this is one problem with calling social security and medicare entitlements...the recipients are "entitled" to receive payments because they have paid into these systmes for years of their work lives, and also their employers paid into them...at least that is how we hope it is being handled but i have heard of many illegals drawing on these benefits without paying into them...the difference with "entitlements" of welfare and even medicaid is that one has not paid into a specific program if they have paid taxes at all....yet recipients seem to feel "entitled" to be supported by taxpayers.