March on Washington time is approaching: boomers and friends,unite!
109
Time to stop this nonsensical blather about giving him a chance! I'm going to give this clown the same chance Mitch McConnell and his Republican cohorts gave President elect Obama.
186
I'm a liberal, but I see a wonderful silver lining in Trump's election and the Republican majorities in the house and senate -- the Republicans own it now.
It's a terrible mistake for the Democrats/Liberals/Progressives/Sane to to bail them out, or provide any displacement targets to which anger can be deflected. The Republicans have been playing 7-year-olds throwing spit wads for years; taking endless silly meaningless votes, putting forth "Ryan-budgets" that depend on magic asterisks and purple fairies riding pink unicorns.
PK goes through a fairly long explanation ... but it is a lot simpler. Just in case any of these Republicans have forgotten it, show them the tape of Rostenkowski getting chased out of the town hall by angry seniors:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TboXsOuMQGU
I'm sitting here with a big bowl of buttery popcorn getting ready for this 7-reeler -- the Republicans do "Perils of Pauline."
The Democrats and economists need do nothing except point out the realities of whatever plans the Republicans actually propose and start to legislate. Don't squeal before the knife is on the table ... at least.
The Republican base is all for cuts to "those people," but it sure isn't for cuts to THEM.
Just like everything else Trump ranted about, it's all a farce to get one thing: big tax cuts for the rich. Trump and the Republicans are going to engineer that, and massive deficits, and nothing else ... really.
It's a terrible mistake for the Democrats/Liberals/Progressives/Sane to to bail them out, or provide any displacement targets to which anger can be deflected. The Republicans have been playing 7-year-olds throwing spit wads for years; taking endless silly meaningless votes, putting forth "Ryan-budgets" that depend on magic asterisks and purple fairies riding pink unicorns.
PK goes through a fairly long explanation ... but it is a lot simpler. Just in case any of these Republicans have forgotten it, show them the tape of Rostenkowski getting chased out of the town hall by angry seniors:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TboXsOuMQGU
I'm sitting here with a big bowl of buttery popcorn getting ready for this 7-reeler -- the Republicans do "Perils of Pauline."
The Democrats and economists need do nothing except point out the realities of whatever plans the Republicans actually propose and start to legislate. Don't squeal before the knife is on the table ... at least.
The Republican base is all for cuts to "those people," but it sure isn't for cuts to THEM.
Just like everything else Trump ranted about, it's all a farce to get one thing: big tax cuts for the rich. Trump and the Republicans are going to engineer that, and massive deficits, and nothing else ... really.
184
One of my relatives works in a practice with right wing physicians who bow down to Trump. Yes, I know. Educated people and all that. I wonder if they have given any thought to how much their practices will suffer if Medicare is privatized. Surgeries done cut in half or more. Office visits down by 2/3. Oh, how I'd love to be a fly on the wall if privatized Medicare comes to pass.
78
Nice. Please send flowers!
7
And Schumer and Pelosi's response is....?
24
And the Clintons?
Do they not deserve some of the blame for this disaster?
Do they not deserve some of the blame for this disaster?
24
If you are against the privatization of Medicare, please join us in our fight and become a Medicare Defender!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/714891798663993/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/714891798663993/
35
Trump and Ryan will come out with a plan which essentially extends the ACA to everybody including Medicare recipients.The insurance companies will gobble up the Medicare pie.Trump will think of himself as a great savior and advertise his program as having saved Medicare while at the same time making insurance available to everyone.And....the media will take the bait big time.Ryan will be on all the media outlets with the phoney seriousness of a snake oil salesman. The Trump voter will be excited by the idea,not realizing what has just happened to him or her.Insurance companies will play along with the sham and keep initial prices low at first and then.... Yes,I am cynical.
78
All young (under 50) Americans need to look at what eliminating Social Security and Medicare will do to them now, let alone when they retire.
WHO WILL PAY YOUR PARENTS' BILLS, KIDS???
- Will you let them live in hovels?
- Will you let them eat pet food?
- Will you let them suffer illnesses untended and die in front of you?
Look in the mirror and realize you will be financially responsible for your parents well being in their senior years; each of you will bear this burden, irrespective of how much you agree with the 1%ers and the right wing in power.
WHO WILL PAY YOUR PARENTS' BILLS, KIDS???
- Will you let them live in hovels?
- Will you let them eat pet food?
- Will you let them suffer illnesses untended and die in front of you?
Look in the mirror and realize you will be financially responsible for your parents well being in their senior years; each of you will bear this burden, irrespective of how much you agree with the 1%ers and the right wing in power.
74
Trump is already claiming a "mandate," where he failed to win the popular vote. He is a known liar, which a majority of WHITE voters chose to ignore. This is no surprise. But, there will be hell to pay if Republicans try to throw the elderly on the rubbish pile. With their tremendous tax cuts (from 35% to 15%,) for corporations and the wealthy, budget cuts will have to be made, and Republicans' favorite place to cut is social programs, which will injure the most vulnerable people in our population. Is this what you wanted, low information white people? Did you REALLY believe he would save your jobs? No, he will put you at further disadvantage. Do you regret your vote, yet? Too soon? Oh, I forgot. The people who voted for Trump don't often read the NYT, or any other decent news source. They pay attention to trolls on Facebook, and talk radio. Figures.
64
Prof. Krugman, starting with you...Clean up your side of the street first:
"What’s crucial now is to make sure that voters do, in fact, realize what’s going on. And this isn’t just a job for politicians. It’s also a chance for the news media, which failed so badly during the campaign, to start doing its job."
"What’s crucial now is to make sure that voters do, in fact, realize what’s going on. And this isn’t just a job for politicians. It’s also a chance for the news media, which failed so badly during the campaign, to start doing its job."
23
This is the most difficult sentence in Dr. Krugman's whole argument.
"So it’s important not to let this bait-and-switch happen before the TRUMP VOTERS realize what’s going on." Good luck with that.
"So it’s important not to let this bait-and-switch happen before the TRUMP VOTERS realize what’s going on." Good luck with that.
46
So what else is new?! The stupid arrogant bigot racist uneducated Americans who voted for Trumpet and unAmerican unpatriotic masochistic sadistic myopic fascist bigot racist Republican'ts cannot learn and never will! They WILL lose their health coverage, social security that is if they have enough credits, jobs and coal is NOT coming back, apartments because they cannot afford homes, food and gas and utilities to become unaffordable as under Bushie, etc. Hey Americans, didn't we do this before under war criminal Bush not all that long ago, so why are we repeating it again?! Stupid deplorables!
These deplorables not only messed over themselves but this nation and the entire earth because they believed lies and watch Fixed Noise propaganda coolaid. Thanks stupid deplorable Americans! We would have gone forward with President Hillary Clinton, as we did with President Obama, but you deplorables just cannot learn. They would have gotten single payer with President Hillary Clinton livable wages and more but once again you deplorables will be worse off than BEFORE good person President Obama. What are you gonna do now, that is if you are even capable of understanding anything past your sorry little existence?! Next time you want to destroy your lives, leave the rest of us out of it that know better!
These deplorables not only messed over themselves but this nation and the entire earth because they believed lies and watch Fixed Noise propaganda coolaid. Thanks stupid deplorable Americans! We would have gone forward with President Hillary Clinton, as we did with President Obama, but you deplorables just cannot learn. They would have gotten single payer with President Hillary Clinton livable wages and more but once again you deplorables will be worse off than BEFORE good person President Obama. What are you gonna do now, that is if you are even capable of understanding anything past your sorry little existence?! Next time you want to destroy your lives, leave the rest of us out of it that know better!
86
“Modern medicine has created more problems than it has solved”…….I read that maybe 30 years ago, and don’t remember who said it. Memory said it was Senator Jacob Javits, of NY, but memory is fallible and I couldn't find the source just now.
But I do know who wrote that 75 years was long enough to live; that he would accept no medical treatment after reaching 75 years. It was Dr. Ezekiel Emanuel, brother of Rahm, one of the architects of the Affordable Care Act. Read it at http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2014/10/why-i-hope-to-die-at...
Read a disagreement with Dr. Emanuel's view as well: "Emanuel’s own father, now 87, has slowed down considerably. His career is over. His son describes him as “sluggish,” and seems confounded that the old man describes himself as happy.
Emanuel may dread the prospect of ending up like his father. But he’s still young, and not yet wise."
https://www.bostonglobe.com/opinion/2014/10/06/ezekiel-emanuel-has-death...
But I do know who wrote that 75 years was long enough to live; that he would accept no medical treatment after reaching 75 years. It was Dr. Ezekiel Emanuel, brother of Rahm, one of the architects of the Affordable Care Act. Read it at http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2014/10/why-i-hope-to-die-at...
Read a disagreement with Dr. Emanuel's view as well: "Emanuel’s own father, now 87, has slowed down considerably. His career is over. His son describes him as “sluggish,” and seems confounded that the old man describes himself as happy.
Emanuel may dread the prospect of ending up like his father. But he’s still young, and not yet wise."
https://www.bostonglobe.com/opinion/2014/10/06/ezekiel-emanuel-has-death...
14
I dare you to touch that third rail.
68
When elderly white working class voters find the Medicare stripped from them then they can be told what Marie Le Pen tells the French, this is all the fault of the immigrants who take all your benefits. But they wouldn't fall for that.....would they?
51
Time to move kids, Europe, Canada, an island, somewhere there than here.
20
All I want to say to Paul Ryan is this: Bring it on, Junior! You take on Senior Citizens at your own risk! Consider what happened to W's attempt to mess around with Social Security - but maybe you don't remember that far back. Maybe you were still collecting YOUR Social Security benefit as a surviving child. But every legislator was acutely aware that messing with Social Security could mean a speedy end to their political careers. Let's be perfectly clear: seniors, regardless of their political affiliations, are aware of the vital necessity of Medicare. Even "low-information" seniors are quick to defend it. Remember the Tea Party cry of "Keep your government hands off my Medicare"? Seniors may have slowed down, but we're aware of what's important to us, we're organized, and you know what, Junior? WE VOTE.
63
Once again, thank you so much Paul Krugman.
31
So, let's go to trump's website to see what it has to say about medicare:
https://www.greatagain.gov/policy/healthcare
"File not found". I think that sums it up quite well...
https://www.greatagain.gov/policy/healthcare
"File not found". I think that sums it up quite well...
56
The elimination of Medicare would probably kill me. Thanks , Donald and Paul.
46
Dear Paul, thank you for this article. You've been a guiding light for me since you joined The Times back in 2000, when the Bush win turned the world upside down. It's happening again, only worse this time.
To paraphrase Trevor Noah, Trump's winning the election is like his hair: you know it's real but you still can't believe it.
To paraphrase Trevor Noah, Trump's winning the election is like his hair: you know it's real but you still can't believe it.
62
But Professor Krugman ---- when you had a candidate supporting an end to all of this, you supported Hillary, believing the health insurance industry too important to our economy to dismantle. And, to this day, your insurance is in a different pot than mine. Your side doesn't help pay for the guy who digs the ditch that breaks his back and his knees. You are no better than the Republicans you rail against.
14
When the republicans are done repealing/ gutting the ACA & Medicare, we're going to need a new name for their entitlement plan, may I suggest:
Republicans Don't Care (RDC) or Donald Doesn't Care (DDC).
Republicans Don't Care (RDC) or Donald Doesn't Care (DDC).
31
Don't touch my Medicare!
29
I am a 60 year old ,disabled with a chronic disease. In order to get my medicines
I have to stay on welfare, Medicare, medicaid, disability . It IS that expensive,
and no way around it. If they cut Medicare ,that is how I get a supplemental policy for the medicines, what insurance company will cover me?Or people like me, Easy answer NONE. Before Obama Care,there was a thing called the donut hole. Which insurance would cover the first couple of thousand dollars,
of medicine then the payer had to pay out of pocket until payer reached 8500.00. Then the Insurance would pick 80% of covered medicines.
Do you remember, well most people are not in this boat, so it is unlikely .
What average person could do that, NONE. Let me add this is after tax dollars, you have to earn 33% more to pay to your copay,deductible, donut hole,premium ,and things you plan does not cover.
Obama Care also got rid of preexisting conditions. If this is slashed, where do
all the disabled people go, when there is a voucher system?
Health Care is not politics, it's fundamental necessity for millions of American.
I have to stay on welfare, Medicare, medicaid, disability . It IS that expensive,
and no way around it. If they cut Medicare ,that is how I get a supplemental policy for the medicines, what insurance company will cover me?Or people like me, Easy answer NONE. Before Obama Care,there was a thing called the donut hole. Which insurance would cover the first couple of thousand dollars,
of medicine then the payer had to pay out of pocket until payer reached 8500.00. Then the Insurance would pick 80% of covered medicines.
Do you remember, well most people are not in this boat, so it is unlikely .
What average person could do that, NONE. Let me add this is after tax dollars, you have to earn 33% more to pay to your copay,deductible, donut hole,premium ,and things you plan does not cover.
Obama Care also got rid of preexisting conditions. If this is slashed, where do
all the disabled people go, when there is a voucher system?
Health Care is not politics, it's fundamental necessity for millions of American.
76
Not that I like Trump or dislike Krugman; oh contra! But, is this not still conjecture?
10
He said he would not cut Medicare but you say he lied, why? What proof to you have. The New York Times is becoming a fake news site that prints what ever nonsense they think will raise the emotions of the public. This article is nonsense and very counterproductive.
13
Paul Ryan wants to dismantle medicare as soon as possible, with Trump's help. If he succeeds this will be horrendous.
Why would rust belt voters, and anyone over age 40 -- two groups that helped elect Trump --- go for this crazy plan? Democrats, use this to get the rust belt back.
Next step: write to your congress rep and both senators to ask them to oppose this plan.
Why would rust belt voters, and anyone over age 40 -- two groups that helped elect Trump --- go for this crazy plan? Democrats, use this to get the rust belt back.
Next step: write to your congress rep and both senators to ask them to oppose this plan.
29
If the ACA is so successful in reining in Medicare costs, why hasn't it done the same for insurance?
10
Let Trump and his cronies privatize Medicare! that way all of the ignorant, uninformed, older, angry white man crowd can see how badly their lives are ruined when they can'tr rely on the federal government. I hate to sound cruel but I am being serious, i would love to the current system dismantled so voters can rise up and realize the Republicans will NEVER look out for their best interests.
18
Professor Krugman concludes, "What’s crucial now is to make sure that voters do, in fact, realize what’s going on. And this isn’t just a job for politicians. It’s also a chance for the news media, which failed so badly during the campaign, to start doing its job."
Professor, you're in important part of the media's failure. You, and other liberal columnists, have been preaching almost exclusively to the choir, saying mostly the right things, but not reaching the audience that needs to be reached. Reaching that audience would probably be difficult for you--given your persona and the biases of that audience--but you haven't even tried. I could suggest various ways in which you might try, but I'm sure you can figure it out for yourself. How about doing it, then, instead of just delivering your sermons to New York Times readers?
Professor, you're in important part of the media's failure. You, and other liberal columnists, have been preaching almost exclusively to the choir, saying mostly the right things, but not reaching the audience that needs to be reached. Reaching that audience would probably be difficult for you--given your persona and the biases of that audience--but you haven't even tried. I could suggest various ways in which you might try, but I'm sure you can figure it out for yourself. How about doing it, then, instead of just delivering your sermons to New York Times readers?
13
But what should voters who "realize what is going on" DO to prevent the demise of Medicare? Trump does not seem to care about public opinion, which therefore does not stand in his way.
16
Regardless, this homecare nurse recommends taking stock of one's own health care situation and ways to manage disease better and prevent new issues or complications. Wondering if everyone took a good walk every day . . . and I am talking about all ages, not once you go on Medicare
9
Right from your article, Paul Krugman. "It’s also a chance for the news media, which failed so badly during the campaign, to start doing its job." I'll take irony for $500 Alex, since the NYTimes was the leader of the pack in that failure. The Swiftboating of Clinton and the Clinton Foundation was unbelievable.
20
If Romney is included in Trump's cabinet somehow, he could hypothetically influence Trump into retaining parts if ACA that have worked so well here in MA.
The only nightmarish situation is that Mitt will become Sec of State and spend much time proselytizing Mormonism in countries abroad. He did that as required as a missionary in his youth, you know.
The only nightmarish situation is that Mitt will become Sec of State and spend much time proselytizing Mormonism in countries abroad. He did that as required as a missionary in his youth, you know.
10
If the managing and executive editors of the New York Times do not start running front page stories with big headlines every darn day that flesh out the medical care apocalypse coming soon to your friendly neighborhood, the Sulzberger family might as well rename the paper "The Administration Times."
23
Let the Republicans change it. It will guarantee Florida going Democratic for the next 50 years ago.
15
This is going to be rich. Let us harken back to the battle to pass the Affordable Care Act and the then nascent Tea Partiers, now avid Trump supporters, bellowing, "Keep your hands off my Medicare."
16
Mr. Krugman, you attack the president-elect about lies you believe will occur. I don't recall you or your paper attacking president-elect Obama in 2008.
You and your paper's continual efforts to spread the propaganda that white is bad, educated is bad, male is bad, and on and on have been seen by many and rejected by many. You wrote this piece because you believe Mr Trump lied to all of us on the issue of Medicare. Many changes have occurred within Medicare since 1965 when Part B premiums were the same $3/month for all enrollees. Instead of writing a terribly slanted piece on your vision of a lie that hasn't happened, why not try a more balanced approach, or is that beyond the scope of the current New York Times?
You and your paper's continual efforts to spread the propaganda that white is bad, educated is bad, male is bad, and on and on have been seen by many and rejected by many. You wrote this piece because you believe Mr Trump lied to all of us on the issue of Medicare. Many changes have occurred within Medicare since 1965 when Part B premiums were the same $3/month for all enrollees. Instead of writing a terribly slanted piece on your vision of a lie that hasn't happened, why not try a more balanced approach, or is that beyond the scope of the current New York Times?
6
When the Republicans do something, people die, and this promises to be one of those things.
26
Our labor is lost under Republican Administrations.
11
For me, at the crux of this problem is Mr. Krugman's claim that Paul Ryan wants to destroy Medicare because it is helps too many people. Really? Is Mr. Krugman lying?
I'm 56 years old, and have known many, many people. I can't think of a single one who would do something like that.
How does a normal person comprehend behavior like this? Who are these people?
I'm 56 years old, and have known many, many people. I can't think of a single one who would do something like that.
How does a normal person comprehend behavior like this? Who are these people?
4
Presidents may come and go. But one thing is constant. Paul Krugman rants and raves and devotes column after column to attacks on the motives and characters of anyone he disagrees with.
Didn't anyone ever tell him that a mind is a terrible thing to waste?
Where is the wonk the Times hired? Anyone can write this sort of drivel. Wasn't Krugman supposed to help guide us through the mysteries of the economy?
The election was just a week ago and Trump has barely begun to form his team, but already Krugman -- with his usual over-the-top hyperbole -- is screaming about "one of the most blatant violations of a campaign promise in history."
It's going to be a long four years.
Didn't anyone ever tell him that a mind is a terrible thing to waste?
Where is the wonk the Times hired? Anyone can write this sort of drivel. Wasn't Krugman supposed to help guide us through the mysteries of the economy?
The election was just a week ago and Trump has barely begun to form his team, but already Krugman -- with his usual over-the-top hyperbole -- is screaming about "one of the most blatant violations of a campaign promise in history."
It's going to be a long four years.
5
I hope the people who should be hearing thoughts like the ones Krugman
voices will hear them.
voices will hear them.
9
Yeah, privatize, or even better yet repeal, Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security. Go ahead get rid of EPA, and why not the FCC, SEC, FAA and all of those other "evil" Federal wasters of tax paper money. Repeal the 16th Amendment and get rid of the IRS, after all tariffs will provide all the money the federal government really needs. While you are at it repeal the 13th, 14th and 15th Amendment as well, after all the Constitution allows how to count slaves in apportionment.
Oh, what a glorious day that will dawn come 20 January 2017.
Oh, what a glorious day that will dawn come 20 January 2017.
14
"It’s also a chance for the news media, which failed so badly during the campaign, to start doing its job."
Paul, a seven letter adjective beginning with the letter f and ending with the letter g belongs in front of the word job. I presume it was removed by your editor.
Paul, a seven letter adjective beginning with the letter f and ending with the letter g belongs in front of the word job. I presume it was removed by your editor.
12
Krugman spent the last 18 months trashing Trump. Now it looks like we will have four more years of the same biased crap. Krugman is a one-trick pony, and is so biased that we will never know when it is one of those two-times-a-day events when Krugman is right. Zero credibility.
8
Pure blame-gaming, fear-mongering and speculation by Krugman. That's what he's paid to do, and he does it well. Nothing new here, nothing to fear. It's not going away. And I'm on Medicare. But if you think Medicare is sustainable as is, then you are just flat naive (not saying I support the repub plan, either).
4
"Stay Healthy or Die"; new multi-state motto. I'm all for single payer but at sixty-five I do often times wonder what my great grandparents would think about late-in-life insurance. You get old, you get sick, you die; it's nature's way. Expectations sometimes lie.
2
Republicans will cause actual people to die. If Democrats were cynical we should celebrate this. After all, Republicans will be killing off the biggest demographic group that votes for them.
10
The GOP never saw a tax dollar they didn't want to steal for their cronies.
19
Bait and switch? From President-elect Trump? There's nothing in his long résumé that would suggest such a possibility.
And so the sleight-of-hand hunt unfolds in all its ugly finery. But now it holds real power, with all the mendaciously mindless cruelty toward the very people it courted.
We shall be witnessing an avalanche of stuff we didn't see coming for a rather long time.
www.endthemadnessnow.org
And so the sleight-of-hand hunt unfolds in all its ugly finery. But now it holds real power, with all the mendaciously mindless cruelty toward the very people it courted.
We shall be witnessing an avalanche of stuff we didn't see coming for a rather long time.
www.endthemadnessnow.org
10
Perhaps this attempt will result in the privatization of Mr. Ryan.
20
How convenient of you Paul, to omit the pesky fact that approximately 10% ($60 billion) of Medicare is lost each year to waste, fraud, abuse and mis-applied payments. No profit you say? I counter that plenty of crooks, creeps and companies are profiting handsomely from this program. Frankly, I expect more than sloppy sophism from a Nobel Laureate.
2
Ryan's plan to keep medicare whole for people over 55 and turn it into a voucher program for people under 55 is nothing less than inter-generational theft. In a way, I hope they pass their plan. Maybe it will wake up young people and they will start to vote.
10
Mr. Krugman says it is crucial "to make sure that votes realize what's going on."
The gibberish in his column today is not going to help that effort.
For example, Mr. Krugman declares that the Affordable Care Act has been "remarkably successful" in bending the curve. He states that this has happened because the Medicare outlays per beneficiary have risen only 1.4%, since 2010.
What is a "Medicare outlay? He doesn't say.
The gibberish in his column today is not going to help that effort.
For example, Mr. Krugman declares that the Affordable Care Act has been "remarkably successful" in bending the curve. He states that this has happened because the Medicare outlays per beneficiary have risen only 1.4%, since 2010.
What is a "Medicare outlay? He doesn't say.
3
shortly after the election results became clear Krugman had a piece in the NYT with a headline I'll never forget: "America: A Failed State". The article headline seems to have disappeared quickly, but to read that while the nation was reeling from the election results was unbelievably disheartening. After >200 years of this great country, its accomplishments, econonmically, politically, scientifically. In fact, it is not America that failed; its Mr. Krugman who is a failed journalist and economist.
4
Excellent column. It would have been nice if Mrs. Clinton mentioned something like this in her campaign. If she did mention it, it was drowned out by her calling people deplorable because they didn't agree with her.
1
Last sentence says it all: “It’s also a chance for the news media, which failed so badly during the campaign, to start doing its job.”
MSM will not do its job.
MSM once had great journalists, Edward R. Morrow to Walter Cronkite and Helen Thomas. Wall Street bought up media outlets and tried to turn news into profit centers. They wiped out the investment in real journalism. They replaced journalism with infotainment, he-said-she-said, gotcha, to make a quick buck.
A democracy can’t function without real journalism, but the Jack Welch, Brian Roberts, and Wall Street don’t care.
410 economists including 10 Nobel Laureates signed a letter printed in NYT denouncing the economic policies of George Bush. MSN reports lots of garbage he-said-she-said, but the economists’ stance went unreported or virtually unreported. Soon we had the great crash.
The media peddled the lie that no one warned about the crash. No true. Many economist and investment advisors warned about the risk, the bubble, the “weapons of financial mass destruction” When you predict excess risk and a bubble, you are predicting a crash, just not the date. There is a long history of economic bubbles crashing.
370 economists including 8 Nobel Laureates published a letter denouncing Trump policy. Barely reported, while the media pumped up the greatly exaggerated accusations of Clinton’s emails.
They tout globalization, then wipe out the foreign correspondents. A student asked Trudy Rubin, “Then why don’t we hear…?”
MSM will not do its job.
MSM once had great journalists, Edward R. Morrow to Walter Cronkite and Helen Thomas. Wall Street bought up media outlets and tried to turn news into profit centers. They wiped out the investment in real journalism. They replaced journalism with infotainment, he-said-she-said, gotcha, to make a quick buck.
A democracy can’t function without real journalism, but the Jack Welch, Brian Roberts, and Wall Street don’t care.
410 economists including 10 Nobel Laureates signed a letter printed in NYT denouncing the economic policies of George Bush. MSN reports lots of garbage he-said-she-said, but the economists’ stance went unreported or virtually unreported. Soon we had the great crash.
The media peddled the lie that no one warned about the crash. No true. Many economist and investment advisors warned about the risk, the bubble, the “weapons of financial mass destruction” When you predict excess risk and a bubble, you are predicting a crash, just not the date. There is a long history of economic bubbles crashing.
370 economists including 8 Nobel Laureates published a letter denouncing Trump policy. Barely reported, while the media pumped up the greatly exaggerated accusations of Clinton’s emails.
They tout globalization, then wipe out the foreign correspondents. A student asked Trudy Rubin, “Then why don’t we hear…?”
13
If you are appealing to voters' ability to realize facts and respond reasonably, Dr. Krugman, I think we have ample evidence to the contrary.
16
Republicans have to know how terrible the Ryan plan is and how voters would rebel. It would get mountains of news coverage. My suspicion is that they would use the Medicare controversy as a smoke screen in order to push through other things.
8
Invade the right wing blogs, like Breitbart, and let the conservatives that thrive on invective know that they are about to be taken advantage of. Nicely Said, Mr. Krugman.
10
I guess the protest to "keep the government hands off my Medicare" was valid after all.
11
When I read your columns, Paul, I feel like I open the door to the room for the sane, responsible, intelligent people, where we can all have tea and discuss truthful things. Where we care about other people, even ones different from us. But I guess this is elitist of me.
20
What very few young people seem to understand is that Medicare is insurance for THEM. In a family with ailing seniors, the parents' generation will mostly feel morally and emotionally obliged to take care of the grandparents. This may leave the kids of unlucky families to find their own college money as best they can.
Medicare mades sure that risk and misfortune don't come down to a hopeless drag on the younger generation.
Medicare mades sure that risk and misfortune don't come down to a hopeless drag on the younger generation.
32
There is a name for the older white Americans who voted for Trump believing his promise to protect Medicare; suckers.
24
Mr. Krugman, you are absolutely correct by saying, in your last sentence, that the news media failed so badly during the campaign. Has the New York Times decided to focus on substance now that its choice for the presidency, from earliest days, didn't win? While what Mr. Trump decides to do about health care is an unknown at this point, there were a number of reports that Mrs. Clinton was eyeing a ratcheting down of Social Security, and of course she famously said that "we" couldn't have single payer health care. It was only Bernie Sanders, disparaged by the Times, who gave us that hope.
7
The only question that remains is this one, "At what length will Paul Krugman go, to make his predictions come true?"
3
Perhaps we in both political parties need to make up our minds. What do we want?
Some really wise person said, decades ago, "Modern medicine has created more problems than it has solved".
We want to use tobacco products, and whether smoke vapor or spit tobacco causes heart disease and many cancers. And many want to add marijuana to the list of unhealthy products.
We want to eat meals we picked up at drive-thru food stores so we have 30 - 60 more minutes to watch TV or play on our computers.
We don't want to exercise to maintain strong bones and flexible muscles.
We want to pack on the pounds without thinking what those pounds are doing to our joints, how those pounds are causing diabetes thus shortening our lives.
We cite universal health care like Cuba has........not knowing Cubans eat fish, chicken, fruits and veggies - and don't have fast food, walk or ride a bicycle everywhere because they don't have cars.
We must make up our minds: if we want health, we must work for it. Employer-subsidized or government-subsidized, if we want more health care, we must pay for it.
Do we want to be healthy? Or do we want more health care........after we have made ourselves sick?
Google and read Dr. Ezekiel Emanuel's statement: he will have no health care after he reaches 75 - no flu vax, no antibiotics: if he gets sick enough he will die. One of the architects of the Affordable Care Act, he recognizes the expense of what modern medicine has created.
Some really wise person said, decades ago, "Modern medicine has created more problems than it has solved".
We want to use tobacco products, and whether smoke vapor or spit tobacco causes heart disease and many cancers. And many want to add marijuana to the list of unhealthy products.
We want to eat meals we picked up at drive-thru food stores so we have 30 - 60 more minutes to watch TV or play on our computers.
We don't want to exercise to maintain strong bones and flexible muscles.
We want to pack on the pounds without thinking what those pounds are doing to our joints, how those pounds are causing diabetes thus shortening our lives.
We cite universal health care like Cuba has........not knowing Cubans eat fish, chicken, fruits and veggies - and don't have fast food, walk or ride a bicycle everywhere because they don't have cars.
We must make up our minds: if we want health, we must work for it. Employer-subsidized or government-subsidized, if we want more health care, we must pay for it.
Do we want to be healthy? Or do we want more health care........after we have made ourselves sick?
Google and read Dr. Ezekiel Emanuel's statement: he will have no health care after he reaches 75 - no flu vax, no antibiotics: if he gets sick enough he will die. One of the architects of the Affordable Care Act, he recognizes the expense of what modern medicine has created.
5
This is ground that should have been covered before the election. We have strong feelings but no facts.
9
We could be in serious trouble if Mr Ryan has his way with Medicare and Social Security. There is an old saying, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it.". Don't meddle with something that is running smoothly.
What happened to good Christian principles such as caring for your neighbor? I have been thinking that my father was right and this generation is not destined to live as long as they did. He died at 98.
What happened to good Christian principles such as caring for your neighbor? I have been thinking that my father was right and this generation is not destined to live as long as they did. He died at 98.
10
I doubt that the Trump believers will question any of his policies or actions. At this point he can take their wallets and they'll thank him for it.
14
As they say, Social Security is the Third Rail, Medicare also may not be cut. Indeed George W Bush expanded it with Part D prescription coverage, which was unnecessarily costly - the bill was written by BigPharma lobbyists, and passed by at at around 3 AM. Some key Congress staffers then went to work for different drug companies, as Rep. Billy Tauzin (R-LA), "who steered it through the house," took a job as the chief lobbyist for Big Pharma, on a $2 million salary, as reported by CBS-60-minutes: http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=3108688n
9
Had Prof. K endorsed the real progressive Democratic candidate for president, the odds are pretty good that Sanders would have won, and vastly better that we wouldn't be having a conversation about the dismantling of Medicare.
Shoulda backed Bernie, Paul.
Shoulda backed Bernie, Paul.
8
You are making a big assumption that the rubes who voted for Trump are really paying attention to his policies. They'll awake from their self-induced denial too late.
10
Oh my God, please no- so many have just been crawling our way to the safety of Medicare. The irony is we are paying taxes to cover the lawmakers' health insurance & retirement while they plot to cut ours.
13
This is every bit at correct as the prediction that the stock markets were never going to recover.
3
Thank you for admitting the press did a bad job during the election.
It would be literally impossible to get rid of Medicare if we had moved to a Medicare for all system over time. It is the right thing to do, and I'm terribly disappointed that Clinton was so adamantly against this idea. It is one reason she lost. She was trying to appeal to a middle that doesn't exist anymore. It is hard to understand why the campaign got it so wrong.
Now we know. There's no way this will happen. I don't see the filibuster being nuked for normal legislation any time soon. If it is there will be h*** to pay, and the midterms will turn 100% against Trump.
I know Ryan has problems understanding basic economics. I hope Trump at least try to keep him on a tight leash. It seems unlikely though.
It would be literally impossible to get rid of Medicare if we had moved to a Medicare for all system over time. It is the right thing to do, and I'm terribly disappointed that Clinton was so adamantly against this idea. It is one reason she lost. She was trying to appeal to a middle that doesn't exist anymore. It is hard to understand why the campaign got it so wrong.
Now we know. There's no way this will happen. I don't see the filibuster being nuked for normal legislation any time soon. If it is there will be h*** to pay, and the midterms will turn 100% against Trump.
I know Ryan has problems understanding basic economics. I hope Trump at least try to keep him on a tight leash. It seems unlikely though.
6
Two words: Seniors vote.
If Republicans think they can mess with a program American pay into for their entire working lives, they will hear from us.
If Republicans think they can mess with a program American pay into for their entire working lives, they will hear from us.
20
It seems like old people got theirs already - all on the backs of younger workers (because they are taking out far more in benefits then they ever put in), and they don't care what happens to the rest of us. I have voted Democratic all my life for the greater good. I'm tired of the " I've got mine" mentality of Republicans.
On the other hand, if the 49.* percent of people who voted for him really believe everything that comes out of a salesman's mouth, then we have bigger issues.
Between the cemented in gerrymandering of districts , the low information voters, and a press that fails to do its job - we are being taken over by a Tyranny of the Minority.
On the other hand, if the 49.* percent of people who voted for him really believe everything that comes out of a salesman's mouth, then we have bigger issues.
Between the cemented in gerrymandering of districts , the low information voters, and a press that fails to do its job - we are being taken over by a Tyranny of the Minority.
18
'Oh, and it’s also likely to raise the age of Medicare eligibility.'
I'm 61, stuck in the 'gig economy' after being laid off three years ago, and exhausted. I'm one of those people who manages to earn just enough not to qualify for any kind of government aid (food stamps, Obamacare subsidies, heating oil, property tax breaks for seniors; you name it, my ticket isn't good for that train). I was promised Social Security if I could survive to 65 - oh, wait, they changed it to 67. Medicare if I make it to 65 ... oh, wait ....
Every time I think I'm getting near goalposts, someone pulls them out of the ground, picks them up and runs with them. I've already seen one friend who worked hard all his life die in penury just short of the goal line. I seem to get nothing out of government programs but the privilege of paying taxes for them. If I sound like a Trump voter, I'm not. But what I've said forms the core of his support - not 'white Christian identity'. And if he tries to betray that constituency, the GOP will be punished in the midterms. They would do well to heed the warning in that (possibly apocryphal) protest sign: 'Keep your government hands off my Medicare.'
I'm 61, stuck in the 'gig economy' after being laid off three years ago, and exhausted. I'm one of those people who manages to earn just enough not to qualify for any kind of government aid (food stamps, Obamacare subsidies, heating oil, property tax breaks for seniors; you name it, my ticket isn't good for that train). I was promised Social Security if I could survive to 65 - oh, wait, they changed it to 67. Medicare if I make it to 65 ... oh, wait ....
Every time I think I'm getting near goalposts, someone pulls them out of the ground, picks them up and runs with them. I've already seen one friend who worked hard all his life die in penury just short of the goal line. I seem to get nothing out of government programs but the privilege of paying taxes for them. If I sound like a Trump voter, I'm not. But what I've said forms the core of his support - not 'white Christian identity'. And if he tries to betray that constituency, the GOP will be punished in the midterms. They would do well to heed the warning in that (possibly apocryphal) protest sign: 'Keep your government hands off my Medicare.'
20
These people voted for the guy (not my President and I won't dignify him as such)... give it to them good and give it to them hard. I'm tired of spending money saving people from themselves and their bad choices. Elections have consequences and if you are an old, white guy who is on Medicare and Social Security and voted for Trump, you deserve all that entails... the loss of health care, loss of income, and everything else that he wants to do you.
11
"It has been obvious for a long time that Medicare is actually more efficient than private insurance, mainly because it doesn’t spend large sums on overhead and marketing, and, of course, it needn’t make room for profits."
Did you forget about how Medicare is able to negotiate lower rates for service because of its size?
Did you forget about how Medicare is able to negotiate lower rates for service because of its size?
12
The Republican Party is the most destructive force in America. Congratulations, Evangelicals.
24
Of course, Trump either stands alone or with Democrats on this. It will be the first test of our new president to stand up to a congress with whom he has little agreement.
If the stakes weren't so high, this would be the time to cook a bowl of popcorn and sit in front of CSPAN to watch the whole thing play out.
Instead, I think I'll go back to cowering in the corner, waiting for Ann Coulter's storm troopers to arrest me and while trying to figure out where to deport me because my grandparents weren't born in the U.S. (each from a different European country, in fact...)
If the stakes weren't so high, this would be the time to cook a bowl of popcorn and sit in front of CSPAN to watch the whole thing play out.
Instead, I think I'll go back to cowering in the corner, waiting for Ann Coulter's storm troopers to arrest me and while trying to figure out where to deport me because my grandparents weren't born in the U.S. (each from a different European country, in fact...)
8
So, if I have this straight, the Democrats want to turn Obamacare into Medicare and the Republicans want to turn Medicare into Obamacare.
17
I am so gobsmacked that my fellow citizens fell for this charlatan in the first place that part of me, a small part, wishes them to feel the pain for what they have done. Remaining willfully ignorant on these matters has allowed the government cogs, like Ryan, to stay in power. Who does Ryan serve? Not his constituents that much is certain. Ryan, McConnell and the other privatize public services crew only serve their money-ed overlords. Let's hope there is a special circle of hell for all of them.
21
Why do Trump and his cronies want to eliminate Medicare? Obamacare? Medicaid? Money and Greed. He perceives himself as a member of a white elitist clan that deserves special privileges that the rest of working America should not be entitled to. He is not alone. Go out and do the research. Look at salaries of the CEO's and Executives of the largest Health Care Providers of this country. Research who and what organizations made the most significant contributions to Paul Ryan's campaign. Compare the price and cost of prescription drugs in Canada as and the United States. Every American needs the access to
Health Care during their lifetime. Unfortunately, the newly-elected President is not interested in serving the interests of the American People. He is interested in bagging all the money he can make for himself and his inner circle. He has manipulated the irresponsible social media networks to create a story/myth that Medicare is screwing the American People. It's not the case. He is the culprit who is hell bent on screwing American Citizens of all ages.
Health Care during their lifetime. Unfortunately, the newly-elected President is not interested in serving the interests of the American People. He is interested in bagging all the money he can make for himself and his inner circle. He has manipulated the irresponsible social media networks to create a story/myth that Medicare is screwing the American People. It's not the case. He is the culprit who is hell bent on screwing American Citizens of all ages.
12
Every time I try to feel less terrified about the next four years I read something like this. It's totally irrelevant whether the President Elect is a good person, bad person, loves his grandkids (low bar there Peggy Noonan) or otherwise. What matters, especially with this one, is the people he puts in place and what he enables them to do. If they have good intentions and try to pass legislation they genuinely believe will help the greatest number of citizens, then it doesn't matter if I agree with their political philosophy. Sadly, what we've seen so far scares the hell out of me and I can't believe doesn't scare the hell out of everybody. No one who doesn't have a vested interest wants to privatize Medicare. Isn't it hard enough to get decent health care without making it financially ruinous? I know Paul Ryan with his 0% body fat will never get sick but perhaps he should have some compassion for the rest of us who don't actually get to choose whether we inherit a propensity for cancer or get hit by a bus. What Ryan and company see as moral failure is the most frightening of all.
18
It's all about profit, because that's what the new elite understand. The middle and working class rubes who fell for the big con will suffer the most and take the rest of us with them. It's unlikely though that they'll catch on until they see the diminishing returns in their paycheck, and by then it will be too late. In the urge to create a "great" America they will make us the new Italy.
10
The Medicare bamboozlers know that GW Bush's orchestrated campaign to market Social Security elimination failed despite their best efforts so they need a different strategy. Ryan is likely to package Medicare elimination (vouchers are not insurance) in a complex budget in March 2017 including a staged ACA elimination. People who voted based on irrational impulses will not change. And as for news media starting to do their job after they covered the campaign based on their own irrationality - who knew there could be life after an election? Not likely to change either.
11
With a president elect concerned most with ego aggrandizement & a vice president concerned most about reversing liberal non-economic social gains & a venal Congress, the right wing plutocracy will assume possession carte blanche of the US government.
Trump will be a one termer after working class rubes, active & retired, realize their blunder. We've got four years of hell ahead & a Supreme Court set for long term fascism.
Trump will be a one termer after working class rubes, active & retired, realize their blunder. We've got four years of hell ahead & a Supreme Court set for long term fascism.
10
Everyone, be very scared about this. Here's how privatizing Medicare would be sold to Trump supporters and the US at large: Everyone older than 55 right now gets to have/keep Medicare. Everyone younger gets privatized. For Trump supporters, the core of whom are older white Americans, that's a double win: 1. they get to have their Medicare; and 2. no one else does. So it could easily be sold and bought just like that, and don't think they won't try. Younger people, even those who voted for Trump, being young and on average healthier, may not yet have had to deal with unemployment/no insurance, serious illness, or both, and are too far away from 65 to be thinking about what it would be like to be old, sick, and uninsured. So younger Trump supporters might go along too. I've read in the comments here other people saying privatizing Medicare is not on Trump's agenda or that it's a non-starter. Well, it's been on Ryan's agenda for years, and he's been very public about it. Ryan and Trump are becoming better buddies these days and it's easily feasible that Trump goes along with what Ryan has always wanted on Medicare (that is, get rid of it), in exchange for pushing other legislation Trump wants. So just like Trump's election, it could happen. Be ready for it.
21
Something that people haven't mentioned is that by "privatizing" Medicare, you open up the profit motive and this would get the insurance companies more money to donate to the politicians who voted in favor of this. And most of them have to have their hands out all the time for money
9
Most physicians in this nation favor a single payer health insurance for their patients such as Medicare instead of private health insurers who ration access, diagnostics, treatments and physician reimbursement for profit. Isn't it time the politicians listened to their doctors?
WWW.PNHP.ORG
WWW.PNHP.ORG
10
Krugman has been so wrong on so many issues recently that it is difficult to think he is correct here. It is true that Ryan is a "mad dog" when it comes to entitlement programs. Trump however, time and again reasserts his views and positions, in spite of a wave of pressure to change. That is a personal strength of President Elect Trump. It is bait that Krugman is throwing out and the bait is the statement by Krugman that Trump would never do such a thing because of who and what Trump has said and those individuals who are covered by Medicare. "Never do such a thing" is the bait that Krugman, truly devious, is hoping Trump takes.
2
Paul, if you and other totally fake, hypocritical "progressives" had actually supported the only real progressive in this election cycle, Bernie, instead of Goldman's hand-puppet loser Hillary, Bernie would have gotten the nomination, crushed Trump (many, many Trump voters were Sanders voters), and strengthened Medicare and the rest of the safety net. Hillary's supporters over Sanders are the ones who caused this debacle. And those who openly betrayed the progressivism that has made them media saints of "progressivism," like Krugman and Maddow are the absolute worst. Why they have ANY credibility with real progressives any more, if they do, is beyond me.
6
Raising the age for Medicare only works if you don't lose your job before you reach that age. Remember the Great Recession of only a few years ago? Many people in their 50's and 60's lost full time jobs and have only part time work without benefits to inch them to the age of 65. Raising the age only works if employers don't cut back as people age and if they will hire people with experience even if they are "old." Even our new president elect is 70.
10
This a great article and medicare is an earned entitlement. We contributed to it while we were working and we still pay for it as retirees.
23
I am concerned with something I rarely see discussed and that is the effect of personal bankruptcy as a result of medical bills. A couple of years ago, a friend was without a job and without medical coverage. When he needed emergency surgery and could not pay the astronomical bills that resulted, he was forced into bankruptcy. What does that mean to all those he could not pay? Higher prices to their customers? We as a country need social safety nets, both for those who can't pay and those who can.
78
Now is the time to start mobilizing against the assault on Medicare. Go to this link from AARP to send President-elect Trump a message to keep his campaign promises on Medicare. https://action.aarp.org/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&am...
