A common sense solution

A common sense solution

Columbus Dispatch: Contrary to popular opinion, common sense can be found in Congress.

The most recent evidence for this can be found in a proposal by Joe Lieberman, exiled Democrat and now independent senator of Connecticut, and Oklahoma Republican Sen. Tom Coburn.

The pair offered a plan that would shore up the finances of Medicare, the government health care program for 48 million elderly Americans.

Last year, the nation spent $523 billion on Medicare. In 2015, it is projected to spend $676 billion and in 2020, $861 billion.

Lieberman and Coburn proposed some common-sense reforms: gradually raise the Medicare eligibility age to 67, from the current 65; gradually increase the monthly premium enrollees pay for doctor and non-hospital services; and charge better-off enrollees more for hospital care.

The details of the Lieberman-Coburn plan are open for debate, but their recognition of reality is right on target. Congress and the president should stop playing politics and pull the nation out of this financial tailspin.