Recent surveys show that a large majority of the public is afraid Medicare will not be there for them when they retire and that major change is needed. Beyond this fear, however, surveys reveal some murky and unrealistic thinking on the part of the public. For one thing, Americans are more likely to attribute rising health care costs, one of Medicare's fundamental problems, to drug and insurance company profits than to the aging of the population or to new and expensive drugs and treatments. Few concrete proposals for Medicare enjoy widespread support. An overwhelming majority are opposed to reduced benefits for recipients or cutting back on spending. When forced to choose, most people prefer to spread the sacrifices equally among workers, employers and retirees. (See also Federal Budget.)