The only thing doing the "ripping" is the Federal Government. The original Medicare plan could have been managed better in the beginning, but being "government" the $1,000 hammer is alive and well. You know that one...a hammer at the hardware store is $1.95 ('65 prices) but the Federal Government pays $1,000 for each of their hammers. That idea coupled with the "...give me your homeless, your, etc," is why the Medicare System is not working. It's not the rules that need changing, it's who's managing the money and who's getting the benefit of the system. No one can sue the Federal Government...even when they are doing wrong. If that is an untrue statement, please inform me, as I've been wronged by our Federal Government and no lawyer will touch my case...for the reason previously stated. Only those who are entitled to Medicare should be receiving benefits. I am on disability and believe me, the rules to follows for me were as high as a mountain. My family came to this country before 1650. I love my country, but I wonder how much "my country" loves me.