I agree.
However SS is really a forced savings/disability insurance plan with a defined benefit program which generates a very low and perhaps negative returns for most people. But it should be run as a forced savings program instead of a pyramid scheme. And the components should be separated and reported separately and managed accordingly.
Changing it, wouldn't be a real change in any sense, but it would change the focus from are there enough funds to pay benefits to "what are the funds invested in?" and "Is US Treasury Debt a sound investment?"
Medicare already charges premiums, but those could be means tested and a progressive rate charged.
I agree that SS should be run as a forced savings program and I look forward to the day when that happens.
As for Medicare, yes premiums are charged and a lot of things aren't covered. But a lot of people on Medicare get around it by signing up with HMOs like "Keystone 65" or "Aetna Golden Medicare". People still pay their little part B premium, but now they don't have to pay nearly as much for their care as they would if they were just on straight Medicare.
However, the government still foots the bill.