Quote from Alex bobby on May 7, 2024, 6:14 AM

Medicare and Social Security go-broke dates.

In Washington, the anticipated dates for Medicare and Social Security to run out of funds have been extended, thanks to an improving economy, as revealed in the latest annual report from the Social Security and Medicare trustees on Monday.

Despite this positive development, officials caution that policy adjustments are imperative to prevent these vital programs from falling short of providing full benefits to retirees.

Medicare's projected depletion date for its hospital insurance trust fund has been pushed back by five years to 2036, primarily due to increased payroll tax revenue and lower-than-expected expenses from the previous year. Medicare, the federal health insurance program covering individuals aged 65 and above and those with severe disabilities or illnesses, served over 66 million people last year, predominantly seniors.

Upon depletion of the fund's reserves, Medicare would only be able to cover 89% of costs for various medical services, including hospital visits, hospice care, and nursing home stays.

Meanwhile, Social Security's trust funds, which cater to elderly and disabled beneficiaries, are forecasted to be unable to pay full benefits starting in 2035, instead of the previous estimate of 2034. Social Security would only manage to cover 83% of benefits.

Social Security Administration Commissioner Martin O'Malley regarded the report as "encouraging news" but emphasized the necessity for congressional action to avert a projected 17% reduction in Social Security benefits.

Approximately 71 million individuals, including retirees, disabled persons, and children, rely on Social Security benefits.

President Joe Biden responded to the report by pledging to fortify Social Security and Medicare during his presidency, advocating for higher-income earners to contribute more to fund these programs adequately.

For years, policymakers have deferred addressing the fiscal challenges facing Social Security and Medicare. The last significant reform to Social Security occurred around 40 years ago, when the eligibility age was raised from 65 to 67. Unlike Social Security, Medicare's eligibility age has remained unchanged at 65.

According to a Congressional Budget Office report, escalating interest costs and spending on Medicare and Social Security are the primary contributors to rising national debt, driven by an aging population.

The latest report anticipates increased income for Medicare, attributed to a higher number of covered workers and average wages. Moreover, expenses are expected to decrease, mainly due to adjustments in how Medicare Advantage rates are calculated and lower spending on inpatient hospital and home health services.

Medicare Advantage plans, administered by private health insurers, represent an alternative version of the federal program.

A March 2023 poll conducted by The Associated Press-NORC Centre for Public Affairs Research revealed that the majority of U.S. adults oppose proposals to reduce Medicare or Social Security benefits and support taxing the wealthiest individuals to sustain Medicare.

The fate of Social Security and Medicare has become a prominent topic in the political arena, with President Biden and former President Donald Trump addressing it in their reelection campaigns.

Biden has vowed to resist any attempts by Republicans to cut Medicare or Social Security benefits, proposing tax increases on individuals earning over $400,000 annually to bolster Medicare funding. However, he has not outlined a plan for Social Security.

Conversely, Trump expressed openness to reducing Social Security and Medicare benefits during a CNBC interview in March, suggesting potential cuts to entitlement programs.

Advocates like Nancy Altman of Social Security Works stress the urgency for Congress to act promptly to secure the long-term stability of Social Security, while Michael A. Peterson of the Peter G. Peterson Foundation emphasizes the importance of Congress providing clarity and stability for the future of both programs through timely reforms.

In conclusion, the annual Social Security and Medicare trustees report brings both hopeful and cautionary news. While an improving economy has extended the projected depletion dates for these critical programs, policymakers must heed the warnings and implement necessary reforms to ensure their long-term sustainability. The fate of Medicare and Social Security impacts millions of Americans, and timely action is essential to safeguarding their access to full benefits in the years to come.