The US Social Security and Medicare programs are in worse financial shape due to the recession. The AP reported today that social security is expected to pay out more than it receives beginning in 2016, a year earlier than expected, and run out by 2037, four years sooner than previously reported. Medicare is expected to pay out more than it receives this year, and run out by 2017, two years earlier than previously thought.
The dire financial straits of both programs mean the government needs to prioritize social security and healthcare reform as soon as possible before it is too late.