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JEFFERSON COUNTY, N.Y. -- After staying mum on the issue for quite some time, North Country Congressional candidate Matt Doheny is opening up on Medicare.

Doheny offered up some ideas Wednesday to fix the program he says is being treated like a political football: People pointing fingers and failing to address issues.

Doheny says it's all about choices, saying a person should be able to keep the coverage they have now, but private companies that offer the same or better benefits should be allowed to compete, which would control costs. He also says because Americans are now living longer than ever before, the eligibility age should gradually increase to 67 and millionaires on subsidized coverage should pay more out of pocket.

"On top of that, to be very clear, we're not touching anything. My mom would saw my arm off for heaven's sakes if we touch any of the current Medicare programs. Current beneficiaries, any changes are just off the table," Doheny said.

Current Congressman Bill Owens says no matter how you say it, Doheny's ideas are no different than Paul Ryan's plan and privatizing health insurance could spell the end of Medicare completely.