Politico is reporting that Democratic Senator Ron Wyden (OR) is joining Republican Rep. Paul Ryan (WI) in support of a premium support plan for Medicare - the move is a very positive step towards real market-based health care reforms that could save Medicare and reduce the deficit. In addition, the plan has the potential to break the partisan gridlock in Washington by moving America towards a better functioning free-market system that can actually rein in costs.

Senator Wyden should be commended for his courage on this issue - he is the first Democrat in Washington to speak truthfully about the state of America's entitlement system and the desperate need for spending reform.

Be sure to follow AHEC on Twitter @TheAHEC and at Facebook.com/TheAHEC.