Reform could replace an unsustainable boondoggle with lower costs, more freedom, and better care.
—
Peddledasameansofsavingoldpeopletoopoortoaffordmedicalcoverageintheirdecliningyears,MedicareismoreofacreationofAmerica’sweirdtaxcode,whichrewardedofferinghealthinsuranceasabenefittocurrentemployees,oftenunavailabletothosewhomoveontonewjobsorretirement.Sincethen,ithaslargelydisplacedprivatealternativesevenasitconsumesaneverlargershareofthefederalbudget—andofGDP.Asitis,theprogramisunsustainableandisagoodtargetfortheDepartmentofGovernmentEfficiency(DOGE)andCongresstoconsiderforreplacementbyalternativesthatofferlowercosts,morefreedom,andbettercare.
AProgramBornFromtheTaxCodeBeforeMedicarewasintroducedin1965,about70percentofAmericanshadhealthinsurance,mostlyprovidedasabenefitbyemployers.Thatarrangementemergedbecause“employer-providedhealthinsurancebenefitswerenotsubjecttofederalincometaxation,”asnotedbyMichaelA.MorrisseyinHealthInsurance.Workerseffectivelypaidlowertaxesbytakingpart