7
Just another instance of many where the ignorant Trump voter shot themselves in the foot with their support of this imbecile.
7
So, they're going to take away our Medicare and replace it with Ryancare, which will be just like Obamacare only worse--all the problems but none of the benefits.
6
Slashing medicare is atop Paul Ryan's agenda, and he is going to get it. Ryan has a receptive Congress and a friendly ear in Mike Pence. Trump isn't about to recover from his own deer-in-headlights syndrome syndrome any time soon. Consider it a fait accompli already for a man who is about to become a Speaker of the House with outsize influence.
4
Thanks, Paul, you're doing what we have to do for the next four years: tell the entire truth about what Trump and the Republicans want to do. Medicare helps millions of Americans. Destroying Medicare will simply transfer money from our pockets to the pockets of the wealthy few who run the companies that want to cannibalize Medicare.
More on my website:
richardsubber.com
More on my website:
richardsubber.com
6
The Strumpet and that Weasel of the House Ryan DID NOT receive a mandate to privatize Medicare in this or any other election. And if they attempt it there will be streets filled with protestors in numbers that will dwarf the anti-Strumpet movement. And that's just the beginning.
9
I think Dr. Krugman should challenge Paul Ryan to a debate.
3
We would all be shocked, shocked if politicians did not followed up on their promises or found out that they lied to us. I would suggest professor that you wait to see what is actually proposed before criticizing it. If that is your way of grieving it's becoming a bit tiresome.
As for the media doing their job, for months now you were supporting a candidate that (just one example) was for TPP, against TPP, agreeing with TPP, wanting to change TPP, what do you want to hear about TPP so she could promise it. Sometimes candidates like elections have consequences.
As for the media doing their job, for months now you were supporting a candidate that (just one example) was for TPP, against TPP, agreeing with TPP, wanting to change TPP, what do you want to hear about TPP so she could promise it. Sometimes candidates like elections have consequences.
If Medicare is dismantled, many of its predominately white beneficiaries may die prematurely from lack of needed care.
From a Republican/Trump point of view, isn't this a bad thing?
This is the group -- old white people in the rural Rust Belt and in Sun Belt retirement communities like The Villages, Florida -- who gave Trump some of his biggest margins.
Republicans who kill Medicare will be making America less Republican.
Hmm. From the point of view of liberals, is that such a bad thing?
If we Democrats and liberals weren't actually, you know, concerned with people as human beings, from a political perspective, we might be cheering on Ryan's dismantling of the social net for the white and the gray who vote red!
From a Republican/Trump point of view, isn't this a bad thing?
This is the group -- old white people in the rural Rust Belt and in Sun Belt retirement communities like The Villages, Florida -- who gave Trump some of his biggest margins.
Republicans who kill Medicare will be making America less Republican.
Hmm. From the point of view of liberals, is that such a bad thing?
If we Democrats and liberals weren't actually, you know, concerned with people as human beings, from a political perspective, we might be cheering on Ryan's dismantling of the social net for the white and the gray who vote red!
8
The Woman's March on Washington on January 21, 2017 needs to include a protest against the privatization Medicare. This will help to bring more awareness to this very real possibility.
87
Right after I write this comment I am heading to my account to cancel my subscription to the NY Times. I find you have become a complete left wing propaganda machine both in your opinions and in the way you report news. Columnists like Krugman, Blow and Egan are disgraces. Since the election, comments have become increasingly mean spirited with fewer voicing dissent - don't know if they are being censored out or, if like me, they have become disgusted. My last straw, which will delight the arrogant, obnoxious, writer of the comment, was the one about people with more bibles than teeth.
And you dare to call people who voted for Trump bigots? Take a look at yourselves.
And you dare to call people who voted for Trump bigots? Take a look at yourselves.
4
If you listen to President-Elect Trump, you really do have to listen fast! And pay attention, before his false promises turn into the snake-oil equivalent of the Biblical "False Gods"--really Promises. It appears that the snake-oil salesman has a new sales pitch--THE SHELL GAME! Medicare--Now you see it, and Now you don't!" Or, the Mouth is quicker than the Eye!
Just think of where many of those older white voters, especially those who worked for years on physically-demanding jobs, shop:
1. Was-Mart! You know, the store with those Everyday low Prices, selling goods imported from China? Well, guess what happens to those low prices when the next President slaps on those tariffs? Those prices go up, and they'll eat into the excess cash that Retirees will have.
2. And now, as Health Care funds go toward advertising, executive bonuses and other "Overhead" costs reduce the money that actually pays for Health Care, the doctors who will accept Medicare will shrink. And, loners-lines, and delays getting appointments, will effect Health Care, in general.
3. What will be next: Privatizing Social Security, so that some of your money will go into the Stock Market? Medicare is supposed to be "Health Insurance", not a Lottery! George W. Bush suggested that in 2003, and look what happened, between October 2007 and March 2009? The Dow Jones Industrials dropped by just over 50%!
Contact Congress!
https://thetruthoncommonsense.com
Just think of where many of those older white voters, especially those who worked for years on physically-demanding jobs, shop:
1. Was-Mart! You know, the store with those Everyday low Prices, selling goods imported from China? Well, guess what happens to those low prices when the next President slaps on those tariffs? Those prices go up, and they'll eat into the excess cash that Retirees will have.
2. And now, as Health Care funds go toward advertising, executive bonuses and other "Overhead" costs reduce the money that actually pays for Health Care, the doctors who will accept Medicare will shrink. And, loners-lines, and delays getting appointments, will effect Health Care, in general.
3. What will be next: Privatizing Social Security, so that some of your money will go into the Stock Market? Medicare is supposed to be "Health Insurance", not a Lottery! George W. Bush suggested that in 2003, and look what happened, between October 2007 and March 2009? The Dow Jones Industrials dropped by just over 50%!
Contact Congress!
https://thetruthoncommonsense.com
8
Meet the new boss. Same as the old boss. Suckers
5
I was just told by a Cape Cod Council on Aging that Medicare would "get better now". I challenged this and got the response, "I don't want to talk about politics". This from a paid "expert" employed by a town. Do you wonder why low information voters don't understand what is going on.
8
Voter be ware. They should have read the fine print. The GOP should be careful with changes to Medicare because it will cull their herd.
7
Mr. Ryan has long advocated giving grandma a voucher to improve her living conditions in the alley.
7
Medicare and Social Security. Take them away what do we get? Trouble with a capital T.
6
We are a nation of drones. if you dont like something being reported, it must be the liberal media's fault. This is the refrain of the worst generation, who will simply believe any nonsense being told to them as long as it aligns with what they believe. I am looking forward to the day the Medicare vouchers show up in my parents mailbox, or the day that DT determines that the Iran deal, or NAFTA, or Obamacare, or something else wasn't so bad after all, and my parents telling me that since the evil liberal media reported it, it isn't right. The right has brilliantly used this strategy. They can do what they want. As long as it is not reported on Faux news, it isn't true. I am surprised and frightened by the stupidity of number of Americans who buy this nonsense without doing any checking of their own. People would rather believe the crazy things they get on facebook than what they read from well sourced legitimate news sources. OMG we are doomed.
12
Paul,
That Trump would "betray the interests of the voter bloc that thought it had found a champion," is shocking! Why, there was NO indication during the campaign that he lie to us!
If Trump follows through with these proposals then this would settle the argument as to whether he's a conservative or not. He definitely, and unfortunately, is.
That Trump would "betray the interests of the voter bloc that thought it had found a champion," is shocking! Why, there was NO indication during the campaign that he lie to us!
If Trump follows through with these proposals then this would settle the argument as to whether he's a conservative or not. He definitely, and unfortunately, is.
6
Frankly, I don't know how you would reach the white working class who voted for Trump anymore. They certainly aren't reading legitimate news sources any more, thanks to their distrust of actual flesh-and-blood journalists. Their main delivery system for (mis)information at this point seems to be automated bots.
6
Krugman the prognosticator.
Must be muscle memory from the election that is over.
Fearful, negative predictions made up out of thin air and proffered as the future- and as accurate as the NYT's daily prediction throughout the election cycle that Hillary had roughly a 95.6% likelihood of winning the election.
Must be muscle memory from the election that is over.
Fearful, negative predictions made up out of thin air and proffered as the future- and as accurate as the NYT's daily prediction throughout the election cycle that Hillary had roughly a 95.6% likelihood of winning the election.
5
Lyin Trump joins Lyin Ryan to dismantle Medicare and then Social Security. I am 63 years old and have been paying into both programs for the past 47 years! When do I get back my money?
11
Murder.
If your neighbor makes someone sick, and they die, then your neighbor is guilty of murder even though he didn't intend the death.
To take away health care from millions is to make many sick people die. That is murder, and to defend against murderers is important. I would include a line about calling the FBI, but that is obviously not going to work. They helped get this incompetent thug into office.
Murder my friend, you murder me.
Hugh Massengill, Eugene
If your neighbor makes someone sick, and they die, then your neighbor is guilty of murder even though he didn't intend the death.
To take away health care from millions is to make many sick people die. That is murder, and to defend against murderers is important. I would include a line about calling the FBI, but that is obviously not going to work. They helped get this incompetent thug into office.
Murder my friend, you murder me.
Hugh Massengill, Eugene
8
The 1964 Lyndon Johnson campaign ran an ad where a pair of hands opened a pocketbook, took out a Social Security card and tore it up - I can't remember what the wording was but the image is with me 52 years later.
Why didn't Hillary Clinton use ads of this nature instead of her "I'm not Trump" and "equal pay for equal work" ads?
Why didn't Hillary Clinton use ads of this nature instead of her "I'm not Trump" and "equal pay for equal work" ads?
5
So, the fate of Medicare might be in the hands of the "news" media and the Democratic Party. What could go wrong?
16
Paul,
Thought by now you would have an apologetic column of how and why you got things so wrong.
Instead you continue to attack as if your columns have been successful.
It would really be better for you, and your followers to come to grip with reality.
The American people resoundingly rejected the Progessive agenda at the federal, state, and local level. Your were not just rejected, you were humiliated.
So why not use your your space to analyze and admit, rather than pretend and deny.
You haven't even entered into the first stage of recovery yet.
Perhaps you never will.
Thought by now you would have an apologetic column of how and why you got things so wrong.
Instead you continue to attack as if your columns have been successful.
It would really be better for you, and your followers to come to grip with reality.
The American people resoundingly rejected the Progessive agenda at the federal, state, and local level. Your were not just rejected, you were humiliated.
So why not use your your space to analyze and admit, rather than pretend and deny.
You haven't even entered into the first stage of recovery yet.
Perhaps you never will.
Krugman: "It’s also a chance for the news media, which failed so badly during the campaign, to start doing its job."
Yes, it is.
What with its mealy-mouth weasel words, euphemising, he-said-he-said, lazy stenography, false equivalence, and technical ignorance on every issue it coves, I've never seen the MSM do its job: paint Even worse is the panting, breathless coverage of garbage issues, non-issues, and red herrings dropped by those that want to drag the media-ocrities around by the nose. There is no right wing bait odoriferous enough that the stupid media won't drop everything for and ignore everything else. There is mutual benefit because it generates outrage and controversy for the media and allows the right to divert attention from their true intentions. The media and the right-wing obfuscators both know exactly what they're doing.
The function, the responsibility of a free press is to paint an honest picture of reality. To the MSM, the function of a free press is to make money, not paint that picture. All you have to do is look at the cheesy mediocrities and talking heads on TV and the idiotic issue coverage dictated by editors to know reality is the least important factor in its objective function.
Hey! What happened to e-mail coverage, NYT? Did that somehow stop being the news issue of the century on 11/9/16? How could that be?
Heckuva job, NYTie.
Yes, it is.
What with its mealy-mouth weasel words, euphemising, he-said-he-said, lazy stenography, false equivalence, and technical ignorance on every issue it coves, I've never seen the MSM do its job: paint Even worse is the panting, breathless coverage of garbage issues, non-issues, and red herrings dropped by those that want to drag the media-ocrities around by the nose. There is no right wing bait odoriferous enough that the stupid media won't drop everything for and ignore everything else. There is mutual benefit because it generates outrage and controversy for the media and allows the right to divert attention from their true intentions. The media and the right-wing obfuscators both know exactly what they're doing.
The function, the responsibility of a free press is to paint an honest picture of reality. To the MSM, the function of a free press is to make money, not paint that picture. All you have to do is look at the cheesy mediocrities and talking heads on TV and the idiotic issue coverage dictated by editors to know reality is the least important factor in its objective function.
Hey! What happened to e-mail coverage, NYT? Did that somehow stop being the news issue of the century on 11/9/16? How could that be?
Heckuva job, NYTie.
3
As usual, Krugman continues his anti-Trump articles, containing mostly lies about things Trump supposedly, but never, said. It's because of Krugman's anti-Trump and pro-Clinton articles, that Trump won the Presidency.
1
"So it’s important not to let this bait-and-switch happen before the public realizes what’s going on."
What public are we talking about? The public that voted for Hillary never trusted anything Donald Trump said. We already knew he was a conman to be resisted. We know what's going on. Are you talking about the public that didn't bother to vote? Well they can't be bothered about being conned, they don't care about what's going on. Are you talking about the public that did vote for Trump? Do they know or even care about anything Trump said beyond, build a wall, he is the only one who can fix things, he will make America great again? For them there is no bait-and-switch. They paid no attention to what they heard and saw except that Trump will change Washington. Ending Social Security and Medicare is change...
It may be that people who voted for Trump didn't realize what they were voting for, only what they were voting against: a fictionalized Princess of Darkness, Hillary Clinton. The Trump voters may even think losing Social Security and Medicare is a price worth paying for keeping the Princess from turning the White House dark...like the dark days ahead for all of us.
What public are we talking about? The public that voted for Hillary never trusted anything Donald Trump said. We already knew he was a conman to be resisted. We know what's going on. Are you talking about the public that didn't bother to vote? Well they can't be bothered about being conned, they don't care about what's going on. Are you talking about the public that did vote for Trump? Do they know or even care about anything Trump said beyond, build a wall, he is the only one who can fix things, he will make America great again? For them there is no bait-and-switch. They paid no attention to what they heard and saw except that Trump will change Washington. Ending Social Security and Medicare is change...
It may be that people who voted for Trump didn't realize what they were voting for, only what they were voting against: a fictionalized Princess of Darkness, Hillary Clinton. The Trump voters may even think losing Social Security and Medicare is a price worth paying for keeping the Princess from turning the White House dark...like the dark days ahead for all of us.
4
What the Republicans are up to is trying to revive all the old stale ideas left over from every defeat they have suffered at the hand of Democrats or Democrat Presidents. They always drag them all up and try to pass new laws and it usually fails. Rise up elders and take back your rights from these hoodlums. Try to remember that the Crazy Man is inept and has a tiny brain. Beware of Ryan the snake in the grass.
7
Sounds like the "Drop Dead" plan.
3
Let Trump voters get what they voted for. Some people just want to be poor, sickly, and ignorant; it make them more of a 'real American.'
3
As usual, your essay is full of bothersome "facts" when we have a President elect who won based on a slogan printed on a hat. A pickpocket doesn't warn you before grabbing your wallet. Before you realize it, It is just gone!
4
Everyday my sister (a family physician) hears her happy Trump voters (code for: Tear it All Diwn) rail against socialism. But, they love their Medicare. Let the war begin.
13
No doubt Medicare is gone. The Democrats will only put up feeble opposition. It's all they are capable of. Trump voters will think this is all fine.
2
MOre nonsense from Krugman. MEDICARE is very expensive insurance that , if it were a real business, would not be solvent. Raising the eligibility age is long overdue because people live longer and should be able to purchase private insurance at a reasonable rate until well into their 70s. If a voucher is provided for those retired and they are legally able to purchase private insurance, so much the better. All to many doctors at this point are declining to participate in MEDICARE anyway. The ACA, despite the protestations of Krugman, is a mess and was always a fraud according to its architect Dr. Gruber. It is going to be repealed and replaced with a system that actually provides medical care instead of collecting money from people for insurance with a deductible they can't begin to afford. Medical care is the benchmark, not how many people have "insurance" ( they can't use). Be assured that the ACA has done nothing to affect the long term cost of MEDICARE, that statement by Krugman is pure fiction. What Krugman is really upset about is the fact that the march to single payer run by the central government has been halted and will reverse course.
Seems like the trump voters will get what they deserve from their 'hero' - less benefits, no safety net and a worse quality of life. Its a tragedy that the rest of us will have to suffer too.
6
A variant of an old aphorism is appropriate, to be applied to all seniors who voted for Trump. You made your bed. Now die in it.
103
If Trump goes along with the ridiculous plans of pious Paul Ryan( the favorite Republican of all your colleagues at the NYT), that will be the end of him and the republicans. Unless, of course, those currently protesting think that moolah might go toward free tuition. Will the youth obsessed media even cover the protests when those protesting are using walkers?
2
In a campaign saturated with lies why should Trump's lies regarding Medicare be any different?
His supporters didn't know or care that he lied throughout his campaign and they won't understand the damage he does until it's done.
His supporters didn't know or care that he lied throughout his campaign and they won't understand the damage he does until it's done.
6
The White Loud Minority (WLM) fail to understand. At the same time that they point fingers at Those People as Takers of handouts, malingering, what they don't know is the largest ethnicity on Medicaid, Medicare and Social Security are WLM. In mike pence's Indiana, very strong trumpf voting, by a large margin more white people accept public assistance than any other group. Who told me this? The state of Indiana personnel who trained me when rolling out Indiana's HIP 2.0 Medicaid experiment. Pence knows yet he will support pulling the carpet out from under the very people who voted him & trumpf into office. The WLM's are not told this. pence always deflects to Those People never owning up publically to what he knows well.
The single most effective tool to change the minds of the WLM is to hold up an honest but compassionate mirror to tell them who they truly are. They don't listen to the news because it's too depressing. They don't read the NYTimes because even at Starbucks there's only the Wall Street Journal, neither of which they have time or energy for--or the ability to comprehend because they've been told they are stupid since the first grade.
Indiana has a 20% functional illiteracy rate and trumpf mobilized them to vote him into office. Without civics WLMs don't understand their votes were jerrymandered allowing the two faced pence et al. to stomp on them.
They need to know. Someone needs to care enough to explain in terms they understand.
The single most effective tool to change the minds of the WLM is to hold up an honest but compassionate mirror to tell them who they truly are. They don't listen to the news because it's too depressing. They don't read the NYTimes because even at Starbucks there's only the Wall Street Journal, neither of which they have time or energy for--or the ability to comprehend because they've been told they are stupid since the first grade.
Indiana has a 20% functional illiteracy rate and trumpf mobilized them to vote him into office. Without civics WLMs don't understand their votes were jerrymandered allowing the two faced pence et al. to stomp on them.
They need to know. Someone needs to care enough to explain in terms they understand.
10
The day that SS and Medicare end is the day that the scales will fall from the eyes of the stupid, uneducated, racist, resentful, white electorate that voted for Trump that they were conned big time.
Paul Ryan is a spiteful twit whose family lived only because SS existed. HIs entire life from childhood, through, college, job working for a Congressman and now as a member of Congress has been paid for by the taxpayers and the ungrateful twit now wants to deny SS and Medicare to the people who earned and paid for both.
Paul Ryan is a spiteful twit whose family lived only because SS existed. HIs entire life from childhood, through, college, job working for a Congressman and now as a member of Congress has been paid for by the taxpayers and the ungrateful twit now wants to deny SS and Medicare to the people who earned and paid for both.
9
It seems we are coming to the endgame of the great NY con job Trump has been pulling off for the last year and a half. I am almost glad to see the havoc he will wreck on those whites hateful and stupid enough to be tricked by all the talk of locking up Muslims and rapist Mexicans.
3
Betraying the interests of the voter bloc that supports them has been the modus operandi of Republican leaders for years. The mystery is how they get away with it.
5
"What’s crucial now is to make sure that voters do, in fact, realize what’s going on.... It’s also a chance for the news media, which failed so badly during the campaign, to start doing its job."
Precisely! And why don't we hear about the threats to Medicare or any good news about the ACA on Evening News? Fox News, of course, is tilted far to the right and is slanted, misinforms, misrepresents, disinforms, and lies to de-educate its fans. Mission Accomplished!
The rest of the commercial TV news networks simply withhold information to reflect big corporate conglomerate interests. Start singing: How're gonna keep the citizenry stupid and ignorant about quality health care after they find out how it is handled in the rest of the civilized world? And mum's the word about Ryan's craven, cruel plan to privatize/gut Medicare and every other social program. Did anyone ever hold Ryan's feet to the fire and ask him why? Did the media ever spell out what the consequences would be for millions and millions of Americans? Who is Ryan working for anyway? He is one nefarious slippery dude--far more duplicitous than the Trump.
Here is another well-kept secret: Trump supporters are far more liberal than Trump on a number of issues, including strong support for the role of government in paying for health care. See: http://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2016/10/25/13345184/trump-voters-...
Please explain exactly why our media is NOT doing its job of educating the public
Precisely! And why don't we hear about the threats to Medicare or any good news about the ACA on Evening News? Fox News, of course, is tilted far to the right and is slanted, misinforms, misrepresents, disinforms, and lies to de-educate its fans. Mission Accomplished!
The rest of the commercial TV news networks simply withhold information to reflect big corporate conglomerate interests. Start singing: How're gonna keep the citizenry stupid and ignorant about quality health care after they find out how it is handled in the rest of the civilized world? And mum's the word about Ryan's craven, cruel plan to privatize/gut Medicare and every other social program. Did anyone ever hold Ryan's feet to the fire and ask him why? Did the media ever spell out what the consequences would be for millions and millions of Americans? Who is Ryan working for anyway? He is one nefarious slippery dude--far more duplicitous than the Trump.
Here is another well-kept secret: Trump supporters are far more liberal than Trump on a number of issues, including strong support for the role of government in paying for health care. See: http://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2016/10/25/13345184/trump-voters-...
Please explain exactly why our media is NOT doing its job of educating the public
6
please NY Times... most blatant bait & swtich in history? how about recent history w/ Obama's " you can keep your doctor, your plan, nothing is going to change for YOU". clinton with his promise to help the middle class line, "w" writing OUR blank check for medicare "D". while i do not wear rose colored glasses when looking at government, let us be equal under the banner of journalism.take leave of your trump hangover and do what you do best...excellent journalism!
bk - sd
bk - sd
2
When avg family puts 100k into program and gets 390k out of it, republican idea is to give that 390k to their rich insurance buddies for a fat cut and somehow this will improve the system!
Ryan will give same voucher to someone who paid medicare for 10 years on income of 25k and other person who paid medicare for 35 years on 250k income? And conservatives wont call it SOCIALISM because they get free cash!
Let private insurance take whatever one contributed to medicare (may be with treasury interest rates) and provide what medicare provides wiithout any filter for existing conditions. Let's see which private CEO will give any coverage to someone who is going to need a heart surgery or cancer treatemnt in next 12 months?
Ryan will give same voucher to someone who paid medicare for 10 years on income of 25k and other person who paid medicare for 35 years on 250k income? And conservatives wont call it SOCIALISM because they get free cash!
Let private insurance take whatever one contributed to medicare (may be with treasury interest rates) and provide what medicare provides wiithout any filter for existing conditions. Let's see which private CEO will give any coverage to someone who is going to need a heart surgery or cancer treatemnt in next 12 months?
3
Forget about the media doing hings right. Like the government, they're owned by the Corporate elite and the super-rich. Literally. People like the owners of Comcast/NBC have little interest in reporting accurately. Destroying medicare will hurt many businesses badly (think about all those commercials hawking anything from scooters to insulin strips shouting that it's FREE if you have medicare!). Destroying medicare will also hurt providers, and, eventually, big pharma. But most of all the middle class will again take the nastiest hit of all. How ingenuous it is that the Republicans--cum Trumpublicans--are so incredibly good at getting people to consistently vote against their own interests. AS Dr, Krugman once said, Banana Republic, here we come.
5
Mr. Trump's people will flood the news channels with fake news saying whatever it takes the muddy the water while Paul Ryan and Mitch McConnell turn Mr. Trump into rubber stamp Donny. And yes Mr. Trump planned all along to privatize Social Security and turn Medicare into a voucher system. Mr. Trump is a liar. Do not forget that. And what about Social Security Disability, just do away with it?
5
Without the three safety nets many Americans would be living in shelters, sick and hungry.
3
"What's crucial now is to make sure that voters do, in fact, realize what is going on." Good luck with that.
5
I'm surprised anyone would believe a promise attributed to Trump to "...not cut Medicare." It is as worthless as thinking he will provide populist balance against the Republican establishment. He said whatever it would take to have a new coalition put him office. He got what he wanted, and to think he cares about anyone beside himself and his family is blindness.
5
Without the safety nets many Americans will be living in shelters, sick and hungry. May the press, finally, do their job.
8
The NYT needs to find as many of Trump's promises not to cut Social Security and Medicare on camera during his campaign, not just before, and then to cite them repeatedly. The Democrats need to start running ads now quoting these as well as Ryan's threat and urge the public to demand that Congressband the new Administration to keep Trump's promise.
5
Channeling 2010, "Get the government out of my medicare!"
6
Color me Mediscared. Egregious actions like this might actually make me believe in hell again. Politicians who harm seniors? Plague on their houses!
4
Ryan and his ilk will not dump Grandpa and Grandma, that would be too radical. What he will do is move against the 40 and 50 somethings.. they'll be the ones who will need to get vouchers when the time comes..the underlying message being, "Shape Up you lazy bums!"
6
Hands off Medicare! Calling my Representative and Senators. Terrible idea.
5
I agree that the news media should take this issue up and hold Trump's feet to the fire on it. And agree that the news media failed badly during the campaign.
5
To Mr. krugman's last point: Why is this story not on the front page above the fold today? And every day until it gets through to other media outlets and "the American people"
4
The fact - yes, fact - that people like Paul Ryan attack successful governmental programs into which American citizens have ALREADY paid massive amounts of money shows you that the Republicans in Congress care only about the wealthy and the upper middle class, both of whom have far greater per capita access to quality private medical insurance as part of their employment-related retirement packages than do the (white) middle (and lower) class.
They're vultures, swooping in. Not to eat what's already died, but actually to kill and eat a healthy animal. All that money that's ALREADY been paid to Medicare? Simply plunder it, the loot of the Republican politician, taken before our very eyes and handed around to all the other pirates.
They say they're for privatization - but it is piratization...they might as well be wearing parrots on their shoulders...they're trying to commit the crimes of fraud and theft, tell us the police aren't doing their jobs, and therefore they're going to get rid of the police (instead of simply stopping themselves from being criminals).
They're vultures, swooping in. Not to eat what's already died, but actually to kill and eat a healthy animal. All that money that's ALREADY been paid to Medicare? Simply plunder it, the loot of the Republican politician, taken before our very eyes and handed around to all the other pirates.
They say they're for privatization - but it is piratization...they might as well be wearing parrots on their shoulders...they're trying to commit the crimes of fraud and theft, tell us the police aren't doing their jobs, and therefore they're going to get rid of the police (instead of simply stopping themselves from being criminals).
4
Perhaps I'm missing something but messing with Medicare surely amounts to grabbing the third rail of American politics: the Republicans will get fried. Retirees love their Medicare as much as they love their Metamucil. Am I to believe they wouldn't notice what's going on and 'vote the bums out'? Nor do I see aging baby boomers, turning 65 every day by the thousand, doing anything other than turning to Democratic candidates to protect the very program they're counting on as they fall apart. Ryan and his government-loathing Repug goon squad must have a death wish...
6
Social security should be means-tested. I'm sure wealthy individuals such as Mr krugman and all of his wealthy bosses at the NYT and the rest of the millionaires and billionaires in this country would be more than happy to forgo their social security benefits in order to save the program from bankruptcy...and for the good of the people who cannot survive without this monthly check.
5
If you want voters to know about this then put the articles on Facebook.
5
Let's face it, trump supporters are mostly old white people and their children who will have to support them. Wait until they discover that they have been suckered yet again. When medicare becomes a voucher program, somebody is going to have to:
1) make up for the forever growing difference between premiums and what the voucher will cover.
2) navigate the byzantine array of insurance policy options for all the enfeebled.
I cannot imagine my mother in her final years trying to handle insurance policies, or the stressing over whether this year's voucher will cover the premiums.
If you voted for trump, you have been suckered. If you didn't voted at all, then good luck handling your retirement. I hope you have saved some real money because anything under one million just isn't going to cover it.
1) make up for the forever growing difference between premiums and what the voucher will cover.
2) navigate the byzantine array of insurance policy options for all the enfeebled.
I cannot imagine my mother in her final years trying to handle insurance policies, or the stressing over whether this year's voucher will cover the premiums.
If you voted for trump, you have been suckered. If you didn't voted at all, then good luck handling your retirement. I hope you have saved some real money because anything under one million just isn't going to cover it.
12
"First, the attack on Medicare will be one of the most blatant violations of a campaign promise in history."
Krugman spouts a never ending stream of nonsense.
Obamacare lies:
1) Obamacare will cut the cost of your health care.
Obama claimed cuts of $2.5K per family per year. In fact, the average 25-40 old will pay double what they used to pay.
2) Obamacare will not increase the deficit.
According to the GAO, Obamacare will increase the deficit by $6.2 trillion.
3) "If you like your doctor, you will be able to keep your doctor. Period."
Ha ha ha.
4) Obamacare will create jobs.
Millions of workers have been moved from full to part time jobs to avoid penalties.
5) If you like your health care plan, you'll be able to keep it.
Ha ha ha.
Krugman spouts a never ending stream of nonsense.
Obamacare lies:
1) Obamacare will cut the cost of your health care.
Obama claimed cuts of $2.5K per family per year. In fact, the average 25-40 old will pay double what they used to pay.
2) Obamacare will not increase the deficit.
According to the GAO, Obamacare will increase the deficit by $6.2 trillion.
3) "If you like your doctor, you will be able to keep your doctor. Period."
Ha ha ha.
4) Obamacare will create jobs.
Millions of workers have been moved from full to part time jobs to avoid penalties.
5) If you like your health care plan, you'll be able to keep it.
Ha ha ha.
7
That would be very sad. I hope that what Mr. Krugman is predicting does not come to pass.
4
In your final paragraph you wrote, "What’s crucial now is to make sure that voters do, in fact, realize what’s going on. And this isn’t just a job for politicians. It’s also a chance for the news media, which failed so badly during the campaign, to start doing its job." You have spelled out very clearly the steps to be taken. Media, of course is vitally important but keeping SS and Medicare foremost in the public eye should also be a primary point in the plans of the DNC and all representatives in the Democratic Party.
All elderly Americans need to hear.
All elderly Americans need to hear.
15
Paul Ryan seems like a decent man with the intellect of an average college sophomore. His libertarian academic advisor, Richard Hart, apparently used Krugman’s book as a door stop:
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/05/opinion/keller-the-republican-id.html
Maybe that makes sense given Dr. Hart’s publication record, apparently nil: possibly he couldn’t get through it. Or maybe, like Ryan, he was just too busy reading the great philosopher Ayn Rand, skipping the atheist parts, of course. In our contempt for Trump, we should not forget the threat of Ryan. It’s not just a marathon time, after all.
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/05/opinion/keller-the-republican-id.html
Maybe that makes sense given Dr. Hart’s publication record, apparently nil: possibly he couldn’t get through it. Or maybe, like Ryan, he was just too busy reading the great philosopher Ayn Rand, skipping the atheist parts, of course. In our contempt for Trump, we should not forget the threat of Ryan. It’s not just a marathon time, after all.
9
This would be very worrisome if you tended to be correct in your predictions.
Thankfully the more confidence you seem to have about anything specific it seems the less likely it will turn out that way.
Thankfully the more confidence you seem to have about anything specific it seems the less likely it will turn out that way.
10
They were told what voting for Trump and giving Republicans complete control would mean, they voted for them anyway, old white people have been buying the line and voting against themselves for decades.
28
Next they will go after Medicaid, it is doubtful that anyone will notice all of the elderly on the curbside.
7
Killing Medicare will explode in the GOP's faces. If this doesn't wake the country up, then we deserve all the consequences.
7
Vouchers are just a way you shift more and more medical costs to the patient. The vouchers would NEVER cover 100% of the costs that Medicare covers today. The rich will get great care and the rest of the elderly will just have to die off faster. That would help reduce the Social Security old age pension outlays. That' the real Republican plan to Make America great Again!
11
Ryan/McConnell's secret plan: taxpayer funded, for-profit death panels for senior citizens. Don't let Trump and the GOP get between us and our Medicare.
5
Another problem is that the uneducated working (or not) white population isn't reading the New York Times or any other legitimate newspaper and doesn't care, grant or understand any of this.
3
Health care in the US is really nuts. To me it's not just the cost but the complex nature of the whole system and how it's rigged. A prime example is the article in today's paper about visiting a hospital ER. Another is pricing, I recently got a blood test. The bill was 400+$, medicare paid around 50$ and all was good. If I had no insurance I would have to pay the 400+$ price, sounds almost illegal. I really can not understand why so many in this country are against a single payer plan? nor can I understand why so many believe what Trump said? Is it just me?
8
you sir, are one of the reasons medicare will die. you propped up a flawed candidate every chance you had and smugly, tried to tell all of us that we're naive and ignorant. how did that work out?
2
"What’s crucial now is to make sure that voters do, in fact, realize what’s going on. And this isn’t just a job for politicians. It’s also a chance for the news media..." True. But Trump voters are rarely exposed to media other than those that lie, distort, and mislead. There's an impermeable membrane across the nation, crafted by people like Murdoch and Limbaugh, and served by hundreds of multi-millionaires. So let's hope that the Murdoch Mess undergoes a sea-change, but let's hope, too, that priests and preachers of Christianity actually preach Christianity and not just servile accommodation with greed.
7
I did not read all of the comments because the first 15 or so were just plain ridiculous. President elect Trump has made no hard and fast movements or rules concerning Medicare to date. I am sure he will thoroughly assess the situation before he suggests anything. Paul Krugman is the leader of the gloom and doom band - his heart must have broken when Mr. Trump was elected and the stock market didn't crash. Why don't you all close your laptops, go outside for some sunshine. Perhaps It will improve your dispositions.
15
Fine. As long as ALL members of Congress are required to have the same cockamamie voucher healthcare plan that seniors will get.
172
Sorry, Paul. You're right about the problem, but wrong about the solution. As Trump has demonstrated once again, you can never count on voters to recognize or vote in their own best interests.
6
Shortly after Trump descended the escalator, I commented here in response to one of the many columns suggesting he could not get elected. I mentioned that perhaps the most quintessential American was P. T. Barnum.
When Barnum opened his museum of wonders and oddities in NYC, he found the crowds would linger too long at each exhibit, limiting his profits from maximum possible attendance each day. He famously erected a sign above a long, dark, twisting corridor a short ways into the museum that announced, "This way to the egress." He knew people well. He knew that out of ignorance, enough here and there would be drawn to the promise of what they didn't understand, convinced by the promise of great wonders to seek out the mysterious egress. Thereby, he knew his profits would increase.
In this case, I assume many Trump voters are still in the corridor, which likely has a turn or two before the door opens on the bright light of day. That light will be harsh. Yet, I hate to say that, as in the past, many of them will walk around to the entrance of the museum and again pay admission in an attempt to save face.
My other claim early on was that Trump was a stealth candidate put forward by the very forces he railed against, that most of those supposed conservatives, especially the wealthy ones who opposed him, and the various elected officials who opposed him were in on the plan. While I generally eschew conspiracy theories, so far, I have seen nothing to convince me otherwise.
When Barnum opened his museum of wonders and oddities in NYC, he found the crowds would linger too long at each exhibit, limiting his profits from maximum possible attendance each day. He famously erected a sign above a long, dark, twisting corridor a short ways into the museum that announced, "This way to the egress." He knew people well. He knew that out of ignorance, enough here and there would be drawn to the promise of what they didn't understand, convinced by the promise of great wonders to seek out the mysterious egress. Thereby, he knew his profits would increase.
In this case, I assume many Trump voters are still in the corridor, which likely has a turn or two before the door opens on the bright light of day. That light will be harsh. Yet, I hate to say that, as in the past, many of them will walk around to the entrance of the museum and again pay admission in an attempt to save face.
My other claim early on was that Trump was a stealth candidate put forward by the very forces he railed against, that most of those supposed conservatives, especially the wealthy ones who opposed him, and the various elected officials who opposed him were in on the plan. While I generally eschew conspiracy theories, so far, I have seen nothing to convince me otherwise.
8
This issue alone can turn the tide for the midterm elections--if we make sure our parents understand what is at stake. Many people, poorly served by a breathless media machine covering the election as infotainment, have been woefully deceived. I predict that my mother's fury at this duplicity will be unquenchable!
14
The final point is very important. As soon as Fox starts chanting that "Medicare needs help!" you know that the fix is in. Talk about lying media! It is no consolation to know that 90% of Tiny Hands' supporters will be much worse off in 4 years' time, without Medicare or ACA coverage and possibly even with less Social Security that the team of evil wants to privatize. The rest of the country's poor, elderly and sick are also going to be a lot worse off. I'm a US citizen who has the good fortune to be living in a country with social liberal policies and a single-payer system that works beautifully for 90% of its citizens. I'm watching the country of my birth sink into fascism.
19
I was a physician who used the insurance system to make a living; a very nice one despite all the moaning and groaning about how we don't get paid enough. From the perspective of how much I got for my services compared to how much effort it took to get paid, Medicare was by far the best and fairest. No fuss, no hassle, no denials for legit services. In contrast the private insurers may have paid more (not much) but made you jump through many hoops. Privatizing is a terrible idea. Medicare for all.
58
I am assuming you played by the rules. Medicare is plagued by providers if service who see the program as a cow to be milked.
Conservatives jumped all over the "death panels" they said were part of the ACA (they weren't). However, if Medicare is privatized those death panels will have to become a reality. What good will a voucher do for an elderly person who can't afford the cost even after the voucher is applied? Without even basic Medicare, hospital emergency rooms will be filled with the elderly, who will expect treatment they can't pay for. If Social Security is also discontinued, it will only compound the problem. Millions of people who are nearing retirement age have factored into their plans their social security and Medicare benefits. Without those benefits, all those people will be floundering. It will be a nightmare.
25
'What good will a voucher do for an elderly person who can't afford the cost even after the voucher is applied?'
Um, that's already true of Obamacare; the NYT did at least one article on people who, with premiums ratcheting up and the government arm-twisting them to buy insurance - any insurance - have had to take policies that have deductibles so high, and coverage so restrictive, that their 'health insurance' amounts to 'pay up and don't get sick, or if you do, tough it out'. However, because they've complied with the law rather than pay the tax, they get entered in Krugman's calculations as evidence of the law's success.
A proper single payer national health, such as the UK, Canada, Australia, and other civilized nations have, would not be perfect. But it would work, if we had the guts to engage in the kind of rational debate required to work out the details. We don't.
Um, that's already true of Obamacare; the NYT did at least one article on people who, with premiums ratcheting up and the government arm-twisting them to buy insurance - any insurance - have had to take policies that have deductibles so high, and coverage so restrictive, that their 'health insurance' amounts to 'pay up and don't get sick, or if you do, tough it out'. However, because they've complied with the law rather than pay the tax, they get entered in Krugman's calculations as evidence of the law's success.
A proper single payer national health, such as the UK, Canada, Australia, and other civilized nations have, would not be perfect. But it would work, if we had the guts to engage in the kind of rational debate required to work out the details. We don't.
2
Mr. Krugman:
The Trump Administration seems likely to act on a number of fronts:
(1) Medicare and Social Security, as discussed here:
(2) Global warming, by treating the Paris agreement as a dead letter and encouraging expanded use of fossil fuels;
(3) Redistribution to the rich (top 1%) with massive tax cuts and abolishing estate duty;
(4) In foreign policy (Syria, Ukraine, Baltic countries, sanctions on Russia, Crimea) and defense, with Flynn, a paid Russian agent and lobbyist for Erdogan's Turkey as National Security Adviser;
(5) On migrants and refugees, through mass deportations and possibly a Muslim registry/selective internment;
(6) Business deals of first family and friends through riding roughshod over conflicts of interest;
(8) Press/media freedom, through legal actions or other measures to curb criticism;
(9) Supreme Court nomination and reversing Roe v. Wade.
It's important not to lose sight of the big picture! The Republican majority seems likely to go along with a few exceptions. The Democrats in Congress appear shell-shocked.
The Trump Administration seems likely to act on a number of fronts:
(1) Medicare and Social Security, as discussed here:
(2) Global warming, by treating the Paris agreement as a dead letter and encouraging expanded use of fossil fuels;
(3) Redistribution to the rich (top 1%) with massive tax cuts and abolishing estate duty;
(4) In foreign policy (Syria, Ukraine, Baltic countries, sanctions on Russia, Crimea) and defense, with Flynn, a paid Russian agent and lobbyist for Erdogan's Turkey as National Security Adviser;
(5) On migrants and refugees, through mass deportations and possibly a Muslim registry/selective internment;
(6) Business deals of first family and friends through riding roughshod over conflicts of interest;
(8) Press/media freedom, through legal actions or other measures to curb criticism;
(9) Supreme Court nomination and reversing Roe v. Wade.
It's important not to lose sight of the big picture! The Republican majority seems likely to go along with a few exceptions. The Democrats in Congress appear shell-shocked.
18
This privatization theme doesn't surprise me. This has been the secret dream of professional Republicans for a long time now. After all, their philosophy embraces the notion that all solutions to societal problems can be found in the private, for profit sector.
Anyone who has paid any attention at all to politics should have seen the handwriting on the wall. Social Security and Medicare have always been in the crosshairs of Republican ideologues. But what I find so very disappointing is the fact that so many -- from our ever shrinking middle class -- voted for those who would eagerly deprive them of those benefits that we have all come to depend upon so heavily. Essentially, they voted to cut their own throats.
Is this the fault of the mass media for not warning them?...Or should they have figured it out themselves? Unfortunately, so many voters are absolutely clueless and, as a consequence, will have to face the inevitable suffering that will be inflicted upon them by those that they voted for in hopes of improving their situation.
Once again, they've been scammed - -due largely because of their blatant ignorance. And now we all must suffer because of their political naivete...It's so very depressing!
Anyone who has paid any attention at all to politics should have seen the handwriting on the wall. Social Security and Medicare have always been in the crosshairs of Republican ideologues. But what I find so very disappointing is the fact that so many -- from our ever shrinking middle class -- voted for those who would eagerly deprive them of those benefits that we have all come to depend upon so heavily. Essentially, they voted to cut their own throats.
Is this the fault of the mass media for not warning them?...Or should they have figured it out themselves? Unfortunately, so many voters are absolutely clueless and, as a consequence, will have to face the inevitable suffering that will be inflicted upon them by those that they voted for in hopes of improving their situation.
Once again, they've been scammed - -due largely because of their blatant ignorance. And now we all must suffer because of their political naivete...It's so very depressing!
24
Thank you for that final statement, more that ever, now is the time for the news media to start doing its job. If Hillary Clinton was doing what Trump is doing; appointing all of his sycophants, children, children's spouses, and assorted brown nosing ideological incompetents to hugely powerful positions in government, the press would be all over it. Now is the time to get on top of this guy and try and get the truth into the rock hard heads of his supporters. Like water on the stone, one drop at a time, day after day and eventually we can wear the stone away.
16
want to make a positive impact? Start by over turning the Congressional mandate which prevents Medicare from negotiating the cost of prescription drugs, a law whose only beneficiaries are Corporates, their executive and shareholders.
Medicare pays way more for drugs than just about every country with socialized medicine. Afterwards start curbibg the myriad of useless tests ordered by doctors. One Florida doctor ordered a mammogram for my 89 year old mother-in-law. When questioned why, we were advise it was a cautionary test. Clearly this was about the profit motive, not sound healthcare.
Medicare pays way more for drugs than just about every country with socialized medicine. Afterwards start curbibg the myriad of useless tests ordered by doctors. One Florida doctor ordered a mammogram for my 89 year old mother-in-law. When questioned why, we were advise it was a cautionary test. Clearly this was about the profit motive, not sound healthcare.
14
Within the past week I wrote a comment saying – Our debates about payment methodology will have no effect on the medical hours spent caring for the auto accident, roof fall, pregnancy, cancer, heart attack and diabetes patients. So why not just step up to using single payer. There will be some problems to solve but they will be much easier than those that result from having insurance companies siphon off 50% of medical payments into their profit.
