The Coming Health Crisis

Book excerpt: Moreover, other traditionally reliable sources of financial assistance - Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid - have faced serious financial difficulties in recent years. Who will the aged turn to for assistance? The Coming Health Crisis suggests that as funds from all quarters dwindle, older Americans will have to look to alternative programs for financial assistance. Wolfe urges immediate action to develop new saving programs and increase existing transfer schemes to head off an imminent crisis. Although tax increases might provide some resources, he demonstrates that it is more important to accumulate capital to create solid reserves for the future. Wolfe also explores two roles for government: prefunding new or existing social insurance programs and promoting private insurance options.