It did not help that the commission was also looking at such controversial ideas as raising the eligibility age for Medicare.

The House bill would not change the eligibility age.

He has opposed an increase in the eligibility age and the proposed $5 copayment for home health care.

The Senate bill would gradually increase the eligibility age to 67, from 65, over the years 2003 to 2027.

Then the eligibility age would rise with average life expectancy.

Cap the growth of Medicare spending rather than raise the eligibility age.

Raising Medicare's eligibility age to 67 would also boost the size of the workforce and the economy, but by a much smaller amount.

By a lopsided vote of 414 to 14, the House went on record against increasing the eligibility age.

Labor unions and some politicians have resisted efforts to raise the eligibility age for full benefits.

The eligibility age for Medicare would be increased to 67 from 65, over 24 years, from 2003 to 2027.