There was a response -- That Veterans Administration bureaucrats had delayed treatment for a few thousand at some VA hospitals and some had committed suicide. The implication was clear. A few hundred delayed care cases clearly demonstrated that millions having no care was a much better plan. The absurdity of the response was abundantly clear, yet that is the thinking of the anti-Medicare people.
We as a nation can do nothing about this since the majority of the population vote for the same party their parents for. The resulting, mostly incumbent, Congress focuses on further enriching the super wealthy, i.e. have the middle class spend more years creating wealth for the privileged and fewer years siphoning off some of that wealth for their retirement benefit. Although Hayek’s reasoning was 100% wrong his conclusion was right, we are on the road to serfdom.
There was a response -- That Veterans Administration bureaucrats had delayed treatment for a few thousand at some VA hospitals and some had committed suicide. The implication was clear. A few hundred delayed care cases clearly demonstrated that millions having no care was a much better plan. The absurdity of the response was abundantly clear, yet that is the thinking of the anti-Medicare people.
We as a nation can do nothing about this since the majority of the population vote for the same party their parents for. The resulting, mostly incumbent, Congress focuses on further enriching the super wealthy, i.e. have the middle class spend more years creating wealth for the privileged and fewer years siphoning off some of that wealth for their retirement benefit. Although Hayek’s reasoning was 100% wrong his conclusion was right, we are on the road to serfdom.
1
I do not look forward to yet another attempt by Republicans to weaken a useful government program and turn it into a private-enterprise profit center.
However, there is one very small silver lining should they succeed: they own it.
They cannot pawn the change off on the Democrats.
They cannot claim they didn't know what would happen to seniors and the disabled.
They cannot claim that they were making the program better for millions of Americans and have ther argument hold water.
The GOP will be in charge of the legislature and the executive branch, and will reshape the judiciary for decades to come. The damage they are likely to do will take a long time to fix, but the Republicans will not be able to scapegoat the Democrats as the forces making Republican changes. This is their last favorable pendulum swing for close to a decade, assuming the press does its job at any rate.
And assuming the country doesn't wither under President Trump.
However, there is one very small silver lining should they succeed: they own it.
They cannot pawn the change off on the Democrats.
They cannot claim they didn't know what would happen to seniors and the disabled.
They cannot claim that they were making the program better for millions of Americans and have ther argument hold water.
The GOP will be in charge of the legislature and the executive branch, and will reshape the judiciary for decades to come. The damage they are likely to do will take a long time to fix, but the Republicans will not be able to scapegoat the Democrats as the forces making Republican changes. This is their last favorable pendulum swing for close to a decade, assuming the press does its job at any rate.
And assuming the country doesn't wither under President Trump.
18
Before privatizing Medicare I would look at eliminating fraud and abuse that jacks up expenditures in the program. One way to reduce e Medicare spending is to make veterans 65 and older choose either VA care or Medicare. I worked 25 years for the VA. I saw vets who used both VA doctors and private doctors, who billed Medicare for their appointments. I had patients who had a VA primary care physician and a private primary care MD, a VA cardiologist and a private cardiologist, a VA endocrinologist and a VA endocrinologist, a VA nephrologist and a private nephrologist, ad infinitum. This "double-dipping" into the government's health care funding goes unchallenged because nobody has the courage to call out the veterans on this issue! But Mr. Trump and his allies are willing to change the decades-old system of providing health care to the elderly spouses of these vets instead.
9
Dear Donald Trump,
If you want to be loved and revered by people then don't treat people the way you treated people in your business career. Don't let your fellow Republicans cut Social Security and Medicare. If you do let them, then you will hated and despised by most people, including many of the people who voted for you. Liars and cheaters are hated and despised. Do you want to be spat on? By 'real' Americans?
If you want to be loved and revered by people then don't treat people the way you treated people in your business career. Don't let your fellow Republicans cut Social Security and Medicare. If you do let them, then you will hated and despised by most people, including many of the people who voted for you. Liars and cheaters are hated and despised. Do you want to be spat on? By 'real' Americans?
13
I don't believe for a single moment that Trump intends to cut Medicare. This is just more hysterical "thinking" by our public "intellectuals" (who have done such a fine job of making predictions to date about Trump).
Look, almost no matter whom Trump chooses for any position in his administration, if it's a Republican, they are going to have a history of pushing for policies antithetical to Trump's promises. It's precisely because he was so anti-Conservative and frankly anti-Republican on so many issues that he was reviled so much by the Republican elites, and ran into so much opposition from them, even until the very bitter end of the election campaign.
The question is whether Trump is going to make sure they follow his promises rather than their prior inclinations. Here one of the very things about Trump everybody on the left so much despises works in his favor. He is indeed a strong executive type. It's pretty unthinkable that he will willingly allow those beneath him to undercut his own promises and goals. He will not be likely to fail to fire those who are insubordinate to his explicit goals.
We need to wait this one out. Only a rather cynical hysteria suggests the sort of outcome Krugman is here in full cry over.
Look, almost no matter whom Trump chooses for any position in his administration, if it's a Republican, they are going to have a history of pushing for policies antithetical to Trump's promises. It's precisely because he was so anti-Conservative and frankly anti-Republican on so many issues that he was reviled so much by the Republican elites, and ran into so much opposition from them, even until the very bitter end of the election campaign.
The question is whether Trump is going to make sure they follow his promises rather than their prior inclinations. Here one of the very things about Trump everybody on the left so much despises works in his favor. He is indeed a strong executive type. It's pretty unthinkable that he will willingly allow those beneath him to undercut his own promises and goals. He will not be likely to fail to fire those who are insubordinate to his explicit goals.
We need to wait this one out. Only a rather cynical hysteria suggests the sort of outcome Krugman is here in full cry over.
6
The Medicare switch - Candidate Trump to President-Elect Trump - is only the first of many such. It is almost inevitable given a central point about Donald Trump himself.
He does not want to be the head of the Executive branch of government. He wants to be the Head of Government - the person who represents the whole nation. The one who turns up at the rallies, receives the adulation and blesses the troops. NOT the one who sits down with 400-page briefing documents.
So Trump has opinions, ideas which sound good. He will rely on others to do actual policy - to be the CEO to his Chairman of the Board. (Team Trump metaphor, not mine)
Sometimes this will mean that Mike Pence will get to run the White House and sometimes this means that Republicans in Congress will get to do whatever they want. That in turn means that destroying Obamacare will start in January, whilst the "something amazing" which Trump pledged will come - someday - maybe. As for Trump being suddenly converted by Obama into keeping the "pre-existing conditions to be covered" - that will have to wait until Congressional Republicans feel like incorporating it into the "replacement" for the ACA.
Because Trump doesn't do policy, just marketing.
He does not want to be the head of the Executive branch of government. He wants to be the Head of Government - the person who represents the whole nation. The one who turns up at the rallies, receives the adulation and blesses the troops. NOT the one who sits down with 400-page briefing documents.
So Trump has opinions, ideas which sound good. He will rely on others to do actual policy - to be the CEO to his Chairman of the Board. (Team Trump metaphor, not mine)
Sometimes this will mean that Mike Pence will get to run the White House and sometimes this means that Republicans in Congress will get to do whatever they want. That in turn means that destroying Obamacare will start in January, whilst the "something amazing" which Trump pledged will come - someday - maybe. As for Trump being suddenly converted by Obama into keeping the "pre-existing conditions to be covered" - that will have to wait until Congressional Republicans feel like incorporating it into the "replacement" for the ACA.
Because Trump doesn't do policy, just marketing.
10
Trump, of course, had no substance behind his remarks on SS, the ACA or Medicare. The danger is that he relies on Ryan to “fill in the blanks”.
The principal issue with Ryan’s “proposals” are runaway, obsessive ideology. He is compelled to offer approaches that seem “conservative” even if they defy logic and common sense. Medicare is clearly the most cost effective health care plan. Let’s hope that the public can reminded that before Medicare 26% of America’s elderly lived in poverty. Medicare is a huge pressure on the budget but it can be managed with sensible tax and planning policies- perhaps we must wait for these.
Market forces work well in many cases and should always be an important part of our economy. But they often fail. Health care is not a discretionary expense. We defer purchase of a new refrigerator or car but when a family member needs health care we move heaven and earth. When the customer cannot say no, markets are enormously distorted. Dr. Krugman’s colleague Kenneth Arrow detailed these issues.
A large dose of history and basic economics is also needed on SS. I’m not old enough to remember the Depression but vivid stories from my father remain burned in my conscience. A review of the ghastly conditions that existed for many older Americans before SS should be required study in every school and politicians need to seer this into our collective consciousness. Ryan ignores this because he knows no other approach than obsessive ideology.
The principal issue with Ryan’s “proposals” are runaway, obsessive ideology. He is compelled to offer approaches that seem “conservative” even if they defy logic and common sense. Medicare is clearly the most cost effective health care plan. Let’s hope that the public can reminded that before Medicare 26% of America’s elderly lived in poverty. Medicare is a huge pressure on the budget but it can be managed with sensible tax and planning policies- perhaps we must wait for these.
Market forces work well in many cases and should always be an important part of our economy. But they often fail. Health care is not a discretionary expense. We defer purchase of a new refrigerator or car but when a family member needs health care we move heaven and earth. When the customer cannot say no, markets are enormously distorted. Dr. Krugman’s colleague Kenneth Arrow detailed these issues.
A large dose of history and basic economics is also needed on SS. I’m not old enough to remember the Depression but vivid stories from my father remain burned in my conscience. A review of the ghastly conditions that existed for many older Americans before SS should be required study in every school and politicians need to seer this into our collective consciousness. Ryan ignores this because he knows no other approach than obsessive ideology.
4
Trump does not "rely on Ryan." He does not like him or trust him. He has said he'll make him "pay a price." Even if they find a way to co-exist, it will never be Trump turning over everything to Ryan.
That is hysteria.
That is hysteria.
4
We know you think highly of Trump, Mark--and congratulations on his ascension to power. However, the man has been going back on his own statements, breaking his own promises, and otherwise being absurdly unpredictable (except that he will aggrandize himself always). So your faith in him may be somewhat misplaced. Time will certainly make these things clear.
2
I can't wait to see the faces of all of the rubes who voted for Trump and rage against Obamacare premiums going up after they see how much they are going to have to pay for their "premium supported" privatized Medicare policies.
Priceless.
Priceless.
19
They also forget that Medicare sets the prices for coverages. I had an operation last year that normally would cost about $10,000. Medicare paid about $3,500 and the hospital and surgeon accepted that as the Medicare price. A private insurance company would not have the bargaining power and I would have had to pay what my insurance company didn't pay. Without Medicare's bargaining power surgeries and hospital stays would sky-rocket.
10
To "forget" something means they would have to have "known" it to begin with.
These people want their "white" country back.
Well, they are going to get it, and then some.
These people want their "white" country back.
Well, they are going to get it, and then some.
1
And don't forget social media to get the story out there, though Trump voters I've talked to believe what he says is true and any media stories that contradict him are lies told by liberal media--that includes all major national television stations and newspapers. How do you inform people who have been brainwashed this way? I fear Medicare, along with the people who need it to not die in poverty without proper healthcare are doomed.
And how does this work? Ryan tells Trump what to do and he does it? In Trump's vernacular, pathetic
And how does this work? Ryan tells Trump what to do and he does it? In Trump's vernacular, pathetic
5
I have a bad feeling that we are headed for disaster. I still remember the seniors protesting the ACA arriving in their power scooters paid for by Medicare. When a reporter pointed out that Medicare was government insurance, their answer was "that's different". It was different why???
16
It was a lie? You must mean a new "spin." Paul.
Sorta like Obama's telling us we could keep our own doctors in his epochal disaster ACA.
Once big business stuck it's proboscis into health care, motivated by the amount of money they could make, never mind the issues of health care, we've all been on a downward spiral to no political leader truly cares about healthcare.
They do care about the contributions to their reelections, though.
Sorta like Obama's telling us we could keep our own doctors in his epochal disaster ACA.
Once big business stuck it's proboscis into health care, motivated by the amount of money they could make, never mind the issues of health care, we've all been on a downward spiral to no political leader truly cares about healthcare.
They do care about the contributions to their reelections, though.
2
Magical thinking used to be the province of young children. Unfortunately it now seems to be the defining factor of most Trump voters.
16
Plain and simple: health care is not a market, it's a matter of life and death, and a critical on-going requirement to protect the infrastructure of the "human part" of civilization.
Our old people, or for that fact any of our people, should be subject to either the potholes of Republican obstruction and neglect, nor their preference to repair roads and bridges rather than humans.
If technology continues to serve us well, we might not even need the bridges and roads, but we'll need all of the high quality, ready and able humans that we can get.
Our old people, or for that fact any of our people, should be subject to either the potholes of Republican obstruction and neglect, nor their preference to repair roads and bridges rather than humans.
If technology continues to serve us well, we might not even need the bridges and roads, but we'll need all of the high quality, ready and able humans that we can get.
2
'nor their preference to repair roads and bridges rather than humans.'
They don't repair roads and bridges, either.
They don't repair roads and bridges, either.
Medicare is sacrosanct among seniors of all backgrounds and income levels. Killing the program would be political suicide. If anyone in Congress would like to hold onto their jobs in two years, they better get realistic about the lobbying power of seniors. It is awesome and fearsome.
229
Senior citizens came out in droves for Trump, so so don't count on them to vote in their own best interest.
They voted for Republicans in spite of the fact that it was Republicans who voted not to give seniors an increase in Medicare last year. My observation is that many people decide early in life on a party to support (often the way their families have always voted).
I'm afraid that senior citizens are going to suffer greatly in a Trump administration.
They voted for Republicans in spite of the fact that it was Republicans who voted not to give seniors an increase in Medicare last year. My observation is that many people decide early in life on a party to support (often the way their families have always voted).
I'm afraid that senior citizens are going to suffer greatly in a Trump administration.
7
They will just grandfather in these seniors... Betting as long as this generation of seniors gets theirs, they will look the other way.
1
Yeah great idea those vouchers. Another profit center industry will bloom when grandma is too old to pick her own policy. We'll have the vulture consultants descend.
9
This is what will happen. The privatization will be phased in based on date of birth. In other words, GOP voters are safe. The younger generation will be bear the burden as they already have with reduction and dissolution of employer-sponsored retirement plans. The GOP has always known who votes and who doesn't.
Bernie - keep doing your thing!
Bernie - keep doing your thing!
9
'The privatization will be phased in based on date of birth. '
Way to stereotype. There are young GOP voters, and older Demcrats. I'm 61, a lifelong Democrat, and I've already had the goalposts moved on me with regard to Social Security; 67, not 65. I feel increasingly like the donkey pursuing a carrot dangling on a stick in front of his nose, just out of reach. Eventually the donkey either collapses ... or wises up, turns around, and starts kicking.
Way to stereotype. There are young GOP voters, and older Demcrats. I'm 61, a lifelong Democrat, and I've already had the goalposts moved on me with regard to Social Security; 67, not 65. I feel increasingly like the donkey pursuing a carrot dangling on a stick in front of his nose, just out of reach. Eventually the donkey either collapses ... or wises up, turns around, and starts kicking.
4
One fact about Medicare funds that all workers pay into, that is never discussed, is that this fund pays for education of physicians. Professor Krugman, could you please write a Colombia on that. It I important since many physicians often speak out against single payer and Medicare or refuse to see Medicare patients.
4
Seems like the trump voters will get what they deserve from their 'hero' - stolen benefits, more of their money going to the fewer rich and a degraded quality of life. Unfortunately it's a tragedy that the rest of us will suffer too. Moral of the story - never underestimate stupidity.
14
Maybe the best way to kill Ryan's plan is to call what it is: he wants to replace a successful single-payer system with the worst elements of Obamacare.
7
Considering the smashing success of the Democrats' recent insurance company based health care program, I'd think Americans would be eager to convert Medicare to an insurance company based program. What could go wrong?
5
Sorry, this was always a Repliblicsn plan fsshioned in Massachusetts by a Republican
1
American Politicians do not seem to comprehend that a healthy population is a prosperous one. But- in our Capitalist model- unhealthy is a profitable business model.
4
Let's see...Ryan wants to replace Medicare with a system where people are given vouchers--subsidies, in effect--to buy insurance in the private system, presumably through some sort of "exchange" where the available programs would be listed. Where have I heard of this before? Hmmm...
Let's face it: Ryan wants to turn Medicare into Obamacare.
Let's face it: Ryan wants to turn Medicare into Obamacare.
4
Dr. Krugman, although this is an excellent op-ed, a piece documented with facts, many, I fear, will not be persuded, unfortunately.
Thanks, and please keep trying to persuade the disinterested.
Thanks, and please keep trying to persuade the disinterested.
4
This is a clear call to action for Democratic and moderate Republican leaders to protect what, for so many Americans, is essential to their basic needs.
The question is: will they answer? or do the insurance company campaign donations soften their protest into consent.
We're waiting ...
The question is: will they answer? or do the insurance company campaign donations soften their protest into consent.
We're waiting ...
3
Things that worry me:
1. Trump has wasted no time in revealing himself for what he is. He had his daughter and her husband in the meeting with Abe. It was actually a business meeting. Trump will squeeze his international relationships to benefit his business. Fox News will find ways to rationalize this blatant corruption. Maybe they will blame it on Hillary or Obama, or both.
2. Trump, Ryan, and McConnell will actually create Sarah Palin's 'Death Panels' by destroying Medicare and Medicaid. Big Pharma will continue to rape the country. There will be a push as well for privatizing SS. This will amount to another trillion $ giveaway to Wall Street if successful
3. His appointments so far reinforce his fascist like attitude toward governing. Sessions as Attorney General for God's sake. Locking the fox in the hen house.
4. Bolton as Sec of State would mean 'boot's on the ground' in Iran after another 'Shock and Awe' exercise with Netanyahu. This might happen regardless of the pick for that critical position though.
5. I suspect Flynn will continue to warm up to Putin. Our allies will need to question sharing intelligence with Trump or Flynn. The EU and NATO will be at risk then as Putin will continue to 'annex' other countries. Poland?
There are more troublesome concerns that I think will come to past. But, it looks as if this malfeasance will be obvious to all at some point which makes the mid-terms especially critical.
1. Trump has wasted no time in revealing himself for what he is. He had his daughter and her husband in the meeting with Abe. It was actually a business meeting. Trump will squeeze his international relationships to benefit his business. Fox News will find ways to rationalize this blatant corruption. Maybe they will blame it on Hillary or Obama, or both.
2. Trump, Ryan, and McConnell will actually create Sarah Palin's 'Death Panels' by destroying Medicare and Medicaid. Big Pharma will continue to rape the country. There will be a push as well for privatizing SS. This will amount to another trillion $ giveaway to Wall Street if successful
3. His appointments so far reinforce his fascist like attitude toward governing. Sessions as Attorney General for God's sake. Locking the fox in the hen house.
4. Bolton as Sec of State would mean 'boot's on the ground' in Iran after another 'Shock and Awe' exercise with Netanyahu. This might happen regardless of the pick for that critical position though.
5. I suspect Flynn will continue to warm up to Putin. Our allies will need to question sharing intelligence with Trump or Flynn. The EU and NATO will be at risk then as Putin will continue to 'annex' other countries. Poland?
There are more troublesome concerns that I think will come to past. But, it looks as if this malfeasance will be obvious to all at some point which makes the mid-terms especially critical.
8
There are 50 million people on Social Security and Medicare.
Most of these people have families.
So, if you monkey with the financial and health security of these folks, you'll have at least 100 million very angry people.
And, they vote.
No political party can afford to antagonize this large a number of voters.
Most of these people have families.
So, if you monkey with the financial and health security of these folks, you'll have at least 100 million very angry people.
And, they vote.
No political party can afford to antagonize this large a number of voters.
14
But the Republican Right is so good at messaging....they will convince those same people that it had to be done, it is better than it was, and all of its fictional shortcomings were Obama's fault!! And if that doesn't work....they will simply declare both Social Security and Medicare were "welfare" programs.
1
It has been 150 years since Lewis Carroll gave us Alice's Adventures Through the Looking Glass. I have done my week's mourning for the loss of one of my countries.
The Hatter's Tea Party is a most entertaining spectacle but with Humpty Dumpty going to take charge there is a promise the fun has just begun.
Do you Remember what the dormouse said?
The Hatter's Tea Party is a most entertaining spectacle but with Humpty Dumpty going to take charge there is a promise the fun has just begun.
Do you Remember what the dormouse said?
5
Just to be clear -- Help is not on the way.
The country we have known and loved is crumbling around us. Some of the voting public have decided it's better to take-up a sledgehammer rather than a hammer and nail. This new normal should complete the task of destroying the already strained middle classes.
May the power that rules this universe have mercy on all of us.
The country we have known and loved is crumbling around us. Some of the voting public have decided it's better to take-up a sledgehammer rather than a hammer and nail. This new normal should complete the task of destroying the already strained middle classes.
May the power that rules this universe have mercy on all of us.
10
Trump is a huckster magician who drew enough Americans into his narrative, showed them what he wanted them to see and deflected them from what he did not want them to see to became president. The Republicans and he will use this same tactic to get what they always wanted for Medicare and SS, privatisation. He fololed enough people once. It can happen again. Who would have thought that a huckster could come to represent America. Please wake me from this nightmare.
7
The Republicans are diabolical in their single minded efforts to make certain government programs fail so that they can say; "I told you so." They are doing it with public education and Medicaid in the States. They hobbled the ACA in order to be able to do it and now they target Social Security and Medicare. Their Darwinian vision is dystopian and frightening! It would be easy to claim they are "crazy." But they have carefully calculated every step like a cabal of master criminals.
11
If Trump wants to do something positive with respect to Medicare, then allow Medicare to negotiate Rx prices which they are not allowed to do now because of the huge drug company lobby. Otherwise find something else to get your hands on and screw up.
7
Thanks for this warning.
Now, let me thank a few of those who got us into this mess for the next four years -- or decades, if he's successful in privatization:
Thanks to Democrats who stayed home on nov 8.
Thanks to the Bernie or bust crowd who voted for Jill, Gary, Donald, and their favorite write Ins.
Thanks to Comey whose ego or fear of Congress was more important than preserving neutrality
Thanks to Trey G and Jason C for spending millions of our tax money on their congressional witch hunts which yielded no facts but enough suspicion to last decades
Thanks to the media who gave free advertising and a free pass to the guy who will try to tear it down
Thanks to whomever sent the few pages from. Donald's tax firm. I'm sorry no one else stepped up to the plate to help you expose crooked Donald.
My apologies to anyone else I forget to mention. I'll list them next time.
Sincerely, a Medicare recipient AND someone who pays her federal income taxes
Now, let me thank a few of those who got us into this mess for the next four years -- or decades, if he's successful in privatization:
Thanks to Democrats who stayed home on nov 8.
Thanks to the Bernie or bust crowd who voted for Jill, Gary, Donald, and their favorite write Ins.
Thanks to Comey whose ego or fear of Congress was more important than preserving neutrality
Thanks to Trey G and Jason C for spending millions of our tax money on their congressional witch hunts which yielded no facts but enough suspicion to last decades
Thanks to the media who gave free advertising and a free pass to the guy who will try to tear it down
Thanks to whomever sent the few pages from. Donald's tax firm. I'm sorry no one else stepped up to the plate to help you expose crooked Donald.
My apologies to anyone else I forget to mention. I'll list them next time.
Sincerely, a Medicare recipient AND someone who pays her federal income taxes
9
Any major changes to Medicare will require 60 Senate votes.
There will, in addition to the 48 democrats, several republicans against the changes referred in the opinion article.
A much greater threat the increasing control of state governments by
the right wing. They are not far away from being able to call a constitutional
convention. All that is necessary (Article V) is two thirds of the state legislatures (34 states). Republicans currently control 33 states.
One thing spoken about is the interstate commerce clause.
Repeal or a serious lessening of it's power, could easily result in declaring
all federal laws relying on this clause declared unconstitutional.
(Social Security, Medicare, most federal agencies etc).
There will, in addition to the 48 democrats, several republicans against the changes referred in the opinion article.
A much greater threat the increasing control of state governments by
the right wing. They are not far away from being able to call a constitutional
convention. All that is necessary (Article V) is two thirds of the state legislatures (34 states). Republicans currently control 33 states.
One thing spoken about is the interstate commerce clause.
Repeal or a serious lessening of it's power, could easily result in declaring
all federal laws relying on this clause declared unconstitutional.
(Social Security, Medicare, most federal agencies etc).
5
I wonder Professor, will I disagree with everything you say for the next 3 years ? Because I've always been a fan, but you're coming across as slightly sore.
The Democrats lost *three* elections, instead of winning three. Nobody can ignore the signal. Let's learn the right lessons from the message.
Mr. Ryan's economization with the truth may not exist outside the restricted set of people who choose to believe you rather than him.
I think it's time to give the voters of the electoral colleges what they asked for. What was plain to see in the months before and after the Iraq invasion, was played out in the years since, in the bad decisions around Iraq, budget deficits, tax-breaks for the rich and ultimately the financial melt down.
Let us not forget : That is what people voted for. On Don Lemon today morning, someone said how so many of Mr. Trump's voters were Democrats. This is what is preferred by the voter. They have to get what they opted for.
As a non-American, I urge you all to find the best approach to meet not Democrat, but social objectives of America. This is not the time to be alarmist, but to learn and implement.
The Democrats lost *three* elections, instead of winning three. Nobody can ignore the signal. Let's learn the right lessons from the message.
Mr. Ryan's economization with the truth may not exist outside the restricted set of people who choose to believe you rather than him.
I think it's time to give the voters of the electoral colleges what they asked for. What was plain to see in the months before and after the Iraq invasion, was played out in the years since, in the bad decisions around Iraq, budget deficits, tax-breaks for the rich and ultimately the financial melt down.
Let us not forget : That is what people voted for. On Don Lemon today morning, someone said how so many of Mr. Trump's voters were Democrats. This is what is preferred by the voter. They have to get what they opted for.
As a non-American, I urge you all to find the best approach to meet not Democrat, but social objectives of America. This is not the time to be alarmist, but to learn and implement.
11
This is not what I and many millions of other Americans voted for. And thank you, I do not take kindly to a foreigner who presumes to think that I as a senior who has paid into Medicare all my working life, should be unable to have health insurance that will cover me. I was sick 2 years ago and without Medicare and Medigap, I'd be bankrupt now. If Medicare is taken away I will end up dying if I get sick because I won't be able to afford the premiums and I may not be able to get cover for the illnesses that I had. I won't take this from Republicans and I certainly won't take it from you. It's not your life on the line.
3
The voters "mandated" 1 + 1 = 3 You tell me how they get that.
1
Medicare is awesome. I paid into it since 1978, and qualified for it in October. Really is great, very happy with it. Medicare should be expanded, not shrunk.
9
Democrats should should loudly and colorfully raise two flags : one for Trump and infrastructure and the second for Medicare for All, and let voters decide their fate. That is, be seen to stand up for something -- and something central to the Whole populace, rather than its various margins.
5
If Medicare goes down, I'm dead, and so are a lot of other people I know. There are no substitutes: tax credits and vouchers are a joke, and private insurance companies don't have to cover older people (or anyone else), even at ruinous rates.
Tell me where to sign up for the campaign.
Tell me where to sign up for the campaign.
10
Contact you Congresswo/man, Constance. Inform that office, very calmly, that any representative who attempts to damage Medicare will meet with swift and sure retribution during the next election. Remember, that's two years away, which means they'll all be gearing up in a year, possibly less. And then office your services as a volunteer in any capacity to protect Medicare. Call, and write snail mail letters. A human has to attend to those, and attention is what they get.
7
When I read another splendid article by M. Krugman, I cannot help but think back a few weeks when he said the press (I suppose led by the Times) was responsible for the "sin" of electing Trump and it was probably too late to save the situation. I was impressed mostly I think because it was what I had been thinking. So I read Krugman and nobody else as few in the press seems to have little good sense just well formed prejudices like against Mrs. Clinton. So I lost my Country and respect for the only paper I have read for forty years in one election.
3
The Koch/GOP cabal also want to privatize the VA. They will never appropriate the money to fund private care which is rife with opportunity for fraud and kickbacks from private Wall Street for-profit health insurers. People are easier to control when they must work until they are sick or dead. Profits for the 1% with no tax on the wealth they pass to their next generation and the money they use to control the GOP is the GOP top priority. They want the rest of us to die early (which we are already seeing in the red states) and broke.
3
" It’s also a chance for the news media, which failed so badly during the campaign, to start doing its job."
And that is the rub. That is the truest statement to come from this election. If we do not see a u turn by the main street media away from reporting polls, opinions and he said/he said nonsense and back to hard cold facts then this democracy is over.
Reporters need to remember that in a fascist state they are usually out of work and in prison.
And that is the rub. That is the truest statement to come from this election. If we do not see a u turn by the main street media away from reporting polls, opinions and he said/he said nonsense and back to hard cold facts then this democracy is over.
Reporters need to remember that in a fascist state they are usually out of work and in prison.
4
I worked in the corrections system for many years. I saw a lot of bizarre, callous, greedy, pathological behavior among inmates. But most of them at least loved their mother.
4
First of all, there's going to be an across-the-board attack on all programs. Day one-Trump signs a blanket order suspending all money for everything except the military. Newt Gingrich will explain it to him. Then he brings back programs that only benefit the 1%, as you described. It will be chaos so of course he has to institute martial law. Any opposition will be completely fragmented according to interest group. Women for women, African-Americans for POC, Latinos, etc. The Army and police will hopefully be somewhat neutral, at least in "Blue" areas. But we non-Trumpers won't be able to fight back anyway. Running wild in the streets is exactly what "law and order" people want. Militia groups are preparing as we speak. Responsible journalists need to stop blathering about what happened in 2006 or comparing today with somewhere and sometime different. The alt-right knows that the more outrageous their actions, the easier it is to get their way. Who's going to stop them? God help us!
4
Why are liberals such wimps? Trump would not have conceded the election. Why did Hillary concede so fast? Why not contest especially if the alternative is the apocolypse?
Liberals are always so nice. Stronger Together, really. There are only three things that work on voters: tribalism, anger and fear. If you opponents have anger and tribalism, use fear. Just ask LBJ.
In any case, speaking from Canada, Americans appear to be the most easily swindled people in the world, and Trump is going to give them what they deserve. I`m sure they will even give him a 2nd term.
Liberals are always so nice. Stronger Together, really. There are only three things that work on voters: tribalism, anger and fear. If you opponents have anger and tribalism, use fear. Just ask LBJ.
In any case, speaking from Canada, Americans appear to be the most easily swindled people in the world, and Trump is going to give them what they deserve. I`m sure they will even give him a 2nd term.
3
Of course Paul is correct. However, the tone is all wrong and will therefore do nothing to slow the onslaught of the coming breakdown of the American social safety net. You must be much more declarative.
The con artist that was just elected is destroying Medicare. He is lying to you. Privatizing Medicare is done for the enrichment of the elites just like they are pushing up the cost of your drugs and insurance to enrich themselves. Privatizing Medicare will cost you the American people in lives lost. Privatizing Social Security will impoverish you, the Trump voter and enrich Trump. Building up arms and armies will allow these war mongers to kill your sons and daughters on foreign battlefields.
The abominations that the GOP are planning need to be shouted from the rooftops at a high pitch and volume on a daily basis. There need to be letter writing campaigns to Congressional offices and horror stories published of elder poverty and death before the advent of these safety nets. It is getting very late in the game now.
The cold you feel from the eyes and mouth of Donald Trump and the GOP is the wind of death of our country. Start declaring it.
The con artist that was just elected is destroying Medicare. He is lying to you. Privatizing Medicare is done for the enrichment of the elites just like they are pushing up the cost of your drugs and insurance to enrich themselves. Privatizing Medicare will cost you the American people in lives lost. Privatizing Social Security will impoverish you, the Trump voter and enrich Trump. Building up arms and armies will allow these war mongers to kill your sons and daughters on foreign battlefields.
The abominations that the GOP are planning need to be shouted from the rooftops at a high pitch and volume on a daily basis. There need to be letter writing campaigns to Congressional offices and horror stories published of elder poverty and death before the advent of these safety nets. It is getting very late in the game now.
The cold you feel from the eyes and mouth of Donald Trump and the GOP is the wind of death of our country. Start declaring it.
7
Somewhere I read the new Medicare rules might only take effect for people who become eligible in 10 years. So today's seniors are safe. It's the people under 55 today who might have to lead the fight.
1
The AARP website as of this morning has nothing about these possibilities, and I have written a post to them. Much as the NRA is seen as protecting gun owners, the AARP has as responsibility worrying about seniors.
In fact, the House has tipped its hand last fall when they voted for a budget which was (of course) vetoed by Obama. You should get your representative on record about this---90% of the GOP voted for it:
http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2015/roll141.xml
It is that urgent
And if the replacement "only" affects people under 50, well, they will get old, and vouchers are not the same as being in a system which fully covers what it is supposed to do (as opposed to, for example, home nursing care). That old people like Medicare is no reason for it to stop, is it?
In fact, the House has tipped its hand last fall when they voted for a budget which was (of course) vetoed by Obama. You should get your representative on record about this---90% of the GOP voted for it:
http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2015/roll141.xml
It is that urgent
And if the replacement "only" affects people under 50, well, they will get old, and vouchers are not the same as being in a system which fully covers what it is supposed to do (as opposed to, for example, home nursing care). That old people like Medicare is no reason for it to stop, is it?
1
Please don't forget to advocate just as hard for Medicaid.
Repealing the Medicaid expansion with a longer-term plan to block-grant traditional Medicaid is on the table. If we let that happen, it will be a disaster for decades to come. Please, no.
Repealing the Medicaid expansion with a longer-term plan to block-grant traditional Medicaid is on the table. If we let that happen, it will be a disaster for decades to come. Please, no.
3
Follow the money... If you look at the top contributors to Paul Ryan's most recent campaign, two of the top four donors are private health insurance companies. Should we be surprised that he wants to dismantle a system that works well and replace it with one where his donors personally stand to do well?
Whatever happened to this mythical "man of convictions"? We can do better. The press needs to ante up to expose these relationships for what they are: quid pro quo. All the talk of helping poor folks and seniors is just so much smoke and mirrors.
Whatever happened to this mythical "man of convictions"? We can do better. The press needs to ante up to expose these relationships for what they are: quid pro quo. All the talk of helping poor folks and seniors is just so much smoke and mirrors.
5
Call it what it is: murder based on income level and age, without the expense of either firing squads or murder factories.
We've gone round the bend and, because of lies and an overabundance of "media" spreading non-facts, have become what we fought against and thought we won against in 1945.
We've gone round the bend and, because of lies and an overabundance of "media" spreading non-facts, have become what we fought against and thought we won against in 1945.
4
"People like Paul Ryan"
yes he's the one to keep a close eye on but trump's instincts are not to mess around too much with social security and medicare. he was a longtime dem and probably still is in many policy areas; the only way trump will try to privatize and voucherize is if he loses some kind of horse trading on some other issue with ryan and that's not likely.
yes he's the one to keep a close eye on but trump's instincts are not to mess around too much with social security and medicare. he was a longtime dem and probably still is in many policy areas; the only way trump will try to privatize and voucherize is if he loses some kind of horse trading on some other issue with ryan and that's not likely.
2
Thank you for this important essay on another group that Mr. Trump has in his crosshairs: seniors in America now as well as all future generations of people who reach the age of 65. Paul Ryan is perhaps the most dangerous of all of Trumps's henchman, a political opportunist that played his strategy perfectly to be in a position to have all of his policy ideas accessible and ready to go for a president-elect who doesn't have any thought out policy, other than his mantra to make America great again. The damage that this ideologue will do to the millions of lower & middle class Americans who believed his nonsense is criminal.
4
We must push back on this. And the Democrats should be leading the charge. My cohort (born 1958) has been indicated in graphs as one of the two peak years for births in the Baby Boom. We're counting on having Medicare. We can't let these republicans dismantle 20th century progressive America, one program at a time.
4
Trump has shown that when he wants to do something he would do whatever it takes to get it done, and I mean anything. So if he plans to get rid of medicare and the democrats keep playing nice, and are not proactive, watch out. Forget about the primary focus on his character to get quick points with your constituents and put that focus on his policies. The only one I hear forcefully speaking out against any cuts or abolishing of medicare, social security and medicaid programs is Bernie Sanders. Everyone else is sitting on the fence...business as usual. And yes, it has only been a little over a week since the election but there is no down time if you chose to be a politician and got elected. Serve the people!
4
The deepest conviction of the Republican Party is that anything not focused on profit is not worth doing. That, in a nutshell, is the Republican justification for destroying Medicare. And Profit is the shrine where Trump bends on worshipful knee.
4
The best thing about this election was that it allowed the Democrats to get off the hook scott free. There's no political gridlock anymore in congress. Republicans control it all. In 2018 with so many democratic senators up for election in some deep red states, Republicans are likely to control congress up until 2020. I hope that Donald Trump gets re-elected in 2020 and I hope that Democrats stay locked out of power until 2022 at the federal level (we better make some inroads though at the state level so we can un-rig these districts). Because rural (white) America needs to be taught a harsh lesson. They actively voted against their interest in this election and they can't just wipe their hands clean of it in two years. They need to stew in this mess for six to eight long years. I hope Republican's privatize Medicare. I hope they repeal ACA. I hope they privatize Social Security. It'd be painful but it'd hit the white working class harder. And when it does they'll absolutely deserve. They'll be no democrats to blame for when the steel doesn't come back. Or the coal plants are still not firing up. White Working Class will then come back to Democrats and ask them to save them. And Democrats should say no.
One week into the "kill Medicare" program, and Ryan has spoken, as has Mike Price. Yet, we have heard nothing from congressional Democrats. Josh Marshall at Talking Points Memo, is keeping a scorecard on the positions that both D's ad R's are taking. http://talkingpointsmemo.com/edblog/we-re-still-on-medicare-phase-out-plan
Most of the congressional D's, including my congressman Vela, say that they will have to get back to us. This non-position suggests, as a couple of the readers here have suggested, that the D's may be in on the con. I don't believe that, but, folks, let's not rely on Dr. K to carry our water; instead, let's get on the phone and hold a few congressional feet to the fire. Allegedly, they do represent us.
Most of the congressional D's, including my congressman Vela, say that they will have to get back to us. This non-position suggests, as a couple of the readers here have suggested, that the D's may be in on the con. I don't believe that, but, folks, let's not rely on Dr. K to carry our water; instead, let's get on the phone and hold a few congressional feet to the fire. Allegedly, they do represent us.
2
But killing Medicare fits so beautifully into the Republican world-view: there won't be any pointy-headed bureaucrats on "death panels" deciding whether Grandma gets to live or die by rationing, say blood pressure medication. No! The "Market", in its infinite wisdom, will make that decision. And when the Invisible Hand lifts Grandma into heaven at age 62 because she cannot afford basic healthcare, well, that's not just the wisdom of the Market, it is also The Lord's Will -- a double whammy!
10
I despise Trump, but I'm going to defend him here. I just can't picture him doing something as unpopular as privatizing medicare. It would negatively affect his "ratings". And that seems to be one of the very few things Trump actually cares a great deal about.
I can picture him allowing congressional republicans to tinker with it, though, in an effort to "make it stronger." Which will probably kill it in the long run.
I can picture him allowing congressional republicans to tinker with it, though, in an effort to "make it stronger." Which will probably kill it in the long run.
3
This is a great article. I look forward to sharing with my (Trump-voting) grandmother at Thanksgiving next week: No way would she have voted for him if she knew this promise was actually a lie. I hope others do the same and turn the conversation away from hair, pantsuits and towards the pressing issues our country faces. Write your rep and senator and remind them the people have overwhelmingly voted: Medicare must not be cut.
4
Good idea, everyone should share this with their older Trump-voting relatives.
1
I have been wrong about everything in this campaign cycle, but, fooling around with Medicare would turn into a domestic quagmire, along with the foreign quagmire which is new foreign policy team is bound to get us into. These first one hundred days could be very interesting.
3
There is more to this story than benefits. Its about jobs as well. If medicare and medicaid go, so go millions of middle class jobs - the nurses, physicians, social workers, etc that provide the services paid by these programs.
6
It is astounding that anyone would believe any of Trump's statements. He lied repeatedly throughout his campaign. And Paul Ryan has been misrepresenting the truth about Medicare for years.
The fact is the Medicare is financially stronger today than it was 8 years ago. Medicare beneficiaries are expected to save about $4,200 on average over 10 years - no out-of-pocket payments for preventive services and drugs (discounts and closing the donuthole) and reduced rate of increase in Medicare costs.
The fact is the Medicare is financially stronger today than it was 8 years ago. Medicare beneficiaries are expected to save about $4,200 on average over 10 years - no out-of-pocket payments for preventive services and drugs (discounts and closing the donuthole) and reduced rate of increase in Medicare costs.
8
Anyone who has had to buy individual private insurance and has now reached Medicare age will remember how insanely expensive their coverage became when they reached 60 and how they couldn’t wait for Medicare to kick in. A voucher for private insurance won’t even make a dent in the cost of private insurance for anyone over 70.
11
We should not be surprised when we get the worst of Trump combined with the worst of the GOP. Wait until the tax policy wars start. The Trump tax plan (the massive giveaway to the very wealthy) will be enthusiastically backed by the GOP, who see it as the way to starve the federal government. Having set the government on the course for starvation, they will then move again to savage Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security, their long time and long term goal, saying that we can no longer support them, based on our reduced tax revenues.
Once these programs get privatized, they will provide little for the citizens and lots for the corporations that will feed on the largess of the management fees that they skim off the top. The Trump- and GOP-voting citizens will never know what hit them. But they will find out, first when they can't afford to buy healthcare insurance with their vouchers and next, when they need to draw on their retirements and discover that their private investments don't provide the reliability offered by Social Security especially if the USA happens to be in an economic downturn.
Unfortunately those of use (the majority, again) who didn't vote for Trump or the GOP will be victimized as well.
Chutzpah, once described as the murderer of his parents throwing himself on the mercy of the court as an orphan, is now best described as the GOP legislators who, having voted for tax cuts, express surprise, surprise! when their voters get screwed out of their programs.
Once these programs get privatized, they will provide little for the citizens and lots for the corporations that will feed on the largess of the management fees that they skim off the top. The Trump- and GOP-voting citizens will never know what hit them. But they will find out, first when they can't afford to buy healthcare insurance with their vouchers and next, when they need to draw on their retirements and discover that their private investments don't provide the reliability offered by Social Security especially if the USA happens to be in an economic downturn.
Unfortunately those of use (the majority, again) who didn't vote for Trump or the GOP will be victimized as well.
Chutzpah, once described as the murderer of his parents throwing himself on the mercy of the court as an orphan, is now best described as the GOP legislators who, having voted for tax cuts, express surprise, surprise! when their voters get screwed out of their programs.
8
Paul Ryan is probably a greater danger to the people of this country than Donald Trump. He is mean-spirited and neither thoughtful nor imaginative. If he were either of the latter two, he would not be trying to balance the budget nor privatize Meicare. He would be thinking of the voters Donald Trump won with his lies.
Fortunately for the Democratic Party, he stands to lose on both counts. Perhaps even the people of Janesville will see who he is in 2018.
Fortunately for the Democratic Party, he stands to lose on both counts. Perhaps even the people of Janesville will see who he is in 2018.
5
Short of a Trump engineered cataclysm, the only way the Democrats will see a resurgence in the next four years is if Trump does try to privatize or otherwise transform the senior entitlement programs.
2
KRUGMAN: "It would be very helpful for opponents of government to do away with a program that clearly demonstrates the power of government to improve people’s lives."
Ryan and his ilk in Congress that are opponents of government obviously do not want government working for the rest of us, but it certainly works for them: generous pay and benefits and a comfortable retirement all at taxpayer expense.
Ryan and his ilk in Congress that are opponents of government obviously do not want government working for the rest of us, but it certainly works for them: generous pay and benefits and a comfortable retirement all at taxpayer expense.
3
...and their own health insurance...they should all be required to use the insurance options that all Americans have! Medicare wouldn't be changed!
1
While I disagree with the Republicans on this issue, the people have spoken. We will have a Republican President, a Republican Congress, and 33 states have Republican governors. The people deserve the consequences of their votes. Let the privatization begin!
1
Medicare has served me well - when I am in the US, does not apply outside the US - but I give thanks that I moved to Sweden, became a dual citizen (US SE), and have been served exceptionally well by Swedish Universal Health Care.
