"Identifies and analyzes the three leading approaches to Medicare reform: updated social insurance, premium support, and consumer-directed Medicare, rating each on its political viability as well as ability to promote access to health care, improve quality of care, and control costs. Describes...

Examines effects of the 2008-09 financial downturn on all workers with particular attention to low-income older workers who stand to suffer the most, often retiring early because of lack of work; discusses the real effects of the stock market decline, falling house prices, and stagnant job...