The State of the Union address is an overview of the current condition of the nation, not an in-depth analysis of economic, social, or cultural issues. However, I believe Medicare’s controversial new prescription drug program is important enough to warrant a brief comment or two. Unfortunately, the president didn’t mention it at all.
The new drug program has received widespread criticism from beneficiaries, doctors, and providers who say the program is confusing and complicated. (See the Medicare Part D category).
Tightening the federal budget is a noble pursuit, and the new program is designed to save money and provide beneficiaries with more drug choices. But if these goals adversely affect a growing segment of the population (aging baby boomers), perhaps the administration could have created an uncomplicated, streamlined system and gradually transitioned to a new Medicare drug program.
The president’s remarks on Medicare/Medicaid:
We must also confront the larger challenge of mandatory spending, or entitlements. This year, the first of about 78 million baby boomers turn 60, including two of my dad’s favorite people: me and President Bill Clinton. This milestone is more than a personal crisis, it is a national challenge. The retirement of the baby boom generation will put unprecedented strains on the federal government. By 2030, spending for Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid alone will be almost 60% of the entire federal budget. And that will present future Congresses with impossible choices: staggering tax increases, immense deficits or deep cuts in every category of spending.
Read the full speech here.
