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Michael Ramlet, American Action Forum Health Policy director, on social security and Medicare funds running dry.
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In a deficit Michael -- it's America that Suzanne joins us right now might I think even these numbers are -- these issues are far more -- than we're led to believe would be.
Oh absolutely the accounting issue is of the cash flow in make Enron -- make WorldCcom -- make those accounts blush.
I mean right now you're looking at a Medicare program that spends 560 billion dollars a year.
But only brings in 250 billion dollars in payroll taxes.
Drug premiums.
And position premiums it's unheard of that you could ever continue to operate a program like that and that's only in 2011.
So I think what you're gonna continue to see is that 20/20 four number creep up further and further I'm the only reason why didn't creep up this year was because this a question.
Tom.
Explained this to me though.
People are gonna hear this and say well here they don't fear mongering and those thoughts -- fair market we're just going by stats this numbers -- numbers out all of that.
It -- you can correct got a couple of ways YouTube can.
Make means that says you could raise taxes you -- do both but it but you're saying you gotta do something consume what would you do.
I think you have to look at a fundamental restructuring and Medicare program I commend the house Republicans for taking on this issue.
I commend senator -- for.
Bucking his party insane enough is enough.
And I think what's typical here's this is an unusual -- 2011.
It's not some economic factor since 1965.
There's only been two years that the Medicare program was cash flow positive.
I think the challenge here is does that bring only more serious sin and that and it starts -- sort of 65 -- six million dollar program right.
It did it started operating 66 it broke even in 66.
And broke even in 74.
And what's -- -- is I think a lot of people think they're paying for the Medicare drugs.
And they don't realize how much -- is subsidize.
And you -- unless we really tackle this problem you know it twice when he four's not -- -- be -- -- because -- it's -- -- 2016 -- 12018.
I think the real disappointed is that you have fiscal commission that said this is a moment of truth.
And the president blinked.
Well a lot of people -- and edited and it just can't recognize the fact that the benefits of going out at this rate the money coming in at this rate I mean it's it's is not -- does not happen.
-- good stuff on my thank you very much.
We're not.
