to win the argument.
