General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Surely every American must realize any cuts hereinafter made to social security, Medicare, or [View all]Curmudgeoness
(18,219 posts)that the biggest expense this country has is taking care of the elderly? Defense spending: $689 billion. Medicare spending: $458 billion.
Since I did not believe your premise, I did some searching for information, and I found this awesome article that you should read:
http://www.newthinktank.com/2011/06/fix-social-security-and-medicare/
First of all, I think that it is possible to cut the costs of all health care in this country, although I don't think that we are serious about doing it. There are also ways to cut costs for Medicare without making changes to the program. But even if we can't substantially cut costs, I believe this is a program worth keeping. Look at history. Before Medicare, most older people died from health problems that were easily remedied if they had to money to pay for them....which most people, even young people, do not have.
I assume that you are young?