Medicare

Medicare is an entitlement program funded through the government. This and other entitlement programs make up a big part of the United States budget spending. the money to help support these programs come from taxes. In 2007 nearly 440 billion dollars were spent in support of medicare. Medicare is a health insurance for United States citizens who are 65 or older, or who meet other criteria to be eligible. This program has been available to Americans since 1965 and was an amendment to Social Security. Currently 43 million people depend on this program to enable them to recieve the medical care that they need. By the year 2031 it is estimated that nearly 77 million Americans will be depending on these funds. By this time all of the baby boomers should be enrolled as participants. "Medicare contracts with regional insurance companies who process over one billion fee-for-service claims per year. In 2003, Medicare accounted for almost 13% of the entire Federal Budget. Based on the CMS projections, 33 cents of every dollar spent on health care in the U.S. is paid by Medicare and Medicaid (including State funding). Looked at from three different perspectives, 61 cents of every dollar spent on nursing homes, 47 cents of every dollar received by U.S. hospitals, and 27 cents of every dollar spent on physician services is funded by Medicare or Medicaid." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medicare_(United_States)#Taxes_imposed_to_finance_Medicare
There is no doubt that we may face financial despare over the highly used program but what is a good solution to resolve this problem? It is estimated that the money could be short by the year 2018. The price for health care services is on the rise and it take approximately 4 people's taxes to support one person on Medicare. A solution is needed and needed asap!