Republicans are abandoning attempts to overhaul Medicare as House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., prepares to leave his post, Politico reports.
Here's what you should know:
1. Projections show Medicare in its worst financial shape since the early 2009 recession. Politico attributes the poor projections to tax cuts.
2. With reform champion Mr. Ryan set to leave his post and the U.S. House, no legislator is stepping up to lead the charge in his place.
3. Republicans frequently called for Medicare reform during former President Barack Obama's presidency, saying the Democrats would "blow up the deficit and bankrupt Medicare," if the program continued unchecked.
4. However, since gaining control of the legislative branch, Republican leadership has done nothing to positively impact Medicare. They've instead damaged it further. Last year's tax bill is expected to add $1.5 trillion to the deficit and decrease the amount of money earmarked for Medicare.
5. Republicans face a difficult battle concerning Medicare reform, as President Donald Trump is vehemently opposed to the idea.
6. Although projections show Medicare running out of money in 2026, Politico reports it's unlikely the program will collapse "any time soon."