"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...

Introduction : the challenge at hand -- At a fiscal turning point -- From whence it came -- Postwar fiscal policy : the gradual demise of fiscal democracy -- From controlling the present to controlling the future -- The four deadly economic consequences -- The three deadly political consequences...