>>So... do you still feel that the problem with Medicare is that some poor slob who works all his life and pays into it is looking for a free ride?

It didn't just sneak up. Basic underwriting has identified deficit since at least the '80s and voters punished politicians who proposed reduced spending or additional taxes unless levied on the rich or some other "not me" group.

It's still happening: A 52% increase in Medicare Part B premiums for around a third of recipients was proposed for next year to help balance the books, but in October, the "bipartisan package" set the increase at 15% and canned some increased deductibles. The resulting $7b deficit for 2016 is to be covered by a Federal loan "to be paid back over time" which is code for tacking it onto the deficit for some future unfortunates to cover.

BTW, ACA naysayers (and repeal proponents) should consider the effect of the ACA on Medicare. Prior to ACA, onset of Medicare insolvency was predicted as early as 2016 but ACA provisions so far have led to a 13 year extension, to 2030. Phew- but it still means that contributors under the age of 50 have no certainty what, if any, benefits will be available for them when the time comes. Especially if cynical politicians turn their backs on a responsible 52% increase in 2016 and cobble together a 15% increase to keep the approval of reliable elderly voters.