I know that life-saving diagnosis (cardiolite stress test, in US-Medicare) and circulatory improvement (3 stents in SE-Swedish Health Care) would have cost money I do not have if I had all done in the US with no Medicare.
Retirees, you face a grim future. If you voted for Trump, you may regret that if he puts you at the mercy of the most expensive medical system in the world uninsured and on your own.
Only-NeverInSweden.blogspot.com
Dual citizen US SE
I know that life-saving diagnosis (cardiolite stress test, in US-Medicare) and circulatory improvement (3 stents in SE-Swedish Health Care) would have cost money I do not have if I had all done in the US with no Medicare.
Retirees, you face a grim future. If you voted for Trump, you may regret that if he puts you at the mercy of the most expensive medical system in the world uninsured and on your own.
Only-NeverInSweden.blogspot.com
Dual citizen US SE
3
A Republican move to kill Medicare, supported by Trump in violation of his campaign promise, could kill Trump's second term in record time and mobilize millions to resist his first term. Of course the Democrats would have to be organized and united in their efforts to exploit it, and they would have to unanimously lead the resistance. If they can do that successfully, then maybe - just maybe - we'll be seeing the return of the Democratic Party to what it once was and what it once again needs to be.
3
The failure can be blamed on the news media when in fact, if villains are sought, the people who bothered to vote are hidden in plain view. 20/20 hindsight is all well and good, but in this instance the message was clear and we got just what we voted to get.
The American pepole are not led by some ring in the collective nose. The overwhelming majority of our citizens are educated well enough to understand our nation has been electing officials without majority participation for decades and the fact that this guy is our President is no extraordinary surprise.
If reason was the guide why were Reagan, Nixon and Bush each elected to two terms while Jimmy Carter was shown the door after one.
We are not stupid or particularly gullible, but we are trusting and often leave the voting to our neighbor. It is this abdication of responsibility under the guise of trust in those we are given the choice to elect which is the one thing politicians always exploit.
The news media may have failed, but the ultimate rersponsibility lies with the American voter's apathy and unfounded fear of women's ascendency as political leaders.
The American pepole are not led by some ring in the collective nose. The overwhelming majority of our citizens are educated well enough to understand our nation has been electing officials without majority participation for decades and the fact that this guy is our President is no extraordinary surprise.
If reason was the guide why were Reagan, Nixon and Bush each elected to two terms while Jimmy Carter was shown the door after one.
We are not stupid or particularly gullible, but we are trusting and often leave the voting to our neighbor. It is this abdication of responsibility under the guise of trust in those we are given the choice to elect which is the one thing politicians always exploit.
The news media may have failed, but the ultimate rersponsibility lies with the American voter's apathy and unfounded fear of women's ascendency as political leaders.
2
In this same issue we stories of how out of network providers cause the insured thousands in unexpected health costs. Imagine if the elderly have to buy into plan with similar restrictions. Medicare is beloved by the vast majority on seniors. Why are we even discussing this. This is clearly a case of extreme conservative ideology trumping public opinion. It will be interesting watching how Trump's Populism reacts to Ryan's Conservatism. Will Trump cave or stand firm? The Democratic position must be clear on this, Medicare and Social Security are both American Success Stories and are non negotiable.
2
The Medicare tax some of us have been paying since 1965 is 1.45% for the employee and 1.45% for the employer. That's 2.9% a year. And Paul Ryan wants to turn this into a voucher program? Every time he mentions such a foolish idea, the entire Washington press core (most of whom are paying this same tax) should start politely but loudly boo-ing him.
3
Haven't the Republicans thought of the drain on the economy when money spent on increased health insurance isn't spent on other goods and services? If seniors are spending more and more on health insurance, they won't be eating out, won't be traveling. They may not even be able to pay their bills.
169
If you want a foreign example, just look north, to a system far more like yours and more efficient. Total cost is under 12% of GNP, vs over 16% in the US, life expectancy is greater, and doctors are very well off. The eliminattion of the insurance intermediary is the key. This is essentially Medicare for everyone. As Krugman has said previously, Canadian CEOs say the health care system is a competitive benefit for Canada. So one wonders whether the Republicans care at all about health in wanting to do in Medicare.
2
Trying to do away with Medicare, or privatize it (along with Social Security?) would meet with massive opposition by the one's enjoying its benefits; and, hopefully, by the population at-large. Health Care ought to be taken out of the for-profit merchants, partly curtailed by the A.C.A. forbidding Insurance companies the shameful denial of care of pre-existing medical conditions; and ideally, a future single payer universal health care where we all can get care, no questions asked, as a right, in our supposedly civilized, and wealthy, society; Trump's impertinence notwithstanding.
2
What strange politics! It reminds me of the book: what's the matter with Kansas where the argument was that the poor and working and middle class vote against their own economic interests. This has now extended to the entire country where people in order to vent their frustrations and anger against the elites(the 1%) handed over the government to the 001% percenters. good luck to all of us!
4
I expect the insidious approach: vouchers for those now less than or equal to 55 when they reach eligibility age and those above that keep Medicare.
This sort of game cuts down on the political price. It worked here in Michigan when the governor wanted to tax previously untaxed retirement income, while giving business a big tax break.
This sort of game cuts down on the political price. It worked here in Michigan when the governor wanted to tax previously untaxed retirement income, while giving business a big tax break.
1
Certainly anything that might benefit normal working people is in the crosshairs in this horrid new era that is unfolding.
Medicare is a wonderful model for a single-payer system that just needs to be expanded to all. Of curse it fatal flaw is that it does not serve the interests of the masters so it will have to be eliminated.
Medicare is a wonderful model for a single-payer system that just needs to be expanded to all. Of curse it fatal flaw is that it does not serve the interests of the masters so it will have to be eliminated.
1
Oh the bitter irony. The fixes to stabilize Medicare and Social Security were (and still are) minor, but Republicans wouldn't address them. Medicare vouchers are a disaster for most of us including the working classes. Vouchers will pay a smaller and smaller percentage of bills without control of costs. Few save enough for retirement, how would they save for their health care accounts? Rather than populism, we are getting crony capitalism.
1
Hey Paul, I used to read all the time that if Trump left his original millions in the stock market he would be richer.
Could the same thing be said about Social Security? Social Security was raided by your fellow democrats early on to "balance a budget."
But that is Social Security. Medicare? Wow, jumping the gun here. Nothing has been determined yet, so please calm down. And as a small business owner, Obamacare has been a disaster. Full Stop. But, in the hybrid communist system that has evolved under Obama, one has to work for the government or for a big business (centralized controls). The small business and the small entrepreneur have been completely marginalized. This is not healthy.
Could the same thing be said about Social Security? Social Security was raided by your fellow democrats early on to "balance a budget."
But that is Social Security. Medicare? Wow, jumping the gun here. Nothing has been determined yet, so please calm down. And as a small business owner, Obamacare has been a disaster. Full Stop. But, in the hybrid communist system that has evolved under Obama, one has to work for the government or for a big business (centralized controls). The small business and the small entrepreneur have been completely marginalized. This is not healthy.
1
Paul is back to his old tricks. Trump (who I did not support) should either be taken at his campaign promise which Krugman would support or wait until his policies are firmed up. Instead, Krugman jumpts to the defense of a failed system instead of seeking improvements other than pour more money into it by taxing the wealthy, his only refrain.
1
Gosh, Medicare is more efficient than private sector healthcare? Well, let's get rid of FedEx and UPS then, because the Post Office must be better also. After all, mail delivery is much simpler than surgery.
Then we can merge all the car companies into one car company, run by the government, and we won't have to "worry about profits" in that industry either. Think of the economies of scale!
Then we can merge all the car companies into one car company, run by the government, and we won't have to "worry about profits" in that industry either. Think of the economies of scale!
I have read that this "privitzation" of Medicare is not going to make it through Congress, despite Paul Ryan's commitment and Trump's vacillating support, because there are enough Republicans in the House and Senate who know something about their constituents and realize they would be hoppin' mad if the federal government slashed Medicare.
I just got my Medicare card a few days ago and am very proud of it.
So, we have to trust Republicans on this one. Given the recent presidential campaign, "trust" doesn't come easy for me, but lots of pundits have been preaching tolerance and "healing" and empathy, and I'll try it. For a short time.
I just got my Medicare card a few days ago and am very proud of it.
So, we have to trust Republicans on this one. Given the recent presidential campaign, "trust" doesn't come easy for me, but lots of pundits have been preaching tolerance and "healing" and empathy, and I'll try it. For a short time.
2
"It has been obvious for a long time that Medicare is actually more efficient than private insurance, mainly because it doesn’t spend large sums on overhead and marketing, and, of course, it needn’t make room for profits."
Based on that logic, shouldn't all business be run by government? Because, "of course" all private businesses have overhead, marketing and, if successful, profit.
Based on that logic, shouldn't all business be run by government? Because, "of course" all private businesses have overhead, marketing and, if successful, profit.
1
"First, the attack on Medicare will be one of the most blatant violations of a campaign promise in history."
Any change to Medicare will be labeled an "attack", regardless of what that change might entail. The plain facts are that neither Social Security nor Medicare will exist in their current state unless they are changed to support more beneficiaries. Even you, a Nobel Prize-winning economist, should be able to accomplish simple arithmetic.
Do you remember the promises President Obama made to the American people about the Affordable Care Act? Things like if we liked our health care plans and doctors, we could keep them? Or the one about the average premiums for a family would drop by $2500 a year?
Any change to Medicare will be labeled an "attack", regardless of what that change might entail. The plain facts are that neither Social Security nor Medicare will exist in their current state unless they are changed to support more beneficiaries. Even you, a Nobel Prize-winning economist, should be able to accomplish simple arithmetic.
Do you remember the promises President Obama made to the American people about the Affordable Care Act? Things like if we liked our health care plans and doctors, we could keep them? Or the one about the average premiums for a family would drop by $2500 a year?
1
Those who voted for Trump because they thought that he would improve their economic lots are in for a big surprise. While I agree with everything you said, I believe the primary reason for wanting to privatize Medicare, Social Security and something you didn't mention, the VA, is because privatize means just that, private companies are going to reaping the financial benefits of the change. It is not to benefit workers and it is not to help the deficit.
1
Well, it's what many of the American people voted for. They are low information voters who value their cultural resentments over policy. I think we should allow the Republicans to do what they want, since only then will people maybe learn to put 2 plus 2 together.
1
Is it not clear to all that our congressmen look to themselves first? No term limits despite Trump's campaign-their jobs. Congressional healthcare is terrific--not available to us. Party loyalty "trumps" loyalty to country--witness our just-past election. Tax cuts for the wealthy, dismantle the safety net in the name of smaller government, and the infrastructure rebuilding--not sure about that because financing it is "pie in the sky" wishful thinking.
The image of Mr. Ryan's and Mr. McConnell's grinning in triumph as they hang on Trump's coattails while remaining absolutely silent on the hateful, divisive and sometimes looney proposals by their candidate says it all.
The image of Mr. Ryan's and Mr. McConnell's grinning in triumph as they hang on Trump's coattails while remaining absolutely silent on the hateful, divisive and sometimes looney proposals by their candidate says it all.
2
It's long past time for the Left to hoist the Right with its own petard by stealing one of its most effective tactics: a simple, clear, and consistent talking point repeated over and over again. In this case, the message should be "They want to kill Medicare (or Social Security) not because it doesn't work, but because it DOES work." The point has to be driven home that Republicans like Paul Ryan are ideological fanatics whose ultimate goal is to get rid of government and turn America into a corporate state. To do for healthcare in 2017 what deregulating banks did for the economy in 2008. And to deny hard-working Americans the benefits of programs they have been contributing to since getting their first paycheck. Oh, and while we're at it, it wouldn't hurt to turn Ryan's idol Ayn Rand into the kind of shibboleth that the Right has done to names like George Soros and Saul Alinsky.
4
Today I am registering as a Democrat. I have been an independent, but I want and need to have a say in who is going to defined - and, yes - expand Medicare, which is probably the most effective and successful government-sponsored health care program in history.
2
So basically the story is an allegation that Trump plans to switch American seniors from Medicare (public health insurance) to Obamacare (publicly subsidized private health insurance)? Ironic both that American conservatives are thinking about it after all the bad things they said about Obamacare, and that progressives will oppose it after all the praise they lauded on the scheme.
3
Another benefit of Medicare is that it mitigates the need for the sons and daughters of us now aging Baby Boomers from having to pay for our health care. My parents are both deceased, but I did experience how well Medicare worked for them, and reduced their need for my financial support for health care. It is amazing how my friends' attitudes change about Medicare (and Social Security) after they see how well it works for their parents-- and, eliminates the need for them to cough up money for Mom and Dad's health care.
3
They would do better by attacking the main problem with Medicare, which is the abuse of it by many providers of service who game the system or commit out-and-out fraud. (It would be too much to hope that they would take the step of expanding the program, as Bernie Sanders suggested, to include young working people and thereby spread risk). If, however, the end-game is to achieve an ideological victory by doing away with Medicare simply because it is administered by government, that is a different story.
1
Well, may be there is justice after all. Ardent opponent of DT will benefit from the tax cuts while his supporters will not see any new coal jobs, no increase in wage and loss of entitlement. This is likely a political suicide for the president elect and the republicans, even if they spare the older, whiter population, they will still be mad and the implementation will be delayed for so long that a newly invigorated voters will put the democrats back in time to repeal it.
3
The "older, white" population are all dependent on Medicare. When they feel this is threatened, get out of the way.
2
I have a modest proposal. Since we (I mean the patrimonial elite hell-bent on plundering our society) are going to make life impossible for an increasing number of citizens, I propose an amendment to any legislation gutting Medicare: the legalization of assisted suicide.
3
Excellent column. Now take on the Medicare Advantage Plan, a stealth move to weaken Medicare during the Bush years. The Advantage Plan is cherry-picking the "younger" and therefore healthier elderly with gym discounts and dental coverage, thereby leaving the sickest elderly to traditional Medicare. My mother in law who was healthy until her late eighties when she broke her hip and had to go into prolonged rehab. She was on the Advantage plan. A staff person at the rehab facility took my husband aside telling him. "get your mother off this plan -- "they pay a lot less than Medicare." She went on traditional Medicare once she became expensive.
2
The Social Security - Medicare crowd is the Republican Party base. It would be political suicide for Republicans to enact reductions in benefits to these programs. They won't do it without significant Democratic support. This is why Ryan proposed voucher-izing Medicare when Obama was in power, but is unlikely to either do so or get his Republicans to go along now that they cannot hide behind Obama. In fact, I expect Republicans to expand government spending now that they have all three branches. Also, do not expect to hear much about debts and deficits, either. It will now be the Democrats turn to complain about reckless government spending, debts and deficits.
3
Dear Donald Trump,
If you truly want to be loved by the American people, including by the people who voted for you, then don't treat them the way you treated people in business. Don't let your fellow Republicans cut Social Security and Medicare. If you do let them, you will be hated, really hated, by everyone, including many if not most of the people, particularly the older people, who voted for you.
If you truly want to be loved by the American people, including by the people who voted for you, then don't treat them the way you treated people in business. Don't let your fellow Republicans cut Social Security and Medicare. If you do let them, you will be hated, really hated, by everyone, including many if not most of the people, particularly the older people, who voted for you.
2
I am old enough to remember the opposition of the Am Medical Assoc. to Medicare in the mid 60's. I was embarrassed and angry to find a sign in my doctor's office waiting room that said 'We do not take Medicare or Medicaid insured payments' He was a good doctor but I was angry because he was also a refugee from Europe during WWII and had been welcomed into our country, was active in social circles in the town and well respected as a doctor, but was now refusing to care for a group of American citizens that he had been welcomed by. He was not alone in his opposition. So many other doctor's opposed the program that public health nurses and social workers were sending pregnant moms who didn't have other insurance to clinics 25 to 50 miles away for prenatal care.
As a retired nursing educator I have seen first hand what these programs have meant to many individuals and families. Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid have kept many folks from bankruptcy and homelessness - and don't forget the fact that better health care keeps them strong and healthy and working longer. Block grants and other financial assistance will never keep up with health care costs and will differ from one state to another.
As a retired nursing educator I have seen first hand what these programs have meant to many individuals and families. Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid have kept many folks from bankruptcy and homelessness - and don't forget the fact that better health care keeps them strong and healthy and working longer. Block grants and other financial assistance will never keep up with health care costs and will differ from one state to another.
9
Remember, too, that folks with severe disabilities receive Medicare. Some disabilities are relatively inexpensive--e.g., stabilized paraplegia--while others are financial nightmares--e.g., traumatic brain injuries.
And this raises the spectre of Part D, Medicare's prescription drug benefit. During the Democratic primaries, I urged both leading candidates to scrap the regulation prohibiting Medicare from negotiating drug prices with pharmaceutical companies. Now I wonder if the Trump/Ryan vision of Medicare allows for prescription drugs at all.
And this raises the spectre of Part D, Medicare's prescription drug benefit. During the Democratic primaries, I urged both leading candidates to scrap the regulation prohibiting Medicare from negotiating drug prices with pharmaceutical companies. Now I wonder if the Trump/Ryan vision of Medicare allows for prescription drugs at all.
5
It would also be wise to remind all those who have found Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security vital (and those whose parents and grandparents have found the same), of a little history.
Each of those programs were created and passed, over the strenuous objections of Republicans, by Democratic presidents and Democratic congresses.
Each of those programs were created and passed, over the strenuous objections of Republicans, by Democratic presidents and Democratic congresses.
473
Democrats missed the boat on these programs over the Obama years. They should have rigorously outed Ryan et al on their desire to privatize these essential programs, and to raise the eligibility age (take that roofers! take that hair stylists!) They should have campaigned on these issues! The only time I ever heard Obama mention SS was during a quit speech in which he stated how important it had been to his granny in retirement. Not exactly a full-throated endorsement or challenge to the GOP--- "NEVER, NEVER try to dismantle, shrink or privatize these programs which are the basis of a civilized society" might have been the start of a successful campaign.
1
If Medicare is phased out, that dumps 50-odd million seniors onto the private insurance market, otherwise known as Obamacare. Thus, repeal and replace becomes infinitely harder.
1
Can someone tell me why health care in the US is twice what countries like Germany and Denmark?
And before you say it is malpractice, google what those costs are, 2.5% of health care and most of that is costs of defensive medicine.
I pay for my own Blue Cross Blue Shield. In 2010, I paid $200 a month with a $2,500 max out of pocket. For 2017 I will be paying $900 a month for a max out of pocket of $7,000.
And if you tell me it is because of Obama care and we need to now cover pre-existing conditions, Germany and Denmark have always done that and they have universal coverage and we don't.
And before you say it is malpractice, google what those costs are, 2.5% of health care and most of that is costs of defensive medicine.
I pay for my own Blue Cross Blue Shield. In 2010, I paid $200 a month with a $2,500 max out of pocket. For 2017 I will be paying $900 a month for a max out of pocket of $7,000.
And if you tell me it is because of Obama care and we need to now cover pre-existing conditions, Germany and Denmark have always done that and they have universal coverage and we don't.
282
We pay more for health care mainly because:
1. it is privatized and expected to deliver profits to share-holders at every turn (insurance companies, hospitals, etc., etc.)
2. the rabid development and use of technologies which are very expensive
3. drug prices
If we had a single-payer system, the savings would be considerable.
1. it is privatized and expected to deliver profits to share-holders at every turn (insurance companies, hospitals, etc., etc.)
2. the rabid development and use of technologies which are very expensive
3. drug prices
If we had a single-payer system, the savings would be considerable.
3
@Claire
I think you are right.
I keep hoping a state implements a single payer system and it is successful.
Colorado is trying but the insurance companies are fighting with a massive misinformation campaign.
But once a state does it successfully, both businesses and their employees will love it.
Another factor is some overhead for billing when hospitals and doctors have to deal with a multitude of different plans from a multitude of different companies.
Single payer will also fix this. There is a reason our electricity is provided by a regulated monopoly. It is more efficient.
I think you are right.
I keep hoping a state implements a single payer system and it is successful.
Colorado is trying but the insurance companies are fighting with a massive misinformation campaign.
But once a state does it successfully, both businesses and their employees will love it.
Another factor is some overhead for billing when hospitals and doctors have to deal with a multitude of different plans from a multitude of different companies.
Single payer will also fix this. There is a reason our electricity is provided by a regulated monopoly. It is more efficient.
1
It's called greed.
2
And it's also an opportunity for ALL OF US to make sure we explain to our friends, neighbors, family, fellow congregants, and coworkers exactly why we should keep Medicare.
Unfortunately, they've been brainwashed to have a faith in "free markets" and "unfettered capitalism" that reaches a near religious level. And they've been conditioned to believe that the sole cause of runaway healthcare cost is "excessive government regulation". And they've been sold on the fiction that all government statistics are lies.
So, regardless of the truth of the arguments, it will be an uphill battle. We will be trying to convince people for whom fact based arguments are unpersuasive and evidence is easily denied.
The triumph of Trump is the triumph of seductive lies, even if proven, over inconvenient truths no matter how well supported by facts and evidence. And now we're in for the fight FOR our lives. Quite literally.
Unfortunately, they've been brainwashed to have a faith in "free markets" and "unfettered capitalism" that reaches a near religious level. And they've been conditioned to believe that the sole cause of runaway healthcare cost is "excessive government regulation". And they've been sold on the fiction that all government statistics are lies.
So, regardless of the truth of the arguments, it will be an uphill battle. We will be trying to convince people for whom fact based arguments are unpersuasive and evidence is easily denied.
The triumph of Trump is the triumph of seductive lies, even if proven, over inconvenient truths no matter how well supported by facts and evidence. And now we're in for the fight FOR our lives. Quite literally.
7
I find it interesting that upwards of 30% of Medicare recipients purchase it through the Medicare Advantage Program, which is delivered by private health insurance companies competing for clients in the open market and making a profit. Most compete by marketing expansions of Medicare services beyond what is required. And the percentage is growing every year. This would seem to be an extraordinary privatization success trumpeted by Republicans. But no, they don't even recognize the success. It cannot get more hypocritical than that.
I have no facts to back up this observation, but many of those 30% may be individuals whose former employers are still covering their health insurance. That's what happened to my parents who found themselves on Medicare Advantage one January morning two years ago - and it was most definitely not to their advantage.
2
Surprise, surprise. This man is not a politician. In truth he is a pragmatic tactician. Everything he has said or done had one goal-- taking over the presidency. This started with his birtherism. It was never about the truth. He had an issue to inflame and delegitimize our president. It worked in his base. He has no interest in delivering on his "promises," unless they work to consolidate his own power. Giving this to "bone" republicans consolidates his power and insulates him. He will control all branches of government, and the media as well. He doen't care about "the people" except as his tools, and he doesn't like democracy or principles. The man lives in a gilded palace and named his latest child "Baron." He believe that his weath makes him better than other people, but so much of his wealth has been stolen from other and the government. He's not in jail and won't be anytime soon, so maybe he has a point. We haven't all been playing the same game here. Now he's in charge of all of it. Do not expect any compassion.
14
This is a very old Republican trope. Medicare is government run; government is bad; open up the coffers for private profiteers. Maybe Martin Skreli, who knows all about grabbing unearned profits, can be appointed to administer this dismantling of a program that most helps those vulnerable citizens who voted for Trump. These are the working people who, ever since the New Deal, have grumbled against the freeloaders and unions, while on their way to cash their Social Security or union pension checks. They reliably imbibe the socially conservative Cool Aid the Republicans dish out every election, and then just as reliably vote against their interests.
3
This discussion needs to point out the HUGE incremental cost that a 60-something brings to a company's health insurance premium.
In my company, as an employee aged, we saw their monthly premiums ratchet upward.
For example, in this ACA compliant plan:
50 year old: $400 per month
55 year old: $650 per month
60 year old: $750 per month
The premium for the 60 year old is $350 more per month or $4200 more per year than a 50 year old.
That is significant for any business.
In my company, as an employee aged, we saw their monthly premiums ratchet upward.
For example, in this ACA compliant plan:
50 year old: $400 per month
55 year old: $650 per month
60 year old: $750 per month
The premium for the 60 year old is $350 more per month or $4200 more per year than a 50 year old.
That is significant for any business.
1
It is up to the Democratic Party and all elected Democrat politicians to go far and wide and tell this story to their constituents. They must tell it over and over until the reality sinks in. If there are no elected Democrats in an area some must be sent in, or locals with followings must tell this story. The media, then, may pick it up. The media won't help without it. The Democrats must speak out, something they haven't been good at so far.
Each day, when I read stories about people being thought of for positions in the government I get more and more fearful of what will happen to this country in the next four years. I'm 81 and not worried about myself, but my children and grandchildren will suffer as a result of this election. We must never let this happen again.
Each day, when I read stories about people being thought of for positions in the government I get more and more fearful of what will happen to this country in the next four years. I'm 81 and not worried about myself, but my children and grandchildren will suffer as a result of this election. We must never let this happen again.
17
"...Mr. Ryan, [attacks Medicare] a program that clearly demonstrates the power of government to improve people’s lives."
That's the crux of the matter. First off, Republicans have long opposed the very idea of universal health programs. Finding their blatant opposition politically problematic, they shifted to "fixing" these same program they earlier completely opposed. Enter Paul Ryan whose opposition to Medicare is almost wholly ideological: a government-run program cannot, must not succeed; only "free markets" succeed.
To this sort of thinking I offer two observations: First, there are no universal health care systems grounded in "free markets". All current successful systems have a healthy governmental element. Second, so far I've been able to determine, Mr. Ryan has not studied the multiple existing and successful systems around the world to learn what works and what does not, a sensible approach for one seeking to engage the subject (cf. Taiwanese).
Ryan and others of similar persusion should be publicly challenged to defend why apparant blind ideology should prevail over actual experience, and why the latter should be completely ignored. I think the reason is that Ryan is not much interested in "fixing" Medicare -- that's a guise. He's interested in privatization (a la Ayn Rand?).
That's the crux of the matter. First off, Republicans have long opposed the very idea of universal health programs. Finding their blatant opposition politically problematic, they shifted to "fixing" these same program they earlier completely opposed. Enter Paul Ryan whose opposition to Medicare is almost wholly ideological: a government-run program cannot, must not succeed; only "free markets" succeed.
To this sort of thinking I offer two observations: First, there are no universal health care systems grounded in "free markets". All current successful systems have a healthy governmental element. Second, so far I've been able to determine, Mr. Ryan has not studied the multiple existing and successful systems around the world to learn what works and what does not, a sensible approach for one seeking to engage the subject (cf. Taiwanese).
Ryan and others of similar persusion should be publicly challenged to defend why apparant blind ideology should prevail over actual experience, and why the latter should be completely ignored. I think the reason is that Ryan is not much interested in "fixing" Medicare -- that's a guise. He's interested in privatization (a la Ayn Rand?).
19
Paul - spot on. Trump's supporters are infested with Hillary Derangement Syndrome so badly that they are blind to the damage Trump will do to them. Take away Medicare? That is so clearly a sop to the insurance industry. The only viable solution for American healthcare is a single payer system. Medicare for all. It's efficient, comprehensive, and inline with every other major country. But so long as corporate America owns Congress, it will never happen. Talk about pay to play!
2
Since the election, Donald Trump has been demonstrating by his appointments and actions that he is intent upon doing all of the terrible things he promised to do during the campaign.
He is ready to do terrible things like treating climate change as though it were a hoax and tossing Mexican immigrants out of the country.
He wants to do terrible things like making life miserable for any and all Muslims in America.
He is busy at terrible things like cozying up to authoritarian leaders like Putin, al-Assad and Erdogan.
Donald Trump promised his older, white, working-class supporters to do all of these things.
Now, on the subject of Medicare, Trump is intent upon doing a terrible thing he promised NOT to do during the campaign. He is going to turn Medicare into a business venture for wealthy investors, thereby making healthcare more expensive for retirees and older working people -- the people who elected him.
Do you think any of those working people who staunchly supported Trump will begin to get the idea that they have been manipulated?
He is ready to do terrible things like treating climate change as though it were a hoax and tossing Mexican immigrants out of the country.
He wants to do terrible things like making life miserable for any and all Muslims in America.
He is busy at terrible things like cozying up to authoritarian leaders like Putin, al-Assad and Erdogan.
Donald Trump promised his older, white, working-class supporters to do all of these things.
Now, on the subject of Medicare, Trump is intent upon doing a terrible thing he promised NOT to do during the campaign. He is going to turn Medicare into a business venture for wealthy investors, thereby making healthcare more expensive for retirees and older working people -- the people who elected him.
Do you think any of those working people who staunchly supported Trump will begin to get the idea that they have been manipulated?
3
Krugman: "It would create a lot of opportunities for private profits, earned by diverting dollars that could have been used to provide health care."
This is the real reason for privatizing Medicare: to enrich the health insurance providers that contribute generously to Republican politicians. It has nothing to do with advancing the public/common good.
This is the real reason for privatizing Medicare: to enrich the health insurance providers that contribute generously to Republican politicians. It has nothing to do with advancing the public/common good.
4
If you think Dr. Krugman is over stating Trump's plans once in office, take a look at what happened to Wisconsin with the election of Scott Walker. Having never talked about getting rid of public sector unions during the race for office, once Walker was elected and had a legislative majority, he immediately enacted Act 10 which decimated his enemies, (the unions) and created a hero for every right wing politician in America. Walker is one of Trump's supporters and has shown Trump the path to success.
Republican's have wanted to end Social Security and Medicare since the acts were passed into law generations ago. This is the first time both the Congress and Presidency have been in their hands since the 1920's (prior to both Social Security and Medicare). Trump will try to get rid of both programs along with the ACA as soon as he can with the help of Congress. And with a loaded Supreme Court, he will succeed.
If you don't believe it, you'd better take a look at history and think about how Mr. Trump and the Congressional leaders want to make their mark. Free market capitalists are no joke. They want to get at all of the money in those programs that flow into middle class American pockets. They've wanted it for a long. long time. They have their chance. Do you think they are going to pass it up?
Welcome to Trump's world, America. You are about to pay a big, big price.
Republican's have wanted to end Social Security and Medicare since the acts were passed into law generations ago. This is the first time both the Congress and Presidency have been in their hands since the 1920's (prior to both Social Security and Medicare). Trump will try to get rid of both programs along with the ACA as soon as he can with the help of Congress. And with a loaded Supreme Court, he will succeed.
If you don't believe it, you'd better take a look at history and think about how Mr. Trump and the Congressional leaders want to make their mark. Free market capitalists are no joke. They want to get at all of the money in those programs that flow into middle class American pockets. They've wanted it for a long. long time. They have their chance. Do you think they are going to pass it up?
Welcome to Trump's world, America. You are about to pay a big, big price.
5
Scott Walker is Exhibit A in stealth privatization... and he weathered a recall and got re-elected. How? Because he and the legislature played on the resentment many voters feel toward public servants who have decent wages and benefits and whose compensation is derived from their hard-earned taxes.
Mr. Trump and his allies in Congress should learn the lessons from Mr. Walker's handiwork and from Mr. GW Bush's blunders. If they leave social security and Medicare alone there are plenty of other government funded areas to be privatized and plundered! Public education, public works, police, and firefighting are all ripe for the picking... he could be like Mr. Walker and decimate public employee unions, retain public support and line the pockets of the 1%... or be like Mr. GW Bush and get a Democratic Congress in 2018.
Mr. Trump and his allies in Congress should learn the lessons from Mr. Walker's handiwork and from Mr. GW Bush's blunders. If they leave social security and Medicare alone there are plenty of other government funded areas to be privatized and plundered! Public education, public works, police, and firefighting are all ripe for the picking... he could be like Mr. Walker and decimate public employee unions, retain public support and line the pockets of the 1%... or be like Mr. GW Bush and get a Democratic Congress in 2018.
1
Too many people don't think about Congress during a Presidential election. Didn't they take civics ever in school?
Paul Ryan has not been backward about wanting Medicare gone, and frankly Social Security too. Medicare is targeted first, because once it is gone, it cannot be the blueprint for universal healthcare.
My mother, born in the first year of FDR's presidency told me that she was born into the Administration that enacted the greatest social programs in our history, and is likely to die during the Administration that kills them. It lasted only one lifetime.
Bait and switch doesn't come close to describing it. Betrayal is the word.
Paul Ryan has not been backward about wanting Medicare gone, and frankly Social Security too. Medicare is targeted first, because once it is gone, it cannot be the blueprint for universal healthcare.
My mother, born in the first year of FDR's presidency told me that she was born into the Administration that enacted the greatest social programs in our history, and is likely to die during the Administration that kills them. It lasted only one lifetime.
Bait and switch doesn't come close to describing it. Betrayal is the word.
7
Medicare and Social Security are necessary but not sufficient for a retiree's health and wellness. For me, they form a core on which I can and have built out a much more robust and secure future. They are clearly more cost-efficient than other private options for health or investments. They should be viewed as the public works they are, generating public good. Turning them over to the higher cost private side will lead to the heart rot which will ultimately fell that mighty oak that was America.
3
You are very luck that these programs are just a part of YOUR future. For many if not most of our brothers and sisters, they are the ONLY support that will prevent them from becoming the "apple annies" of the 21st century. When you defend them, please do so with a more robust concern for others.
3
This is exactly what I predicted, but hope it doesn't come to pass. Trump no doubt allowed the working class to believe he supported these programs merely to hold their votes. And his campaign intentionally spawned daily controversies to eliminate any serious questions as to his policies. Now he will probably spin it to pretend that new economic information, that is he is just becoming privy to, requires rapid and radical action. The senate had better be ready to stand up and stop the nonsense.
3
All one needs to do is see the people surrounding Trump & the ones he has already elevated to positions in the coming government. Those that repeated & heeded the constant drumbeat of mudslinging of the Republican slime machine, will soon regret the votes they cast for the lies of Trump. Make no mistake the extreme right has taken hold of the United States Government. Our only defense is an aroused public and the thin line in the Senate led by Chuck Schumer. Which means that they will have the power to do pretty much anything they have been dreaming & scheming for all these years. As H. L. Mencken said many years ago " The worst government is often the most moral. One composed of cynics is often very tolerant and humane. But when fanatics are on top there is no limit to oppression"
3
A key promise of the "Make America Great Again" agenda is the return of jobs to America. But how? Well, by the China-tization of America - that is the reduction of total compensation to workers (pay and benefits pre and post retirement) to that at or below Chinese workers. The elimination of Medicare fits this new "Great Again" economic model for America. No one promised better lives, just more jobs, so the means fit the ends. And "Make American Great Again" voters misunderstand the real message.
Like the great Republican that he is, Ryan wants to double down on China-tization and to push for the Haiti-zation of America - shining mansions in the hills and despair and squalor in the valley. Let's thank Wisconsin for this one. Also, Ryan professes to be a good Catholic - what would Jesus say?
Like the great Republican that he is, Ryan wants to double down on China-tization and to push for the Haiti-zation of America - shining mansions in the hills and despair and squalor in the valley. Let's thank Wisconsin for this one. Also, Ryan professes to be a good Catholic - what would Jesus say?
8
Precisely the opposite should happen--Medicare should be extended to cover everyone. The change could be phased in over several years, beginning with the most vulnerable--children, the poor and unemployed. Insurance companies perform no necessary function, and drug companies are out of control.
18
Trump should of had signs everywhere stating his real election motto, 'Buyer Beware'. I dub him the King of Bait And Switch. The alternative republican voucher plan would stress most seniors finances while leaving insurance companies rich. Additionally it would stress the healthcare system because of greater losses due to uncollectible fees owed by senior patients who will not have the assets to cover from such a republican program.
6
Everyone desperately wants Trump for their own personal useful idiot, from Paul Ryan to Nancy Pelosi to Reince Priebus, from Mitt Romney to Vladimir Putin, from Steve Bannon to Trumps' kids and their partners. Meanwhile, nut jobs like Flynn, Bannon, Gaffney will be pouring their twisted narratives, reduced to something simple enough to fit a 15 second attention span, into The President's empty head. The resulting "decisions" will certainly be unpredictable, if that is the objective. But under the circumstances, they will also likely be crazy, random, and blatantly unethical and unconstitutional. Due to simple incompetence, un-vetted candidates with seriously stinky baggage will get thrown into confirmation hearings where they get slapped around. Russian/Trump/Wikileaks collusion will be found, almost a literal modern Watergate. Trump's business holdings are de facto unethical for him to keep. Plus Trump U. America will see what it bought, just as they saw what they re-elected in '72. It took a little over a year to turn Nixon's landslide into "so long". In these days of instant news, Trump may fall much faster.
6
The Hippocratic Oath says in part, "do no harm". It is unfortunate that the Oath of Office does not include a similar sentiment. Trump and his Republican cohorts have no moral compass. Killing Medicare will do irreparable harm to a vast array of Americans, both those who supported Trump and the majority who did not.
If they cancel Medicare, I want every cent I contributed returned to me with interest, not a voucher which will be worth pennies on the dollar.
If they cancel Medicare, I want every cent I contributed returned to me with interest, not a voucher which will be worth pennies on the dollar.
11
I love your last statement. That should be the starting point of the Democratic Party's fight against this nonsense, and the words on our protest signs as we at long last speak out against the monstrosity that is the GOP.
1
It never ceases to amaze me that the Republican party wants to attack yet another program that actually helps people when they need help the most. I am currently on disability and had to buy health insurance for two years until I was eligible for Medicare. The costs of private insurance for someone really ill is astronomical and it is through Medicare I know I can have coverage without breaking the bank.
It will be interesting to see what the older white supporters of Trump will think when their candidate wants to recreate a program that they really depend upon.
I do hope that those on Medicare through age or disability will revolt to reject this nonsense that the Republican party wants to force down everyone's throat. Don't they realize that they will eventually end up in this program>
It will be interesting to see what the older white supporters of Trump will think when their candidate wants to recreate a program that they really depend upon.
I do hope that those on Medicare through age or disability will revolt to reject this nonsense that the Republican party wants to force down everyone's throat. Don't they realize that they will eventually end up in this program>
14
These politicians have voted themselves free medical care for life, paid for by taxpayers. They could care less what happens to Medicare.
1
The older white supporters are completely and proudly selfish. Trump and the GOP will phase in the ruination of these programs on an incremental basis. Their supporters won't be affected and they simply do not have any concern for The Commons, so they will not say a word. That's how this group rolls.
I am just reeling from the reality of where we are headed. The Republicans will have a scorched earth policy when it comes to entitlements with nothing to stop them. We can protest and we can write and call our Congress people, but al the draconian measures are going to go full steam ahead.
One thing that is a bright spot, Trump's adoring senior citizens will not be so adoring anymore. Maybe those supporters can organize a march on Washington with their wheelchairs, walkers and other medical equipment they have courtesy of Medicare.
I am a senior citizen and the day I turned 65 was one of the happiest in my life because I had been paying for private insurance which I could just barely afford. I am not certain what my options will be if I have to seek private insurance. I am helping to care for my Mother who is 90, and although independent requires assistance. Further, my husband has just been diagnosed with the early stages of dementia. Because of my obligations, I cannot seek employment. I have savings, but they will quickly diminish if I have to pay for private insurance for my husband and myself, and when they are gone, they are gone. I had prepared for retirement, but not a retirement that included private insurance. I suspect I am not alone.
With each passing day, the sickening reality of a Trump administration approaches. I am so frightened for this country, not just for myself, but for all women, Blacks, Hispanics, immigrants, and Muslims. I am sad, just sad
One thing that is a bright spot, Trump's adoring senior citizens will not be so adoring anymore. Maybe those supporters can organize a march on Washington with their wheelchairs, walkers and other medical equipment they have courtesy of Medicare.
I am a senior citizen and the day I turned 65 was one of the happiest in my life because I had been paying for private insurance which I could just barely afford. I am not certain what my options will be if I have to seek private insurance. I am helping to care for my Mother who is 90, and although independent requires assistance. Further, my husband has just been diagnosed with the early stages of dementia. Because of my obligations, I cannot seek employment. I have savings, but they will quickly diminish if I have to pay for private insurance for my husband and myself, and when they are gone, they are gone. I had prepared for retirement, but not a retirement that included private insurance. I suspect I am not alone.
With each passing day, the sickening reality of a Trump administration approaches. I am so frightened for this country, not just for myself, but for all women, Blacks, Hispanics, immigrants, and Muslims. I am sad, just sad
5
Mr. Krugman is the first person I have heard claiming President elect Trump wants to change/eliminate Medicare. I highly doubt it. Granted Medicare is another social program which is not sustainable. in the future, ( when geriatric baby boomers continue to be much more expensive for the program) it will continue to become more expensive, unstainable and will probably cost the patient more. Your editorial staff should report fact not fiction.
16
It's called math. It's only unsustainable if we choose not to fund it.
And it is a fact that it's far more efficient than private insurance. Moreover, given the number of covered lives, Medicare and CMS give the public sector leverage over private insurers, whose primary motivation is nothing more than profit.
This is a perfect example, as Krugman points out, of government doing something right. Which of course means that those who want government to fail want Medicare to fail...and the false narrative that insolvency is inevitable is their primary tool. Congratulations for buying into it.
Oh, and by the way, Krugman is an editorialist, not a reporter. He is expressing opinion. Nevertheless, he is also correct on the facts. If you want to find lies, look to the narcissist-elect and Paul Ryan.
And it is a fact that it's far more efficient than private insurance. Moreover, given the number of covered lives, Medicare and CMS give the public sector leverage over private insurers, whose primary motivation is nothing more than profit.
This is a perfect example, as Krugman points out, of government doing something right. Which of course means that those who want government to fail want Medicare to fail...and the false narrative that insolvency is inevitable is their primary tool. Congratulations for buying into it.
Oh, and by the way, Krugman is an editorialist, not a reporter. He is expressing opinion. Nevertheless, he is also correct on the facts. If you want to find lies, look to the narcissist-elect and Paul Ryan.
4
So - perhaps this will not be published and perhaps that is the correct choice, but how did this become a Time's Pick? What is the criteria for such a pick? The opinion in this response is demonstrably wrong, as pointed out in Dr. Krugman's opinion piece. Rather than Medicare being a social program (and entitlement) that is unsustainable, with the enactment of the ACA the program has been able to "rein in long-term rises in Medicare expenses." I do agree with one thing noted in the letter - the editorial staff should report fact not fiction, then perhaps the writer of the letter would have been better equipped to understand the argument that is being made in Dr. Krugman's editorial.
Janis - have you been reading the papers lately? Paul Ryan has announced his plans to "privatize" Medicare, which means to eliminate it. Trump has not come out against this, threatened a veto or in any way indicated that he is opposed to it.
Medicare, like Social Security, is only "not sustainable" if our political leaders refuse to make it so. Fact, not fiction.
Medicare, like Social Security, is only "not sustainable" if our political leaders refuse to make it so. Fact, not fiction.
1
This isn't a black and white issue, and we have yet to have a serious open discussion about the limits of social insurance. Will 75 million Boomers be entitled to free hip and knee replacements, or heart transplants, the way everyone is entitled to dialysis, regardless of the cost? Subtle issues like moral hazard and profiteering need to be addressed. Such behavioral variables boggle the minds of brilliant experts, let alone the uneducated. I wish we could establish that health insurance must be non-profit, because it's immoral for investors to profit from other's illnesses. But, you're right, the new administration won't see it that way. To the barricades, Grey Panthers!
6
People pay for Medicare during their working years, when they are receiving Medicare, and many people pay for the supplement. It is not free.
2
The incoming Trump administration will try to create a false crisis about Medicare. They will argue that the only way to solve the crisis is to require adoption of a Ryan-like plan. I am afraid big media, as it often does, is more likely to act as the messengers of this false crisis, than to expose it for its falsity. Those with the most to lose from a Republican attempt to destroy Medicare, seniors and those nearing seniorhood, will have to fight for their lives, to save the program from destruction. This will be one of many issues on which Trump will be exposed as a false prophet for those in the working class who supported his candidacy. We all better brace ourselves for this attack, one of many to come, and be prepared to fight it tooth and nail.
9
The loss of any or a substantial portion of Medicare and /or social Security benefits for current seniors would be especially appropos given how badly they seem to have wanted Trump and the republican policies which will soon follow.
Paul Ryan et al, has made it abundantly clear for years, the intention of the republican party was to dismantle Medicare and Social Security. Trump's supporters are the very same who have supported Ryan's positions by their ongoing support for the republicans throughout the years.
