Trust Fund Solutions

Some of our most important federal programs are financed through dedicated revenue sources and managed through federal trust funds. Over the next decade, these trust funds face a combined $3.2 trillion shortfall.

Highway Trust Fund

Insolvent by: 2028

Projected spending cut: 48%

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Medicare Hospital Insurance Trust Fund

Insolvent by: 2036

Projected program cut: 11%

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Social Security Old-Age & Survivors Trust Fund

Insolvent by: 2033

Projected benefit cut: 21%

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Social Security Disability Trust Fund

Insolvent by: 2098

Projected benefit cut: 0%

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What is a federal trust fund?

A federal trust fund is an accounting mechanism the government uses to ensure certain types of tax revenue are dedicated to specific spending programs.

For example, when the government takes Social Security taxes out of your paycheck, it credits the money to the Social Security Trust Fund. The same thing happens with your Medicare Hospital Insurance tax. The federal gas tax you pay at the pump gets credited to the Highway Trust Fund.

The trust funds contain what are basically IOUs – an accounting on paper of the taxes credited to them. Meanwhile, the tax money itself flows into the US Treasury, where it is used to pay current benefits or to help pay for other government spending.

When Social Security needs to pay benefits, or Medicare pays hospital bills, the programs turn in their IOUs to the treasury while the treasury pays the bills.

Over time, if the tax revenue doesn’t keep up with required payments, the programs will draw down their IOUs. When they run out, the trust funds are said to be “insolvent.”

Once a trust fund is insolvent, its program can only spend as much as comes in through dedicated taxes in that year. This could mean immediate cuts in benefits or require immediate tax increases to continue paying full benefits.

The Benefits of Fixing our Trust Funds

Stronger economic growth

Fixing trust fund financing can increase economic output by improving economic certainty and reducing the drag of federal debt. Some fixes are themselves helpful in supporting a larger economy.

 

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Stable benefits

A main goal of social insurance programs is to protect the most vulnerable segments of the population from unexpected economic shocks. The threat of insolvency puts this goal in jeopardy, placing large and abrupt spending cuts on the horizon.

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Improved federal programs

Plans to extend program solvency can be used to implement forward-looking reforms in the key areas of retirement security, health care and infrastructure to make the programs more effective and efficient.

Get Into the Weeds

The Case for Trust Fund Solutions

Major trust funds financing Social Security, Medicare, and highways are projected to be insolvent in the coming years. Inaction would lead to large across-the-board cuts. Trust fund solutions can secure and improve these programs, strengthen the nation’s fiscal outlook, and promote faster economic growth.

The Countdown

Our major federal trust funds are approaching insolvency.

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2028

Highway Trust Fund

This fund supports federal spending on highways and mass transit. Its revenue comes primarily from the federal gas tax.

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2036

Medicare Hospital Insurance Trust Fund

This fund finances inpatient hospital coverage for seniors and some workers with disabilities. Its revenue comes primarily from a payroll tax on workers and employers.

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2033

Social Security Old-Age & Survivors Trust Fund

This fund finances monthly retirement benefits for workers and their survivors. Its revenue comes primarily from a payroll tax on workers and employers.

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2098

Social Security Disability Trust Fund

This fund pays benefits to disabled workers and their spouses and children. Its revenue comes primarily from a payroll tax on workers and employers.

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What Can I Do?

Reach Out to Congress

We need lawmakers to fix our trust funds before the well-being of seniors, the economy, and future generations is in jeopardy. Find your representative to make your voice heard.

Share with Friends

The health of our trust funds affects everyone. Get the word out.

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