Possibly, the most serious flaw in the Medicare system is the fact that

1. Coverage for outpatient drugs is poor.

2. The deductible is too high for most elders to afford.

3. The definition of an episode of illness can lead to patients paying the deductible more than once during the calendar year.

4. It provides no real protection against catastrophic losses resulting from unusually long hospital stays.

5. Elders are required to pay monthly premiums to participate in Part B.