Readers weigh in on problems with the health care program.

To the Editor:

The Medicare budget is now facing economic pressure that will force political leaders to make difficult choices to extend the solvency of the program. Medicare is already paying more in benefits than it receives in income.

As a result, the Medicare trustees in their most recent report issued a “Medicare funding warning” again, for the sixth straight year. Yet despite the looming crisis, before lawmakers start cutting benefits, raising premiums or increasing taxes, let’s fix Medicare first and make it worth saving.

Over the years, Medicare has become more complicated and confusing for the beneficiaries covered by this insurance plan. For example, it now includes four parts, A, B, C and D, each with different yearly deductibles, co-payments and monthly premiums.

In addition, beneficiaries are confronted with many other complex and expensive decisions, like whether to buy a Medicare supplement insurance policy as protection against skyrocketing deductibles and co-payments, or which of the many Part D prescription drug plans is the right choice for them. Regrettably, there are no Medicare field offices for a face-to-face interview to help customers make an informed decision. Instead, beneficiaries are directed to call 1-800-MEDICARE or to visit www.medicare.gov for help.