Annual Medicare Subsidy Per Enrolled Member, 2011: $12,000
Few voters know what the average Medicare beneficiary receives each year. This rises every year. It was about $11,000 in 2008. In 2011, it was $12,000.
Americans become eligible at age 65. Beginning in the year 2010, the baby boomers began to reach age 65. They were born in 1946, the year after World War II ended. The birth rate soared. It did not reverse until 1958.
There is no question what is going to happen to Medicare. It is today the #1 government expense: 23%. This percentage will be over 50% before the boomers depart, unless Medicare is abandoned by younger voters in a great default.
