It’s often been mentioned that Social Security is a Ponzi, or pyramid, scheme. It tends to fall apart (or take endless subsidies) as the population ages. That reasoning may apply to Medicare and Medicaid also.
This article points the finger at Medicaid. It might be an easier target, from a political, moral, and logical standpoint. Still, one can expect a big fight.
Medicaid is an easy target.
Medicaid spending is totally unfunded by any sort of dedicated tax and is increasing at an uncontrollable rate. It is an ongoing disaster that cannot continue.
Medicare spending is funded by a dedicated tax which almost covers its' costs. This spending is limited by the retirement-age population and is increasing very slowly. It can be salvaged.
Our entire health care system is designed to hide the cost of care and who is paying for it. It is badly corrupted by fraud and deception in all areas regarding payments. The "Health Insurance" industry is a system of extortion enforced by the government.
Corrections are necessary. Neither Medicaid, nor Medicare can be fixed without addressing the larger problem.
Social Security is funded by a dedicated tax which does cover its' current costs. This spending is limited by the retirement-age population and is increasing very slowly. With the revelation that 20% of the people registered in this system are fictitious, and presumably should never collect benefits, this system might be in much better actuarial shape than we thought.
The ongoing departures of the Boomers is already lightening the expenses of Social Security. This system can be salvaged or transitioned into something better. Changes are required. Caution is needed in making changes here.