Federal spending mandated by our major entitlement programs (Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid) today comprises the majority of the federal budget and will bankrupt the United States absent imminent structural reforms.
Not only do these entitlement programs drain federal spending dollars, but they don’t do a particularly good job of delivering promised services and benefits. Social Security provides a shameful rate of return for most recipients, especially when compared with private sector alternatives. And seniors and the poor are finding it increasingly difficult to find a doctor who will accept Medicare or Medicaid patients.
IPI has proposed specific, concrete solutions that would not only make these programs solvent and sustainable, but also deliver superior benefits. Entitlements should not be reformed solely for the benefit of the federal government, but also for the benefit of taxpayers and recipients.
The Era of Big Government is Back
Election returns show that big government is back, and with so many people depending on it, it may be here to stay.
Unsustainable Entitlement Spending Pushing U.S. Toward Cliff
The Coming Entitlements Cliff
Entitlement Cliff Threatens America's Fiscal Health
Every major entitlement program has grown significantly under the Obama administration, but the White House hasn't uttered a word about its plan to address the unsustainable financial future facing the country. We do not know exactly how far off the cliff is, but we are approaching it quickly.
Coalition Letter Regarding Welfare Requirements
Coalition letter in support of resolutions that would stop efforts by the Obama Administration to weaken the work requirements in the federal welfare program.
Mitt Romney Is Right About the 'Victims' of Government
Mitt Romney just told the truth when he identified the 47 percent who embrace the entitlement state, which in today’s politics is the only thing a candidate isn’t supposed to do.
Medicare Spending Can Be Cut, Just Not Obama's Way
Both Democrats and Republicans are trying to use the mantra of "they're cutting Medicare" as a way to hammer the opposing party and drum up senior support. But here's the dirty little secret: Medicare spending could be cut, a lot, without doing any harm to seniors' health.
Think Social Security's Trust Fund Is A Scam? Medicare Has One Too.
Both Social Security and Medicare have trust funds, but the Social Security Trust Fund is telling a bigger lie than Medicare's.
ObamaCare's 'Great Rebate' Was Supposed To Get Votes, Gets Confusion Instead
ObamaCare's health insurance rebate was supposed to arrive in mailboxes about now, buying voter support for the legislation. So far, it has mostly bought confusion.
New Publication Exposes Twelve Things (Still) Wrong with ObamaCare
Institute for Policy Innovation (IPI) resident scholar Dr. Merrill Matthews lists the greatest flaws and backward incentives of the president's signature legislation, concluding: “It is the wrong policy for the dynamic and fast-paced 21st century, an albatross fit for 1960, not 2012."