In 1964, only half of all Americans over 65 had health insurance
coverage. The launching of Medicare fundamentally transformed
what it meant to grow older in this country. Medicare made
insurance coverage universally available for those over 65 and,
as a result, life expectancy in our nation continues to rise.
Right now, 47 million Americans enjoy Medicare and the peace of
mind of its guarantee, including over 600,000 here in Colorado.
But a radical plan that has already passed the Republican-
controlled U.S. House undermines that security and would abolish
Medicare as we know it.  House Budget Committee Chairman Paul
Ryan's Medicare "reform" proposal would end the Medicare
guarantee while increasing costs to seniors. The Ryan plan would
transform the current Medicare guaranteed benefits program into
a privatized voucher program for those under 55. Seniors would
receive a flat "premium support" payment voucher to
independently purchase health insurance from private insurers or
from the traditional Medicare pr