I am curious. What would you propose to these problems. I hear what you think is wrong, but what do you think would be right? How do you think we should handle this medicare problem?
I like much of what I've read about Congressman Ryan's plan, but I don't know the details (e.g. how will the "premium support" payments be calculated for those with medical issues, etc). The details are important, and I don't think they are known yet.
If we're going to have a rational medical care system in this country, it's not clear that the delivery system should be radically different once one turns 65. Maybe the funding changes (since we've made these promises and built up this Medicare "fund"), but if we design a system that controls costs for those under 65 and offers good care, there seems no good reason not to use it for those over 65.
I've typed a word or two about how I think we could cover everyone with affordable medical care, I'd like to see that implemented and the Medicare funds used to help offset premiums for those of qualifying age.
I don't think we'll agree on the proper approach.
Previous Posts:
In a nutshell. Modification: Given the Constitutional issues, we might need to avoid an individual mandate. I think there are ways to avoid/significantly reduce adverse selection without a government individual mandate, though it's a little messy.
http://www.early-retirement.org/for...g-our-healthcare-system-52437.html#post984965
Swiss system as a model