While benefits paid to the unemployed come from state funds, the administrative costs of the unemployment system, including staff salaries, are a Federal responsibility.

At the same time, the Governor said, benefits paid to injured workers will increase slightly.

These benefits don't pay any bills as it is.

Over all, the government says, the new benefit will pay about half of drug costs for a typical person with Medicare next year.

Also, the elderly benefit from the Social Security taxes paid by the younger generations.

Any benefits paid beyond the states' maximum period are shared by the states and the Federal Government.

From 2007-2012, benefits paid to program recipients increased by approximately 20% annually.

"The necessities cost more than the benefits can pay, and at the end of the month I run out of food."

This is something that the financial benefits resulting from the reform could easily pay for.

At present, only about 1.6 percent of Medicare benefits pay for hospice care.