The people knew, or should have known, what was in store for them with a Trump victory. If the chickens come home to roost and seniors lose substantial portions of their benefits, it will be more than poetic justice.
But at least they can feel "great again".
Paul Ryan et al, has made it abundantly clear for years, the intention of the republican party was to dismantle Medicare and Social Security. Trump's supporters are the very same who have supported Ryan's positions by their ongoing support for the republicans throughout the years.
The people knew, or should have known, what was in store for them with a Trump victory. If the chickens come home to roost and seniors lose substantial portions of their benefits, it will be more than poetic justice.
But at least they can feel "great again".
2
What is needed here -- obvious to this wily old marketer -- is a campaign to show in simple language, accompanied by easy-to-understand graphics, what private, profit-making health care is compared with tax-supported, non-profit health care. Folks must be shown how, if we all chip in and pay according to what we earn, we'll be taken care of when we're sick. Then, we must be shown that privatization -- with, of course, millions upon millions of dollars going to advertising and corporate bigwig salaries -- will take care of only those who plenty of money to be sick.
Mark Bertolini, the CEO of Aetna Insurance, received $27.9 million in compensation in 2015. Other CEOs are doing OK, too. Anyone who thinks privatization is good for us is seriously need of mental health counseling.
Mark Bertolini, the CEO of Aetna Insurance, received $27.9 million in compensation in 2015. Other CEOs are doing OK, too. Anyone who thinks privatization is good for us is seriously need of mental health counseling.
2
So people in their declining years are going to get a "voucher" to buy health insurance? Experience with my parents and now on my own account demonstrates that even with the relative simplicity of Medicare, managing the system is daunting. The flood of paper, analyzing part B and D options, keeping track of co-pays, etc. are not trivial. Now add to that the potential wading through an avalanche of advertising (much of it misleading if current experience is any guide) and then choose a policy that provides adequate coverage and is affordable within the voucher limit? I don't think so.
Like the election sign said, "Keep the government's hands off my Medicare."
Like the election sign said, "Keep the government's hands off my Medicare."
4
The answer to the question "why go after Medicare and Social Security" was offered by an infamous bank robber years ago, 'because that's where the money is.'
Paul Ryan and his GOP cohorts know that twenty-first century capitalism is in a global slump and doesn't see a way out. Despite all the phony rhetoric about efficiency, individual choice and smaller government, what he really wants is our money.
After all, both Medicare and Social Security represent our money that we have decided through the democratic process to spend just as it is being spent. But with no referendum or any authority Ryan proposes the largest capital transfer from the public side to the private side in history.
The result, his buddies on Wall Street and in the Insurance industry will make a killing and this perfectly sound use of government to benefit all the people will be left in tatters. This is one issue that cuts across both parties and we should answer Ryan's scheme with a resounding NO!
Paul Ryan and his GOP cohorts know that twenty-first century capitalism is in a global slump and doesn't see a way out. Despite all the phony rhetoric about efficiency, individual choice and smaller government, what he really wants is our money.
After all, both Medicare and Social Security represent our money that we have decided through the democratic process to spend just as it is being spent. But with no referendum or any authority Ryan proposes the largest capital transfer from the public side to the private side in history.
The result, his buddies on Wall Street and in the Insurance industry will make a killing and this perfectly sound use of government to benefit all the people will be left in tatters. This is one issue that cuts across both parties and we should answer Ryan's scheme with a resounding NO!
3
Wow. So, first thank you. Your writing is much better when focusing on an economic issue and related policy rather than simply political struggles. To the politics though, while I appreciate your attempt at optimism for the continuing struggle, I would suggest that the mind numbing insanity of rewarding by electing those who's religion is to destroy the government that cedes them the power they crave (Ryan/McConnell/Pence/Trump etal) has ultimately won. The proof is in the moral failure reflected in many reader responses. Rationalizing angry (ignorant?) assertions with no factual basis to support their adherence to fanatical belief that the individuals that broke the system are going to fix it. God help us.
1
And of course, Medicare demonstrates the absolute success of a massive, single payer health insurance system. That is probably its greatest threat. Ryan and his gang must obliterate Medicare to prove themselves right in their hatred of Obamacare. The idea that Medicare, along with Social Security could conceivably be destroyed to satisfy Ryan's ego is shameful.
4
Aren't there enough Democrats in the US Senate to prevent the privatization (voucherization) of Medicare? There are. Senate Rule 22, whereby the minority is empowered to force a two-thirds agreement to legislation (by way of refusing to close debate and bring the matter to a vote) is there for this very reason, namely, to save the majority of the American people from the tyranny of an unrepresentative Senate majority.
I for one am not looking for protests or for an activist media. I'd like to see the Democratic party use the considerable power left them, among which is an outreach and education on the critical issues at risk under the new administration.
Democrats were, I believe, the most lame and ineffective political opposition this country has ever seen, versus George W. Bush. Perhaps they can do better this time around, and maybe recapture a national electorate they have failed and lost.
I for one am not looking for protests or for an activist media. I'd like to see the Democratic party use the considerable power left them, among which is an outreach and education on the critical issues at risk under the new administration.
Democrats were, I believe, the most lame and ineffective political opposition this country has ever seen, versus George W. Bush. Perhaps they can do better this time around, and maybe recapture a national electorate they have failed and lost.
2
The Republicans want to replace and destroy Medicare which will have the effect of reducing demand for medical services. This will preserve the tiered system of care which benefits the affluent and throw the uninsured on the open market. And, since the latter can't afford medical insurance, they will die at earlier age than otherwise. We can be confident that free market economists will neglect to calculate this negative externality and instead argue that the market's magic will create a more efficient and rational system.
2
Mr. Krugman likes to manipulate numbers and mislead the readers regarding changes the new Administration may or may not be able make regarding entitlements. The Affordable Care Act is increasing the federal governments Medicaid costs dramatically. The federal government is reimbursing the States for a portion of their Medicaid costs. However, the States have virtually no incentive to be cost conscious and are paying very high rates to benefit insurers and hospitals. There will be no changes to seniors today to their Medicare payments - Mr. Krugman picks a sensitive area which is only a part of our vast medical system and frightens readers into thinking their Medicare benefits will be cut. He has no idea what kind of legislation will be enacted - if any! In the meantime, stop needlessly alarming the public with misinformation.
We know that Trump voters were conned.
How do we stop them from being conned on the privatization of Medicare.
First, shopping for health care insurance is complicated and ripe for predatory practices towards seniors, similar to the predatory mortgage lending.
And we know that in ten years the amount the subsidies will cover will be much less and that seniors will be paying more of their Social Security benefits towards health insurance, lowering their standard of living.
And all so the insurance companies can make money, providing no value when compared to government run Medicare.
But these voters got conned. And Paul Ryan and Trump will tell them this new plan will be "fabulous, the greatest" and people will believe them.
How do we fight the conning of people who want to hear and believe what Trump says?
How do we stop them from being conned on the privatization of Medicare.
First, shopping for health care insurance is complicated and ripe for predatory practices towards seniors, similar to the predatory mortgage lending.
And we know that in ten years the amount the subsidies will cover will be much less and that seniors will be paying more of their Social Security benefits towards health insurance, lowering their standard of living.
And all so the insurance companies can make money, providing no value when compared to government run Medicare.
But these voters got conned. And Paul Ryan and Trump will tell them this new plan will be "fabulous, the greatest" and people will believe them.
How do we fight the conning of people who want to hear and believe what Trump says?
2
As a Medicare recipient, I tend to agree. However, the basic narrative of the Republicans is that private healthcare is better than anything the government does. Of course, it's baloney since profit and staggering amounts of paperwork add at 20 percent to the costs. Still I encounter friends who struggle each year to figure out the best Part D (drug) plan and many physicians who do not accept Medicare. Until we end the hybrid, Rube Goldberg system which tries to combine public and private insurance we'll never succeed. I'm waiting for Professor Krugman to finally admit that he was wrong in attacking Bernie Sanders who rightly proposed "Medicare for all." Such partisan myopia has led us to the brink of the healthcare abyss we all now face.
4
Although the Ryan plan to go to a "voucher" system for Medicare is said not to affect those over 55 years old, there are many ways that Medicare regulations can be manipulated so current beneficiaries become frustrated and unhappy with the program and costs seem to rise.
Putting the Republican party of "limited government " in charge of making government work means government will fail. Congress and the Senate will continue to be wealthy enough to self-fund health care or will have the health care the rest of us (including other federal employees) wish was available.
Putting the Republican party of "limited government " in charge of making government work means government will fail. Congress and the Senate will continue to be wealthy enough to self-fund health care or will have the health care the rest of us (including other federal employees) wish was available.
5
You actually sound surprised Trump is changing his stance on Medicare. He lied about everything his whole campaign so it was obvious to those of us who voted for a real American the damage his presidency would do. Why does nobody in the media do a study on how things work out when privatized, but you will need to put it in bullet points of 140 characters or less so people might read it. How is it going for the prison privatization? How about the states that decided to privatize Medicaid to save money (like my state did this year)? Anybody with a brain and some logic would realize that all privatization does is give some big corporation a huge profit and rip off the little people who need the help. How about those for-profit schools (like Trump U) how do they compare to a public college? For profit is for some corporations profit, just like privatization. Trump probably has stock in the insurance business so is looking for his own profit margin. I would guess many of the people who were fooled by him and voted for him will regret the vote, but folks it is too late for regrets - you need to look into promises and outright lies. The government in complete republican control can only bode badly for the regular people. The rich will love it.
5
Of course, our Republican friends will cut benefits and privatize Medicare in order to save them. They will be careful to preserve the current program for those who are already receiving the benefits they have paid for and will only modify the programs for those who are not yet eligible for benefits. The future beneficiaries won't feel the sting of privatization for another ten or twenty years by which time Mr. Trump and his friends will have had plenty of time to clean out the treasury and destroy what is left of the middle class.
1
The reality, in spite of all the denial, is that Mr. Trump, the mercurial pompous bombastic city slicker, is about to get rolled by his calculating self-righteous pious "rural" (read beltway) cousins for whom Mr. Trump is merely a means to their end of executing their contract ON America. They are part and parcel of the professional permanent ruling class and as such they represent their paymasters, the uber wealthy. Policy for them is about profit for the entitled and not the common good. What Dr. Krugman outlines is but the first step in an attempt to turn back the pages of history to the supposedly halcyon days of the Robber Barons and we'll all be part of plutocrats, the silent majority, right? No?
The unfortunate reality is that the general public will suffer the burden of Mr. Trump's education in the ways of the swamp.
The unfortunate reality is that the general public will suffer the burden of Mr. Trump's education in the ways of the swamp.
"It’s also a chance for the news media, which failed so badly during the campaign, to start doing its job." Et tu, Brute" Dr. Krugman, an apology to Senator Sanders is in order. "Medicare for all" and President Sanders would have prevented the fears we are confronted with, and Krugman told us we can not afford what most of the industrialized world takes for granted: universal healthcare.
That said, it is not the media, demonstrably opportunists devoid of a moral compass, but the elderly, their families, physicians and nurses, educators, and progressives like Sanders and Warren who can crush this effort to thwart the democratic will.
Ryan will "use" Trump to destroy Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, WIC, Food Stamps, public education, the EPA, OSHA, and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Ryan doe not understand Trump or economics. Ryan and others are caught in a comic book narrative loop touted by Ayn Rand, that does not resemble reality any more than any other adolescent autoerotic delusion. Ryan is a boy scout pretending to be a "super-hero", the problem being he is the Speaker.
How did this happen?
That said, it is not the media, demonstrably opportunists devoid of a moral compass, but the elderly, their families, physicians and nurses, educators, and progressives like Sanders and Warren who can crush this effort to thwart the democratic will.
Ryan will "use" Trump to destroy Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, WIC, Food Stamps, public education, the EPA, OSHA, and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Ryan doe not understand Trump or economics. Ryan and others are caught in a comic book narrative loop touted by Ayn Rand, that does not resemble reality any more than any other adolescent autoerotic delusion. Ryan is a boy scout pretending to be a "super-hero", the problem being he is the Speaker.
How did this happen?
Right again. The most chilling part is your statement that Medicare is in the cross hairs because of its success. Not despite it. Why does so much of the country continue to vote for people who run on the firm conviction that government cannot be made to work, and then set out to make that a self-fulfilling prophecy? (Suggested answer: it's because the Federal Government is the only thing big enough to stand up to the interests they really represent and because that government is how the People make an end run on individuals and entities too big to be stopped at the local or state level).
"Little Treasons" - this is my term for actions where our elected officials move against good ideas because they are good.
"Little Treasons" - this is my term for actions where our elected officials move against good ideas because they are good.
1
Tim - aren't we the people too smart to fall for a Trump/Ryan bait and switch? If Medicare is attacked, we will fight back tooth and claw, every way we have learned to fight for our needs in this plutocracy of a government. Privatization of Social Security likewise. E pluribus unum gave a portion of our lifetime wages to our government so we would be blessed with a social security blanket (however thin) in our elder age. President-elect Trump claims to be a champion of the white working class? The power of government to improve Americans' lives with Medicare and Social Security are blessings we hold dear to our hearts and life. We can be sure that Trump's Ozymandias promises will not be kept during his administration (for as long or as short a time it lasts). We the people who did not vote for him or the Republican ethos now in control of our entire government, will not knuckle under and kowtow and tug our forelocks to the His Trumpness, our Emperor in New Clothes.
1
Dear Dr. Paul, aren't we the people too smart to fall for a Trump/Ryan bait and switch? If Medicare is attacked, we will fight back tooth and claw, every way we have learned to fight for our needs in this plutocracy of a government. Privatization of Social Security likewise. E pluribus unum gave a portion of our lifetime wages to our government so we would be blessed with a social security blanket (however thin) in our elder age. President-elect Trump claims to be a champion of the white working class? The power of government to improve Americans' lives with Medicare and Social Security are blessings we hold dear to our hearts and life. We can be sure that Trump's Ozymandias promises will not be kept during his administration (for as long or as short a time it lasts). We the people who did not vote for him or the Republican ethos now in control of our entire government, will not knuckle under and kowtow and tug our forelocks to the His Trumpness, our Emperor in New Clothes.
1
This is off-topic, but important: Mr. Krugman, please write about the privatization movement which is destroying another pillar of democracy, public education. Billionaires want to take all our government services and make a profit off them while gouging taxpayers at the same time. Look what they did for the prison system. The same is happening with education and will happen with Medicare and the ACA if we do not call, write, and visit our elected representatives in Congress. Stand up or be swept aside!
1
It looks like it will be much harder than it should be to convince Trump's MAGA voters to place blame where blame is due, if the new administration is successful in gutting Medicare. My Facebook feed is already full of posts by Trump supporters making false (delusional?) claims that if any harm comes to Medicare under Trump's watch, it will be Obama's fault for running it into the ground and forcing Trump to action.
Candidate Senator Barack Obama was opposed to the conservative Republican Heritage Foundation capitalist individual mandate national health care plan. But Obama favored a robust public option.
President Obama adopted the Republican private option and dropped the liberal progressive Democratic public option. Touching the plan while black and POTUS fatally infected the plans in the hearts and minds of white Republican conservatives. Cutting the subsidies to insurance companies for Medicare coverage and giving it directly to the beneficiaries was part of the scheme along with eliminating any pre-existing condition exclusions.
Speaker Paul Davis Ryan has been on the government benefits and employment welfare dole ever since his father died when he was a teen. But Ryan has never worn an American military uniform nor served in any community human rights cause. Ryan is the ultimate Welfare King Taker pretending to be a intellectual honorable policy wonk heavyweight.
"Keep the government away from my Social Security and Medicare" became a conservative Republican Tea Party mantra. Privatizing either program would destroy them.
President Obama adopted the Republican private option and dropped the liberal progressive Democratic public option. Touching the plan while black and POTUS fatally infected the plans in the hearts and minds of white Republican conservatives. Cutting the subsidies to insurance companies for Medicare coverage and giving it directly to the beneficiaries was part of the scheme along with eliminating any pre-existing condition exclusions.
Speaker Paul Davis Ryan has been on the government benefits and employment welfare dole ever since his father died when he was a teen. But Ryan has never worn an American military uniform nor served in any community human rights cause. Ryan is the ultimate Welfare King Taker pretending to be a intellectual honorable policy wonk heavyweight.
"Keep the government away from my Social Security and Medicare" became a conservative Republican Tea Party mantra. Privatizing either program would destroy them.
2
I'm 64+ years old and I've been paying Social Security and Medicare taxes for 48 of them last 50 years (bascially since the inception of Medicare). I am not interested in vouchers, I want what I've been paying into for half a century. While the Republicans talk about "reform" what they really want is devolution to a time before Lyndon Johnson's Great Society. But despite the advocacy of Paul "voucher boy" Ryan for this devolution I do not think the Republilcans have a working majority to eliminate Medicare and deform Social Security in either the House or the Senate becuase not all of the Republican caucus wants to commit political suicide.
396
If that happens, we should march on Washington to demand all the money we've paid into Social Security for all these years back, with the interest that it was supposed to have been accruing all these years. After all, we are the Baby Boomers, the largest group of that has ever paid into the system. Where is our money and what we've been promised our entire working lives?
1
Their constituents need to make it clear to the legislators that it will be political suicide to vote for this. Otherwise they'll sneak it by without notice.
1
I fear they will grandfather in their elderly base, so there will be no outcry. Many Republicans do seem to be lacking in empathy and compassion.
Paul Ryan's privatization of Medicare scares me to death. Apart from the obvious quintupling of paperwork for all medical providers, the effects on care availability have to be negative. Old age healthcare is by nature unpredictable and expensive. Insurance companies are only in this, or any other, business for profit. Their standard approach of caps, denials, and forcing excess costs back onto the individual bodes poorly in this population. In fact I don't know why insurance companies would be attracted as participants in elderly healthcare coverage at all since there is no way to balance against a younger and less ill group. Healthcare is one area that demands a regulated (and single payer) approach.
5
" It would create a lot of opportunities for private profits, earned by diverting dollars that could have been used to provide health care."
All private companies are in business to make a profit. Providing healthcare is not their main purpose. Making money is. Healthcare services are their overhead and need to be kept to a minimum. The less spent on wages and materials, the higher the profit.
I don't pay taxes to provide profits to private companies.
I pay taxes to fund government resources and services for myself and my fellow citizens.
Trump wants to change the country? He could honor his campaign promise. Prove his word is good. He could raise the Social Security tax wage base limit to $250,000 and provide Medicare to all.
People would love him.
It would be huge.
All private companies are in business to make a profit. Providing healthcare is not their main purpose. Making money is. Healthcare services are their overhead and need to be kept to a minimum. The less spent on wages and materials, the higher the profit.
I don't pay taxes to provide profits to private companies.
I pay taxes to fund government resources and services for myself and my fellow citizens.
Trump wants to change the country? He could honor his campaign promise. Prove his word is good. He could raise the Social Security tax wage base limit to $250,000 and provide Medicare to all.
People would love him.
It would be huge.
How is Privatization sold without explaining how Medicare or Social Security beneficiaries could possibly benefit if the total expenditure remains the same and a "Middle Man," who's sole intent is to make a profit, is added to the mix?
In exactly the same way Conservative politician and pundits realized that a "Public Option" was viewed favorably while a "Government Option" was perceived negatively and began to only use the term Government Option in their successful drive to kill the Public Option as part of the ACA, "Privatization" should be Branded as "Middle-Manning," or the process of adding a profiteer to the equation and demand the GOP explain how the system could possibly become more efficient to its customers by adding a player whose only intent is to line their own pockets by cutting costs by diminishing the services they're supposed to provide.
Privatization is the GOP's way of providing revenue to their donors through a skim much like the one the Mob ran in Las Vegas for decades.
Pound this message home Also emphasize the profiteer will need to increasing expenses for advertising and marketing to compete in the open market, thereby diverting even more money from providing the paying customer, siphoning off funds simply for profit. Then demand the GOP explain how Privatization could possibly be of any benefit to efficiency. It's a message even older less educated White folks will understand. #NoMiddle-Man
In exactly the same way Conservative politician and pundits realized that a "Public Option" was viewed favorably while a "Government Option" was perceived negatively and began to only use the term Government Option in their successful drive to kill the Public Option as part of the ACA, "Privatization" should be Branded as "Middle-Manning," or the process of adding a profiteer to the equation and demand the GOP explain how the system could possibly become more efficient to its customers by adding a player whose only intent is to line their own pockets by cutting costs by diminishing the services they're supposed to provide.
Privatization is the GOP's way of providing revenue to their donors through a skim much like the one the Mob ran in Las Vegas for decades.
Pound this message home Also emphasize the profiteer will need to increasing expenses for advertising and marketing to compete in the open market, thereby diverting even more money from providing the paying customer, siphoning off funds simply for profit. Then demand the GOP explain how Privatization could possibly be of any benefit to efficiency. It's a message even older less educated White folks will understand. #NoMiddle-Man
1
Not once did Krugman mention US debt which has doubled in 8 years. President Obama will be leaving a bill as he exists in January that far exceeds all the Presidents before him. And because of Ocare, the CBO projects it will continue on that path going forward.
For a pure Keynesian such as Krugman, that is not an issue. However, John Maynard Keynes lived in an era when most of the Federal Government revenue was generated by tariffs, not income tax.
Income tax has big effect on human behavior, and therefore the economy. Even Krugman is an advocate for "sin" taxes. The government cannot "buy" jobs, especially with borrowed money. Only savings, which is profits can create capital.
A 1% increase in interest rates adds $160 billion to the US deficit, once the political price controls are lifted on interest, all bets are off.
And the biggest point is Krugman has no idea, pure speculation.
Was he invited to Trump tower this week?
For a pure Keynesian such as Krugman, that is not an issue. However, John Maynard Keynes lived in an era when most of the Federal Government revenue was generated by tariffs, not income tax.
Income tax has big effect on human behavior, and therefore the economy. Even Krugman is an advocate for "sin" taxes. The government cannot "buy" jobs, especially with borrowed money. Only savings, which is profits can create capital.
A 1% increase in interest rates adds $160 billion to the US deficit, once the political price controls are lifted on interest, all bets are off.
And the biggest point is Krugman has no idea, pure speculation.
Was he invited to Trump tower this week?
1
On a purely theoretical basis, Vouchers for Medical care could work, but it would require a value to the Voucher that actually allows for quality insurance and, as a check on that quality, make Medicare one of the choices for someone to use their voucher.
But if it is only a limited amount for the voucher that only permits crippled insurance with high deductibles, limited coverage, and exclusions for preventive care and no options other than these crippled policies, a voucher system would be an absolute disaster for all but the wealthy who could afford to add to the limited policies to provide adequate coverage.
Guess which one would be the result.
But if it is only a limited amount for the voucher that only permits crippled insurance with high deductibles, limited coverage, and exclusions for preventive care and no options other than these crippled policies, a voucher system would be an absolute disaster for all but the wealthy who could afford to add to the limited policies to provide adequate coverage.
Guess which one would be the result.
The government could not clandestinely privatize Medicare. For all the "change mandate," further destabilizing health care is not likely part of any inferred meaning favored by wide swaths of the general electorate.
As is often the case with any number of issues, it is difficult to know what is in Trump's head with respect to health care: http://www.ontheissues.org/2016/Donald_Trump_Health_Care.htm . He is not one to worry about consistency and now he has to worry about a national audience that he apparently lost by over a million votes, even though he won the election.
Is Mr. Krugman using a strategy similar to what we see with second amendment extremists: the government is going to confiscate your Medicare? I am not saying that is a bad idea, given what the gun lobby has done, but it does set up a conversation that makes it harder to consider needed changes. It assures continued polarization. A modern "scorched earth" posture has been used politically and geographically segregate the nation over the past 3 decades.
As is often the case with any number of issues, it is difficult to know what is in Trump's head with respect to health care: http://www.ontheissues.org/2016/Donald_Trump_Health_Care.htm . He is not one to worry about consistency and now he has to worry about a national audience that he apparently lost by over a million votes, even though he won the election.
Is Mr. Krugman using a strategy similar to what we see with second amendment extremists: the government is going to confiscate your Medicare? I am not saying that is a bad idea, given what the gun lobby has done, but it does set up a conversation that makes it harder to consider needed changes. It assures continued polarization. A modern "scorched earth" posture has been used politically and geographically segregate the nation over the past 3 decades.
1
Little wonder that the private sector wants to take over Medicare. Commercial health insurance is a lucrative industry, and one that charges outrageous fees for its services. Let's stop and consider what they, and other insurance sectors, do.
They are not health care companies, they are financial services companies. They take in and pool money from individuals, then pay it out according to individuals' needs. For this service they have in the past charged customers 30 percent of their health care dollars. The ACA limits this to a mere 20 percent. So, one fifth of our health care spending stops at the middlemen before it gets to doctors, hospitals and medications. Medicare is reputed to have an overhead of 2-3 percent for the same service.
Printing money would seem inefficient compared to this.
They are not health care companies, they are financial services companies. They take in and pool money from individuals, then pay it out according to individuals' needs. For this service they have in the past charged customers 30 percent of their health care dollars. The ACA limits this to a mere 20 percent. So, one fifth of our health care spending stops at the middlemen before it gets to doctors, hospitals and medications. Medicare is reputed to have an overhead of 2-3 percent for the same service.
Printing money would seem inefficient compared to this.
1
P. Ryan cannot rationally believe Jesus Christ’s and Ayn Rand’s views about the poor at the same time. These completely contradict one another.
Attributed to Jesus:
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives… to set at liberty those who are oppressed.”
“Woe to those who decree iniquitous decrees, and the writers who keep writing oppression, to turn aside the needy from justice and to rob the poor of my people of their rights…”
By Ayn Rand:
“Poverty is not a mortgage on the labor of others—misfortune is not a mortgage on achievement—failure is not a mortgage on success—suffering is not a claim check, and its relief is not the goal of existence—man is not a sacrificial animal on anyone’s altar nor for anyone’s cause—life is not one huge hospital.”
“If concern for human poverty and suffering were one’s primary motive, one would seek to discover their cause. One would not fail to ask: Why did some nations develop, while others did not? Why have some nations achieved material abundance, while others have remained stagnant in subhuman misery? History and, specifically, the unprecedented prosperity-explosion of the nineteenth century, would give an immediate answer: capitalism is the only system that enables men to produce abundance—and the key to capitalism is individual freedom.”
Attributed to Jesus:
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives… to set at liberty those who are oppressed.”
“Woe to those who decree iniquitous decrees, and the writers who keep writing oppression, to turn aside the needy from justice and to rob the poor of my people of their rights…”
By Ayn Rand:
“Poverty is not a mortgage on the labor of others—misfortune is not a mortgage on achievement—failure is not a mortgage on success—suffering is not a claim check, and its relief is not the goal of existence—man is not a sacrificial animal on anyone’s altar nor for anyone’s cause—life is not one huge hospital.”
“If concern for human poverty and suffering were one’s primary motive, one would seek to discover their cause. One would not fail to ask: Why did some nations develop, while others did not? Why have some nations achieved material abundance, while others have remained stagnant in subhuman misery? History and, specifically, the unprecedented prosperity-explosion of the nineteenth century, would give an immediate answer: capitalism is the only system that enables men to produce abundance—and the key to capitalism is individual freedom.”
1
While it is certainly true that the leadership of the Democratic party has become far too cozy with the Wall Street bankers and other Masters of the Universe who used to be the target of Democratic rhetoric (go read a speech of FDR, or Bernie Sanders), it is also true that they are the only one of our two major parties who have tried to help the white working class.
The Democrats have protected Social Security and Medicare, expanded Medicaid, proposed minimum wage increases, introduced job retraining programs and addiction services, and championed environmental and workplace safety standards.
Every single one of those initiatives was fought tooth and nail (and often blocked successfully) by the GOP, which backs policies that have made the lives of the white working class significantly worse (trickle-down economics, slashing food stamps etc)
Yet time and time again, the white working class have voted Republican, notably in 1968 ("The Silent Majority"), 1980 ("Reagan Democrats"), 2004 (Bush over Kerry) and now 2016 and Trump. In every case, they suffered horribly at the hands of the GOP they themselves had empowered.
I am done with the white working class.
They bite the hand that feeds them and reach to pet the rabid dogs of the right who make their lives far, far worse.
They've made their choice. Well done. Now enjoy the consequences, which might actually include physical death when Medicare and Obamacare are repealed.
Keep up the good work, white working class!
The Democrats have protected Social Security and Medicare, expanded Medicaid, proposed minimum wage increases, introduced job retraining programs and addiction services, and championed environmental and workplace safety standards.
Every single one of those initiatives was fought tooth and nail (and often blocked successfully) by the GOP, which backs policies that have made the lives of the white working class significantly worse (trickle-down economics, slashing food stamps etc)
Yet time and time again, the white working class have voted Republican, notably in 1968 ("The Silent Majority"), 1980 ("Reagan Democrats"), 2004 (Bush over Kerry) and now 2016 and Trump. In every case, they suffered horribly at the hands of the GOP they themselves had empowered.
I am done with the white working class.
They bite the hand that feeds them and reach to pet the rabid dogs of the right who make their lives far, far worse.
They've made their choice. Well done. Now enjoy the consequences, which might actually include physical death when Medicare and Obamacare are repealed.
Keep up the good work, white working class!
2
I have been voting Democratic against my own interests in order to help these very people who flocked to Trump. I understood that a healthier, educated citizenry in the long run was better for my country than a high prison population increased by adults brain damaged as children from from lack of nutrition and prenatal care.
Yes Democrats are in bed with the 1% , but as the above poster write, they have always protected entitlements when Republicans threatened to destroy them.
But I've grown tired of fighting the good fight.. the very people I strongly e to help spit my vote back at me.
Give them what they asked for...
Yes Democrats are in bed with the 1% , but as the above poster write, they have always protected entitlements when Republicans threatened to destroy them.
But I've grown tired of fighting the good fight.. the very people I strongly e to help spit my vote back at me.
Give them what they asked for...
The Medicare Advantage plans are the original privatization of Medicare. By maintaining narrow physician choice panels and covered institutions they have been very profitable for insurers. Designed to save Medicare money, they have actually cost more per beneficiary than traditional Medicare. They are immensely popular with healthy baby boomers who require no or little attention because there are few if any out of pocket expenses.
Traditional Medicare is not what it used to be either. While Sarah Palin's death panels were never instituted, Medicare will not cover items such as bone marrow transplants and stem cell transplants in blood disorders and malignancies labeling them experimental despite them being the evidence based treatments of choice.
Traditional Medicare is not what it used to be either. While Sarah Palin's death panels were never instituted, Medicare will not cover items such as bone marrow transplants and stem cell transplants in blood disorders and malignancies labeling them experimental despite them being the evidence based treatments of choice.
1
Elite leftist multimillionaires like this author have no idea how Medicare works today and lie about proposals to reform it because they use private insurance exclusively (if they have to get it at all).
Today, almost everyone on this so-called successful program has to make other mostly private insurance arrangements in order to protect himself or herself from financial ruin. Most have two or more additional policies. Medicare as designed by these elites includes no annual OOP protection and limits the extent to which Medicare will protect you from catastrophe both on a per-incident and lifetime basis.
As for the future, the core of the current proposal to reform Medicare is a plan put together by two former Democratic Congressional staff people in 1995. That Democratic proposal became the basis of the public Part C Medicare health plan program signed by President Clinton in 1997. That Part C program has grown in turn such that 33% of us on Medicare today use it. Either via current law (ACOs) or proposed reforms, it will be spread to 100% of the people on Medicare. There is no privatization. There is no voucher involved. There is no buying insurance on the open market. The author of this article knows the facts and prefers to simply lie to his or her readers.
Today, almost everyone on this so-called successful program has to make other mostly private insurance arrangements in order to protect himself or herself from financial ruin. Most have two or more additional policies. Medicare as designed by these elites includes no annual OOP protection and limits the extent to which Medicare will protect you from catastrophe both on a per-incident and lifetime basis.
As for the future, the core of the current proposal to reform Medicare is a plan put together by two former Democratic Congressional staff people in 1995. That Democratic proposal became the basis of the public Part C Medicare health plan program signed by President Clinton in 1997. That Part C program has grown in turn such that 33% of us on Medicare today use it. Either via current law (ACOs) or proposed reforms, it will be spread to 100% of the people on Medicare. There is no privatization. There is no voucher involved. There is no buying insurance on the open market. The author of this article knows the facts and prefers to simply lie to his or her readers.
Many people stedfastly believe that Hillary is a dishonest person. With the same certain belief many people believe that Donald is an honest businessman. The truth in either case is at best uncertain but I am sure that the hackles went up on the backs of many readers from reading one or both statements. The misinformation, which is better known as propaganda, machines of nearly all news media contributed to the uncertain information by which citizens decided to vote. What matters to all of our citizens and to our country is that news media fed the nation a mixed stream of fact and fiction that rattled the judgement of nearly all citizens including the providers of the news. There was no lack of bad information from the media in this election cycle. There was no lack of good information either. Good and bad information, none of which had any depth, was mixed like water with oil then broadcast to the people. We have a new president elect. The election, like mixtures of water and oil, left the people of the nation split nearly down the middle between good and bad, according to viewpoint, of the vote count. There is one certain outcome from this election, the news media with have plenty of new entertainment to provide to the people.
Who are we as a people when we can't find the compassion and basic decency to agree that the wealthiest country on the planet should provide health care to its citizens?
Who are we as a country when we elect as our leader a morally bankrupt man who proudly exemplifies our worst traits and instincts?
Who are we as a country when we believe that leading a country is essentially the same as leading a profit-making business and the same skill set and sensibilities for the one will make for success in the other?
Who are we as a country when faith-based believes are considered by too many to carry the same logical and persuasive weight as facts?
We are a country far to immature for a participatory democracy, that's who we are. And we will eventually lose it.
The confluence of the rise of the non-critical thinking voter and the fact-free "news" organs that proliferate on the internet is a proscription for the failure of a democracy. If people who don't need anything other than their own belief in the rightness of their "facts" get their "facts" from outlets with an energetic disregard for the truth, we are doomed as a democracy.
You get the democracy that reflects who you are as a people. And we as a people are proving to be fairly unattractive.
I have genuine doubts that this experiment in democracy crafted by the founding leaders of this country will succeed for another 5 generations. We are simply not evolved enough for the task. Still too tribal and primitive.
Who are we as a country when we elect as our leader a morally bankrupt man who proudly exemplifies our worst traits and instincts?
Who are we as a country when we believe that leading a country is essentially the same as leading a profit-making business and the same skill set and sensibilities for the one will make for success in the other?
Who are we as a country when faith-based believes are considered by too many to carry the same logical and persuasive weight as facts?
We are a country far to immature for a participatory democracy, that's who we are. And we will eventually lose it.
The confluence of the rise of the non-critical thinking voter and the fact-free "news" organs that proliferate on the internet is a proscription for the failure of a democracy. If people who don't need anything other than their own belief in the rightness of their "facts" get their "facts" from outlets with an energetic disregard for the truth, we are doomed as a democracy.
You get the democracy that reflects who you are as a people. And we as a people are proving to be fairly unattractive.
I have genuine doubts that this experiment in democracy crafted by the founding leaders of this country will succeed for another 5 generations. We are simply not evolved enough for the task. Still too tribal and primitive.
1
I agree with Merideth, but we don't have to look to Europe for a model. We have a great model right here, it's called the VA. Numerous polls have found that people in the VA system are as happy or happier than those outside the system. I have been in the system for seven years. I've learned that there is no need for the health insurance industry. The VA attracts talented health care providers that are more interested in medicine than getting super rich. The VA has introduced technology into their system that is the most advanced in the country. All of a patients records can be accessed with a health card. Unfortunately, because it is so successful, I fear it has become a target that the profit maximizes will want to kill.
1
If we assume a marginal propensity to consume of 0.90, each dollar of government expenditures, be it on Medicare or Social Security will increase GDP by a factor of 10. If taxes are 10% of GDP the government will receive one dollar in taxes for every dollar it spends, so the deficit is not going to increase, and neither will the national debt.
We persistently believe that Trump supporters make their decisions rationally. All evidence suggests that with a "talking head" who reflects the rhetoric they want to hear they will vote against their own self-interest. It is obvious he lies. The economy has slowly been improving. The emotional displacement a segment of our electorate feels is not rooted in their economic plight, but rather their inability to accept the constantly reshaping postmodern landscape which includes rapidly changing family structures, gender roles, communication mores and population diversity. They have been left behind in the social reality emerging and they have intensified their resistance to change rather than adapt. It is mistake to believe they will be swayed when Trump's absurd promises do not come to fruition. They never believed them in the first place, rather they passionately craved to hear their fears and desires reflected back and as long as he continues to feed them, they will remain transfixed. I really get why millenials are so fascinated with the zombie apocalypse, from a theatrical perspective, we are living this tale of horror!
1
Medicare is the ideal medical coverage plan for these reasons.............
The pool of beneficiaries is far larger than would be realized with several competing private companies. Having all those millions of covered people means the pool includes many more healthy to contribute and keep costs low as a percentage of all recipients.
The lack of profit motive means that medicare's first priority is healthcare and their focus is on the most cost effective means thereby keeping overall costs of healthcare the lowest possible while still providing the best care.
Standardization in administering the plan, albeit the largest, still realizes great efficiences in managing the program versus many redundant functions in numerous insurance companies.
A cost effective centralized government health administration additionally keeps down health providers costs involved in processing claims.
Greater power to control costs because medicare has authority versus a private insurance industry that merely passes on cost increases.
Health security. Everyone knows that the medicare program covers all that desire the program and the people cannot be denied coverage unlike what would be with privatization as we have seen in the past.
Privatization merely means shifting funds into the risky stock markets. An influx of hundreds of billions of health care dollars would enrich the wealthy and corporations that either export wealth or horde it.
What happens if the stock market collapses?
The pool of beneficiaries is far larger than would be realized with several competing private companies. Having all those millions of covered people means the pool includes many more healthy to contribute and keep costs low as a percentage of all recipients.
The lack of profit motive means that medicare's first priority is healthcare and their focus is on the most cost effective means thereby keeping overall costs of healthcare the lowest possible while still providing the best care.
Standardization in administering the plan, albeit the largest, still realizes great efficiences in managing the program versus many redundant functions in numerous insurance companies.
A cost effective centralized government health administration additionally keeps down health providers costs involved in processing claims.
Greater power to control costs because medicare has authority versus a private insurance industry that merely passes on cost increases.
Health security. Everyone knows that the medicare program covers all that desire the program and the people cannot be denied coverage unlike what would be with privatization as we have seen in the past.
Privatization merely means shifting funds into the risky stock markets. An influx of hundreds of billions of health care dollars would enrich the wealthy and corporations that either export wealth or horde it.
What happens if the stock market collapses?
7
Medicare , signed into law on July 30 1965 is under assault. The America that supported that legislation is remarkably different from present day America particularly in the situation of the working class. Workers today look to Washington to solve there problems. In 1965, workers looked to their unions.
Thanks to unions they had retirement benefits, heath insurance and increasing salaries. Now union participation has been decimated. The lowest union participation states largely voted for Trump. Workers in the Trump states today cannot use their unions to speak to their local state leaders and certainly no longer can call on a senator or congressmen.
There remain states with significant participation rates and there workers may be able to transmit their desire to save medicare form privatization . However…as participation rates continue to dwindle so will republicans be emboldened to ignore the needs of working people…no longer having to worry about there ability to make there desires felt . The best way to save medicare may be by encouraging and supporting the right to unionize, I hope that the democratic party , now a minority in both the house and senate understands this and acts immediately before privatization takes place.
Thanks to unions they had retirement benefits, heath insurance and increasing salaries. Now union participation has been decimated. The lowest union participation states largely voted for Trump. Workers in the Trump states today cannot use their unions to speak to their local state leaders and certainly no longer can call on a senator or congressmen.
There remain states with significant participation rates and there workers may be able to transmit their desire to save medicare form privatization . However…as participation rates continue to dwindle so will republicans be emboldened to ignore the needs of working people…no longer having to worry about there ability to make there desires felt . The best way to save medicare may be by encouraging and supporting the right to unionize, I hope that the democratic party , now a minority in both the house and senate understands this and acts immediately before privatization takes place.
3
This is like watching the jets, in super slow motion, impact the building. Then in a continuation of super slow motion, the fire erupts.
Clearly, this administration, it's appointments and the right wing loons speaking for it is a catastrophic scenario unfolding slowly, but at some point in time will accelerate with blinding speed. Just like the collapsing buildings.
The editorial comment right beside this one urging an attack on the policies rather than personality, which was a failed tactic in Italy on their equally buffoonish PM, should start with this proposal.
If the Democratic leadership is not hammering on this clearly unpopular policy and holding our newly crowned buffoon accountable to his constituency before I even hit the "Submit" button, then they have failed not only the population in my age group, but the country as a whole. Quit looking in the mirror in horror, uncurl out of the fetal position and start fighting. Fight smart, fight hard and fight tirelessly. But fight and start right now.
Clearly, this administration, it's appointments and the right wing loons speaking for it is a catastrophic scenario unfolding slowly, but at some point in time will accelerate with blinding speed. Just like the collapsing buildings.
The editorial comment right beside this one urging an attack on the policies rather than personality, which was a failed tactic in Italy on their equally buffoonish PM, should start with this proposal.
If the Democratic leadership is not hammering on this clearly unpopular policy and holding our newly crowned buffoon accountable to his constituency before I even hit the "Submit" button, then they have failed not only the population in my age group, but the country as a whole. Quit looking in the mirror in horror, uncurl out of the fetal position and start fighting. Fight smart, fight hard and fight tirelessly. But fight and start right now.
7
Would Medicare, under this proposal, be abolished in one fell swoop? Or would Medicare as we know it today suffer a gradual destruction, with increases in age of eligibility, and cop-pays, phased in over time?
I have always put my country first when considering such issues. But I am 75 years old, with adequate Social Security and pension benefits on which I can live very modestly and securely, as long as nothing untoward happens. Now I am forced to asked the question: What happens to me, and to the millions of others like me? Will we very old people be "grandfathered" in, or will we simply get the axe.
Does anybody know the answer to this question?
I have always put my country first when considering such issues. But I am 75 years old, with adequate Social Security and pension benefits on which I can live very modestly and securely, as long as nothing untoward happens. Now I am forced to asked the question: What happens to me, and to the millions of others like me? Will we very old people be "grandfathered" in, or will we simply get the axe.
Does anybody know the answer to this question?
1
They'll grandfather you in because they are counting on their primary base ( older voters) looking the other way as long as they get theirs.
But hopefully you won't be selfish, especially since older people living longer are taking out far more than what they put in.. I'm cool with that.. we'll all be there some day.
I just hope that even though you got yours, you will still rise up and refuse to let the Republicans steal it from those who haven't retired yet.
But hopefully you won't be selfish, especially since older people living longer are taking out far more than what they put in.. I'm cool with that.. we'll all be there some day.
I just hope that even though you got yours, you will still rise up and refuse to let the Republicans steal it from those who haven't retired yet.
1
The Republican strategy is apparently to constitute a government so bad you will be relieved when Reince Priebus drowns it in a bathtub.
1
As a traditional Medicare beneficiary, I appreciate the ability to see any doctor I want and be treated at any hospital. For those seeking a lower cost alternative, there's Medicare Advantage providing coverage by private insurers for at least the same diseases covered by traditional Medicare. For either alternative, Medicare isn't "free." Income-adjusted premiums are payable by all beneficiaries. Traditional Medicare only covers about 80% of costs, so beneficiaries also need to buy Medigap private insurance. Also, traditional Medicare claims are administered by private insurers or administrators, not by government. It works. Leave it alone.
289
Did you vote republican?
I can see what is going to happen with all the post election reversals on any promise. The new goons will simply declare: " I never said that". That's the Trump way... just deny the past. Kind of like the bosses in the old Soviet Union that were air-brushed out of old photographs after they were liquidated. No such person ever existed, anyone who says otherwise is a liar and an enemy of the Country.
1
So Obamacare is bad. Forcing people into private health insurance but offering subsidies to those who can't afford the premiums is affront to the nation. It will be repealed on day one of Trump's presidency. MediCare is to be abolished as well, but don't worry, seniors will be sent to the private insurance market and those that can't afford the (exorbitant) premiums will get a subsidy in the form of a voucher.
The MediCare population is the sickest and most expensive. Without government insurance they will die from lack of healthcare access. As a practicing physician, I know MediCare isn't perfect but it provides a vulnerable population with good effective insurance.
