The future of Social Security and Medicare just brightened somewhat, according to the 2001 Annual Reports of the trustees of Social Security and Medicare. The projections see Social Security remaining solvent through 2038—one year longer than projected last year. And Medicare is now expected to remain solvent until 2029—an improvement of four years.

This is the fourth year in a row in which the financial outlook for the programs has improved. These projections do not take into account the current economic slowdown or the effects of President Bush’s proposed $1.6 billion tax cut, should it pass.

To view the "Status of the Social Security and Medicare Programs: A Summary of the 2001 Annual Reports," go to: