Romney Turns 65, Takes a Pass on Medicare

Mitt Romney turned 65 yesterday, but unlike most Americans of his vintage, he won't be enrolling in Medicare or Social Security. A campaign aide confirmed that Romney will be keeping his private insurance plan. The candidate's Medicare policy statement says he believes wealthier seniors should receive less support, although Democrats are likely to use his decision to portray him as out of touch with the average American senior, Politico notes.

Romney's campaign marked his birthday by issuing a memo accusing President Obama of trying to "end Medicare as we know it" through spending cuts and other means. The memo—and a rebuttal—can be seen here. Romney himself spent his birthday on the campaign trail and at least one well-wisher had a hard time reaching him: A spokesman for Rick Santorum says his candidate left a birthday message for Romney after being sent to voicemail when he called, ABC reports. (More Medicare stories.)