Congress Should Work Together to Strengthen Social Security.In a letter that was sent to the twenty-nine conferees on Monday, members of the House Appropriations Committee wrote: "We call on the Budget conference to reach an agreement on the FY2014 and FY2015 spending caps as soon as possible to allow the appropriations process to move forward … If a timely agreement is not reached, the likely alternatives could have extremely damaging repercussions." According to the appropriators, the alternatives include: a government shutdown on January 15th, continued governance by continuing resolution, and a second round of across-the-board spending cuts via the "sequester," which is scheduled to hit in January..Congress May Consider Ending Two Provisions That Reduce Social Security Benefits of Public Employees.In a way that's not news. You already knew prices had been going up and so did we at TSCL. But it's nice to have the facts to back us up..Rep. Rodney Davis.If that's so why hasn't anybody done it yet? The options Congress has to address the debt are dwindling and the choices that are left are wrenching..The number of people who rely on Social Security for 90% or more of their income is growing. In 1976 one in four Social Security recipients relied on Social Security for most of their income, today one in three do. "Those who do rely on Social Security for most, or all, of their income are living very close to the poverty level," Cates says. The average Social Security benefit in 2014 was only ,304 for the year. That's just 18% above the U.S. poverty level - ,670 for a household of one..A government shut down, while causing some problems, isn't as bad as breaching the debt ceiling. That's known as a "technical default," as some government obligations won't be met on time depending on how long the stalemate lasts. The Treasury Department would have to rely on whatever cash is left on hand and daily revenue inflows..They are willing to pay more for Social Security, if necessary, to keep the program strong.

Redistricting Ncsl Virtual Redistricting Seminar Jan 5 7 2021

In fact, the fastest growing cost for seniors Medicare Part B premiums is not accounted for at all in the CPI-W since young workers are not enrolled in the Medicare program. Since 2000, Medicare Part B premiums have increased by 195 percent and prescription drug spending has increased by 184 percent. However, COLAs have increased Social Security benefits by just 43 percent since 2000..Many of you will no doubt remember that we used to celebrate both Washington's and Lincoln's birthdays separately. In 1968 Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Bill, which moved several federal holidays to Mondays.."Even one year of high health costs, like being hospitalized for surgery, could force most seniors to spend through their savings faster, or go into debt," says TSCL Chairman, Ed Cates. "Most retirees are dealing with fragile fiscal safety nets," he says. "What makes this finding so significant is that most Medicare health plans have annual out-of-pocket maximums that exceed ,000," Cates adds. … Continued

Racial Equity And Health Policy Issue Brief Voices From Puerto Rico Reflections Two Months After Maria Report

A growing number of Medicare beneficiaries are choosing to receive their coverage through private Medicare Advantage plans, rather than traditional Medicare with a Medigap supplement and Part D plan. The choice requires careful evaluation of costs and an understanding of how the prospective Medicare Advantage works, because once you give up your Medigap plan, you probably won't be able to get another one, or if you do, you could be charged significantly more. No matter what you decide, you will still be required to pay the Part B premium..The short answer is no not yet..The Senior Citizens League supports legislation that would provide a more fair and adequate COLA so that seniors living on fixed incomes can better afford rising costs like home heating oil. To learn more, visit. … Continued

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