Antitrust Action: Examining Medicare's Impact Compared to Google's Dominance

Antitrust Focus: Is Medicare the Real Target?

Antitrust action is warranting more attention towards Medicare than Google. While recent federal courts marked Google as a monopolist due to harmful competition tactics, Medicare's practices inflict tangible harm on ordinary people. Bills paid by taxpayers and growing deficits raise alarms regarding consumer welfare.

The Case Against Medicare

• Medicare's budget grew to $832 billion in 2022, burdening 3.1% of GDP.
• Excess payments of $15 billion to private insurers between 2019 to 2021.
• 54% enrollment in Medicare Advantage plans, costing $462 billion annually.

Unlike Google, which is accused of limiting competition, Medicare's impact on healthcare inflation is significant, with costs consistently outpacing consumer price index increases. The organization continues to operate with a heavy hand, limiting viable competition and financial oversight.

Regulatory Accountability Is Needed

• Growing trust fund issues threaten Medicare's sustainability.
• Antitrust laws should extend to government programs akin to federal interventions for private entities.
• By imposing oversight on Medicare, watchdog agencies can mitigate potential harm to consumers.

In conclusion, as scrutiny for corporate monopolies intensifies, the focus should urgently shift towards Medicare's fiscal practices. The absence of investigations into its operations starkly contrasts with the proactive measures seen against corporate giants like Google.