A suggestion to decrease unemployment.

[Orlandodem]

What if the government essentially "bought out" those people who are 61 years of age and promised to cover their Medicare costs until they were 65? This might allow millions to retire early and it would open up jobs for younger unemployed. The costs would be negligible because the cost of providing Medicare early would be offset by fewer people on unemployment benefits.

Thoughts?

[miscsoc]

1. I can't see why it wouldn't work

But it seems too easy. Maybe it would. Cash for clunkers doesn't sound like it would work either to a layman, but those programmes have been fairly successful. Actually you may be on to something here.

[HopeHoops]

2. I know! Include the military in the calculation - they're 100% employed!

No, wait. Reagan pulled that trick in his first term. Bastard.

[activa8tr]

3. I'm ok with the idea but...

What do they get for $ to buy food and pay the rent with?


They can only get minimal Soc Sec at 62, many would get not enough to pay the rent.


I like the idea if it's voluntary and can help anyone who needs the help but.

I need more details of how this "saves" us money.

[Name removed]

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[Jim__]

4. Yes - the medicare buy-in - vetoed by Joe Lieberman.

That almost passed in the health care bill. Old reliable Lieberman vetoed it. And Harry Reid scratched his ass and said, "Well, uhhh, ..."

[Dawgs]

5. Been saying this for over a year now. Lower the SS age and give those over 60 Medicare.

Many spouses continue to work to cover medical costs. It's the smart approach to fixing the problem.

Too bad the Democrats don't have the balls to do it.

[BonnieJW]

6. I'm 61 and

I can't afford to retire right now even with Medicare paid for. Some of us really need the income.

[Orlandodem]

7. I'm sorry for your situation. I hope the best for you and all like you struggling every day.

There are some people who could probably afford to retire but would need the Medicare assistance to make it happen.

Once again, I hope the best for you. Good luck.

[Igel]

9. It wouldn't be too expensive for government.

Business, on the other hand, would suddenly retire a lot of experienced, albeit expensive, workers; they'd suddenly be hiring a lot of inexperienced, albeit expensive, trainees.

Would the government "buy out" their pension contributions and those of their employees?

Would the government "buy out" the lost FICA and DCP revenue from a segment of the population with the highest salaries?

For these purposes, government is also "business" because the government would lose experienced workers and suddenly have to train a lot of newbies.

Would it apply to boards of directors, the C-level private enterprise employees, and the highest levels of government, as well?