The MediCare population is the sickest and most expensive. Without government insurance they will die from lack of healthcare access. As a practicing physician, I know MediCare isn't perfect but it provides a vulnerable population with good effective insurance.
289
Obamacare is NOT bad. The law provides access to health care for 20 million people in the US. It has provisions for pre-existing conditions and covers college age kids on their parents plans up to age 26. Although the premiums have increased in some states the subsides cover most of the costs. While I agree that we need to tweak the law to get costs down overall it has been a success.
1
The truly sad fact about all of what is unfolding are those who keep saying "he hasn't even taken office yet" or "give him a chance". The office of President, Congressional seats for that matter have real life consequences. Lives are on the line, time is not a commodity that we can get back.
For me, caring for an elderly parent who relies on Social Security and Medicare, time isn't an abstract concept. How much time have we wasted waiting for Congress to do their jobs? How many Americans young and old have died waiting for insurance companies to do what we pay them to do. No we're going to throw more time and money away because of some hypocritical Ayn Rand ideology?
I love how in the past 25 years our Congress is now comprised mostly of millionaires, we now have a billionaire so out of touch with reality as our President elect. What do these people care about the public's time or money?
The real tragedy is the people who re-elected these people to Congress and Trump into office, they still believe in the other. Like cuts to social safety nets will only effect those who aren't them.
Remember, we're still digging out of the mess caused by Congress and Bush Jr's handling of the country. Time wears heavy as you get older, I'm not sure America has the kind of time to rebuild once Congress and a President Trump is done wreaking havoc.
For me, caring for an elderly parent who relies on Social Security and Medicare, time isn't an abstract concept. How much time have we wasted waiting for Congress to do their jobs? How many Americans young and old have died waiting for insurance companies to do what we pay them to do. No we're going to throw more time and money away because of some hypocritical Ayn Rand ideology?
I love how in the past 25 years our Congress is now comprised mostly of millionaires, we now have a billionaire so out of touch with reality as our President elect. What do these people care about the public's time or money?
The real tragedy is the people who re-elected these people to Congress and Trump into office, they still believe in the other. Like cuts to social safety nets will only effect those who aren't them.
Remember, we're still digging out of the mess caused by Congress and Bush Jr's handling of the country. Time wears heavy as you get older, I'm not sure America has the kind of time to rebuild once Congress and a President Trump is done wreaking havoc.
1
If the majority of Trump supporters understood the Republican leadership's stance on Medicare (and SS), they would, out of self-interest, rise up against it by joining the left in shutting them down--with extreme prejudice!
Those supporters have already proved that they will believe anything, no matter how contradicted by evidence, they are told--if it is couched in terms that appeal to their baser instincts.
Now, it is a cinch that the press won't get the word out--witness the coverage of the latest presidential campaign.
So, it is incumbent on those of us who believe that medicare should be expanded and that SS should be protected to get the word out to our right-leaning friends, family, acquaintances, enemies, and all misinformed, that the Republican plan will really work against the People's self interest!
Let's get out of our echo chambers. Each of us, let one right-wing voter know, in neutral, non-confrontational language, what could happen to Medicare and SS under this regime.
The Press won't do it.
Those supporters have already proved that they will believe anything, no matter how contradicted by evidence, they are told--if it is couched in terms that appeal to their baser instincts.
Now, it is a cinch that the press won't get the word out--witness the coverage of the latest presidential campaign.
So, it is incumbent on those of us who believe that medicare should be expanded and that SS should be protected to get the word out to our right-leaning friends, family, acquaintances, enemies, and all misinformed, that the Republican plan will really work against the People's self interest!
Let's get out of our echo chambers. Each of us, let one right-wing voter know, in neutral, non-confrontational language, what could happen to Medicare and SS under this regime.
The Press won't do it.
1
The Democrats should do what they should have doing all along: introduce and fight for legislation to expand Medicare to people over 50 and to empower the government to negotiate drug prices for Medicare recipients, publicize such efforts and run on that platform. Nor should they wait for some half-baked scheme to be proposed by the Republicans.
1
Editorial suggestion on this editorial:
Replace: "this is, of course, a lie"
With: "this is, of course, another lie"
Or: "this is, of course, yet another in a long string of lies"
Reason: basic accuracy
Replace: "this is, of course, a lie"
With: "this is, of course, another lie"
Or: "this is, of course, yet another in a long string of lies"
Reason: basic accuracy
1
Don't forget what Vice-President elect Mike Pence said just before Mexico about replacing the ACA: Healthcare savings. Right. Poor and middle income people can of course put enough money aside, tax-free (whoop-di-do) to pay for catastrophic medical care. No they can't Mr. Pence since they can't save for retirement, or even a couple of month's bills with incomes that have been shrinking for a generation. But cutting the minimum wage is a campaign promise. As for medicaid recipients, it is the Republicans who refused to expand the program. Follow their real plan and we will see calls for individual savings to replace social security.
Here's a sure-to-be-unpopular Medicare proposal:
1. Do not privatize it.
2. Provide medicare for all children.
3. Pick an age (85? 90?) and provide only palliative care after that point.
4. For dementia patients, only palliative care once they can no longer recognize their formerly loved ones.
5. For the terminally ill, offer the option of, for example, one large fatal dose of morphine instead of the pain-killing doses whose repetition is finally fatal.
1. Do not privatize it.
2. Provide medicare for all children.
3. Pick an age (85? 90?) and provide only palliative care after that point.
4. For dementia patients, only palliative care once they can no longer recognize their formerly loved ones.
5. For the terminally ill, offer the option of, for example, one large fatal dose of morphine instead of the pain-killing doses whose repetition is finally fatal.
"It’s also a chance for the news media, which failed so badly during the campaign, to start doing its job." Thank you. I have spent nine years of unemployment rushing to get to the age of 65 so I can finally have some healthcare security, and now it's being taken away. I literally do not know what I will do. If the news media had spent time covering Trump's campaign (Russia; taxes; business conflicts, et. al.) instead of incessantly harping on Hillary's emails, this would not even be an issue.
1
I spent four hours on the phone this week with Aetna call centers - not a one of them in the US. Our healthcare system is failing our society and shipping jobs overseas.
2
Donald Trump, for all his countless flaws and deficiencies, doesn't strike me as someone who would mess with Medicare unless some of the lobbyists and non-entities who seem to be crowding the halls of Transition are allowed to pursue their own agendas. The chief case Ryan and company love to make is that entitlements are unsustainable in the VERY long term, and I can't imagine Trump cares about that? There are SO many bad Trump ideas to be scared about, is this really near the top of the list?
1
TRUMP LIES FOREVER AND A DAY!!!
Americans, with the largest percentage of ignoramuses in the developed world and same for social amnesia sufferers, led by the thoroughly corrupt media, forget that fact checking Clinton vs Trump for honesty would be shocked, shocked, I tell you.
Try FactCheck.org and Politifact.org as part of your weekly fact checking., if you haven't. ... They have been here for years and can use our donations.
Trump is an Inveterate Liar, a Speed Liar. He tells more big lies in a week than yu could ever come close to, if you tried. He can barely breathe without lying. That's his main source of oxygen. its that simple. Its the lying, dummies.
Americans, with the largest percentage of ignoramuses in the developed world and same for social amnesia sufferers, led by the thoroughly corrupt media, forget that fact checking Clinton vs Trump for honesty would be shocked, shocked, I tell you.
Try FactCheck.org and Politifact.org as part of your weekly fact checking., if you haven't. ... They have been here for years and can use our donations.
Trump is an Inveterate Liar, a Speed Liar. He tells more big lies in a week than yu could ever come close to, if you tried. He can barely breathe without lying. That's his main source of oxygen. its that simple. Its the lying, dummies.
1
We can't let this happen.
1
Yes, the media should do its part to oppose Medicare. But Republicans will obfuscate: they'll cherry pick statistics to justify their "reforms," they'll claim that the economic dynamism unleashed by the free market in health plans will pay for their reforms and will offer seniors more choice than they have now., etc etc. The media will be helpless in this sea of misinformation. Some media won't want to "take sides" and just be stenographers of what is said. Some (virtuous) media will take sides and will rightly refer to "reform" as "privatization," but their voices will be drowned out.
Nothing about the just-concluded election inspires me with any hope that the side with facts and reason will win.
Nothing about the just-concluded election inspires me with any hope that the side with facts and reason will win.
1
Unfortunately, thoughtful pieces like this one are unlikely to persuade the people you need to persuade. You need to make this into an info-graphic, or maybe a comic book.
2
I am 17 months away from Medicare. No one has looked forward to being 65 more than I: my health insurance premiums under the so-called Spouse Equity Act, which I have because I was married to a federal retiree (don't get me started), jumped 17% for next year to $632 a month. For the most part I have no quibble with the coverage I get, but $632?
Medicare is not an entitlement. It is an insurance policy like any other whose premiums were paid for by decades of payroll taxes, as was Social Security.
A Republican Congress gutted the ACA and blames President Obama for its difficulties and sky-high premiums for scant coverage. Do you think they would do any better with either Medicare or Social Security? Their planned voucher system is a sick joke and privatization would result in premiums going through the roof while delivering mediocre care.
Even if 65 for you is on the far horizon, this is an issue that will have serious consequences for you sooner than you think.
Medicare is not an entitlement. It is an insurance policy like any other whose premiums were paid for by decades of payroll taxes, as was Social Security.
A Republican Congress gutted the ACA and blames President Obama for its difficulties and sky-high premiums for scant coverage. Do you think they would do any better with either Medicare or Social Security? Their planned voucher system is a sick joke and privatization would result in premiums going through the roof while delivering mediocre care.
Even if 65 for you is on the far horizon, this is an issue that will have serious consequences for you sooner than you think.
2
Medicare eligibility requires you to be at least 65 years old. In 2014 there was 14.7% of US population in this category thus Republican attempt to replace it with voucher systems does not touch 85% the healthcare system which is already mostly served by private insurance industry. I am a person on medicare and I can say that while it has many limitations it is the best health insurance for the elderly. There are no preexisting conditions and it travels with you both in US and abroad. You have piece of mind. I doubt any commercial insurance will provide the same coverage. Vouchers will never guarantee the benefits now enjoyed under Medicare.
The elimination seems more ideological than economic or practical. Trump should stick to his campaign promise of not touching Medicare.
The elimination seems more ideological than economic or practical. Trump should stick to his campaign promise of not touching Medicare.
3
Karl Marx wrote that there were two major crimes in the world: genocide and the unequal distribution of wealth. Subsidized housing and food stamps and Medicare are examples of this sharing of wealth for all .
to touch it is to destroy equal distribution of wealth.
Of course the very rich do not want to part with their money, they prefer to bathe in it. Share it, you must.
to touch it is to destroy equal distribution of wealth.
Of course the very rich do not want to part with their money, they prefer to bathe in it. Share it, you must.
5
I fully agree with Mr Krugman here. The immediate effort upon the start of the new Administration and the new USA Congress will be to eliminate the estate tax, eliminate the corporate tax, permit repatriation of corporate profits from overseas tax-free, reduce marginal rates or otherwise reduce further taxation at the top of the income scale and so on. All under the usual false propaganda heading of "simplifying the tax code".
Perhaps an immediate effort to destroy Medicare and Social Security as well.
I agree also that Mr Trump personally has zero conviction about anything. He apparently only wants to play the role of emperor at his Trump palace with his courtiers and courtesans around him.
I agree that most mainstream media have once again done a poor job of covering the facts. 100% reality television based coverage instead. Forget about the many extreme-rightist media outlets. They can no longer live off of slander aimed at the Clintons or at Mr Obama. Probably they will direct the slander at Mrs Pelosi instead, for lack of another target. While of course praising every tweet from Mr Emperor Trump himself.
Perhaps an immediate effort to destroy Medicare and Social Security as well.
I agree also that Mr Trump personally has zero conviction about anything. He apparently only wants to play the role of emperor at his Trump palace with his courtiers and courtesans around him.
I agree that most mainstream media have once again done a poor job of covering the facts. 100% reality television based coverage instead. Forget about the many extreme-rightist media outlets. They can no longer live off of slander aimed at the Clintons or at Mr Obama. Probably they will direct the slander at Mrs Pelosi instead, for lack of another target. While of course praising every tweet from Mr Emperor Trump himself.
4
Eliminating medicare is really a non-starter. Working people can barely afford health insurance premiums. How are elderly, mostly retired people, living on tight fixed incomes and often dealing with chronic illnesses that require regular treatment and follow up supposed to afford insurance. Also, given our aging population, the time to lift the income caps for SS contributions has long since passed. I work in SS and the reality is that our only concern should not be for the older generations. Many young people, saddled with student loan debt and dead end jobs without pensions or retirement plans are not able to save for the future as they need to. At the same time, low wages means not a lot is going into the SS pot that we all draw benefits from. Raising the income cap on contributions would make a big difference in the long run and make the program solvent for the foreseeable future. The decline in the pension system in the private sector means that in the future more and more citizens will find themselves dependent on SS and Medicare in their senior years. Trying to dismantle the system that people have paid into over the course of their working lives needs to be called out for what it is: FRAUD!!!
9
I was on a plane with a couple of Ryan staffers a few years ago. They were enthusiastically talking about privatization of all medical insurance. In fact, they were talking about eliminating all regulated insurance and how that could work. I gently pointed out to them as a physician with a lot of experience of all types of plans that the expertise required for say, treatment of rare but catastrophic illnesses, like leukemia, required a larger network of providers to provide optimal care, their response was they knew people in New York who just hired the best specialists themselves. This is Ryan's Ann Randian vision, concierge medicine for those who can afford it, and death for the peasants.
18
Trump will liquidate FDR's New Deal and LBJ's Great Society social safety nets and ruin the U.S. Treasury to pay for his grandiose infrastructure projects and fabulous tax cuts for the very rich; then walk away.
Red state voters who succumbed to Trump's con, self-deluded into believing that he actually cares about anyone beyond his immediate family or anything other than self-aggrandizement and revenge will endure a uniquely American version of The Stations of The Cross. First, they will be used; shamelessly. We are still in that preliminary phase when the mark is deceived and gulled into believing they struck a good bargain and good things are coming. Next, they will be betrayed. Finally, they will be abandoned and left bereft; their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren left holding the bag. Trillions of dollars in new national debt, nothing to show for it, crushing taxation just to keep badly wounded Nation afloat.
Congratulations, Red State America. You really did a number on yourselves this time; and the rest of us.
Red state voters who succumbed to Trump's con, self-deluded into believing that he actually cares about anyone beyond his immediate family or anything other than self-aggrandizement and revenge will endure a uniquely American version of The Stations of The Cross. First, they will be used; shamelessly. We are still in that preliminary phase when the mark is deceived and gulled into believing they struck a good bargain and good things are coming. Next, they will be betrayed. Finally, they will be abandoned and left bereft; their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren left holding the bag. Trillions of dollars in new national debt, nothing to show for it, crushing taxation just to keep badly wounded Nation afloat.
Congratulations, Red State America. You really did a number on yourselves this time; and the rest of us.
27
Ryan, whose own political aspirations are evident, should reflect on the possibility that, if he succeeds in privatizing Medicare, it will likely ruin his political chances of ever becoming president. The fool's errand of proving government doesn't work is not a viable strategy for governing. In fact, there are a lot of politicians in government service who should reassess their long term career objectives. I know I've been against term limits for years, but I'm now thinking that such a drastic reordering of Congress really is the only way to drain the swamp. The vote for Trump was a vote against both the Republicans and the Democrats. The swamp, which includes Ryan (who is full of croc) had better wake up. Nice metaphor that Trump provided us, the question being whether he was addressing it solely to Democrats--my suspicion being otherwise.
3
I have run my own free-lance business for 35 years. I have always had to scramble to find individual health insurance I could afford, and I saw options shrink and premiums skyrocket as years passed. The ACA helped for a time, but then the trend of an ever smaller pool of options, high deductibles, tiny coverage, and ruinous premiums resumed. So I have been counting the days off to my 65th birthday when I can reach the safety of Medicare. Three months to go! And now it turns out that Trump lied (what a surprise) and Medicare is vulnerable to destruction by Republican ideological cruelty and a sector of the economy's hunger for more and more profits. I cannot begin to describe the rage and despair I feel.
23
The beauty of Medicare is that people pay into the system for 35 to 40 years before they are eligible to receive the benefits. By the time they reach eligibility, they have paid a lot of money into the system. If Medicare is going broke, then maybe the Medicare tax needs to be adjusted.
10
Trump was being questioned as to when he was going to keep his promise to lock up Hillary Clinton, and Chris Christie stepped in to explain: "Politics are over now." We heard it, too, in GW Bush's idea that an election was an "accountability moment" that the people got to have once each four years. Then the president had the green light to do what he wanted all along. Trump has always lived his life promising things he didn't do, from giving great university education to making money for investors to paying workers to being faithful to his wives. What made his believers think they were different from his other patsies, I don't know. We will all, alas, pay the price of their ignorant naiveté.
7
Medicare vs. private insurance vouchers: opinions differ. More news at 11.
Next: Ongoing controversy on shape of planet.
Next: Ongoing controversy on shape of planet.
8
As I remember, it is Congress who enacts the budget. Has this changed?
1
"What’s crucial now is to make sure that voters do, in fact, realize what’s going on."
Trump voters realizing what's going on?
Seriously? Were hanging our hopes on the most ill-informed demographic this country has ever had? Yikes!
Trump voters realizing what's going on?
Seriously? Were hanging our hopes on the most ill-informed demographic this country has ever had? Yikes!
4
Can you imagine our senior citizens, our elderly, with all they need to cope with, after decades of contributing to our nation and society, being forced to navigate the treacherous waters of privatization of Social Security and Medicare?!? Why would middle class and working class Americans want to be forced to deal with vouchers, unregulated and under-regulated rogue private insurance companies, and the private market, when it comes to their Social Security and Medicare??? If George W. Bush had succeeded in privatizing Social Security in 2005, imagine all of the moneys dedicated to our seniors' retirement that would have been squandered and lost in the 2007--2008 Great Recession! This is utter madness! It is morally and ethically bankrupt and depraved! And all to further enrich the Koch Brothers and their ilk whose wealth and resources are beyond the scope of imagination. This will create the dystopian society that would make George Orwell blush! Ignominious, reprehensible, despicable, shameful, base, execrable, and fit for Satan's realm. Brought to you by the Trump--GOP-Tea Party--Alt Right. They have no shame! A society that does not care for its most vulnerable is no society at all. It is an abyss: "The gates of Hell are open night and day, / Smooth the descent and easy is the way." [Dryden: "The Aeneid"].
7
As usual, Krugman can't settle for a balance of facts that generally favors his point but has to exaggerate to make his position seem the epitome of virtue. Trump is not the only liar. Medicare may not have the profit motive of commercial insurers but it too will be unaffordable going forward in its present form. Privatizing it is not the answer but neither is simple continuity. A profound remaking of healthcare is underway, focused on prevention, integration and efficiency, but all Federal efforts have encumbered these developments with vast amounts of over-regulation and huge wastes of health care worker time doing lousy documentation with dysfunctional electronic records, endless certifications and requalifications, etc. The result has been having physicians and midlevel providers spend less time caring for patients and less time with each patient and visits, inpatient and out, in which the provider looks at a screen and the patient tries to talk with the back of a head. The ACA and Medicare efforts to mimic it are the prime movers in these adverse developments and require major surgery driven by considerable insight and elimination of political prejudices on both sides. Unfortunately that seems unlikely to happen, so the quality and value of U.S. healthcare seems likely to continue to deteriorate at this point in time.
2
Hard to believe a smart billionaire would be hoodwinked by venal politicians. Mr. Trump will not allow himself to be at the helm of a "fail government" ship of state. He wishes to be seen as a winner -- and he certainly was one on 11/9.
Perhaps he will come to see that the establishment pirates he ran against are bringing him chocolates and flowers to woo him into their dismantle-the-government republican privatization of popularism.
We want Mr Trump to be smart, not a wrecking ball handled by McConnell and Ryan demolition company. There's still time.
Perhaps he will come to see that the establishment pirates he ran against are bringing him chocolates and flowers to woo him into their dismantle-the-government republican privatization of popularism.
We want Mr Trump to be smart, not a wrecking ball handled by McConnell and Ryan demolition company. There's still time.
3
Block grants for Medicare would make healthcare for seniors very similar to ACA.
Except people did not pay into ACA for their entire working lives via medicare deductions from salary.
1
Paul Ryan and the Republican leadership will be fools to try to cut this entitlement. Trump's election was many things, including a rebuke of Republican's past history of using the working class folks who voted for Trump as cannon fodder for their obstruction. This would be another wealth disparity increasing plan. The Democrats can help Trump here - and at the same time, decrease the power of the more radical Republicans.
2
This could well be one of the triggers that starts the revolution.
After all the taxes I've paid into the system over my long life so far, if Trump takes away my medicare I'm going to rebel.
I urge you to do the same.
Bring him down.
After all the taxes I've paid into the system over my long life so far, if Trump takes away my medicare I'm going to rebel.
I urge you to do the same.
Bring him down.
10
"Healthcare savings accounts" are a joke to people who have no money "left over" after the basic necessities are met, to "save". And even if they did, it would be such a pittance that being able to save enough for an emergency room visit, let alone a major health event is laughable.
As are "vouchers" to hand over to private insurance companies that have already deemed you un-insurable due to age or pre-existing conditions.
Insurance companies provide no healthcare. They do nothing toward the health and well being of the people of this country. They are not in the system to make sure every person gets the best treatment they can possible get, at the least cost to them, and to society. They are in the system to make profits.
They need to be put out of the system, and the profit motive needs to be eliminated from healthcare - as far as humanly possible - being reserved only for incentive for research and development which has a direct effect on health.
Only when healthcare is seen as the right it is, not a privilege, will our thinking get right on this issue.
As are "vouchers" to hand over to private insurance companies that have already deemed you un-insurable due to age or pre-existing conditions.
Insurance companies provide no healthcare. They do nothing toward the health and well being of the people of this country. They are not in the system to make sure every person gets the best treatment they can possible get, at the least cost to them, and to society. They are in the system to make profits.
They need to be put out of the system, and the profit motive needs to be eliminated from healthcare - as far as humanly possible - being reserved only for incentive for research and development which has a direct effect on health.
Only when healthcare is seen as the right it is, not a privilege, will our thinking get right on this issue.
19
Exactly right. Health insurance companies don't provide anything but layer upon layer of middlemen, whose motivation is to deny coverage thus improving profits. Leeches.
4
I've never heard a homeless person on the street beg for health care.
There is a way to privatize Healthcare. Give every individual and business the opportunity buy Medicare policies for anyone between the ages of 0 and 65 For those who do not like Medicare option, they can buy private insurance.
7
it will be little surprise to see the confederate flag flying over the white house along with the legitimization of the christian identity movement.this seamy underbelly of american political thought is no longer in the shadows.when the kkk throws a celebratory victory party for trump and his cohorts,serious and negative,anti working class,how ironic given his promises,consequences will ensue.
4
This is going to be a very interesting test of the relative importance of facts vs. fictions; truth vs. slogans. Can they persuaded the citizens that something that is working really isn't working? Can the persuaded people that a service backed by the United States government is worth less than a promise by private industry? Will they remember the drive to privatizing Social Security and will they remember that it happened just before the near collapse of the world's economy? (Anybody whan to think about what would have happened to Social Security payments if they had been backed by the stock market?). Let's just see how smart the American people are.
7
Wait! No! We already know how smart they are! They bought trump!
1
How smart? We already know that....
1
What really amazes me more than anything about the Biggest. Fake. Ever. Paul Ryan can continue can continue to call himself "an honest observant Catholic"? The observant Catholicism I left many years ago did not produce people who seem to take an almost Fetish like glee in believing the long debunked theory of "block grants to the states is the most efficient" practice. His desire to kill Medicare is almost De Sade like in its cruelty to harm older American white voters. His constituency. From observing this....Torquemada for several decades why is he in public service?
10
Mr' Krugman is essentially right. The lean and vain Paul Ebenezer Scrooge Ryan never saw anything the private sector did that was bad or any government social program that was not sucking billions of dollars away from capitalist geniuses. Even as a new recipient of Medicare, though, I do kind of, sort of, hope Ryan and the Republican wolf pack go after Medicare. I can then watch them try to contain the Apocalyptic rage of millions of Trump voters over sixty five. Medicare and Medicaid combined cost Washington about one trillion a year but they benefit over a hundred million souls. By comparison the Pentagon for FY 2017 will burn pff $586 billion. In a 2013 survey by Kaiser Family Foundation Medicare had an approval rating of 77%, Social Security, 83%; Medicaid, 63%. The great majority of retirees in America depend for their very lives on Medicare. A lot of them also drank the Kool Aid of the Grand Charlatan Trump, high priest of the Vengeful God of Abandoned White People. They will not react well to the Republicans annihilating a very, very popular fifty year old Medicare program. If the Republicans try to implement even half of that dippy Ayn Rand Acolyte Ryan's zany Milton Friedman school theories- that free markets are always right- they will boil in their own witches' brew of low tax, trickle and piddle and diddle down nonsense. Paul Ryan should know by now that pigs do not have wings, but hell can freeze over.
9
Please stop with the pants-on-fire lie that George W. Bush attempted to privatize Social Security. He proposed to allow contributors to invest a small fraction of their contributions privately. Obamacare is closer to socialized medicine than Bush's proposal was to privatizing Social Security. Neither statement is true. Both statements are such gross exaggerations, that they deserve condemnation as lies.
2
You can almost see the giddiness in people such as Ryan and Trump when they understand how much money the government saves by people dying.
11
You know it will serve those right who voted to put a 3rd grade bully in the White House if they lost Medicare. What a travesty the republicans have made of America. They sicken me.
16
Another historical fact that has been tossed away, for no one writes or speaks of this now: Before Medicare became active in 1965, the medical community, by and large, if one was 70 or older without health insurance or the cash to pay were simply allowed to be let to die without treatment.
4
E.J. Dionne makes the point in "How the Right Went Wrong" that since the Goldwater era the Republican Party has been on a campaign to reverse the expanded role of government reflected in the New Deal and Great Society.
Majority Leader Ryan sees this political moment and the hostility to "the establishment" that elected Donald Trump as the best opportunity yet to advance this agenda to starve the social program beast.
There have to be a few Republican senators who will oppose these direct attacks on Medicare and Social Security. A less direct assault might come after a massive tax cut and its predictable failure sufficiently to stimulate the economy. Then Republicans would rediscover their concern with deficits and call for cuts in spending on social programs.
Majority Leader Ryan sees this political moment and the hostility to "the establishment" that elected Donald Trump as the best opportunity yet to advance this agenda to starve the social program beast.
There have to be a few Republican senators who will oppose these direct attacks on Medicare and Social Security. A less direct assault might come after a massive tax cut and its predictable failure sufficiently to stimulate the economy. Then Republicans would rediscover their concern with deficits and call for cuts in spending on social programs.
1
I'm sure Trump's friend Putin has the answer to this type of problem. The life expectancy of a male in Russia is now down to 64 years as compared to 76.4 years presently in the United States. Privatizing Medicare could go a long way towards the U.S. matching this Russian achievement. Who knows, with additional cuts to Social Security and social welfare programs such as Medicare we can get to a life expectancy that precludes even a need for Medicare.
5
When Otto von Bismarck created the first Social Security programme in 1889, he chose 65 as the retirement age to claim benefits largely because so few people lived to that age. He figured that would keep the programme solvent - many pay in, few receive benefits.
Similarly, FDR sold Social Security as a sort of enforced saving plan, but his real aim was immediate income redistribution, to help the many elderly people whose retirement nest eggs had been invested in the stock market and were wiped out in the 1929 crash. Millions of such people paid little or nothing into SS but received much more than they paid.
I'm not speaking against Social Security and Medicare; far from it. We're long overdue to acknowledge that you cannot on one hand preach the equal value of every individual citizen's life and on the other promote a dog-eat-dog, winner-take-all and devil-take-the-hindmost social order. We cannot return to the ethos of William Howard Taft, who, when a citizen asked him what the government could do for a man who had fallen into poverty through no fault of his own, replied that such a man had his deepest sympathy but the government could do nothing; such a man must rely on private charity, or starve. (My father, a conservative Republican and history teacher, used to tell this anecdote with deep indignation; he thought America should be better than that.)
Similarly, FDR sold Social Security as a sort of enforced saving plan, but his real aim was immediate income redistribution, to help the many elderly people whose retirement nest eggs had been invested in the stock market and were wiped out in the 1929 crash. Millions of such people paid little or nothing into SS but received much more than they paid.
I'm not speaking against Social Security and Medicare; far from it. We're long overdue to acknowledge that you cannot on one hand preach the equal value of every individual citizen's life and on the other promote a dog-eat-dog, winner-take-all and devil-take-the-hindmost social order. We cannot return to the ethos of William Howard Taft, who, when a citizen asked him what the government could do for a man who had fallen into poverty through no fault of his own, replied that such a man had his deepest sympathy but the government could do nothing; such a man must rely on private charity, or starve. (My father, a conservative Republican and history teacher, used to tell this anecdote with deep indignation; he thought America should be better than that.)
3
I suspect that you give Trump, Ryan and others even more credit than they deserve, Paul. You end by saying "that Medicare is PROBABLY in the crosshairs precisely because of its success."
These individuals don't rise to even that level in their thinking. Listen to what they say, watch what they do, look at the history of Conservatism. This isn't about the success of these programs, although it quickly celebrates mistakes, flaws and errors, and even goes so far as to fabricate failure.
Conservatives are ideologues. They have a psychological structure that dictates that any social cooperation that is contrary to individualism and capitalism is wrong, is even evil.
Medicare, Social Security, Unions, ... any social organization is in its existence wrong in their thinking. Period.
Of course Trump was always lying. But a lot of his supporters don't care. I know Trump supporters. It does no good to point to his many lies. They don't care. They can, and do, weave a psychological structure that shifts easily from what is true in fact to include what is true by invention if it validates what they believe.
And in the end belief is the operative here.
Wake up Paul. You're a smart man but you assume that because people can reason and change, they will reason and change.
Many, maybe even most don't. They posit belief first and always and it is primary to them, not facts and outcomes.
Medicare is socialism to these people, therefore wrong. and they intend to destroy it.
.
These individuals don't rise to even that level in their thinking. Listen to what they say, watch what they do, look at the history of Conservatism. This isn't about the success of these programs, although it quickly celebrates mistakes, flaws and errors, and even goes so far as to fabricate failure.
Conservatives are ideologues. They have a psychological structure that dictates that any social cooperation that is contrary to individualism and capitalism is wrong, is even evil.
Medicare, Social Security, Unions, ... any social organization is in its existence wrong in their thinking. Period.
Of course Trump was always lying. But a lot of his supporters don't care. I know Trump supporters. It does no good to point to his many lies. They don't care. They can, and do, weave a psychological structure that shifts easily from what is true in fact to include what is true by invention if it validates what they believe.
And in the end belief is the operative here.
Wake up Paul. You're a smart man but you assume that because people can reason and change, they will reason and change.
Many, maybe even most don't. They posit belief first and always and it is primary to them, not facts and outcomes.
Medicare is socialism to these people, therefore wrong. and they intend to destroy it.
.
9
There is this problem with the fact that inefficiency creates human jobs!......at least until they are automated out of existence.
As usual, the Ryan's of the world are focused on their fixations with the past methods and successes of others rather than the hard work of helping to build a future for humans, and human civilization. They are resting comfortably and proudly on their laurels and their ability to stand strong against the contrary realities that are staring them in the face.
As it has throughout history, conservatism will either drag we humans into a cul-d-sac of suffering and stagnation, or be reframed to see the light through the mist of the rules and regulations that hold their minds captive to biases and opinions rather than enlightened thoughts.
The perpetual churning and reconstruction of the government is not governance.
As usual, the Ryan's of the world are focused on their fixations with the past methods and successes of others rather than the hard work of helping to build a future for humans, and human civilization. They are resting comfortably and proudly on their laurels and their ability to stand strong against the contrary realities that are staring them in the face.
As it has throughout history, conservatism will either drag we humans into a cul-d-sac of suffering and stagnation, or be reframed to see the light through the mist of the rules and regulations that hold their minds captive to biases and opinions rather than enlightened thoughts.
The perpetual churning and reconstruction of the government is not governance.
2
So the question is the same one posed during the election: will it require a complete meltdown of the current system before we can get a positive change? If enough people, including Republican voters, are hurt by Trump's potential changes to Medicare, will they finally support candidates who would legislate for universal coverage?
4
'will they finally support candidates who would legislate for universal coverage?'
Don't hold your breath. The essence of an ideologue's mindset is that if experience and reality conflict with dogma, it is dogma that wins.
Don't hold your breath. The essence of an ideologue's mindset is that if experience and reality conflict with dogma, it is dogma that wins.
A not often known fact is the difference of quality for treatment outcome between Medicare and the general population in America. The general population ranks 34th in the world. When it comes to age 65 and above, Medicare kick in age, the care ranks as high as that of France, which many put at number one in the world.
Can you imagine where America would be on the world list without the vast great treatment outcomes from Medicare?
Can you imagine where America would be on the world list without the vast great treatment outcomes from Medicare?
18
Thank you for bringing this to the attention of your readers and hopefully to the editors of the newspapers and media.
This is an issue that will bring out the best of Ameirca as we gather as familes to celebrate Thanksgiving.
If Paul Ryan's plan receives the formal endorsement of the President-Elect it will be his day of infamy that will end anything else that he might want to do and may possibly call for a "real" election of Mr. Ryan, not the quickie that many Republicans thought was rigged.
This will be front page stuff in large headlines, "Trump Attacks Medicare". This would mobilize Americans and should Mr. Trump be so stupid to sign on to the Ryan plan, he and the Republican GOP majority would evaporate like the vapors rising at sunrise from the shimmering flooded streets of Florida and all of the towns up and down the East Coast of the United States.
I am almost certain that many GOP members of the Senate would report to their consituents that they were switching from the GOP to Independent and would join the Sanders-Warren "Our Revolution" movement and the GOP majority would evaporate within a day after Mr. Trump confirmed this attack in his inaugural sddress.
This is an issue that will bring out the best of Ameirca as we gather as familes to celebrate Thanksgiving.
If Paul Ryan's plan receives the formal endorsement of the President-Elect it will be his day of infamy that will end anything else that he might want to do and may possibly call for a "real" election of Mr. Ryan, not the quickie that many Republicans thought was rigged.
This will be front page stuff in large headlines, "Trump Attacks Medicare". This would mobilize Americans and should Mr. Trump be so stupid to sign on to the Ryan plan, he and the Republican GOP majority would evaporate like the vapors rising at sunrise from the shimmering flooded streets of Florida and all of the towns up and down the East Coast of the United States.
I am almost certain that many GOP members of the Senate would report to their consituents that they were switching from the GOP to Independent and would join the Sanders-Warren "Our Revolution" movement and the GOP majority would evaporate within a day after Mr. Trump confirmed this attack in his inaugural sddress.
13
Really? I see them selling privatization the same way they sold 401k over pensions... What a scam. And remember, old people ( the majority of their constituency) will be grandfathered in, and they are quite a bunch of selfish voters.
To J.S. : I've been a member of "the disgusting Medicare Advantage plans" for the last 10 years. All my Drs. that I visited pre age 65 are on my plan. I have a drug benefit included in my plan at no extra cost. My spouse developed cancer while on this plan and received the best care, best surgeons, best hospital. I receive most of my drugs (generic) at low or no cost. Perhaps you're so against partial privatizing than you haven't or are not willing to talk to those on these plans?
1
The advantage plans don't cover the hospital where my wife had her liver transplant. We have medical think beyond your own box
1
I would like to know if there is a way to have a 3-page report coming out quarterly on the status of the nation (and distributed to every citizen).
One one page a spreadsheet giving the big numbers. What is the deficit this year, what is the overall deficit? How much money is spent on each of the major categories (Defense, Medicare, Social Security,...)
Another page indicating, supported by the aforementioned numbers, whether Medicare is going to collapse etc..
Third page on how much comes in and goes out. Comparison with other countries etc.
The report would have to be well-thought out so that the template does not continually change. Put a video on a government channel on what each part means.
That way we know what is what and will not be swayed by Republicans and others that Medicare, SSN etc. is not sustainable. A complete lie according to Mr. Krugman.
Many, in the middle class would read it, instead of being treating like sheep by the top 20%. That would include the elites as well as the Media and others who are living well and better than they deserve. Comparison and trends would be evident and better decision can be made when the populace is well-informed.
Keeping people away from College due to cost or away from voting booths just shows what the underline intents are and are promulgated by selfish and narrow-minded people. You make a vibrant society by involving everyone and with a sense of decency in the heart.
One one page a spreadsheet giving the big numbers. What is the deficit this year, what is the overall deficit? How much money is spent on each of the major categories (Defense, Medicare, Social Security,...)
Another page indicating, supported by the aforementioned numbers, whether Medicare is going to collapse etc..
Third page on how much comes in and goes out. Comparison with other countries etc.
The report would have to be well-thought out so that the template does not continually change. Put a video on a government channel on what each part means.
That way we know what is what and will not be swayed by Republicans and others that Medicare, SSN etc. is not sustainable. A complete lie according to Mr. Krugman.
Many, in the middle class would read it, instead of being treating like sheep by the top 20%. That would include the elites as well as the Media and others who are living well and better than they deserve. Comparison and trends would be evident and better decision can be made when the populace is well-informed.
Keeping people away from College due to cost or away from voting booths just shows what the underline intents are and are promulgated by selfish and narrow-minded people. You make a vibrant society by involving everyone and with a sense of decency in the heart.
5
I like the idea, but unfortunately, half the country will probably just toss it because they believe it's propaganda. In the meantime, they eat up fake news like it's candy.
1
All civilized societies need government to exist. All Americans must realize that smart government that accommodates citizens is more important than philosophical, political considerations regarding the existence of government or its size.
The United States can easily have capitalism and programs for the social good simultaneously, which can only lead to betterment for all.
If Medicare is dismantled, seniors, especially, those who now have it and are on fixed and low incomes, will suffer and die. Simple as that.
Mr. Krugman's thoughts and observations should be well taken by all. The country cannot afford to be without Medicare.
The United States can easily have capitalism and programs for the social good simultaneously, which can only lead to betterment for all.
If Medicare is dismantled, seniors, especially, those who now have it and are on fixed and low incomes, will suffer and die. Simple as that.
Mr. Krugman's thoughts and observations should be well taken by all. The country cannot afford to be without Medicare.
10
The idea of eliminating Medicare will disappear if someone starts publicizing the cost of buying health insurance for seniors. I checked the Connecticut ACA website (accesshealthct.com), and the least expensive plan for a 63-year-old costs $722 a month before subsidy with a deductible of $5,685. The price increases for every year older you are: Imagine the cost for an 80-year-old. I don't think many seniors or near-seniors would give up Medicare in favor of this option.
17
I hope Trump and all the 65+years-old members of the Republican congressional contingent refuse their Medicare benefits and sign on to equivalent private insurance right now. And then let the rest of us know how much that costs, so that we can start saving.
19
No question, the media has to do the heavy lifting on this issue and get the word out. While Ryan and Trump may talk a good, if largely incoherent and inconsistent game, there are lot's of Republican districts, populated by Medicare dependent seniors , whose Congressman would be in the "cross hairs" if they voted for such a measure. Not to put to fine a point on it but those very same seniors,for example in Rust Belt districts, who may have voted from Trump, depend on Medicare and Social Security as the back bone of their retirement. Without at least that, they are literally, "out on the street". So, the news media has to take the lead on this issue, that will give Republican colleagues of Ryan pause, and insure that this idea of a change meets an early death.
18
The pundit who supported the "never, ever" response of Hillary to EVERYONE having Medicare is sounding the alarm that Trump wants to take it away from those 65 and over.
So which is it Paul? Is Medicare good for every American, or just those 65 and over? Crickets.
So which is it Paul? Is Medicare good for every American, or just those 65 and over? Crickets.
2
I for once agree with Mr. Krugman. Medicare protects our senior parents and friends at precisely the point in their lives when they need medical care the most, something private insurance would never cover appropriately due to the risks of an older population. We are already see a quasi-privatization of Medicare through the disgusting Medicare Advantage plans that blare from every television station this time each year. Those plans take seniors out of traditional Medicare, in which they have freedom of choice to see any doctor, and place them in restrictive HMO-style systems, which is not good for their care. Many older people I know can't wait to get on Medicare and have true access to health care. I for one, who am caught in the terrible Obamacare plans on offer now, would jump at the chance if I could buy into the Medicare system. We need to protect Medicare.
533
Sir...
You are so Wrong about the advantage plans.
I can see Any doctor I want and do not have to pay a very expensive
monthly supplement which rises as you get older.
I. fortunately, only see doctors for my yearly visits.
These advantage plans are perfect for folks who do not go
to doctors frequently.
Please, then, check your facts.
You are so Wrong about the advantage plans.
I can see Any doctor I want and do not have to pay a very expensive
monthly supplement which rises as you get older.
I. fortunately, only see doctors for my yearly visits.
These advantage plans are perfect for folks who do not go
to doctors frequently.
Please, then, check your facts.
So what you're saying is you would have rather had medicare for all? Somehow I am guessing you have voted against that interest many times.
Your ACA plans wouldn't be so terrible if you did not keep electing republicans to run your state.
1
Reducing reimbursements and services isn't ''bending the curve.'' Paul,when is the column about the $700 billion looted from Medicare to help fund the Obamacare fiasco coming?
3
22 million people are now covered by Obamacare than before, so how is this a fiasco ? There has been no $700 looting from Medicare, and there is no documentation to back it up.
Remember that the money in Medicare has been paid into by workers who have worked for over 40 years, so it is not an entitlement at all. It has been paid for.
Remember that the money in Medicare has been paid into by workers who have worked for over 40 years, so it is not an entitlement at all. It has been paid for.
1
Get your facts straight, or at least stop parroting discredited GOP talking points.
The famous $700B refers to the future reductions in Medicare spending that come at the expense of hospitals and insurers, not beneficiaries. But good job resurrecting the ghost of the 2010 GOP lie factory.
The famous $700B refers to the future reductions in Medicare spending that come at the expense of hospitals and insurers, not beneficiaries. But good job resurrecting the ghost of the 2010 GOP lie factory.
2
Same time as the definitive proof that the world is flat.
1
Remember the scare-tactic talk of Death Panels when the ACA was being introduced?
The dismantling of Medicare, Medicaid, and the ACA is the biggest Death Panel one could imagine. People WILL die if this happens.
The dismantling of Medicare, Medicaid, and the ACA is the biggest Death Panel one could imagine. People WILL die if this happens.
84
Conservative Republicans have been the death panels all along, just as conservatism around the world has been the bane of human progress, and a self righteous angel of conflict, suffering and death........not just through King, and Emperors, and Pharoh's, and despots, but through religion itself (witness the Crusades, middle age religious wars, the purges of heritics, and the Salem witch burnings).
There is a time to retrench. Its just that that time in not always and perpetually to infinity.
Conservatives do gain control and certainty (and profits) by continuously churning the work of others.
Now would be a good time for a few to break out of cruise control and take the unbeaten path.
There is a time to retrench. Its just that that time in not always and perpetually to infinity.
Conservatives do gain control and certainty (and profits) by continuously churning the work of others.
Now would be a good time for a few to break out of cruise control and take the unbeaten path.
2
Why are we hearing this only from Krugman. WHERE ARE THE DEMOCRATS? They are busy planning to do deals with the devil, as usual.
42
Our entire political establishment doesn't have a clue about whats happening because conservatives have so thoroughly intimidated progressive, thinking people while bashing, and disabling the core institutions that we need to move forward.
Now, not just conservatives, but the entire country is living the slow, decaying death of faith-based-reality. The rest of the world won't be waiting for us to catch up.
Conservatives are blowing the gigantic lucky break that we got from Roosevelt and the post WWII surge in economic activity.
They are instead opting to tear down progress and restore the past. The only way that we can do that is to start a world war that devastates most of the civilized world and leaves us as the sole survivor. It's just not a viable plan.
Now, not just conservatives, but the entire country is living the slow, decaying death of faith-based-reality. The rest of the world won't be waiting for us to catch up.
Conservatives are blowing the gigantic lucky break that we got from Roosevelt and the post WWII surge in economic activity.
They are instead opting to tear down progress and restore the past. The only way that we can do that is to start a world war that devastates most of the civilized world and leaves us as the sole survivor. It's just not a viable plan.
