It seems to me it depends on how the implementation of the Affordable Care Act (hereafter referred to as Obamacare) works out. If low income people are able to access medical care via subsidies or Medicaid, it doesn't matter when they become eligible for Medicare. Will it depend on the individual states, thus making Medicare just as indispensable as it presently is? Do we have to fight to keep Medicare as it is just until Obamacare is fully functional? Will Medicare ultimately become unnecessary?
I ask these questions because I know how indispensable Medicare is. I became eligible for Medicare early, and it has been a lifesaver, literally. I was approved for Social Security Disability at age 59. As many of you know, with SSDI you have to wait two years to begin receiving Medicare. When I received my Medicare card, it was a joyful day. Finally, home free! I had spent most of my life without insurance, but I was fortunately also healthy. When health became an issue, I was able to access health care at a local clinic. It wasn't ideal, but it was something. Receiving that Medicare card meant I could go to my chosen doctor. It made a real difference. The details aren't important.
So it's not about me. I just want everyone to have the security of knowing that if they need medical care, they can access it. What do you think? Will Obamacare make the necessity for Medicare, or the age at which it kicks in, less important, or not important at all? Would our time be better spent fighting to make sure Obamacare becomes a better program, or do we still need to fight to keep Medicare as is?