Republican and Democratic leaders promised to leave Medicare alone as they debate the nation’s debt ceiling. But with 10,000 Americans retiring every day, Medicare costs are quickly outpacing the tax revenue needed to keep the program afloat. Last month’s survey asked for your opinions on medical spending and government-run healthcare programs. Here are the results:
My thoughts: Most people want to preserve or expand Medicare, indicating a general comfort with the current program and an unwillingness to upset the apple cart. In contrast, readers want Congress to step forward in a number of areas that would reduce medical costs on behalf of Americans. The desire for cost constraint applies to every aspect of medicine, including drugs, hospitals, doctors and nurses. I concur with readers that Congress should help lead the process of improvement. But given the lack of bipartisanship, I fear that won’t happen anytime in the near future.
Thanks to all who voted! To participate in future surveys, and for access to timely news and opinion on American healthcare, sign up for my free (and ad-free) newsletter Monthly Musings on American Healthcare.
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Dr. Robert Pearl is the former CEO of The Permanente Medical Group, the nation’s largest physician group. He’s a Forbes contributor, bestselling author, Stanford University professor, and host of two healthcare podcasts. Pearl’s newest book, “Uncaring: How the Culture of Medicine Kills Doctors & Patients,” is available now. All profits from the book go to Doctors Without Borders.
The government should phase itself out of healthcare, as it only adds to the overall cost for many reasons (reduction of competition, increased fraud and abuse, poorly designed incentives to name just a few).