AdvertisementMedicare Key To Conquering Deficit DilemmaDecember 01, 2010Julie RovnerfacebookEmailExperts say it's nearly impossible to address U.S. fiscal problems without coming to terms with Medicare. The program provides coverage to 47 million Americans, consumes 12 percent of the federal budget and accounts for $1 of every $5 spent on health care each year. Its future includes 78 million baby boomers. (iStockphoto.com)