That's what drives me crazy. I'm a senior on Medicare, only part A. I was forced to pay premiums for it while I worked. Its purpose is to protect seniors from being financially drained by hospital stays, but still pay part of the bill. I doubt that much money is lost on that part of Medicare.
Parts B and D never should've happened. They drive up the costs of routine medical care and pharmaceuticals for seniors. Many seniors are over medicated and get all kinds of tests and screenings when they're not sick because it's part of their coverage. They're listening to doctors who always find something wrong, to be taken care of with medical treatment. I'm all for scrapping parts B and D. Anyone who has lived long enough to be on Medicare should be able to manage their own health and medical care. If they want more coverage, let them pay for it!
We are headed towards means testing for Medicare. We are already down that road with a four tier system for Medicare Part B with premiums being linked to income.