Rep. Bill Owens has blasted Republican congressional candidate Matt Doheny for supporting a privatized Medicare program.

Owens said Doheny shows "support for dismantling the Medicare program and sending seniors into the private insurance market."

The release from Rep. Owens’ office was issued after Doheny shared a list of his reform ideas in a press release Wednesday.

“My opponent wants to turn Medicare into subsidized private insurance. Paul Ryan and Matt Doheny have their priorities wrong – we need to strengthen Medicare and reduce costs to ensure better outcomes," Owens said.

The release issued by Owens for Congress follows:

"In the incorrectly titled “Bipartisan Ideas on Preserving Medicare,” Doheny advocates for the purchase of private plans with Medicare dollars, but “in all instances, the federal government should pay insurers directly.” He goes on to say “This is not a voucher program,” in reference to Paul Ryan’s plan to force Medicare beneficiaries to purchase private health insurance with a voucher.

“He's saying it's not a voucher program,” said Congressman Bill Owens. “But it’s a distinction without a difference. The government can give a senior a voucher to buy insurance on the private market, or it can pay the private insurer directly. Either way, it’s privatization and it ends the Medicare guarantee."

“My opponent wants to turn Medicare into subsidized private insurance. Paul Ryan and Matt Doheny have their priorities wrong – we need to strengthen Medicare and reduce costs to ensure better outcomes."

To view Doheny's view on Medicare visit http://doheny4congress.com/news/2012-09-19/brighter-future-senior-health-care-bipartisan-ideas-preserving-medicare.