Is Medicare becoming more expensive over time, and will it ever be unsustainable?

Question

Larry Dalton · Accepted Answer

As the cost of medical care increases with inflation, so will the cost of medical insurance premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and co-pays. Whether it will ever become unsustainable is a question that only time can honestly answer. What is the future of America's healthcare costs?

Answered by Larry Dalton on April 3, 2025

Broker Licensed in OK & TX

Answered by Larry Dalton Medicare Insurance Agent

Brian Moore · Answer

Medicare costs have certainly risen over time—Part B premiums went from $144.60 in 2020 to $185 in 2025, and I’ve noticed Part D premiums spiking too, largely due to the Inflation Reduction Act shifting some expenses around—though recent crackdowns on waste, fraud, and abuse, like overpayments and non-qualified services, might temper future hikes compared to past jumps. The program’s sustainability gets questioned as more folks age into it, but I’m optimistic that sharper oversight and drug price caps from the IRA could keep things manageable moving forward.

Answered by Brian Moore on March 27, 2025

Broker Licensed in OH

Answered by Brian Moore Medicare Insurance Agent

Andrew Bennett · Answer

Medicare is the most cost efficient health insurance delivery system we have in America. It's much less expensive than any commercial carrier, so when we ask will it ever be unsustainable? It's a trick question. The commercial system we have is the unsustainable system, not Medicare.

Answered by Andrew Bennett on April 3, 2025

Broker Licensed in TN, GA & VA

Answered by Andrew Bennett Medicare Insurance Agent

Sherah Beasley · Answer

Medicare is the 2nd or 3rd largest budget in the United States. It’s a very important part of our sustainability as a country, so I don’t believe it’s going anywhere anytime soon - the efforts, time and money dedicated to it.

With that said, the government is trying to crack down on fraud and waste, as they should, so this should extend the budget and help it go further.  Over time, there might be more costs passed off to the Medicare beneficiaries, but the entire purpose of Medicare was to off-set high medical costs for the 65 and older population, so I’m sure there will always be a push to sustain its purpose.

Diana Salisbury · Answer

Medicare is a little higher due in part to many COVID claims.  Will it be unsustainable - that is something the Government has to work through.

Mary Salmon · Answer

Yes, the costs for Medicare increase every year. As more and more people get older and age into Medicare, healthcare costs also increase. It is a valid concern that Medicare costs are growing at an unsustainable rate.

Answered by Mary Salmon on April 15, 2025

Broker Licensed in TX & OK

Answered by Mary Salmon Medicare Insurance Agent

Betty McCarty · Answer

Medicare's sustainability is a complex issue. 

Some experts warn it may face challenges due to the growing population of individuals aged 65 and older, while others highlight its cost-efficiency compared to commercial carriers. 

Fortunately, a variety of Medicare options remain available in most U.S. counties this year. For details on plans in your area, consider contacting a local insurance agent.

Lowell Ryals · Answer

yes every year the deductibles and the part B premium goes up.
as an unsustainable question that is up to the politicians.

Is Medicare becoming more expensive over time, and will it ever be unsustainable?

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Is Medicare becoming more expensive over time, and will it ever be unsustainable?

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A non-government resource website