Book Review: Medicare Meets Mephistopheles

This was another quick delightful read. Written by David A. Hyman and published by the Cato Institute (2006), it is set in the guise of an annual report of the Medicare program from Faithful Minion #666 to Satan. The author feels strongly that this entitlement program in particular will be the undoing of our republic if Satan had his way.

There is no religion in this tome—only devilish humor and a detailed explanation of the Medicare program, and how it became the “third rail” of politics.

The story delivers the reader an honest, scathing view of the history of Medicare, its promises and problems, and how to overcome them once political and personal hurdles have been conquered. Like all other entitlement programs, reality for the voter and recipient must set in somewhere—the prolonged existence and feasibility of these programs is rather shadowy. Uncle Sam cannot keep juggling imaginary balls forever.

If you are into social policy, annual reports, or devilish humor, please give this a read—if only for an hour or so. It’s a short book, but long on description of the Medicare crisis we face now and in the future.