2
Would the media PLEASE quit calling Medicare and Social Security "ENTITLEMENTS"?!! We PAID in to those programs with the sweat of our work day in and day out, in my case for 45 years. THAT is not the definition of entitlement. You just perpetuate the right wing myth.
205
Yes. Thank you. If the media don't start using the correct terminology for this and myriad other issues, then they are egregiously complicit. I have been asking for correct terminology for years and continue to see the misuse. What is going on here? Have we the people been completely abandoned?
2
Excellent point! There really should be a hands off policy with regard to Medicare and Social Security in Congress. People who have and are paying into the system should not have to live with the unending anxiety of whether or not those programs will remain in place as needed after years of contributions. Medicaid and SSI are need based entitlement programs. And the media constantly speaks about Medicaid and SSI and Medicare and SS in such interchangeable terms that it confuses the issue.
4
And I, at 79 and still working, am chipping in to Medicare and Social Security today (plus paying my monthly $122 premium.)
Furthermore, I pay a YMCA membership fee so that I can run and lift weights and stuff -- to remain strong and healthy so that I don't have to use that swell "entitlement."
Furthermore, I pay a YMCA membership fee so that I can run and lift weights and stuff -- to remain strong and healthy so that I don't have to use that swell "entitlement."
2
I will just say it aloud: I love you, Paul Krugman. I want o give you a big, sloppy wet one on your cheek for this column. You don't pussyfoot around - you say the things other journalists are afraid to say in a direct way. WE NEED YOU now more than ever. And I agree that given the garbage job done by the media (and sorry NYT - that is you, too) can be partly assuaged by covering MEDICARE obsessively. Maybe then the Trump voters will swing over to mainstream media again and open their eyes to who is really on their side.
36
I've been thoroughly enjoying all the rumbling, stumbling and bumbling in the first days of the Trump abomination. Plans to appoint whack jobs and loyalists to his team? Check. Doing the opposite of what he promised his M.A.G.A. voters? Check. Taking credit when none is due? You betcha! It's been gratifying to watch all the buffoonery that we knew would happen, not only go according to plan, but happen much sooner than expected.
All this over-the-top feeling of triumph and vindication has suddenly been replaced with horror and a deepening sadness that this is for real. This is our government now. How on earth will we survive the coming four-year apocalypse? How?
All this over-the-top feeling of triumph and vindication has suddenly been replaced with horror and a deepening sadness that this is for real. This is our government now. How on earth will we survive the coming four-year apocalypse? How?
683
Reduce a four year apocalypse to a two year apocalypse by putting Democrats in charge of the House and Senate in 2018. If we make it until then. The clock is ticking...
2
This will not be so funny in 2 years if Russia and America align to "take out" Islamic extremism in the middle east, thereby fomenting extreme suffering on innocents and alienating a generation of Muslims, of all denominations.
We need to be honest opponents. We need to maintain a hands-off approach to Republican / Trumpian mistakes so that the choice the next time is HOPEFULLY sensible.
These are extreme times. We need to stay calm.
We need to be honest opponents. We need to maintain a hands-off approach to Republican / Trumpian mistakes so that the choice the next time is HOPEFULLY sensible.
These are extreme times. We need to stay calm.
By the way, McConnell refused to vet Merrick Garland before the American people (not the electoral college) spoke. Well, the people spoke--and the people prefer Hillary. By McConnell's own standard, the Senate must vet Garland. Otherwise, Obama should appoint him before Inauguration day. (Off topic, I realize.)
39
"It’s also a chance for the news media, which failed so badly during the campaign, to start doing its job."
I find that so very ironic given your own unfair and unbalanced support of Hillary Clinton to the detriment of a candidate, Bernie Sanders, who did actually have great support from those not ensconced in their ivory towers.
I find that so very ironic given your own unfair and unbalanced support of Hillary Clinton to the detriment of a candidate, Bernie Sanders, who did actually have great support from those not ensconced in their ivory towers.
18
Interesting that Senator has already moved on a long while ago, while some of his supporters are still stuck in the past. HRC won the democratic primary fair and square, let's focus now on saving this country, including finding new leadership to the Democratic Party that appeals to the base, including Bernie's voters.
1
Hear, hear. Krugman was Shiller in Chief for Hillary, and took every opportunity he had to pillory Bernie (inexplicably; perhaps he's jealous of what Bernie inspired in others?). Wonder if he'll ever step back, look in the mirror, and see the part he played in foisting Trump on us?
Dr. Krugman isn't a journalist - he writes an opinion column. He's entitled to have his own opinion.
Direct your outrage elsewhere.
Direct your outrage elsewhere.
1
Thanks for not delaying the call to rise up! Thanks for putting a Silver stake through the heart of Donald Trump. But is it possible VAMPIRE TRUMP has mutated and found the secret to conquer all the old tools to kill vampires?
What to do?
What to do?
6
If Trump carries out Paul Ryan's fervent wish, I predict he will rue the day he signs a bill like that. Ideally, Dr. Krugman's message might seep out before that time.
Many a politician has headed up the "kill entitlements" trail only to fall flat on their derrieres. Moreover, I don't think the Trump Administration will do anything to "sell" the benefits of a program that would affect every single American, and more importantly, decimate the financial well being of the most vulnerable.
The supporters who put Trump in office would be particularly hard hit--even if a voter doesn't yet participate in Medicare, he very likely has a parent, grandparent, uncle or aunt who would be forced to turn to family to help them out during a health crisis.
The irony, of course, is that Medicare works! If ideology manages to upend practicality and program success, I predict a massive revolt from the public.
In fact, I can't anything that would more quickly turn red states blue than privatization of Medicare.
Why? Because health policies would be extremely expensive--old folks get sick, you know! One of the reasons for rising premiums in the ACA, was due to the skewing of the patient insurance pool to the sickest patients. And, if Trump also destroys the ACA along with Medicare, I can't imagine the upheaval.
Nothing is more personal than health. To take a working program and destroy it for private gain of donors (insurers) or ideology (Paul Ryan) would, I believe, backfire badly.
Many a politician has headed up the "kill entitlements" trail only to fall flat on their derrieres. Moreover, I don't think the Trump Administration will do anything to "sell" the benefits of a program that would affect every single American, and more importantly, decimate the financial well being of the most vulnerable.
The supporters who put Trump in office would be particularly hard hit--even if a voter doesn't yet participate in Medicare, he very likely has a parent, grandparent, uncle or aunt who would be forced to turn to family to help them out during a health crisis.
The irony, of course, is that Medicare works! If ideology manages to upend practicality and program success, I predict a massive revolt from the public.
In fact, I can't anything that would more quickly turn red states blue than privatization of Medicare.
Why? Because health policies would be extremely expensive--old folks get sick, you know! One of the reasons for rising premiums in the ACA, was due to the skewing of the patient insurance pool to the sickest patients. And, if Trump also destroys the ACA along with Medicare, I can't imagine the upheaval.
Nothing is more personal than health. To take a working program and destroy it for private gain of donors (insurers) or ideology (Paul Ryan) would, I believe, backfire badly.
52
Dear Christine,
I have enjoyed your knowledge-based comments for a long time and this is no exception. In order to save Medicare, ACA, AND Social Security, the senate Democrats will have to use the filibuster just as the Teapublicans did for eight years. They don't have a filibuster-proof 60-vote majority (a majority I had hoped the Dems would have by Nov. 9) so there will be time and space to bring the voters up to speed on the destructiveness of the Harrumph administration.
We must keep up the fight. I thank you for what you write.
Dave in Denver
I have enjoyed your knowledge-based comments for a long time and this is no exception. In order to save Medicare, ACA, AND Social Security, the senate Democrats will have to use the filibuster just as the Teapublicans did for eight years. They don't have a filibuster-proof 60-vote majority (a majority I had hoped the Dems would have by Nov. 9) so there will be time and space to bring the voters up to speed on the destructiveness of the Harrumph administration.
We must keep up the fight. I thank you for what you write.
Dave in Denver
1
A large number of voters voted to cut of their noses in this election, and a massive number thought THIS election wasn't important enough to bother voting. Those folks are not reading this or anything like it; they are watching/listening to news bites. I have heard people in my rural hometown and NY suburb talking: no matter what they earn, or what income tax they may pay, they think the tax cuts are going to them! Everywhere you can hear pre-retirement age individuals insisting that they 'KNOW' that there will be no Social Security for them and resent the deductions for that and Medicare. The don’t understand how it works now, nor that it can be made viable for the future.
Some small business people are voting their interests. Their incomes may not be high, nut are "managed" using business expenses, just as in large businesses, so that their adjusted income is not reflective of their usable income. They can save large amounts in IRAs and the like, and would gain from simplified reporting changes, and reduced obligations to employees.
Social Security was born out of shared experience of hardship: understanding that collectively we can all have some assurance that 'we' won't be in penury in old age. And that in a modern society, where we are most all dependent on wages, a safety net is necessary to provide stability to society. How does that get sold? Who is our FDR?
Some small business people are voting their interests. Their incomes may not be high, nut are "managed" using business expenses, just as in large businesses, so that their adjusted income is not reflective of their usable income. They can save large amounts in IRAs and the like, and would gain from simplified reporting changes, and reduced obligations to employees.
Social Security was born out of shared experience of hardship: understanding that collectively we can all have some assurance that 'we' won't be in penury in old age. And that in a modern society, where we are most all dependent on wages, a safety net is necessary to provide stability to society. How does that get sold? Who is our FDR?
53
Trump needs to get the (van) Ryan express under control or he will suffer a massive backlash from the people who put him in office.
Thanks to Medicare, no one alive today remembers the tragedy of elderly citizens sick and dying because they cannot afford medical services. Life expectancy has gone up for good reason!
As to "old vs. young," the GOP loves to play divide and conquer. Nothing keeps the masses in check like internecine warfare within the middle class. However, financial ruin triggered by a health crisis doesn't fall solely on the old -- wealth passed on to future generations is also lost. Privatization or elimination of Medicare amounts to a GOP-imposed "Death Tax" on the poor and the middle class.
Thanks to Medicare, no one alive today remembers the tragedy of elderly citizens sick and dying because they cannot afford medical services. Life expectancy has gone up for good reason!
As to "old vs. young," the GOP loves to play divide and conquer. Nothing keeps the masses in check like internecine warfare within the middle class. However, financial ruin triggered by a health crisis doesn't fall solely on the old -- wealth passed on to future generations is also lost. Privatization or elimination of Medicare amounts to a GOP-imposed "Death Tax" on the poor and the middle class.
41
Is Medicare going “bankrupt”? Not even close. Notice that somehow nobody in GOP says the Army is going bankrupt, yet it doesn't even have its own fake "fund" like SS or Medicare: there is ZERO dollars appropriated for the Army for future decades - spending for the Army each year is only politically limited: just like SS and Medicare, if someone says otherwise they are lying.
The US government can always fund Medicare if we the people make a political decision to do so, and they hate it!
Money is scarce to you and me, but the government creates out of nothing every dollar it spends. And it destroys almost as many dollars by taxing. The government cannot run out of dollars, like a bowling alley cannot run out of points. It can create too many dollars and so fuel inflation, but it cannot run out. See: http://tinyurl.com/3pmseq8
The only problem may be inadequate REAL output. The government is now manufacturing this future scarcity by refusing to spend and thus allowing unemployment to persist - all this to "save money" it doesn't need. The lost productivity may actually result in us as seniors being unable to obtain the care we will need, not the government "not having dollars" in the future.
Can we just print a ton of dollars and “be rich”? No. More spending than the economy can match with production will cause inflation.
http://www.laprogressive.com/enlightened-economics/
http://bilbo.economicoutlook.net/blog/?p=1075
The US government can always fund Medicare if we the people make a political decision to do so, and they hate it!
Money is scarce to you and me, but the government creates out of nothing every dollar it spends. And it destroys almost as many dollars by taxing. The government cannot run out of dollars, like a bowling alley cannot run out of points. It can create too many dollars and so fuel inflation, but it cannot run out. See: http://tinyurl.com/3pmseq8
The only problem may be inadequate REAL output. The government is now manufacturing this future scarcity by refusing to spend and thus allowing unemployment to persist - all this to "save money" it doesn't need. The lost productivity may actually result in us as seniors being unable to obtain the care we will need, not the government "not having dollars" in the future.
Can we just print a ton of dollars and “be rich”? No. More spending than the economy can match with production will cause inflation.
http://www.laprogressive.com/enlightened-economics/
http://bilbo.economicoutlook.net/blog/?p=1075
20
As a senior I depend on Medicare. If nothing else it does too little. I recently had radiation treatment for prostate cancer. Without Medicare and a supplemental insurance policy which costs about $1700 a year I would be approximately $40k in debt to the hospital. The supplemental policy saved me that amount as did the Medicare policy. Medicare should have taken care of all of that amount. I was advised that the supplemental policy was essential and it obviously was. A privatization of Medicare would be a disaster for all.
"It has been obvious for a long time that Medicare is actually more efficient than private insurance, mainly because it doesn’t spend large sums on overhead and marketing, and, of course, it needn’t make room for profits."
There are co-pays with Medicare but without the program financial entities would reap the benefits and insurance companies would once again steal from the people.
"It has been obvious for a long time that Medicare is actually more efficient than private insurance, mainly because it doesn’t spend large sums on overhead and marketing, and, of course, it needn’t make room for profits."
There are co-pays with Medicare but without the program financial entities would reap the benefits and insurance companies would once again steal from the people.
71
What else needs to be said? Our fellow American avoided 40K in debt when faced with a cancer diagnosis. Medicare must be guarded and protected. Hope you have good health from here on in Jordan!
1
Double meaning here. The GOP will kill Medicare which will kill people.
49
But, Professor Krugman helped bring it to fruition. "The GOP will kill Medicare which will kill people." But as a massage therapist told me, "not until they have all of your money!"
Fool me once, shame on me. Fool me twice, you can get fooled again.
32
The saying really goes "Fool me once, shame on you." Everyone can be excused for being clueless at first.
heh,heh,heh
I'm sure that there will be some kind of clause that will protect the older whites while inflicting maximum pain on the young and poor. This is what the Republicans excel at.
59
Sure, but older whites have children and grandchildren. Especially since we have no idea of what will happen to Obamacare, this will be a problem for anyone who is fortunate enough to get old.
1
Whatever they do will only protect the elderly for so long. Time passes. Those not protected now will (hopefully) grow elderly, and not be protected. Where did we lose the ability to think beyond next week?
2
Yes. It also delays the pain thus muting the opposition.
1
It's clear. People in large numbers will die without Medicare.
Privatization is another expression for "steal and mismanage. "
Social Security is well-funded from our paychecks and does not contribute a dime to the national debt. Again, without this, people will die.
Death does not concern the GOP-"I'm gonna steal your foundation for life, and then build my millionaire congressional bank accounts. " They've got theirs. And they want to flat out steal yours.
Get the pitchforks ready. You're gonna need them, folks.
Privatization is another expression for "steal and mismanage. "
Social Security is well-funded from our paychecks and does not contribute a dime to the national debt. Again, without this, people will die.
Death does not concern the GOP-"I'm gonna steal your foundation for life, and then build my millionaire congressional bank accounts. " They've got theirs. And they want to flat out steal yours.
Get the pitchforks ready. You're gonna need them, folks.
109
I keep getting confused by the 460 million Social Security Numbers issued in a Nation with only 320 million people, of which 6 million are listed as being 112 years old?
And Social Security says those turning 65 today have a life expectancy of 90 years, and the "Lock Box" has been empty for decades. Since the number of workers to retirees constantly drops, rather than changing the system you want to do what exactly? The alternative can only be greatly increased FICA, right?
And Social Security says those turning 65 today have a life expectancy of 90 years, and the "Lock Box" has been empty for decades. Since the number of workers to retirees constantly drops, rather than changing the system you want to do what exactly? The alternative can only be greatly increased FICA, right?
They are using The Big Lie. Medicare is going bankrupt, Social Security can't survive, Obamacare is doomed. And people will believe what they say - just look at the campaign just concluded.
We need to make it clear that Medicare is more efficient - and why - because no multi million dollar insurance company execs are needed, no advertising, etc ... and that Social Security is healthy - the money is not tied to the general budget, remove the salary cap and the fund works forever, etc... and just keep repeating over and over and over and over.
Let's compete with Trump's policies, not attack his dreadful personality. They go low, we go high.
We need to make it clear that Medicare is more efficient - and why - because no multi million dollar insurance company execs are needed, no advertising, etc ... and that Social Security is healthy - the money is not tied to the general budget, remove the salary cap and the fund works forever, etc... and just keep repeating over and over and over and over.
Let's compete with Trump's policies, not attack his dreadful personality. They go low, we go high.
3
It's called Social Darwinism. Survival of the richest
1
There are two things that have caused a lot of politicians failure. One is the repeated attempt by Democrats to enact restrictive gun laws. Hillary promised to tighter controls and restrictions. The other is medicare which the Republicans seem to want get rid of. Bush got no where with that idea. Medicare actually runs pretty smoothly for the patient. Most physicians and hospitals accept Medicare. We don't like to change when something seems to work from our own point of view. There are already health insurance companies available to join though Medicare. Cost have been pretty stable. So where is the problem for the patient? Trump would be wise to find fixable problems within Medicare, especially those that are hurting the recipient. There is a huge problem that faces patients today and that is the cost of medicines. W have all heard of the Epipen outrageous increase in cost. That is just one. A parasite pill cost $0.12 for two pills the first part of 2010 now cost over $400 at drug stores. Those two same pills in Europe cost $0.04 This is something Trump could attack with a vengeance and get broad support because it needs to be fixed. It's not that hard. Open the foreign markets to patients. Prefilled syringes availability will drop the cost of Epipen. Two four cent pill will eliminate two four hundred dollar pills. Trump should go after something that will make him a hero rather than someone lost in a quagmire that will put the brakes the other changes he wants.
30
We all have been grieving; it is understandable that we should have wanted someone to blame. But the time has come to stop blaming, and roll up our collective sleeves to tie down this loose cannon on the ship of state.
Chuck Schumer and other Congressional Democrats may think they can work with DT to pass some social programs. That seems to me delusional. Is the man really stable enough to trust as a partner? In the end, I suspect all their energies will be sapped just trying to contain his destructive instincts.
On January 20th, we will turn over the nuclear codes to a lunatic. I wake up filled with dread, I live with that dread all day long, and I go to bed with it. To spare themselves such feelings, some folks I know have turned off the news, and refuse to talk about politics.
We simply cannot afford that head-in-the-sand reaction. We must face this squarely and resolutely. I am an old man, but if I have to march, I will march. If I'm arrested, so be it. What do I have to lose?
To be effective, this must be a collective effort. As a start, let’s stop blaming, and start recruiting.
Chuck Schumer and other Congressional Democrats may think they can work with DT to pass some social programs. That seems to me delusional. Is the man really stable enough to trust as a partner? In the end, I suspect all their energies will be sapped just trying to contain his destructive instincts.
On January 20th, we will turn over the nuclear codes to a lunatic. I wake up filled with dread, I live with that dread all day long, and I go to bed with it. To spare themselves such feelings, some folks I know have turned off the news, and refuse to talk about politics.
We simply cannot afford that head-in-the-sand reaction. We must face this squarely and resolutely. I am an old man, but if I have to march, I will march. If I'm arrested, so be it. What do I have to lose?
To be effective, this must be a collective effort. As a start, let’s stop blaming, and start recruiting.
99
Excellent close to your essay, Mr. Krugman, "What’s crucial now is to make sure that voters do, in fact, realize what’s going on. And this isn’t just a job for politicians. It’s also a chance for the news media, which failed so badly during the campaign, to start doing its job."
It's going to take a while for some of us to forgive. Your dismissal of Sanders felt and continues to feels like a betrayal.
It's going to take a while for some of us to forgive. Your dismissal of Sanders felt and continues to feels like a betrayal.
25
There should be no forgiveness until the intentional wrong is acknowledged and forgiveness is asked for.
1
His dismissal of Sanders was irrational; beyond any intellectual reason. He was shiller in chief for Hillary and a big part of the reason Trump was foisted on us.
1
Really? That boat is long gone. Time to move on.
Someone tell me, how did Trump attain a character trait of being more trustworthy than Clinton? It boggles the mind!
80
"... how did Trump attain a character trait of being more trustworthy than Clinton?"
One reason is T labeled her "Crooked Hillary" and the media let him repeat this mantra unchallenged for months. Crooked con man Don played the media like a violin and gullible voters fell for the candidate "who says it like it is."
You are so right Floyd Lewis, "It boggles the mind!"
One reason is T labeled her "Crooked Hillary" and the media let him repeat this mantra unchallenged for months. Crooked con man Don played the media like a violin and gullible voters fell for the candidate "who says it like it is."
You are so right Floyd Lewis, "It boggles the mind!"
3
Fake news and sexism come to mind, not mention that feeling free to express racist opinions in public seems to equate in some circles for being honest.
1
Because the DNC and the liberal media, in tandem, were asleep at the wheel.
Republicans are not so stupid as to kill Medicare for their angry white oldster base. They will try to phase it out, so that current and near retirees are unaffected but younger citizens are left out in the cold holding their vouchers. The idea is to tax blue voters and spend on red voters. This will be a common theme of the Trump administration.
61
Alexander I do believe you are right. As we are people with immediate cratification, it's I myself and me, we will overlook this scenarios. TheGOP let by Trump goons, will destroy the fabric of our society. I am old too. My children do well, are fearing that social security and medicare won't be aroun for elderly, working class and poor. It will affect the very people who voted for this selfish man, We see already on his present appointments of his wealthy business and Wall Street friends. I fear that his lies of promises will mostly hurt those who elected him blindly. Fooled by his talks of fear, hatred and lies, lies, lies. I see only pain, anxiety and increased poverty, curtailment of media reports for the next four years.
7
"The MSM to do its job." Now there is a radical concept. You mean don't worry about ratings by showing disasters so you can sell ED pills or anti laxatives moments after attempting to sell a laxative? Say it ain't so. But it is a start. Voucher programs just allow vendors to push up price and use the voucher to sell at the same price as before. Of course a sleazy real estate executive like Trump and his clan would understand this. Could call Paul K.. Keep it up.
20
Professor Krugman, I agree that your column is correct, but the sad truth is, in the words of Milton, that experience is the only antidote to ignorance; and by my calculation more that half of the American public are ignorant when it comes to what services a modern government of an advanced nation can and should deliver to its citizens.
Based on this I can only say the worse the better. So let the unified Republican government destroy the social welfare legacies of nearly every president since FDR. Let their healthcare costs skyrocket, strip away the marginal income social security provides and maybe then, finally, they will wake up.
Or not... I mean, they elected the Mango Mussolini.
Based on this I can only say the worse the better. So let the unified Republican government destroy the social welfare legacies of nearly every president since FDR. Let their healthcare costs skyrocket, strip away the marginal income social security provides and maybe then, finally, they will wake up.
Or not... I mean, they elected the Mango Mussolini.
16
I didn't vote for Mango. I voted for sane government. So I should stand by while they dismantle Social Security and Medicare that I have worked all my life for, only to have it mortally threatened as I near the time when I will actually need it? Sounds like a good, fair, solid plan to me. Not.
2
It may be worth noting that 31% of Medicare beneficiaries in 2015 were enrolled in private Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans and that percentage has grown rapidly in the last 5 years (according to Kaiser) as Medicare program cost trends have moderated. That, combined with the prescription drug benefit (Part D) plans mean Medicare has already been infected by the killer private-sector germ and has been for decades.
16
Again the private part gets an unfair advantage.
The Medicare Modernization Act of 2003 includes numerous provisions encouraging the continued privatization of the Medicare program. Among these are billions of dollars in subsidies to private health plans intended to encourage their participation in Medicare. Overpaying private companies to provide services that could readily be provided by traditional Medicare at less cost undermines the Medicare program and increases Part B premiums for all beneficiaries as well as increasing costs to the federal government. The National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare believes these subsidies should be eliminated, and the savings dedicated to the preservation and expansion of traditional Medicare.
The Medicare Modernization Act of 2003 includes numerous provisions encouraging the continued privatization of the Medicare program. Among these are billions of dollars in subsidies to private health plans intended to encourage their participation in Medicare. Overpaying private companies to provide services that could readily be provided by traditional Medicare at less cost undermines the Medicare program and increases Part B premiums for all beneficiaries as well as increasing costs to the federal government. The National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare believes these subsidies should be eliminated, and the savings dedicated to the preservation and expansion of traditional Medicare.
2
W.'s attempt to establish private investment accounts as part of Social Security was a major factor in the downward spiral in Republican popularity which led to the Democratic Wave Elections of 2006 and 2008. Conservative ideologues will never sell such a foolish idea to the general public as long as the memory of the stock market and housing market crashes of 2008 are fresh in people's minds. Trump and the Republican Congress plan multi-billion dollar tax cuts to billionaires and cash laden corporations who already have more Capital than they know how to invest productively. Why else would they be willing to accept long term bonds at such low interest rates? Killing insurance coverage for up to 20 million people and attempts to privatize Medicare are the kind overreaching actions that turn majority parties into minority parties.
16
MikeMav: " Conservative ideologues will never sell such a foolish idea to the general public as long as the memory of the stock market and housing market crashes of 2008 are fresh in people's minds."
You haven't been paying attention. The last 8 years of increasing GOP extremism and parallel, commensurate Democratic fecklessness and impotence while the media engages in milque toast pablums allowing them to get away with it should tell you exactly what we're in for.
You haven't been paying attention. The last 8 years of increasing GOP extremism and parallel, commensurate Democratic fecklessness and impotence while the media engages in milque toast pablums allowing them to get away with it should tell you exactly what we're in for.
Sorry folks, Trump voters will not care.
Anonymous commenter:
“The salient fact of American politics is that there are fifty to seventy million voters each of whom will volunteer to live, with his family, in a cardboard box under an overpass, and cook sparrows on an old curtain rod, if someone would only guarantee that the black, gay, Hispanic, liberal, whatever, in the next box over doesn’t even have a curtain rod, or a sparrow to put on it.”
And then there's LBJ:
"I'll tell you what's at the bottom of it," he said. "If you can convince the lowest white man he's better than the best colored man, he won't notice you're picking his pocket. Hell, give him somebody to look down on, and he'll empty his pockets for you."
And then there's all the actual scientific research that supports what those two quotes sum up; perceived well-being depends on status relative to those closer in status.
It is the small changes-- "facts on the ground"-- like ACA, that will shift things over time. It is local, ground-up politics that will shift things over time. People get used to things; look at gay marriage and LED bulbs and all the other stuff that crept into our culture, with little nudges from the government.
"It's the incrementalism, stupid."
Are US citizens "on the left" mature enough to keep plugging away to get things done? Maybe, maybe not. But the right wingers sure have it figured out.
Anonymous commenter:
“The salient fact of American politics is that there are fifty to seventy million voters each of whom will volunteer to live, with his family, in a cardboard box under an overpass, and cook sparrows on an old curtain rod, if someone would only guarantee that the black, gay, Hispanic, liberal, whatever, in the next box over doesn’t even have a curtain rod, or a sparrow to put on it.”
And then there's LBJ:
"I'll tell you what's at the bottom of it," he said. "If you can convince the lowest white man he's better than the best colored man, he won't notice you're picking his pocket. Hell, give him somebody to look down on, and he'll empty his pockets for you."
And then there's all the actual scientific research that supports what those two quotes sum up; perceived well-being depends on status relative to those closer in status.
It is the small changes-- "facts on the ground"-- like ACA, that will shift things over time. It is local, ground-up politics that will shift things over time. People get used to things; look at gay marriage and LED bulbs and all the other stuff that crept into our culture, with little nudges from the government.
"It's the incrementalism, stupid."
Are US citizens "on the left" mature enough to keep plugging away to get things done? Maybe, maybe not. But the right wingers sure have it figured out.
33
The left is not mature enough to figure it out. The left has an all or nothing mentality. Bernie or Bust is one example or the failure to enact a government option or single payer rather than accept that the ACA is significant progress toward an ultimate goal. Not getting what they want they either stay home or vote third party. The result is the Trump catastrophe that may result in loss of Medicare and Social Security.
2
Arty, those are great quotes.
Financialization is the name of the gain.
The GOP needs to keep feeding the Wall St Casino with capital inflows, until now largely fed by the rest of the world to balance US deficits and maintain aggregate demand.
As those flows dry up dismantling and privatizing SS and Medicare creates a new river of liquidities to continue to build card-castles of structured derivatives and other forms of "rent economy" financial vehicles that often end up worthless.
With or without another bubble burst à la 2008 the taxpayer will end up with the bill as the greed is good crowd continues to co-opt and corrupt the political process.
This crowd becomes more extreme as they realize this cannot go on forever, when the music stops stashing will be over - the social compact by then degraded as democratic values are trampled by a moneyed class seeking to build ruling dynasties.
The GOP needs to keep feeding the Wall St Casino with capital inflows, until now largely fed by the rest of the world to balance US deficits and maintain aggregate demand.
As those flows dry up dismantling and privatizing SS and Medicare creates a new river of liquidities to continue to build card-castles of structured derivatives and other forms of "rent economy" financial vehicles that often end up worthless.
With or without another bubble burst à la 2008 the taxpayer will end up with the bill as the greed is good crowd continues to co-opt and corrupt the political process.
This crowd becomes more extreme as they realize this cannot go on forever, when the music stops stashing will be over - the social compact by then degraded as democratic values are trampled by a moneyed class seeking to build ruling dynasties.
14
So Trump and the Republicans are going to start by telling 22 million people they are going lose their healthcare coverage under Obamacare (and incidentally wipe about 150 billion of annual expenditures in the healthcare industry) and then move on to the main course of destroying Medicare. Not of course for the present beneficiaries but those probably 55 and younger who will receive a voucher for around $7500 which they can use to purchase coverage which will cost around $12,500 at 65 (or maybe 67) even assuming they are healthy. Not healthy it will be much worse. Krugman's right of course it's not going to happen but watching them try will hopefully tear a few scales from people's eyes.
29
More utter nonsense. Does Krugman think Hillary won? She and Ryan are very similar. They were going to rule with compromises in which he gave her piddling child care and a small increase in minimum wage and she was going to be "forced" to cut Social Security and Medicare as she and he both wanted. And Krugman would have quietly cheered and publicly said it was the Republicans' fault.
Obviously Obamacare cut expenses on Medicare. It cut the benefits on the prescription drug insurance. And demographics are at work. I am 80. We are getting very expensive for Medicare, but we are at the very bottom of the baby bust of the 1930s. There are not very many of us. The new entrants are the enormous group of Babyboomers. But those in their late sixties and early seventies are still relatively healthy. They inflate the denominator but still not the numerator that much.
I am sure Krugman will say it is Trump who made the Babyboomers 8 years older when he leaves office and increased Medicare costs.
Obviously Obamacare cut expenses on Medicare. It cut the benefits on the prescription drug insurance. And demographics are at work. I am 80. We are getting very expensive for Medicare, but we are at the very bottom of the baby bust of the 1930s. There are not very many of us. The new entrants are the enormous group of Babyboomers. But those in their late sixties and early seventies are still relatively healthy. They inflate the denominator but still not the numerator that much.
I am sure Krugman will say it is Trump who made the Babyboomers 8 years older when he leaves office and increased Medicare costs.
10
Yes, and vouchers will mean that as each of them gets sick, they'll find insurance unaffordable, even with an ever-shrinking voucher. The Republican plan of implementing a Malthusian plan - weeding out the excess population, continues on track.
Ever try to buy group insurance for a small company? Ever see what happens to your rates if someone gets an expensive, chronic illness? It means choosing between keeping the group plan and going bankrupt from the high premiums, or getting rid of the group plan. Obamacare eliminated this problem. Republicans, ever eager to elevate ideology over reality, pretend vouchers will somehow make health care affordable.
Ever try to buy group insurance for a small company? Ever see what happens to your rates if someone gets an expensive, chronic illness? It means choosing between keeping the group plan and going bankrupt from the high premiums, or getting rid of the group plan. Obamacare eliminated this problem. Republicans, ever eager to elevate ideology over reality, pretend vouchers will somehow make health care affordable.
83
@Jerry Hough
Durham, NC
Er...Jerry dear boy it is a matter of public record that Ryan has already stated it is his intention to attempt to privatize Medicare by converting it into a voucher system. Far from nonsense this is matter of fact which you can quite easily check with a few minutes googling. And as far as I know Clinton NEVER proposed similar actions.
Durham, NC
Er...Jerry dear boy it is a matter of public record that Ryan has already stated it is his intention to attempt to privatize Medicare by converting it into a voucher system. Far from nonsense this is matter of fact which you can quite easily check with a few minutes googling. And as far as I know Clinton NEVER proposed similar actions.
49
This is really a poorly-argued post. You ignore or sideline the points Krugman is making in order to give some flimsy, counterfactual ad hom.
Look, is Trump going to privatize Medicare and Social Security or not? There's some reason to think he is--look at his advisors, look at what he's led Ryan to believe. Do you have any reason to think that he's not? I don't see one.
The big cost crunch that is alleged to come with Baby Boomers is not the issue, because the issue is allegedly not over whether or not to insure them but under what mechanism they should be insured: should it be a voucher system or the system we currently have? ("Allegedly" was added because it's not clear that Ryan is acting in good faith--he may just want us to insure fewer people with tax dollars.) If you want non-affluent elderly people to be insured at all, then you're going to need the state to guarantee their being insured, and that makes the demographic bulge of Boomers an anticipated cost. There's no way around that unless you want to tell a bunch of people who've counted on being insured for their entire lives by the government into old age to take a hike and to deal with the impossible situation of buying private insurance into their 70s and 80s. That's the shape of the problem; the demographic bulge is inevitable. This article points to the only real cost issue that can humanely be addressed: that it's probably more efficient to use Medicare than a voucher system.
Look, is Trump going to privatize Medicare and Social Security or not? There's some reason to think he is--look at his advisors, look at what he's led Ryan to believe. Do you have any reason to think that he's not? I don't see one.
The big cost crunch that is alleged to come with Baby Boomers is not the issue, because the issue is allegedly not over whether or not to insure them but under what mechanism they should be insured: should it be a voucher system or the system we currently have? ("Allegedly" was added because it's not clear that Ryan is acting in good faith--he may just want us to insure fewer people with tax dollars.) If you want non-affluent elderly people to be insured at all, then you're going to need the state to guarantee their being insured, and that makes the demographic bulge of Boomers an anticipated cost. There's no way around that unless you want to tell a bunch of people who've counted on being insured for their entire lives by the government into old age to take a hike and to deal with the impossible situation of buying private insurance into their 70s and 80s. That's the shape of the problem; the demographic bulge is inevitable. This article points to the only real cost issue that can humanely be addressed: that it's probably more efficient to use Medicare than a voucher system.
16
Everything that you write is true. If only something being true was enough. What this election has taught us/me is that for many Americans, the truth is far removed from reality. Fair to say, that notion of "post-truth" holds even for the President-elect who routinely believed what he read on the internet without regard.
The essay "The Long Con" by Rick Perlstein describing how mail order conservatism peddled in wild conspiracy theories to bilk their readers out of their money is now the dominant force of our politics. You can already hear the "we must cut Medicare and Social Security in order to save it." Oh and we must eliminately the estate tax too for the good of the country.
And what the election has taught us is that the reactionary mind is prone to such falsehoods. The reality that upwards of 40% of conservative Facebook feeds were fictitious stories or that the most popular shares were dominated by these kinds of stories bears proof to that notion.
Which brings me to something that I am have been mulling in my mind. How do you motivate or appeal to a significant portion of the population where the objective truth doesn't matter? How do you convince someone that cutting taxes is magical thinking when the same person is already heavily invested in magical thinking? How do you counter act their "true beliefs" when reality isn't enough? I have to admit I am stumped. But it is essential that we find some counter measure or it's going to get much worse.
The essay "The Long Con" by Rick Perlstein describing how mail order conservatism peddled in wild conspiracy theories to bilk their readers out of their money is now the dominant force of our politics. You can already hear the "we must cut Medicare and Social Security in order to save it." Oh and we must eliminately the estate tax too for the good of the country.
And what the election has taught us is that the reactionary mind is prone to such falsehoods. The reality that upwards of 40% of conservative Facebook feeds were fictitious stories or that the most popular shares were dominated by these kinds of stories bears proof to that notion.
Which brings me to something that I am have been mulling in my mind. How do you motivate or appeal to a significant portion of the population where the objective truth doesn't matter? How do you convince someone that cutting taxes is magical thinking when the same person is already heavily invested in magical thinking? How do you counter act their "true beliefs" when reality isn't enough? I have to admit I am stumped. But it is essential that we find some counter measure or it's going to get much worse.
226
I agree so heartily that I had to do more than click “recommended”. You make a critically important point--one we have failed to address in our educational system for far too long.
8
What might help is a few more politicians like Bernie, focused on the welfare of their constituents rather than that of the insurance companies, drumming home the message that other first world countries do successfully profitless and more humane medical services to their citizens - Along with news media giving it the attention it deserves and spreading that message by comparing our medical insurance services and costs with those of other countries - and asking the why we can't have the same? Of course both the politicians and the media would need testosterone to do it.
Well said. you are right: truth matters, and people should pay attention to the details. One thing my party (dems/dem-socialists) ought to do is to run credible candidates with out the baggahe Clinto brought to the game. And this was true, even before the revelations about the emails.
General statements of concern are marvelous but Americans are most likely to respond when the threat is most personal. For example, around 21 percent of West Virginia's population is on Medicare, and Medicare amounts to more than $3.5 billion spent in the state each year. Around 262,000 of West Virginia's population is 55-64 (a demographic voting heavily for Trump), a group particularly vulnerable to plans to abolish Medicare because a high percentage is unemployed, disabled, or otherwise unlikely to be able to afford premiums for private insurance. We need to be very clear and aggressive in communicating to such populations they are at risk in order to bolster insurance company profits. Here in Oregon it appears the lone Republican in our Congressional delegation, Greg Walden, represents the district with the highest percentage of Medicare enrollees in the state. Walden's constituents need to hear early and often that Walden as a member of the Republican leadership cadre supports gutting Medicare. The more Americans understand that they individually, not some vague, undefined "other" are going to suffer the consequences of Paul Ryan's quest for insurance company campaign donations the more likely we are to have some hope of burying this. So get out and calculate who loses with this proposal and make sure they are well-aware Paul Ryan, Mitch McConnell, and Donald Trump are out to gut their Medicare, leaving them at the mercy of rapacious private insurers.
152
Please clarify: Do you mean Medicaid when you refer to the large number of people receiving benefits?
Medicaid is the benefit provided to very poor and disabled people at as a "safety net" program. It involves no costs to recipients. Medicare is the program used by most people over sixty-five and is paid for through the payroll tax plus the purchase of supplemental programs like Part B and D from insurance companies.
Medicaid is the benefit provided to very poor and disabled people at as a "safety net" program. It involves no costs to recipients. Medicare is the program used by most people over sixty-five and is paid for through the payroll tax plus the purchase of supplemental programs like Part B and D from insurance companies.
Excellent.
I'm sorry demo rates don't do that, expect vague platitudes
The silver lining is that if they do this, provided that don't send pro-rata Social Security checks to every one, so they can send the money to their broker of choice, the US electorate will gladly embrace single payer when the next Democrat is elected president. Ryan has presidential ambitions. He may have to sacrifice those ambitions to emulate Ayn Rand.
23
Amen to that. Single payer words very well in most industrial countries around the world. But, NO, Trump and the GOP just have to fiddle with it and definitely will screw it up for the people who really need it.
The older you get, the more health problems you will have - no doubt about it and if the GOP has its way, we will say an aging sicker population.
The older you get, the more health problems you will have - no doubt about it and if the GOP has its way, we will say an aging sicker population.
Some anti-government Trump supporters may think that a voucher system is preferable; other Trump supporters who have had an experience with Medicare which they didn't like may also applaud the idea of a voucher system since it gives them access to 'private' insurance (always preferable in their minds); a 3rd set may simply not understand what Medicare is or how it works (2008 - "keep your government out of my Medicare").
That said, vouchers are simply a way to end Medicare. Over a few years the government vouchers would likely pay for less and less of the insurance premium. Those with assets, e.g., Trump friends, the "elite" etc., could continue to buy good policies, but those dependent upon those vouchers (many Trump fans) would get less and less coverage. Apparently the GOP likes a country where only the well-off have access to "the best healthcare in the world."
That said, vouchers are simply a way to end Medicare. Over a few years the government vouchers would likely pay for less and less of the insurance premium. Those with assets, e.g., Trump friends, the "elite" etc., could continue to buy good policies, but those dependent upon those vouchers (many Trump fans) would get less and less coverage. Apparently the GOP likes a country where only the well-off have access to "the best healthcare in the world."
220
That might be relevant if in fact there were a proposal to turn Medicare into a voucher system. But in reality there has not been a proposal to turn Medicare into a voucher system since Congressperson Richard Gephardt proposed it in 1983. See http://www.heritage.org/research/reports/2011/04/how-to-transform-medica... and many other sources
Thank you for stating your view so clearly. I feel sad for the young who will never get to benefit from this program -- that many of us age 60 and older have seen greatly improve the quality of so many lives. Without Medicare, hard-working citizens who've long been denied fair wages will have no meaningful safety net.
2
The Republicans don't want lower income people, wherever that line is, to have healthcare, although some likely have the simple-minded solution of George W Bush-go to the emergency room. They are too dense to understand that the "free ER care" has to be paid for, in higher hospital costs leading to higher premiums, etc, etc etc.
2
Stay at it, Paul! The country needs you.
100
You can count on one thing, if and when Trump decides to adopt the destroy- Medicare position of Paul Ryan, he will tell every lie in the book to try to discredit Medicare. He was a pathological liar during the campaign, and there is no reason to assume he will change. If Trump adopts this position, it will be just another example of Trump not caring about the people who elected him.
176
The country would be better off if the good people of Wisconsin stopped electing the faux policy wonk Ryan. He's an intellectual lightweight with Terrible ideas for the country.
2
"You might this would make the whole idea a non-starter" And yet here we are dealing with DT.
Think about a different strategy. If your game plan is to play defense with the press in the frontline, the whole idea is a non-starter.
Think about a different strategy. If your game plan is to play defense with the press in the frontline, the whole idea is a non-starter.
14
While he's attacking Medicare with his right hand, you better be watching his left hand too.
69
Add Lyndon Johnson, the founder of Medicare, to the number of people who would be rolling in their graves to know Donald Trump is now president of the United States.
It is interesting Paul Ryan would hardly give Donald Trump the time of day prior to Trump winning the election. Then enter the win, and Chessie Cat Ryan grins from ear to ear. He knows his miraculous chance to get rid of Medicare has come true. When Ryan ran with Romney, people still remembered his attack on Medicare, especially elderly Floridians. Their theme song was "don't touch our Medicare." And they voted such to "save their Medicare."
I have written about the fear this new total regime puts on the citizens of this country. But healthcare and how it will be touched, by those who know nothing about healthcare, makes me more than nauseated.
I have dedicated fifty years of my life to the healthcare of others in so many ways professionally, hands on, and on the fringes. I even joined other nurses for a couple days down on Occupy Wall Sreet when we tried to plead our case for the then uninsured.
I worked as a CNA when Medicare was in its early days. I worked the insurance phones as an RN who made approvals for many avenues of care benefits. And I marched down hospital halls when the recession hit and people became uninsured.
Now, as a recipient of straight Medicare benefits, which all of us elders paid into, we have Paul Ryan and Donald Trump pulling out our rug. And they are.
Such nasty men!
It is interesting Paul Ryan would hardly give Donald Trump the time of day prior to Trump winning the election. Then enter the win, and Chessie Cat Ryan grins from ear to ear. He knows his miraculous chance to get rid of Medicare has come true. When Ryan ran with Romney, people still remembered his attack on Medicare, especially elderly Floridians. Their theme song was "don't touch our Medicare." And they voted such to "save their Medicare."
I have written about the fear this new total regime puts on the citizens of this country. But healthcare and how it will be touched, by those who know nothing about healthcare, makes me more than nauseated.
I have dedicated fifty years of my life to the healthcare of others in so many ways professionally, hands on, and on the fringes. I even joined other nurses for a couple days down on Occupy Wall Sreet when we tried to plead our case for the then uninsured.
