Democrats invented Social Security in 1935 and it has been one of the most successful government programs. Medicare has provided quality healthcare at greatly reduced cost for Americans 65 and over since 1966. Democrats will make sure that both are solvent far into the future, and will not raise the retirement age above 67, or decrease benefits. It might be necessary to increase employee contributions incrementally, extend contributions to upper income levels, or cap what doctors and hospitals can charge for Medicare services. Democrats will NEVER privatize social security, making the income of the elderly dependent on the whims of the stock or bond markets.
