Medicare Reform – The single most controversial issue in the US election campaign?

In 2011 over 49 million US elderly beneficiaries cost Medicare over $11,200 each in check-ups, operations and drugs. In the US the numbers of elderly as well as the costs of medical services are rising. As will spending, therefore, on Medicare.

Like the healthcare system for the elderly in the Netherlands (mainly drawn from the AWBZ) the question for US politicians is – How can we make Medicare sustainable and still win elections? The Economist feels it may well become the single most controversial issue in the campaign. Here is a recent article on the issue and how the Republicans and Democrats look differently at Medicare reform.

http://www.economist.com/node/21560552