Medicare: how you see it depends on where you stand

Stepping outside of one's own frame of reference in regard to Medicare can yield greater understanding of the program's importance, complexities, and strengths. Hospitals in states like Pennsylvania, which has a large proportion of senior citizens, are particularly strapped by declines in payment. A national study finds Medicare beneficiaries tend to be more pleased with their level of service than are those who have private Insurance. Medicare trustees predict the program will remain solvent through 2030, although cash deficits will reemerge in 2016, creating challenges for policy-makers.