Medicare is one of the most important government programs that exist today. It provides medical coverage to primarily our senior population. Since I have parents over the age of 65 and retired, the program provides them with most of the needed care they need as they grow older, along with the peace of mind that a medical issue will not bankrupt them. On the other hand, we know the program (like Social Security) will continue to explode in cost as the baby boomer generation retires, thus resulting in huge budget deficits. Paul Ryan has a plan that has been met with skepticism by the left and some on the right. His plan will NEVER be put in law because any plan will have to be a compromised and a PRACTICAL solution to the problem. I think having people suggest ideas is better than ignoring the problem. Whether you agree or disagree, a debate is better than no debate at all.
What we all can agree on in is that the program can not be sustained as is with the current taxes collected and expanding people moving into the system. We all know that there is huge waste in the system. How many people do you know laugh when one of their parents or relatives says they got a bill from a doctor for a Medicare reimbursement and the test cost $2,500 for something very minor.
These topics will dominate the next few months because of Paul Ryan's plan, but let us have an honest and thoughtful debate on the topic......
PS. Great Opinion write-up on Bloomberg today
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-08-14/ryan-starts-a-great-debate-on-the-wrong-subject