Only about Medicare. It's about Social Security as well.
How many people could truly afford to retire at 65 without receiving Medicare?
I don't think it's the majority.
If politicians succeed at raising Medicare eligibility age, the majority of 65 year old people will be forced to continue working and postpone collecting Social Security benefits another two years. This byproduct will save the government more money in Social Security benefits than anywhere near the amount in Medicare savings.
According to the IRS data Social Security payments are increasing by about 20 billion each year. There will be an additional savings in payments to Social Security survivors by two years as well.
http://www.ssa.gov/...
The whole Medicare eligibility age argument is truly about Social Security benefits. Social Security retirement age is already set to increase to 67 for my age group but it seems politicians don't want to wait that long. This is a fact you don't hear talked about in the media or on capital hill.
I haven't heard any one discuss this connection between Medicare eligibility age and Social Security retirement age in the media or on capital hill.
There has been a significant attempt to justify an increase Social Security retirement age by conservative groups. These talks have failed so they switch tactics and go after the Medicare age which would accomplish the very same goal.
http://www.heritage.org/...
The deception is amazing.