Medicare is teetering on the edge of collapse, threatening healthcare for over 65 million seniors. Years of government mismanagement and reckless spending have pushed this critical program into dangerous territory, with massive payment cuts to doctors creating an access crisis.
as payments shrink. The latest 2.83% payment cut took effect in January 2025 – the fifth straight year of reduced reimbursements. When inflation hits medical practices, this becomes a 6.3% real pay cut. Many physicians can’t afford to treat seniors anymore, with some closing practices entirely. This disastrous trend could leave millions scrambling to find care.
under Washington’s heavy hand. Major insurers are pulling out of markets after burdensome new regulations, leaving 1 million seniors searching for new coverage. The Biden administration’s payment changes have backfired, destabilizing the popular private plan option that 52% of Medicare recipients chose for better benefits.
. Since 2001, Medicare payments have fallen 33% when adjusted for practice expenses. Meanwhile, premiums and deductibles keep climbing – Part B now costs seniors $185 monthly. This double squeeze punishes both patients and the doctors trying to serve them.
. The new $2,000 yearly cap on drug costs helps some, but ignores the program’s structural rot. Medicare’s own actuary warns the Hospital Insurance Trust Fund goes bankrupt by 2028. Every temporary “fix” just kicks the can down the road while the debt bomb ticks.
. Ridiculous rules like requiring rural office visits for routine telehealth appointments after March 2025 will hurt seniors in cities. Instead of embracing modern medicine, Washington keeps trapping Medicare in 1960s-era paperwork and restrictions.
. Market-based reforms could save Medicare – like letting patients shop for value-based care anywhere in America. Competitive pricing and cutting red tape would preserve access while controlling costs. But DC elites keep pushing one-size-fits-all mandates that hurt seniors.
The time for reform is NOW. Without immediate action to stop the payment death spiral and modernize this broken system, millions of seniors will face healthcare rationing. Medicare needs a complete overhaul prioritizing patients over politics – before it’s too late.
