Medicare: Stronger, Though Not Safer

Nearly 49 million Americans currently rely on Medicare, and the number could reach 80 million by 2030. How will the federal program, which is already facing serious trouble, continue to be available to the nation's elderly and disabled? Despite a number of reform proposals on Capitol Hill, experts see little progress ahead as both political parties are unable to find common ground.

In this segment, "The Tough Choices: Medicare," Inside E Street talks about Medicare with two retirement experts and 73-year-old Maryland resident Pat Boyette, who cares for her sister — and herself — with help from the program.

More Information:

Bob Moffit, senior fellow, Center for Policy Innovation, Heritage Foundation.

Henry Aaron, senior fellow in the Economic Studies Program at the Brookings Institution.

Congressional Budget Order

Brookings Institution: Medicare

The Heritage Foundation: Medicare

AARP: Medicare (pdf)

Also of interest: Supreme Court upholds Affordable Care Act.