Debt Ceiling Standoff Threatens Social Security, Medicare, and Federal Salaries.

The US may face a debt ceiling standoff, which could lead to delayed federal payments, including Social Security, Medicare, tax refunds, military paychecks, and more. The government has never been in this situation, and there is no public roadmap outlining its response. If the US reaches the X-date without a debt ceiling deal, it would be the first time in US history that the federal government has intentionally reneged on its financial promises. The government would likely prioritize bondholders, and the most consequential delayed payments would likely be Social Security benefits and money for health programs like Medicare, Medicaid, the Children's Health Insurance Program, and Affordable Care Act health plans.