1. Should Medicare be transformed into a voucher program? Medicare should not be turned into a voucher program. The reasons why the Department of Health and Human Services would not support a voucher program are that private insurance would be more expensive, it would delay care for some beneficiaries, and Medicare would help reduce costs. health care costs. This program should remain unchanged to continue to help seniors receive more affordable care. The elderly are a vulnerable population that must be covered and their health insurance coverage must be addressed in a structured manner to avoid confusion. This position of opposition to a Medicare voucher program is supported by the mission of the Department of Health and Human Services. They strive to provide health care to all, “especially those least able to provide for themselves,” which includes the elderly. It would be unfair to leave seniors to fend for themselves in the private market. In many cases, an advocate would be needed if they do not have family or someone willing to take responsibility for helping them find the right health insurance plan. Some may argue for vouchers because providers rarely accept Medicare patients. Although there are issues with provider acceptance, private insurance is generally more expensive. Private insurance companies are also worse off when it comes to negotiating when prices rise. This means that costs to consumers in the private market are more variable and unpredictable than under Medicare. Additionally, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is working to close the hole in Medicare Part D. Flooding the private market with more consumers would perpetuate or even increase the gap, leading to higher costs for patients. ......middle of document......ndation.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/8457-the-cost-of-not-expanding-medicaid4.pdf>.John Holahan, et al. “The Cost of Not Expanding Medicaid.” » John Holahan, et al. “The Cost of Not Expanding Medicaid.” » John Holahan, et al. “The Cost of Not Expanding Medicaid.” »Brad Wright. “The Safety Net: Health Care for Vulnerable Populations.” » November 7, 2013. « About HHS. » «Appendix B3: Priority objectives. » US Department of Health and Human Services, November 6, 2013. <http://www.hhs.gov/strategic-plan/appendixb3.html>.John Holahan, et al. “The Cost of Not Expanding Medicaid.” » John Holahan, et al. “The Cost of Not Expanding Medicaid.” » John Holahan, et al. “The Cost of Not Expanding Medicaid.” » John Holahan, et al. “The Cost of Not Expanding Medicaid.” » John Holahan, et al. “The Cost of Not Expanding Medicaid.” » John Holahan, et al. “The cost of not expanding Medicaid.”