Economy

Robert Ball, the man known as the father of Medicare, died this week at 93. Ball was the commissioner of Social Security under three U.S. presidents and an influential counselor on social issues to politicians of all political stripes. NPR's Joanne Silberner offers a remembrance of the man who masterminded hospital desegregation.

Robert Ball, the man known as the father of Medicare, died this week at 93. Ball was the commissioner of Social Security under three U.S. presidents and an influential counselor on social issues to politicians of all political stripes. NPR's Joanne Silberner offers a remembrance of the man who masterminded hospital desegregation.

The first of the baby boomers will turn 62 this year and become eligible to claim retirement benefits. But a "baby bust" means there are fewer workers paying into the Social Security system to support each retiree.

The first of the baby boomers will turn 62 this year and become eligible to claim retirement benefits. But a "baby bust" means there are fewer workers paying into the Social Security system to support each retiree.

Almost 80 million baby boomers will be eligible to receive Social Security benefits in the next 20 years, setting off fears that the Social Security system will be overwhelmed. But baby boomers are expected to bring a different approach to old age by working longer than prior generations.

Almost 80 million baby boomers will be eligible to receive Social Security benefits in the next 20 years, setting off fears that the Social Security system will be overwhelmed. But baby boomers are expected to bring a different approach to old age by working longer than prior generations.