The fall elections are drawing nearer and Medicare is becoming an increasingly hot topic in political races around the nation. GOP candidate Mitt Romney and President Barack Obama in particular have thrown themselves into a heated debate over how to reform the health care program in order to make it financially sustainable while still maintaining high-quality and easily accessible care for beneficiaries.

Mitt Romney’s vice presidential running mate Rep. Paul Ryan has drawn additional attention and criticism to the GOP ticket due to his controversial Medicare reform plans. Democrats have alleged that Ryan and Romney would “end Medicare as we know it,” while the Republicans have fought back with claims that Obama is already “gutting” the program with deep cuts.

The arguments, attacks and attention surrounding Medicare reform will likely intensify leading up to Election Day. Stay up-to-date with the debate with this compilation of news stories, commentary and MNG content:

News

Ryan's Secret Medicare Weapon: His Mom - The Wall Street Journal

Undoing Obama Medicare cuts may backfire on Romney - The Charleston Gazette

Ryan on Medicare cut: Obama did it first - CBS

Obama vs. Romney on Medicare - Los Angeles Times

Romney vs. Obama: Who Protects Medicare More? - The Washington Post

Medicare Rises as Prime Election Issue – The New York Times

Obama-Ryan Battle Intensifies Over Medicare Savings - The New York Times

Romney Defends Medicare Proposal to Anxious Ohio Seniors - Bloomberg Businessweek

David Axelrod: Mitt Romney would bankrupt Medicare – Politico

Mitt Romney tries to explain Medicare stance - Politico

Romney, Obama camps running promoted tweets on Medicare - Politico 

Gauging the Democratic Edge on Medicare - Politico

Romney Campaign Chair Contradicts Candidate, Says Romney’s Medicare Plan Is ‘Very Different’ From Ryan’s Plan – ThinkProgress

President Obama in 2009 Pledged to Veto Attempts to Undo Medicare Cuts - ABC News

Romney Rolls Out Ad Promising to Protect Medicare - Associated Press

Wyden: Romney's Plan Hurts the 'Most Vulnerable' Seniors - The Washington Post

Wyden's Medicare Collaboration Puts Him Center Stage for 2012 - NBC

Obama Fights Back on Medicare - The Hill

Pawlenty: We need 'adult leadership' on Medicare - The Hill

Obama, Romney Campaigns Bank on Medicare Vote - U.S. News & World Report

Boehner Tell GOP It Can Play Offense on Medicare With Ryan on the Ticket - The Hill

Obamacare Won't Cut Medicare Benefits. It Could Hit Quality. - The Washington Post

Mitt Romney Goes on Offense on Medicare - The Washington Post

Commentary

 Yes, Obamacare Cuts Medicare More Than President Romney Would - Forbes

Why Ryan's Medicare Fantasy Doesn't Merit Adult Conversation - Forbes

The Problem With Romney's Medicare Chart: It's Not True - The Washington Post

Issue Ownership, Medicare, and the Information Feedback Loop - The Washington Post

Paul Ryan's Medicare Plan May Scare Off Seniors -- And Cost Romney the Election - The New Republic

The Ryan Plan: Compared to the Status Quo, It's the Safe Choice - National Review Online

Romney and Ryan Try Out Their Medicare Flip-Flops - Los Angeles Times

Rove: The GOP's Medicare Advantage - The Wall Street Journal

MNG Medicare FAQs

What Are Republican Presidential Candidate Mitt Romney’s Views on Medicare Reform?

What Does U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan’s (R-Wis.) Propose for Medicare Reform in the House Budget Committee’s Fiscal Year 2012 Budget, “The Path to Prosperity?”

What Is President Obama’s Position on Medicare Reform?

 

MNG Understanding Medicare

Timeline: Rep. Paul Ryan’s Medicare Reform Proposals