I think it´s typical problem-reaction-solution.

They create the problem by stealing for decades social security funding. Once the huge baby boomer generation comes on line to receive entitlements the problem doesn´t need to be ignored anymore and the virtual bankruptcy of the program causes a big and loud reaction. The solution: since the program is bust after having been systematically robbed, it must be cut down to size. There must be death panels et cetera. Those who were robbed must suffer. The robbers must be protected at all costs.