Coburn is a conservative Republican. But he challenged his party orthodoxy earlier this year when he said he was willing to include higher revenues as part of any deficit-reduction deal.

 

The plan the two men outlined includes a gradual increase over the next five years in the monthly premium that seniors pay for doctor and other non-hospital services. Aides said it would translate into a monthly increase of $15 to $20 initially.

 

The age of eligibility would rise gradually from 65 to 67.

 

For the first time, better-off seniors would be charged more money for Medicare Part A, which covers hospital care.

 

The same group already pays more for doctor visits as well as for prescription drug coverage and, under the plan, would face even higher monthly premiums.