And it gets worse. The cost increases will affect the women of Generation X even more than the men. Daughters generally bear the responsibility as caretakers for their aging parents. And while Medicare helps pay for things like hospitals for the aged, Medicare does not pay for nursing homes, routine physical exams, eyeglasses, etc. And that's not the only reason the Medicare crisis disproportionately affects women.
Women have a longer life expectancy than men.
Prescription drug coverage is also a hot topic in the re-election campaigns of Congress and the Administration, but mandatory prescription drug coverage will harm, not help, patients. Clinton's plan would increase Medicare premiums and total costs by 42 percent. Prescription drug inclusion will only lead to price controls, declining investment, and ultimately, the rationing of prescription drugs which has already been seen in the rationing of surgical and clinical treatments. In the long run, the prescription drug benefit discourages innovation that reduces costs and saves lives. By 2010 Medicare will be paying out more money than it takes in.