I understand your point, in that Medicare and Social Security are mandated programs, but don't kid yourself.
Medicare and Social Security are both ponzi schemes.
There are no “trust funds” -— the money has been spent. It is impossible for the money not to be spent. No entity can “invest” in its own paper. Current contributions from current workers pay 100% of current benefits, well almost, the General Fund now picks up the difference.
Oh yes, I know, but I get very upset when people accuse seniors of being a burden because they’re getting SS. Not saying you said that. On another thread, someone said that it was the “oldsters” who are going to drag the nation down economically beause they’re taking from the government. A statement like that takes a lot of gall. Yes, the thing is going to collapse, but I take umbrage when folks who suggest that people who have had their money snatched from them all their working lives don’t deserve to get at least some of it back when they retire. Inidentally, I’m not of retirement age, so I’m not being personally affronted by the argument.