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.
Why Democrats Should Support a Work Requirement for Welfare
Ensuring those who don’t need help stay out of the program means there is more money and time available to provide assistance for those who do need help.
Isn't the Social Security Trust Fund Already Broke?
The Trustees warn us that when the OASI Trust Fund runs out around 2033, incoming payroll tax revenue will be able to cover only about 77 cents of each Social Security dollar owed. Seniors won’t be happy about that.
If the Government Cut Medicare Fraud, It Wouldn't Have to Cut Medicare
The federal government estimates that 7.5 percent of spending on traditional Medicare in 2022 was for “improper payments,” which includes both fraud and errors in billing. For Medicaid, it was 15.6 percent.
If Cutting Social Security Is a Scandal, Then Biden Did it First
If some Republicans have suggested a type of means-test for Social Security, be assured that Joe Biden beat them to it by 40 years.
Big Government = Big Fraud, and Even China Gets Its Share
Big government that hands out trillions of taxpayer dollars should expect to be targeted by hackers and scammers—and even the Chinese got their share.
Rick Scott Wants to Make Welfare Reform Great Again
Unfortunately, Scott’s “Let’s Get to Work Act” will likely face an uphill battle in Congress. Seemingly, the only welfare reform the left supports is either free money or free benefits, or both.
Dark Cloud Falling: State and Local Pension Funds Are Struggling--Again
Once again a tanking stock market is threatening the financial stability of most state and local public employee pensions. Here's an alternative that would solve that problem.
The Other Progressive Income Tax and How It Robs Seniors
It’s unlikely a spend-happy Congress will eliminate the benefits tax anytime soon, even if it does rob seniors of some of the benefits they deserve. Indeed, the bigger threat is Congress making it worse.
Takeaways from Giveaways
Democrats hope that their massive federal spending spree would buy them votes. But it looks like all they're buying is voter anger.
Buying Votes Was Never so Expensive
Vote buying used to be limited, secret and with a politician's own money; today it's massive and cheered, and it's done with taxpayer and employer money.