A Framework for Medicare Reform

Publication Date: September 2008

Publisher: National Center for Policy Analysis (U.S.)

Author(s): John C. Goodman

Research Area: Health

Keywords: Health reform; Presidential transition; Medicare

Type: Report

Coverage: United States

Abstract:

The most important domestic policy problem this country faces is health care. The most important component of that problem is Medicare. Forecasts by every federal agency that produces such simulations--the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), the Social Security/Medicare Trustees, the General Accounting Office (GAO)--show that we are on a dangerous and unsustainable path. Indeed, the question is not: Will reform take place? The question is: How painful will reform have to be?