Rep. Paul Ryan’s plan to overhaul Medicare has caused a rift in the Republican Party and has led Democrats to seek political momentum with the issue, The Wall Street Journal reported.

Republican presidential contender Newt Gingrich on Sunday called the overhaul plan “right-wing social engineering” and cautioned against “radical change.” He said seniors should be encouraged to move voluntarily to a new Medicare system.

Ryan responded on Monday and said of the plan: “Hardly is that social engineering or radical. What’s radical is kicking the can down the road.”

Ryan’s plan would turn Medicare into an insurance premium support system for those currently under 55. When beneficiaries become Medicare-eligible, the government would pay private insurers a set amount toward their health coverage, rather than paying directly for their health care.

House Republican freshmen are asking President Barack Obama to intervene and defuse the disagreement. Democrats believe the debate has given them political momentum.

“It’s absolutely moved the needle in the political landscape,” said Rep. Steve Israel, who heads the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.

To read the full article in The Wall Street Journal, click here.