Won't Medicare run out of money before I can benefit from it?

Question

Larry Dalton · Accepted Answer

Medicare and Social Security are two different government accounts and departments. Medicare is funded by Congress each year out of the same bucket from which our federal military receives its money.  

On the other hand, our Social Security accounts are sovereign from other Government activities. That means that what goes into the Social Security account is only paid out to Social Security benefits. 

The Social Security account is fully funded until around 2035, and after that, Congress will have to subsidize Social Security payments. It has been stated that after 2035, not enough money is being paid into the Social Security account as Social Security is paid out.

Lt Col Tim Brown · Answer

I don’t have a crystal ball. My best answer is it’s like social security, they would know better than to end it.

Misty Bolt · Answer

WE HOPE NOT. NO PROMISES ON THAT BUT FOR AS NOW YOU SHOULD NOT HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT THAT. THAT WOULD BE MILLIONS OF PEOPLE WITH NO HEALTH COVERAGE.

Lauryn Ivey · Answer

Unfortunately, I don’t have an answer for this. One would want to assume that the government would find a way, pass new legislation, or something to ensure Americans did not lose this benefit. This comes down to elected officials and their agendas and therefore, I don’t think anyone has a definitive answer.

Answered by Lauryn Ivey on June 3, 2025

Broker Licensed in AL

Answered by Lauryn Ivey Medicare Insurance Agent

Sandra Bailey · Answer

There are too many people in America depending on Medicare for it to run out. Yes, the US has a lot of debt and it's said by 2036 that Medicare will cover about 89% of the cost. Even with that being said, there still will be funds available.

Answered by Sandra Bailey on May 19, 2025

Broker Licensed in TN, AL, AR & 13 other states

Answered by Sandra Bailey Medicare Insurance Agent

Steven Bleicher · Answer

My succinct answer is NO!  Don’t listen to those “scare tactics”. I recently saw that there is enough until around 2040.

Yasmery Vargas · Answer

Medicare is not a financial identity. Once you age in to Medicare you are subject to the guidelines set by Medicare/CMS.

Fred Manas · Answer

No, it's unlikely that Medicare will run out of money before you can benefit from it. While projections suggest the Hospital Insurance (HI) trust fund, which covers hospital benefits, will be depleted in 2036, Medicare would still cover 89% of costs through tax revenues. Furthermore, other parts of Medicare, like Parts B and D, are financed differently and don't have insolvency dates. 
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
HI Trust Fund Depletion:
The Medicare Hospital Insurance trust fund, which covers hospital benefits, is projected to be depleted in 2036. This means the trust fund will no longer be able to fully pay scheduled benefits. 
Continued Coverage:
Even after the HI trust fund is depleted, Medicare will still cover 89% of costs through ongoing tax revenues. This means you would still be able to access Medicare benefits, though potentially with some cost-sharing or restrictions. 
Other Medicare Parts:
Parts B (doctor visits, outpatient services) and D (prescription drugs) are financed differently and don't have the same insolvency dates as Part A. These programs are also projected to face financial challenges, but they are not expected to run out of money completely. 
No Complete "Bankruptcy":
Medicare is not expected to completely cease operating or be unable to pay benefits. Even after the HI trust fund is depleted, Medicare will continue to operate with reduced funding, potentially through mechanisms like tax increases or spending cuts.

Steve Brauer · Answer

With 68 million people using Medicare, I highly doubt that it will run out of money. They've been saying that about Medicare and Social Security since I was a kid in the 1960's

Karen Ansell · Answer

It is unlikely that Medicare will run out of money before you benefit from it.
Medicare part A is predicted to run out of money by 2026 but tax revenues will support probably with lower benefits.

Wild Bill Anderson · Answer

I don’t see Medicare running dry.  It would be political suicide.  That is why both sides of the aisle push this off until we have to deal with it. Then we will!

Steven Rodriguez Giudicelli · Answer

While there are projections indicating that the Medicare Hospital Insurance (Part A) Trust Fund may face depletion around 2036, it doesn't necessarily mean Medicare will completely run out of money before you can benefit. This projection suggests that at that point, the fund may not be able to cover 100% of Part A benefits as currently structured, potentially leading to payment reductions. However, historically, Congress has often taken action to address such situations, and various options exist to ensure the program's solvency continues in the future.

Answered by Steven Rodriguez Giudicelli on June 3, 2025

Broker Licensed in FL & TX

Answered by Steven Rodriguez Giudicelli Medicare Insurance Agent

Jamie Herrick · Answer

I do not believe so. But I can’t predict the future. I hope it doesn’t when I’m Medicare age too:) Just being honest.

Dominic Javier · Answer

Among the federal entities that are under review, The Health Care System and Education System are one of the top tiered entity the current and even the past government never failed to fund. The health care system nowadays is focused on taking good care of our senior citizens and improve the booming side of our population. With JFk Jr. Medicare is here to grow and innovate MAHA.

Answered by Dominic Javier on May 5, 2025

Broker Licensed in TX

Answered by Dominic Javier Medicare Insurance Agent

Rene Apack · Answer

Please STOP with the Media rhetoric.

Medicare is not going anywhere, ever. It's YOUR money that you paid into.

Relax, shop your plans yearly, and live worry-free by shopping with me.

Best wishes,
Rene Apack
847-917-4870

Angelique Solomon · Answer

Great question! Medicare isn't expected to completely run out of money, but it does face funding challenges. Congress typically takes steps to adjust funding and keep it running. Planning ahead with supplemental coverage ensures you're well-protected no matter what happens.

Answered by Angelique Solomon on April 28, 2025

Broker Licensed in AL, FL, GA & 5 other states

Answered by Angelique Solomon Medicare Insurance Agent

Won't Medicare run out of money before I can benefit from it?

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