Would expanding Medicare to younger Americans improve or hurt the program?

Question

Paul Potter · Accepted Answer

People pay into Medicare all their working life. If Medicare added younger Americans, who have not contributed for as long as others, would likely increase the cost for existing and new Medicare beneficiaries. I am sure you can get a different answer from who ever you ask, so this is my opinion. Many economists debate your big question.

Answered by Paul Potter on April 29, 2025

Broker Licensed in FL

Answered by Paul Potter Medicare Insurance Agent

Brian Krantz · Answer

It could be great in theory, but there’s a risk. If younger people with health issues join the Medicare Supplement pool, it could drive up premiums for everyone. It all depends on how it’s structured and who’s allowed in.

Answered by Brian Krantz on March 25, 2025

Broker Licensed in NY, AK, AL & 48 other states

Answered by Brian Krantz Medicare Insurance Agent

Jennifer McDonnell · Answer

Medicare is funded by a portion of the wages/salary you earn during your working years.
If younger Americans were to be included, it would dilute the money that is available for each and every Medicare eligible person.

Perhaps an ideal situation is to rid the country of the Affordable Care Act and replace with a system for non-Medicare eligible very similar to the Medicare System but not pulling money from the Medicare system.

Scott Sims · Answer

I think that Medicare should stay right where its at. 65 and older, or younger with disability. I don't feel it should be for everyone.

Dana Dane · Answer

We are insurance agents and cannot answer questions or give opinions about the economics of expanding Medicare.  This is way beyond our scope of appointment.

Joseph Peck · Answer

More people being able to see doctors without worry of coverage would make for a healthier country and help reduce medical coverage costs.

Steve Brauer · Answer

Expanding the Medicare program to younger Americans COULD be a good thing, but like most things, the devil is in the details. That's really a political hot potato issue...there are a few scenarios introduced where it may make some sense.

Answered by Steve Brauer on April 8, 2025

Broker Licensed in AZ & CA

Answered by Steve Brauer Medicare Insurance Agent

Gary Henderson · Answer

It would be great for under 65 but the cost would be the issue. As over 65 pay in but do not collect until 65 or later, there is ample time for growing the funds to cover it. 

To do that for everyone, would force a large increase in payroll taxes I would assume and possibly raise the cost for Part A and B.

This is my opinion, no factual data analysis to support it.

Marcie Barnes · Answer

It's never too early to be educated on how Medicare works. It's always changing and the more you know the better prepared one will be. Not to mention the younger generations have parents that will eventually age into Medicare and they'll be able to advocate for them.

Answered by Marcie Barnes on April 16, 2025

Agent Licensed in TX, AK, AL & 48 other states

Answered by Marcie Barnes Medicare Insurance Agent

Larry Pereiro · Answer

This the question that truly relates to “universal care”. Its impact would depend on whether there is cost sharing and at what level. From there, many of the benefits of Medicare could be provided for the younger generation with minimal premium cost plans without tapping into social security funds.

Answered by Larry Pereiro on April 28, 2025

Agent Licensed in IN

Answered by Larry Pereiro Medicare Insurance Agent

William Scott · Answer

Medicare is available to all those American citizens that are eligible. To my knowledge, there hasn't been any current evidence concluding that young Americans currently enrolled are improving or hurting the program.

Answered by William Scott on April 10, 2025

Broker Licensed in GA, CO, NC, OH, SC & TX

Answered by William Scott Medicare Insurance Agent

Alison Grice · Answer

Currently, younger Americans are already able to access the program if they meet certain requirements due to a disability with at least 24 months on SSDI, End stage renal disease or have ALS. From the numbers listed from the centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services as of this post, 90.2% of enrollees are over 65 and 9.8% are under 65. Most people may not know that younger Americans have access to Medicare if they meet the requirements and you have to ask yourself, have you noticed that about 10% younger population make a difference to the program currently? Now if your questions is in reference to everyone getting access regardless, then what would be the point of all the other programs we currently have established for the younger population with regards to health care? It would be messy if that happened to say the least and yes, many programs would then be hurt.

Answered by Alison Grice on May 13, 2025

Broker Licensed in SC, CO, FL & NC, TN, TX & WY

Answered by Alison Grice Medicare Insurance Agent

Would expanding Medicare to younger Americans improve or hurt the program?

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Would expanding Medicare to younger Americans improve or hurt the program?

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A non-government resource website