ABSTRACT
Medicare is a critical piece of our health care system. In fact, many reform proposals treat Medicare's basic structure as "untouchable," suggesting only modest changes in the program while significantly altering many other aspects of the health care system. Medicare also has a number of problems, acknowledged by even its most fervent supporters that might be improved as part of overall health care reform. One of the most important lessons of Medicare is that government programs can be viewed favorably by the population they serve and by the public-at-large. In general, Medicare is well liked by its beneficiaries and has significantly enhanced their economic well-being and access to mainstream health care. One of the most troubling aspects of the Clinton Administration's health care reform proposal is its attempt to establish an elaborate new structure for young, nondisabled families and individuals while keeping Medicare a separate program.
