Life Expectancy: The Rich Are Different
Social Security and other federal programs designed to provide security to retirees are in danger of becoming more “gravy train” than “safety net” due to life expectancy gaps between rich and poor. People who earn more live longer and therefore collect federal benefits for more years than the poor, an outcome that isn’t in line with the original intention of government spending programs for retirees, argues Washington Post columnist Robert J. Samuelson. “We are spending the most money for the longest periods to protect people who need the least protection,” Samuelson asserts. He cites a new National Academy of Sciences report to bolster his conclusions. Among wealthy males there was a 7-year increase in life expectancy between 1930 and 1960. For those with the lowest incomes, life expectancy fell slightly. The Washington Post
Commentary: That’s why certain politicians only bring up cuts to Medicaid and Food Stamps when discussing government-funded entitlement programs. You rarely hear of people talk about cutting/reforming Medicare and Social Security, when we are living longer and sicker in America. While we have taken care of most deadly infectious diseases, we are still suffering from largely preventable chronic diseases. therealebonyallen