Paul Ryan believes Medicare can be reformed through the free market, and as a member of the Republican ticket this fall, he’ll have a unique opportunity to make his case.

Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney has embraced a plan Ryan co-authored last year with Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.). In broad strokes, it is similar to one offered by Ryan as part of the House budget earlier this year. But Wyden didn’t support the House version or the Romney plan because both would repeal the Affordable Care Act.

We think Ryan leaves too much in doubt and puts too much faith in the market to shape a health care industry stubbornly resistant to change: He insists on repealing the health care reform act. Reform, don’t repeal.