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Some states (more than a small handful if I recall correctly) have laws on the books making adult children financially responsible for their destitute aging parents. I have no idea about the details of how that works - presumably it could not be enforced against adult children who live in a different state. I also have no idea how those laws have managed to pass constitutional muster; imagine being required to cough up substantial sums for a parent over whom you have no control, and may have been an abusive parent to you during your own childhood. That would be more than mildly irritating!
Of course I am aware that some greedy children may just want the govt. to assume all costs even though they can afford to pay; that is sort of the other side of the coin and it is certainly not a pretty picture either.
I am reminded once again of the tragi-comic bumper sticker: "Get revenge - Live long enough to be a burden to your children".
There's the answer then. Commit three felonies and get free room and board, medical, gym membership, cable, etc., for the rest of your life on the taxpayer's nickel. You don't have to wait until old age to retire on this plan.
Not a bad retirement plan. Many prisoners live much higher off the hog than many seniors.
Some low-income elders get both SS and SSI up to a certain level.
There are many hard working people who end up in this position. Homemakers married to men who were not high earners come to mind.
As in_newengland pointed out, having a spouse who needs long-term care can eat away your financial security. Medicaid does not kick in until your assets are nearly depleted. I believe a spouse can keep a house, a car, and a certain amount in the bank, but not a lot. Also, a certain amount of monthly income is protected. Elder attorneys can give a more accurate picture.
Medicare is welfare? I thought people paid into this through payroll deductions and deductions from the Social Security benefits.
You are both right, as the payroll taxes fund Part A only, and the premiums charged for Part B are not designed to cover the entire cost of it. So in my view calling Medicare "welfare" is a misleading exaggeration but contains a small grain of truth.
I believe the mark of a great society is how it helps its less fortunate.
If I could I'd tithe 10% of my income to the less fortunate, no questions asked. I believe a person in need has his or her own conscience to answer to. In the meantime food, clothing and shelter is something we should readily help with. I highly doubt that many people in dire straits are proud of it, they'remore likely mortified to be in that position. Again, for those who go to church or other faith services, what do your teachings say?
Medicare is welfare? I thought people paid into this through payroll deductions and deductions from the Social Security benefits.
You're quite correct. But there are those who think seniors live only to rip off the taxpayers. In truth, many never live long enough to draw their Social Security or much of it or to use much, if any, of their Medicare benefits. But those of us who do, especially if we're Boomers, are often seen by later generations as greedy geezers assuring that nothing will be left for them so they take cheap shots when able.
Medicare is welfare? I thought people paid into this through payroll deductions and deductions from the Social Security benefits.
Medicare is not welfare. There is no such thing as "welfare" that so many people could get so easily years ago. There is now Aid to Dependent Children, and SSI (supplements to Social Security for the elderly). Many low income people have many kids in order to get the ADC for each one.
<snip> Many low income people have many kids in order to get the ADC for each one.
Really? I spent a lot of time conducting outreach at DSS centers and I never met one parent who added children to get additional income. (Indeed, TANF used to be time restricted. Has this changed in the past 10 years?) I'll admit a lot of the recipients weren't especially bright, but having additional kids to get a little more income? Nope.
So, do you have any legitimate links to support your assertion?
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