I worked as a CNA when Medicare was in its early days. I worked the insurance phones as an RN who made approvals for many avenues of care benefits. And I marched down hospital halls when the recession hit and people became uninsured.
Now, as a recipient of straight Medicare benefits, which all of us elders paid into, we have Paul Ryan and Donald Trump pulling out our rug. And they are.
Such nasty men!
345
I thought nasty was a badge of honor. Such deplorable men!
1
It’s not so much that Ryan wants to kill Medicare and Obamacare. Rather, Ryan wants to kill lots of Americans; for that would be the result of ending Medicare and Obamacare.
There is not enough room for dependent little people (the middle class) and capitalist heroic movers and shakers like Ayn Rand’s Hank Rearden. The little people are overhead that slow the mission of capitalism.
Ryan has said it was Rand that inspired him to public service.
There is not enough room for dependent little people (the middle class) and capitalist heroic movers and shakers like Ayn Rand’s Hank Rearden. The little people are overhead that slow the mission of capitalism.
Ryan has said it was Rand that inspired him to public service.
42
One could reasonably conclude that Ayn Rand had not only delusions of grandeur, but domination streaks of meanness and sociopathology. And one of her supporters is in a position to destroy benefits which we have already paid into-some of us for 40 years. I wonder if it was the fact that Rand, his mother and family were assisted by local and Federal government assistance at one point in their lives that he is still trying to assuage?
2
So you think that "voters" are going to "do something" about a government 100% in the hands of the vulture capitalists who want to get rid of anything in the way of their profiting off people's misery?
Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha...........
The most Americans have done in response to their deep exploitation and immiseration is wander around the streets blocking traffic and waving signs.
So much for the "revolution."
Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha...........
The most Americans have done in response to their deep exploitation and immiseration is wander around the streets blocking traffic and waving signs.
So much for the "revolution."
19
Steven--
You're correct. After watching the GOP block every effort of Obama to pass legislation helping working people----these same working people voted Republican in 2016.
Most Americans will do little or nothing, aside the few that will be vocal. They do not vote or act based on a review of the issues. Unfortunately most voting will now be based on popularity, religion, or on race.
You're correct. After watching the GOP block every effort of Obama to pass legislation helping working people----these same working people voted Republican in 2016.
Most Americans will do little or nothing, aside the few that will be vocal. They do not vote or act based on a review of the issues. Unfortunately most voting will now be based on popularity, religion, or on race.
1
One of the things that became evident through my conversation with my Trump supporting neighbor is that there is confusion between medicare with medicaid.
So when one talks about the cuts to Medicare, some Trump voters and GOP supporters will support it because they think the cuts will be depriving undeserving people of welfare benefits.
Another disturbing notion that has became clear is that some Trump supporters (like my neighbor) have a cult-like belief in him and refuse to believe that he is capable of double crossing them despite the abundance of historical evidence and the changes in Trump messaging that has been made on his websites.
I don't think Trump voters will comprehend the impending damage until they or their parents receive the first vouchers in the mail and realize that there are not too many private insurance companies willing to insure a 65 year old man with Type 2 diabetes, an enlarged prostate, high blood pressure, failing kidneys and a touch of arthritis........................ and by then it will be too late
So I think all of us who supports medicare will have to protest vigorously, utilize social media to sound the clarion call and go to the polls in record numbers in 2018 like our lives depended on it.
So when one talks about the cuts to Medicare, some Trump voters and GOP supporters will support it because they think the cuts will be depriving undeserving people of welfare benefits.
Another disturbing notion that has became clear is that some Trump supporters (like my neighbor) have a cult-like belief in him and refuse to believe that he is capable of double crossing them despite the abundance of historical evidence and the changes in Trump messaging that has been made on his websites.
I don't think Trump voters will comprehend the impending damage until they or their parents receive the first vouchers in the mail and realize that there are not too many private insurance companies willing to insure a 65 year old man with Type 2 diabetes, an enlarged prostate, high blood pressure, failing kidneys and a touch of arthritis........................ and by then it will be too late
So I think all of us who supports medicare will have to protest vigorously, utilize social media to sound the clarion call and go to the polls in record numbers in 2018 like our lives depended on it.
126
Ryan's idea seems to be to shorten the lives of as many poor and middle class voters as he can before 2020. Next, burdensome rules designed to make voter registration difficult, and actual voting involve long lines and taking unpaid time off work.
27
I have no more fight left in me to try to persuade people to smarten up. I'm off, while I still have my wits and great health, to a country where I can work and pay into the socialized health care system.
Good luck everyone.
Good luck everyone.
1
More dead people means fewer deadbeats. The Ryan mindset.
2
Dr. Krugman can't quite get over the fact that Donald Trump has won the election so he invents a bit of false narrative about the future of Medicare. The result of the election is only 10 days old, Trumps presidency hasn't even begun and already the sky is falling. Give us all a break and become a patriot and support the new President like you wanted Republicans to do with Mrs. Clinton if she had won.
Oh yes...Deborah, I am a Trump supporter and I read the New York Times, The WSJ, the NY post { best sports coverage}, and My local paper on a daily basis. I also get the Week Magazine and Fortune. I am also one of the successful white business men and a true patriot that Candidate Clinton failed to pander to.
Oh yes...Deborah, I am a Trump supporter and I read the New York Times, The WSJ, the NY post { best sports coverage}, and My local paper on a daily basis. I also get the Week Magazine and Fortune. I am also one of the successful white business men and a true patriot that Candidate Clinton failed to pander to.
11
@Fred. Fred, why don't you check your facts?
8
I do recall Mr Bush trying to rid us of Social Security. In Trump world, lies are truth.
So raising the alarms early is the only option.
So raising the alarms early is the only option.
4
You do realize that Ryan is going to bring up the Medicare voucher system in January--on Day 1, as they like to call it--when he brings up the legislation to repeal Obamacare? Ryan has already said Medicare will be tied to repeal of Obamacare. January is only 2 months away. It's not soon enough to bring up the Medicare issue. It's actually late.
5
I've got a friend who voted for Mr. Trump mainly for his nativist appeal. When we would talk I soon discovered there was no possible way to sway him from his choice. Just last week I showed him the article about Speaker Ryan and his comments on Medicare. His response? That's just the liberal media talking. Then at lunch yesterday I showed him more evidence that Medicare is in the cross-hairs. He still refused to believe it. He said that Trump said he won't cut these programs. I asked him what would happen if they did get cut and he said that he'd be in real trouble, but then added, "It's just the liberal media lying again."
84
Jeremy:
If Trump goes for this Ryan baloney, it will be the end of him and he will resurrect the D's without any effort on their part. Having said that, your friend is not wrong about the media. Is he?
If Trump goes for this Ryan baloney, it will be the end of him and he will resurrect the D's without any effort on their part. Having said that, your friend is not wrong about the media. Is he?
I fear you may have far more faith in the power of the press, and in the desire for accurate information amongst voters, and in the rationality of our body politik, than I myself have. I'm no "buttercup" -- as the new epithet goes -- instead I'm a cynical bee in the hive. I do my part, but look around and wonder if colony collapse is right around the corner.
40
The intellectual dishonesty employed by Mr. Ryan is off-the-charts.
I envision a steady stream of Republicans saying to Mr. Trump: "Mr. president, here, sign this." Republicans may have succeeded in placing their version of the useful idiot in the white house.
I envision a steady stream of Republicans saying to Mr. Trump: "Mr. president, here, sign this." Republicans may have succeeded in placing their version of the useful idiot in the white house.
70
I'm rooting for America's success, and the key provision for that is Trump’s abject miserable failure and being removed or voted out of office before he can do any more damage than he will have already done. Along with that will be a harsh lesson to all the dupes who bought his snake oil and invested their hopes in a grossly unqualified megalomaniac who plainly does not have interests of the average citizen at heart. America has made a colossal mistake, and is about to turn backwards dramatically and tragically
41
NY Times media bias:
1) In this editorial, Krugman talks about what will probably not happen as if it will happen and then demonizes Trump over his false premise. Trump is white, angry and 70; he will not be making Medicare worse but much better and at less cost. Privatization does not only mean higher costs for us as Krugman implies; govt. medicine is often more costly for the community and spreads the cost for the poor to the rich only.
In another example of bias:
"Last week, Ford said it planned to move production of the vehicle elsewhere. "
In this front page article, Binyamin Applebaum said that Ford planned to move production of Ford 'vehicles' elsewhere. However, Applebaum spent the whole article saying that Trump was trying to stop the move of Ford to 'somewhere' (that we readers assume is Mexico) but Ford was actually talking about a specific vehicle. Then he segued into Trump trying to fix something that didn't need to be fixed and worse (according to the Times) taking credit for it.
1) In this editorial, Krugman talks about what will probably not happen as if it will happen and then demonizes Trump over his false premise. Trump is white, angry and 70; he will not be making Medicare worse but much better and at less cost. Privatization does not only mean higher costs for us as Krugman implies; govt. medicine is often more costly for the community and spreads the cost for the poor to the rich only.
In another example of bias:
"Last week, Ford said it planned to move production of the vehicle elsewhere. "
In this front page article, Binyamin Applebaum said that Ford planned to move production of Ford 'vehicles' elsewhere. However, Applebaum spent the whole article saying that Trump was trying to stop the move of Ford to 'somewhere' (that we readers assume is Mexico) but Ford was actually talking about a specific vehicle. Then he segued into Trump trying to fix something that didn't need to be fixed and worse (according to the Times) taking credit for it.
8
Ford is still moving production to Mexico. Trump took credit for a plant that was not moving to Mexico:
The announcement about MKC production staying in Kentucky comes days after Ford CEO Mark Fields told CNBC that the company would press ahead with plans to move small car production out of its Detroit manufacturing center to Mexico despite Trump’s election victory, according to The Associated Press.
http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/donald-trump-takes-credit-keeping-kentuck...
The CEO said that no U.S. jobs would be lost as part of the move, as the plant in Michigan would continue manufacturing other vehicles.
The announcement about MKC production staying in Kentucky comes days after Ford CEO Mark Fields told CNBC that the company would press ahead with plans to move small car production out of its Detroit manufacturing center to Mexico despite Trump’s election victory, according to The Associated Press.
http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/donald-trump-takes-credit-keeping-kentuck...
The CEO said that no U.S. jobs would be lost as part of the move, as the plant in Michigan would continue manufacturing other vehicles.
2
labete,
Paul Krugman is not demonizing Donald Trump, he is just expecting Mr Trump to honor the promises he made to the American people during his election campaign. Here is the link again,
https://www.donaldjtrump.com/media/why-donald-trump-wont-touch-your-enti...
The concern is that Paul Ryan, if placed in a position of power will follow through on his goal to "privatize Medicare" with a Voucher system, "to introduce Market Forces to bend the spending curve of entitlement programs" or some such Conservative blather..
As the Link to the Kaiser Family document "The Facts on Medicare" shows, the ACA has actually slowed Medicare spending growth when compared to that of the Private Health Insurance costs (PHI in this link)
quote
" Between 2010 and 2015, ...., Medicare per capita spending grew considerably more slowly than private insurance spending, increasing at an average annual rate of just 1.4% over this time period, while average annual growth in private health insurance spending per capita increased at just over twice that rate (3.0%)."
http://kff.org/medicare/issue-brief/the-facts-on-medicare-spending-and-f...
Just the facts...
Paul Krugman is not demonizing Donald Trump, he is just expecting Mr Trump to honor the promises he made to the American people during his election campaign. Here is the link again,
https://www.donaldjtrump.com/media/why-donald-trump-wont-touch-your-enti...
The concern is that Paul Ryan, if placed in a position of power will follow through on his goal to "privatize Medicare" with a Voucher system, "to introduce Market Forces to bend the spending curve of entitlement programs" or some such Conservative blather..
As the Link to the Kaiser Family document "The Facts on Medicare" shows, the ACA has actually slowed Medicare spending growth when compared to that of the Private Health Insurance costs (PHI in this link)
quote
" Between 2010 and 2015, ...., Medicare per capita spending grew considerably more slowly than private insurance spending, increasing at an average annual rate of just 1.4% over this time period, while average annual growth in private health insurance spending per capita increased at just over twice that rate (3.0%)."
http://kff.org/medicare/issue-brief/the-facts-on-medicare-spending-and-f...
Just the facts...
2
So the poor should die, labete?
Give them vouchers instead of Medicare? Who is going to give them these vouchers to pay for private healthcare insurance? Where is the money for vouchers going to come from? Maybe god?
Not your problem, huh?
Give them vouchers instead of Medicare? Who is going to give them these vouchers to pay for private healthcare insurance? Where is the money for vouchers going to come from? Maybe god?
Not your problem, huh?
2
I agree with everything Paul writes here except the suggestion that the opinions of a Trump appointee necessarily reflect what Trump will push for. Until Trump actually states support for privatization of these programs it is premature to begin push-back.
Hold fire until you see the whites of their eyes. No point in wasting ammunition, although the pundits have to keep firing away. It's what they are paid for. Maybe the rest of us should wait until Trump becomes president and see the actual legislation he pushes for.
If the Republicans lose the support of rural white voters they will be trounced in the mid-terms and in four years Trump can become an historical footnote.
Hold fire until you see the whites of their eyes. No point in wasting ammunition, although the pundits have to keep firing away. It's what they are paid for. Maybe the rest of us should wait until Trump becomes president and see the actual legislation he pushes for.
If the Republicans lose the support of rural white voters they will be trounced in the mid-terms and in four years Trump can become an historical footnote.
13
@alan haigh. But they have the big guns. Suicidal, thus, to wait until you see the whites of their eyes.
1
Trump is a trojan horse that will be thrown away once the Ryanists don`t need him anymore.
1
Let them have guns and shooting ranges.
8
Perhaps Trump considers those over a certain age, say 62, to be useless feeders. And he will have his spin doctors propagandise the effort to reduce the geriatric population as beneficial to an already overburdened planet. Certainly the millenials I deal with at age 50-something will be only too glad to throw dirt on all of us elders, since we stand in the way of their careers and wealth acquisition.
12
Trump and the Republicans are not the only ageists out there, (as you seem to understand).
2
"Perhaps Trump considers those over a certain age, say 62, to be useless feeders."
Unless they're rich, as he is.
Unless they're rich, as he is.
2
Think about it from a capitalist, businessman's perspective. The CEO of company is responsible for maximizing profit, by in part minimizing expenses. This includes rooting out and eliminating sources of inefficiency and "deadwood". Seniors are viewed by some as unproductive, cost centers. They are viewed as no longer contributing to the productivity and revenues of society, but instead are viewed as takers. The CEO of a firm would be motivated to reduce this source of inefficiency. The privatization of senior health benefits would help to accomplish that. The early deaths of seniors would also reduce social security payments.
Personally, I fear the privatization of Medicare. Like many middle aged people, I have a pre existing health issue and wouldn't likely be eligible for a policy from a private insurer. I don't want extraordinary medical efforts to live to an extremely long age. I just want to have quality of life, with minimal pain, and die a natural death, without going bankrupt. I want to be treated humanely. I think many people feel the same.
Personally, I fear the privatization of Medicare. Like many middle aged people, I have a pre existing health issue and wouldn't likely be eligible for a policy from a private insurer. I don't want extraordinary medical efforts to live to an extremely long age. I just want to have quality of life, with minimal pain, and die a natural death, without going bankrupt. I want to be treated humanely. I think many people feel the same.
1332
HI, Topaz Blue -
Regarding your last sentence, good luck with that from this incoming administration. I'll be joining you on the picket lines.
Regarding your last sentence, good luck with that from this incoming administration. I'll be joining you on the picket lines.
5
" They are viewed as no longer contributing to the productivity and revenues of society, but instead are viewed as takers"
By whom? I suppose the first 65 years of life paying into the system counts for nothing? That has to be the worst description of 65 I have ever heard.
By whom? I suppose the first 65 years of life paying into the system counts for nothing? That has to be the worst description of 65 I have ever heard.
1
Unfortunately, many of the voters in this country (but fundamental fact: not a majority) chose the inhumane.
4
Years ago I told a Republican that Mr. Bush wanted to privatize social security. His response? "The Democrats will never let that happen." Why is it that the Democrats must rescue senior aged Republicans? Yes, when AARP lets its members know that Trump or Ryan or ... want to privatize social security or Medicare the seniors, mainly white, will let Congress know their dissatisfaction.
This is an opportunity for the press that was penned and often humiliated by Trump "fans" to retaliate (?) against his offensive campaign. Of course, the "fans" also are rescued - not that they deserve to be. On the other hand, maybe because they were more easily "conned" they require our sympathy and support.
Health care is mandatory for everyone. It should never be a means for making a select few very wealthy. Greed has had a major impact on health insurance and medications. Government programs have been more protective of employees. Too many private businesses do not provide good salaries or pension programs for many employees. CEO's operating government programs cannot earn the ridiculous multi-million dollar salaries earned by private companies. This allows all employees to receive better compensation and better retirement packages. Health care needs to remain public for the benefit of users and employees.
This is an opportunity for the press that was penned and often humiliated by Trump "fans" to retaliate (?) against his offensive campaign. Of course, the "fans" also are rescued - not that they deserve to be. On the other hand, maybe because they were more easily "conned" they require our sympathy and support.
Health care is mandatory for everyone. It should never be a means for making a select few very wealthy. Greed has had a major impact on health insurance and medications. Government programs have been more protective of employees. Too many private businesses do not provide good salaries or pension programs for many employees. CEO's operating government programs cannot earn the ridiculous multi-million dollar salaries earned by private companies. This allows all employees to receive better compensation and better retirement packages. Health care needs to remain public for the benefit of users and employees.
34
Silly people. Everyone knows the Budget is bust. What with all the Bush tax cuts, er.... I mean Obama deficit, and the infrastructure and defense spending me must now incur, and we need lots of new tax cuts .... The money, well it's gone.
Soooooo, let us just shift that Medicare and SS off the books. It's unavoidable my friends. It'll be okay. Trumpolini will lead us to grateness. Ryan and the Congressional team will never have to rely on Medicare or SS, not one day, so hey, it's all good. Right?
Soooooo, let us just shift that Medicare and SS off the books. It's unavoidable my friends. It'll be okay. Trumpolini will lead us to grateness. Ryan and the Congressional team will never have to rely on Medicare or SS, not one day, so hey, it's all good. Right?
16
"It’s also a chance for the news media, which failed so badly during the campaign, to start doing its job."
If that's our only hope, we're in deep trouble. "Entitlement reform" has always been like catnip for our D.C. press corp. They relish framing Social Security and Medicare as "unsustainable", "in need of reform", as a "crisis", and "insolvent". And they love to position themselves as clear-eyed and realistic by championing the idea that someone needs to "be honest with the American people" about the need to fix these programs. The media pines for the tough-love daddy-figure who will level with the misguided adult children who think social contracts should be honored and strengthened.
It was the people, not the media, who rejected Bush's attempt to privatize Social Security. It will be the same with the upcoming fight over Medicare.
If that's our only hope, we're in deep trouble. "Entitlement reform" has always been like catnip for our D.C. press corp. They relish framing Social Security and Medicare as "unsustainable", "in need of reform", as a "crisis", and "insolvent". And they love to position themselves as clear-eyed and realistic by championing the idea that someone needs to "be honest with the American people" about the need to fix these programs. The media pines for the tough-love daddy-figure who will level with the misguided adult children who think social contracts should be honored and strengthened.
It was the people, not the media, who rejected Bush's attempt to privatize Social Security. It will be the same with the upcoming fight over Medicare.
43
"Partly that’s because Medicare beneficiaries are considerably whiter than the country as a whole, precisely because they’re older and reflect the demography of an earlier era."
Lately, Mr. Krugman, your writings in the post-election aftermath sound like the "alt.left." While I do not support all of Trump's potential cabinet picks, it also scared me, as a registered Democrat, that ideologues like you could be picked to serve by a Clinton WH.
Your argument against Trump's intentions for Medicare set up a straw man (since he has not yet done anything to break any promise he has made), and then beats it to death, because you are unhappy with the election results.
You repeat the canard that "Trump has no mandate" when you know, or should know, that direct voter democracy was never the intent of the Founders, due to the tendency of that system to devolve into mob rule and the tyranny of the majority. (But where do you stand on American city mayors standing in open defiance of federal immigration law as George Wallace once did against federal civil rights law?).
When you write that medicare recipients are "whiter" than the country as a whole, why do you not add that medicaid recipients are blacker than the country as a whole?
Your columns often entail "identity politics" from the Left, and you seem to be good with that. But Steve Bannon went to Harvard, an elite institution like Princeton, and that does not make him, or you, correct.
Lately, Mr. Krugman, your writings in the post-election aftermath sound like the "alt.left." While I do not support all of Trump's potential cabinet picks, it also scared me, as a registered Democrat, that ideologues like you could be picked to serve by a Clinton WH.
Your argument against Trump's intentions for Medicare set up a straw man (since he has not yet done anything to break any promise he has made), and then beats it to death, because you are unhappy with the election results.
You repeat the canard that "Trump has no mandate" when you know, or should know, that direct voter democracy was never the intent of the Founders, due to the tendency of that system to devolve into mob rule and the tyranny of the majority. (But where do you stand on American city mayors standing in open defiance of federal immigration law as George Wallace once did against federal civil rights law?).
When you write that medicare recipients are "whiter" than the country as a whole, why do you not add that medicaid recipients are blacker than the country as a whole?
Your columns often entail "identity politics" from the Left, and you seem to be good with that. But Steve Bannon went to Harvard, an elite institution like Princeton, and that does not make him, or you, correct.
8
Trump's website changed a couple of days ago to use Ryan's language on Medicare and SS, like "Medicare modernization". So it's not a strawman as you claim. Should we wait until the issue is in Congress to educate?
2
Interesting about the "tyranny of the majority." I guess the founders would have never seen this one coming.
He mentions that Medicare recipients are "whiter" because Trump won the election as the tribune of the forgotten "white working class."
I appreciate this perspective. While the general tone of Democrats, to remain calm and give Trump a chance, is the correct public strategy, let's not delude ourselves.Trump is the most bizarre figure to ever be President, and he's capable of anything, or nothing. He'll push the envelope as far as he can, on trade, on immigration, and maybe on privatising Medicare. It's unclear that he has a guiding ideology, or even a set of principals. He may wake up one morning and decide to privatize the military.
So remain calm, but be vigilant.
So remain calm, but be vigilant.
24
If Drumpf and his minions want to understand why there can be no peace, no normalcy, between now and January 2021, they only need to review this story.
Drumpf ran as a populist Republican, but now Ryan is seeking to gut one of most popular programs in America simply because he can, and because this program demonstrates that government can do certain things better and cheaper than the private sector.
When ideology is at odds with reality, ideology must yield.
Insurance companies increase profits by collecting premiums and then denying claims. The last patients that for-profit insurance companies should be taking care of are the elderly.
Drumpf ran as a populist Republican, but now Ryan is seeking to gut one of most popular programs in America simply because he can, and because this program demonstrates that government can do certain things better and cheaper than the private sector.
When ideology is at odds with reality, ideology must yield.
Insurance companies increase profits by collecting premiums and then denying claims. The last patients that for-profit insurance companies should be taking care of are the elderly.
45
"When ideology is at odds with reality, ideology must yield." For several decades now the GOP has operated under the exact opposite principle, denying climate change, lying about the "insolvency" of government programs, touting "trickle-down" economics, claiming that there is a government debt crisis, accusing Obama of being a Muslim, and on and on.
The problem with shutting your eyes to reality is that fairly rapidly you start bumping into things, breaking them, and hurting yourself. In this case, the ones who will be hurt will be everyone except Trump and his rich pals.
The problem with shutting your eyes to reality is that fairly rapidly you start bumping into things, breaking them, and hurting yourself. In this case, the ones who will be hurt will be everyone except Trump and his rich pals.
2
What else would you expect from a man who has cheated on his wives, bragged about grabbing women you know where, filed for bankruptcy six times, hasn't paid taxes in 20 years, won't release his tax returns, accused of running a scam university, and often won't pay contractors?
His white working class base believed the slick huckster from Queens.
His white working class base believed the slick huckster from Queens.
58
Older Americans face difficult choices because of Medicare, not because of any one POTUS.
The cost of healthcare has risen drastically since the imposition of Medicare & Medicaid. The rationing of healthcare to the elderly was established within a few years of Medicare's enactment, because of the natural law of supply and demand. This is obvious to rational economists, but apparently it's not - or it's ignored - by irrational economists, including those who have a Nobel Prize.
The cost of healthcare has risen drastically since the imposition of Medicare & Medicaid. The rationing of healthcare to the elderly was established within a few years of Medicare's enactment, because of the natural law of supply and demand. This is obvious to rational economists, but apparently it's not - or it's ignored - by irrational economists, including those who have a Nobel Prize.
3
won't the situation be worse for older Americans who can't afford any care?
14
@MB: Do you ever bother to discover why older Americans cannot afford any care? No, apparently not.
1. Inflation, intentionally created by the Fed (and approved by PK) makes all costs go up. This is wrong, because it's artificial.
2. Healthcare costs rise because Medicare+Medicaid create increased demand. Note well two healthcare verticals, cosmetic surgery and LASIK, both of whose costs have stayed even with inflation or even gone down - and neither is covered by Medicare/Medicaid.
3. Healthcare costs have risen because of the PPACA.
4. The FDA does more to raise healthcare costs than to lower them.
If you want to make healthcare costs go down, look at the cellphone and computer industries and ask yourself why those two can consistently year after year offer more innovation, better products, new products, at costs (to consumers) that are lower every year. Claiming healthcare is "special" and cannot be compared is ignorant and childish. Healthcare is an industry providing goods and services whose costs go up, computers and cellphones are industries whose costs go down.
A free market delivers innovation, higher quality, and lower costs. When a given industry does not demonstrate this behavior, you know for certain that it is not operating as a free market - and that it is being artificially forced to operate poorly. Nobel Prize-winning economists should know this.
1. Inflation, intentionally created by the Fed (and approved by PK) makes all costs go up. This is wrong, because it's artificial.
2. Healthcare costs rise because Medicare+Medicaid create increased demand. Note well two healthcare verticals, cosmetic surgery and LASIK, both of whose costs have stayed even with inflation or even gone down - and neither is covered by Medicare/Medicaid.
3. Healthcare costs have risen because of the PPACA.
4. The FDA does more to raise healthcare costs than to lower them.
If you want to make healthcare costs go down, look at the cellphone and computer industries and ask yourself why those two can consistently year after year offer more innovation, better products, new products, at costs (to consumers) that are lower every year. Claiming healthcare is "special" and cannot be compared is ignorant and childish. Healthcare is an industry providing goods and services whose costs go up, computers and cellphones are industries whose costs go down.
A free market delivers innovation, higher quality, and lower costs. When a given industry does not demonstrate this behavior, you know for certain that it is not operating as a free market - and that it is being artificially forced to operate poorly. Nobel Prize-winning economists should know this.
What you pay is not the cost of healthcare, and the great thing about the US 'system' is that no one takes the time to find out what health care costs. Take the total health care expenditure (including health ins and work comp premiums), add all the advertising and then all the money paid to docs, hospitals etc by other than insurers, then divide by the population. The answer is close to $10,000 per person for every man, woman and child in the US. If you're paying less, you are not paying your way. That $10,000 has risen less during Obama's years than for many years before. There are lots of ways that it could be reduced, eliminate the insurance industry's role for one.
4
Too late.
The Republican Congress can use reconciliation, which requires only simple majorities in the House and Senate, to privatize Medicare and repeal Obamacare.
In fact, since the Republican Congress has not yet adopted a budget resolution for 2016, they could craft one in January and another one later in the year for 2017, both of which could include reconciliation provisions that can modify existing law. All they need for adoption is Republican votes.
It says something about our time and our country that the most effective politician of our time is Mitch McConnell, who has successfully manipulated the system to obstruct a popular President right to the end. Now, McConnell is poised to realize the Republican dream of dismantling programs critical to the well-being of millions by manipulating a new President who knows nothing about policy or the lives of real people.
The Koch brothers must be so happy!
The Republican Congress can use reconciliation, which requires only simple majorities in the House and Senate, to privatize Medicare and repeal Obamacare.
In fact, since the Republican Congress has not yet adopted a budget resolution for 2016, they could craft one in January and another one later in the year for 2017, both of which could include reconciliation provisions that can modify existing law. All they need for adoption is Republican votes.
It says something about our time and our country that the most effective politician of our time is Mitch McConnell, who has successfully manipulated the system to obstruct a popular President right to the end. Now, McConnell is poised to realize the Republican dream of dismantling programs critical to the well-being of millions by manipulating a new President who knows nothing about policy or the lives of real people.
The Koch brothers must be so happy!
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The key sentence: " It was, of course, a lie ".
When speaking or thinking about the prez-elect, we have to always keep in mind that famous statement from one author about another (paraphrasing):
" Everything he says is a lie, including the words ' and ' and ' the ' ".
This will save us all time, but bodes ill for meetings held with heads of state (in private) where the public doesn't know what's said/discussed by someone whose pronouncements have proven to be so fickle.
When speaking or thinking about the prez-elect, we have to always keep in mind that famous statement from one author about another (paraphrasing):
" Everything he says is a lie, including the words ' and ' and ' the ' ".
This will save us all time, but bodes ill for meetings held with heads of state (in private) where the public doesn't know what's said/discussed by someone whose pronouncements have proven to be so fickle.
50
Thank you for writing this. I call Ryan's end Medicare plan the GOP genocide plan. That with the end of the ACA will lead to earlier deaths and increased poverty for the so called less educated whites who put their faith in Trump. Then he and Ryan will then turn over Social Security to dreaded Wall Street because everyone will need a broker when it is privatized. Only Obama's veto prevented these changes in the past.
94
I agree with Krugman, but ... Obama vetoed something having to do with privatizing Medicare or Social Security? I don't remember ... Just want to make sure the facts that get tossed up on the wall here actually stick.
I am unclear about Paul Ryan's voucher program for Medicare.
Will he require that private insurers write policies for ALL and that at least one of these policies covers EVERYTHING that Medicare now covers and his glorious vouchers must cover IN FULL the premium for this Medicare equivalent policy. No exclusions for those with pre existing conditions or those who develop serious illnesses.
Would Ryan promise that his vouchers would never decrease so that instead of covering the premium in full they would cover only 90% then 80% then 70% etc.
When you cut thru Ryan's nonsense, his voucher plan is nothing more than a scheme to reduce Medicare benefits.
Can anyone explain why if Ryan is concerned about Medicare's expenditures he does not support allowing Medicare to negotiate drug prices.
Will he require that private insurers write policies for ALL and that at least one of these policies covers EVERYTHING that Medicare now covers and his glorious vouchers must cover IN FULL the premium for this Medicare equivalent policy. No exclusions for those with pre existing conditions or those who develop serious illnesses.
Would Ryan promise that his vouchers would never decrease so that instead of covering the premium in full they would cover only 90% then 80% then 70% etc.
When you cut thru Ryan's nonsense, his voucher plan is nothing more than a scheme to reduce Medicare benefits.
Can anyone explain why if Ryan is concerned about Medicare's expenditures he does not support allowing Medicare to negotiate drug prices.
296
First, the US government cannot control the contents of policies because that is in the hands of state governments. Justice Robert's ACA opinion declared that insurance is not a part of interstate commerce, so the US government cannot regulate it. This is why it will remain in state government hands. That being said, no one knows whether policies will cover much or how much they will cost. What is nearly a certainty is that the vouchers will not be large enough to cover all of the cost. If SS is also killed, then the poor, white, black alike will die sooner and poorer. Families will care for aging parents and sick children at home. Doctors will be standing on street corners collecting money to pay off their school loans. Older workers will work until they drop for fear of losing health insurance assuming their employer offers it. One bright spot. If the medical economy becomes a pay as you go system because insurance will be unaffordable, medical costs will fall.
6
I receive ads for Medigap policies which have restrictions mandated by the federal govt.
I hope that last question is sarcasm. The answer is that forcing the government to pay artificially high drug prices is massive corporate welfare.
5
This is an administration whose healthcare policies will put many Americans at risk and beyond the margins.
Those who cry medicare is socialism simply don't understand power. The greatest wealth is generated by the widest reach, by a monopoly of the market and by rules that limit entrance and access. Wealth demands control, consistent laws and regulations, and concentrated power.
Those who blindly reject socialism as a give-away don't understand organized efficiency and reject the basic dignity of every person and blame those who are outcasts of a system that profits by its excess. Displaced workers, the elderly, children, the victims of epidemics, women all have particular needs best addressed as a group, a wiser use of resources and economic scale.
Those who see healthcare as a vital profit center do not want the curve bent and will call the resistance of changes in medicare (reduced benefits!) “socialism.” It is a banner they stick over their own greed. Profit is an ugly word when it comes at the expense of denying treatment, pricing insurance out of reach, limiting payments for care, and putting profit in front of peoples' lives—and watching these lives become excess because they cannot generate more profit for the sake of ever-rising/expanding cycles of greed.
For privatized profit, death will be viewed the same as just another GM recall.
Those who cry medicare is socialism simply don't understand power. The greatest wealth is generated by the widest reach, by a monopoly of the market and by rules that limit entrance and access. Wealth demands control, consistent laws and regulations, and concentrated power.
Those who blindly reject socialism as a give-away don't understand organized efficiency and reject the basic dignity of every person and blame those who are outcasts of a system that profits by its excess. Displaced workers, the elderly, children, the victims of epidemics, women all have particular needs best addressed as a group, a wiser use of resources and economic scale.
Those who see healthcare as a vital profit center do not want the curve bent and will call the resistance of changes in medicare (reduced benefits!) “socialism.” It is a banner they stick over their own greed. Profit is an ugly word when it comes at the expense of denying treatment, pricing insurance out of reach, limiting payments for care, and putting profit in front of peoples' lives—and watching these lives become excess because they cannot generate more profit for the sake of ever-rising/expanding cycles of greed.
For privatized profit, death will be viewed the same as just another GM recall.
128
Thank you for coming back Walter.
1
Many, if not most, of the people who would be most impacted by privatization do not read the Times. Let's hope that AARP and other public interest groups run lots of ads on FOX which tell the truth.
200
AARP's a decades long sellout.
Not to worry about your Medicare if your 75 or over.
Those under 75 are at risk.
Have you heard the talk about privatizing playgrounds, if SSI and Medicare can be privatized.
Its time to re-re-read Aldous Huxley and George Orwell--we are halfway, more, into their portraits of the future.
Not to worry about your Medicare if your 75 or over.
Those under 75 are at risk.
Have you heard the talk about privatizing playgrounds, if SSI and Medicare can be privatized.
Its time to re-re-read Aldous Huxley and George Orwell--we are halfway, more, into their portraits of the future.
5
The AARP is an arm of the insurance industry, not a public interest group. However, I think things will get interesting when Trump and his Congressional colleagues try to preserve the pre-existing conditions and other popular provisions of the ACA in a new scheme without the mandate and Medicaid expansion.
Let's see if the health insurance industry can survive Trumpcare.
Let's see if the health insurance industry can survive Trumpcare.
5
AARP is busy gearing up to sell the private insurance policies to old former medicare benificiaries. Why would it argue against its own interest?
3
Candidate Trump was very clear on preserving the social safety net
"Social Security is here to stay. Same goes for Medicare. Again, people have lived up to their end of the bargain and paid into the program in good faith. Of course they believe they're "entitled" to receive the benefits they paid for--they are!"
He now works with a party where many believe that the programs have to be reformed in order to save them. Reform is not the same as kill.
It will be interesting. Mr. Trump is not a person whose mind can be changed easily.
As to Medicare, the Trustee's Report , 2016 says this
"Notwithstanding recent favorable developments, current-law
projections indicate that Medicare still faces a substantial financial
shortfall that will need to be addressed with further legislation. Such
legislation should be enacted sooner rather than later to minimize the
impact on beneficiaries, providers, and taxpayers."
The largest potential problem identified is not that the Medicare Trust will go bankrupt, but unless legislative chances are made, the participation rate of MD's will continue to fall reducing access. I personally experienced already this difficulty
One hopes that Mr. Trump reads the report - as well as the columnist
https://www.cms.gov/Research-Statistics-Data-and-Systems/Statistics-Tren...
"Social Security is here to stay. Same goes for Medicare. Again, people have lived up to their end of the bargain and paid into the program in good faith. Of course they believe they're "entitled" to receive the benefits they paid for--they are!"
He now works with a party where many believe that the programs have to be reformed in order to save them. Reform is not the same as kill.
It will be interesting. Mr. Trump is not a person whose mind can be changed easily.
As to Medicare, the Trustee's Report , 2016 says this
"Notwithstanding recent favorable developments, current-law
projections indicate that Medicare still faces a substantial financial
shortfall that will need to be addressed with further legislation. Such
legislation should be enacted sooner rather than later to minimize the
impact on beneficiaries, providers, and taxpayers."
The largest potential problem identified is not that the Medicare Trust will go bankrupt, but unless legislative chances are made, the participation rate of MD's will continue to fall reducing access. I personally experienced already this difficulty
One hopes that Mr. Trump reads the report - as well as the columnist
https://www.cms.gov/Research-Statistics-Data-and-Systems/Statistics-Tren...
6
Based on his verbal output, Trump changes his own mind every minute. It is unclear what he in fact believes.
5
Thanks... how does the fact that studies have shown Medicare to be the most efficient program going factor into your evidence?
4
To save it, spread the risk by adding healthier younger insureds. Medicare is a "assigned risk" insurer that takes nothing but old and disabled people.
Businesses should recognize that they'd save more and could create more deals with Medicare for all acquiesce to the Ryan budget. Not only do employers have to supply medical care for employees, they have to pay for liability and Workers’ comp insurance. Because Medicare for all would eliminate liability for most future medical benefits, Workers comp would be limited to indemnity benefits.
Businesses should recognize that they'd save more and could create more deals with Medicare for all acquiesce to the Ryan budget. Not only do employers have to supply medical care for employees, they have to pay for liability and Workers’ comp insurance. Because Medicare for all would eliminate liability for most future medical benefits, Workers comp would be limited to indemnity benefits.
Echoing my fellow North Carolinian DP's earlier comment, and as you state in your column, it is precisely Medicare's success at bending the medical care cost spiral that it has been and continues to be in the crosshairs. It is, far more than ACA, the one health program in the US that approaches the sane national healthcare systems in place for decades in one form or another in virtually every other developed country. Their benefits, both economic and health outcomes, are beyond dispute. When the GOP pursues changes to Medicare, US citizens should ask themselves, and then their representatives, exactly what the benefits of those changes will be, and for whom. If we do that, these plans will be revealed for what they are. If not, we deserve the consequences. And, from the evidence of late, I am not optimistic.
90
Paul:
You say efforts to privatize Medicare will fail "if voters realize what's happening"; surely you jest.
Voters -- those who voted for Trump and those who didn't vote at all -- knew or should have known that Mr. Trump would protect the billionaire class of Americans while abusing middle- and working-class Americans. With Mr. Trump's planned Stalinesque purges and privatization of Medicare, Americans are quickly learning what this Stalin-like President-elect and his immoral Republican Party meant by the slogan "Make America Great Again."
You say efforts to privatize Medicare will fail "if voters realize what's happening"; surely you jest.
Voters -- those who voted for Trump and those who didn't vote at all -- knew or should have known that Mr. Trump would protect the billionaire class of Americans while abusing middle- and working-class Americans. With Mr. Trump's planned Stalinesque purges and privatization of Medicare, Americans are quickly learning what this Stalin-like President-elect and his immoral Republican Party meant by the slogan "Make America Great Again."
106
If we hand health care over to the market, even with subsidies, we should remember that the market solution to health care is to ration it by affordability. It makes no economic sense to keep people with expensive health problems alive unless they have the savings (or the sorts of talents that can be turned into money) to afford their treatments. In accordance with this fact, people without ample savings or talents do not live as long, especially if they have health problems. We have managed to implant in them a tendency to go off in a corner and die (suicide, auto accident, overdose, not taking care of one's health), so we can save money without feeling guilty.
327
if it were permitted I'd festoon the above comment in loud bells and whistles and send it flashing into the consciousness of every American
4
I pretty much agree with you, but would point out, from personal experience, that people (especially seniors) with expensive medical conditions are ALREADY being pressured to just "die, already". This is the true agenda and motivation of the "right/duty to die movement", and has been occurring in hospitals, hospices, and nursing homes all over the country, under the present Administration. It appears it's a bi-partisan agenda.
can't agree with you about -right to die//duty to die "movement" being a bi partisan agenda.
i see the same market pressures that gather vulnerable people with no other options into nursing homes and which then find caring people who work their tails off for extremely little money while ownership maximizes profits from these enterprises. i will opt for a quicker death over a longer life spent in one of these institutions, thank you.
i see the same market pressures that gather vulnerable people with no other options into nursing homes and which then find caring people who work their tails off for extremely little money while ownership maximizes profits from these enterprises. i will opt for a quicker death over a longer life spent in one of these institutions, thank you.
2
I fear that having elected Republicans to administer their Medicare and SSI, Americans will be fed false and bad information about SSI and Medicare and let it be taken from them. Americans never miss an opportunity to miss an opportunity.
272
They are already being fed lies or false information. When I have brought this up with my friends who are of a certain age, they parrot the lies to me. Medicare is not broke now and can't be protected from going broke and the same is true of Social Security. Had Obama had a majority in Congress this would have happened already.
4
The Howard Zinn aphorism "what matters most is not who is sitting in the White House, but who is marching outside the White House" has never been truer or more urgent.
In the face of the almost unbelievable eagerness of the political leadership to "work with" Donald the Dread, it is imperative for the three-quarters of the electorate who DID NOT vote for him to make our voices heard.
It's heartening that a coalition of Black Lives Matter and Occupy Wall Street activists staged a sit-down in Minority Leader-elect Chuck Schumer's office this week. And that thousands of high school students are leaving their places of learning and closing down highways to protest looming deportations and threats to climate change agreements. Young people are learning the most valuable lesson possible: they're learning that they have power and agency.
It's up to all of us to strike fear into the alleged hearts of those in Congress with a sudden psychopathic hankering to do business with a psychopath. If they won't protect Medicare and Social Security and other safety net programs out of a sense of altruism and duty, then perhaps they'll do the right thing out of fear of losing their cushy seats.
Trump is beyond redemption. This is a guy who once cut off his own sick nephew's health insurance when Fred Trump neglected to provide for it in his will.
It was only bad publicity that eventually changed his mind.
So let's make Trump and his Ayn Rand co=conspirators an offer they can't refuse.
In the face of the almost unbelievable eagerness of the political leadership to "work with" Donald the Dread, it is imperative for the three-quarters of the electorate who DID NOT vote for him to make our voices heard.
It's heartening that a coalition of Black Lives Matter and Occupy Wall Street activists staged a sit-down in Minority Leader-elect Chuck Schumer's office this week. And that thousands of high school students are leaving their places of learning and closing down highways to protest looming deportations and threats to climate change agreements. Young people are learning the most valuable lesson possible: they're learning that they have power and agency.
It's up to all of us to strike fear into the alleged hearts of those in Congress with a sudden psychopathic hankering to do business with a psychopath. If they won't protect Medicare and Social Security and other safety net programs out of a sense of altruism and duty, then perhaps they'll do the right thing out of fear of losing their cushy seats.
Trump is beyond redemption. This is a guy who once cut off his own sick nephew's health insurance when Fred Trump neglected to provide for it in his will.
It was only bad publicity that eventually changed his mind.
So let's make Trump and his Ayn Rand co=conspirators an offer they can't refuse.
679
Karen
Tell me. As a healthcare provider of decades, what would that offer then be, in your opinion? MIMA
Tell me. As a healthcare provider of decades, what would that offer then be, in your opinion? MIMA
1
About three quarters of the electorate did not voter for Hillary Clinton either - presumably those people are not too disturbed about having Trump instead of Clinton as President. In order to win elections it will probably be necessary for the Democratic political establishment and its supporters, which includes Krugman and most of the editorialists and columnists of the Times, to promote an economic program which appeals more to the lower-income people who do depend on Medicare and Social Security, but who nevertheless voted for Trump or sat out.
2
I'm not sure the millenials have the guts or experience to organize prolonged protests in the streets. It will be ugly for them and to leave the comfort of their alternate digital realities and their parent's basements may be too much to ask of them. However, if they don't wake up they will have no future to speak of. I hope they muster up the fight because my generation is too old. We ended the Vietnam War. Let them end the tyranny of Trump before his diseased leadership takes hold.
2