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Why is the action so controversial?.We normally try to stay away from items that are covered in the news during the week. There would be no point in sending this out of all we did was repeat what you already know. But this time we have decided we need to talk, at least a little, about the subject that has captured the attention of the major and local news media, and the government this week..Higher taxes and reductions to benefits are expected to top the discussions of the next Congress. If we intend to protect our Social Security and Medicare benefits, it's going to be up to us to play a major role in crafting the solution. We're out of time for partisan stand offs. This is not an "us versus them" situation. This is a "we" as in "we are all in the same boat." Please join TSCL in helping to be part of the solution. To learn how you can take part click the links to: sign a petition, make a donation, or become a member of TSCL..Gives you Special Enrollment Periods to enroll or change plans during the year outside of the fall Open Enrollment period..What that means, in plain language, is the President is suggesting that for an unspecified "short term," taxes paid by workers into the Social Security system be suspended, further weakening the Social Security system..If he should choose to veto the bill all bets are off as to what would happen next..By U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright.Higher income beneficiaries who pay "income-based" or Means Tested premiums. In 2009, people with incomes of more than ,000 or 0,000 pay a higher portion of the premium depending on their income..Ever since I was first elected to the United States House of Representatives in 1970, I have dedicated myself to ensuring the financial security of the Social Security program. At times, I had to speak out against Presidents of both parties who proposed changes in the system that would cut or eliminate Social Security COLAs or even replace the program with private Social Security savings accounts.

Barbara Lyons

For more information about town hall meetings near you during this week's holiday recess, call the local offices of your Members of Congress. For contact information, click HERE..According to Bloomberg Government, members of the House Appropriations Committee are still negotiating the spending limits for each subcommittee, and they are far from a deal. House Minority Whip Steny Hoyer told reporters this week that he's doubtful Congress will finish the omnibus before the looming deadline..In addition to rapidly growing Medigap premiums, retirees also must pay for premiums for Medicare Part B and their drug plans. The combination takes a bigger bite out of Social Security benefits and other retirement resources when COLAs fail to keep pace. "The financial drain on benefits is difficult to anticipate, and many retirees don't have adequate savings to begin with," Johnson says. … Continued

Minneapolis Heart Institute Patient Stories Living Again Thanks To New Valve Repair Option

"Many older taxpayers probably did not even know they were getting a medical expense tax break for 2017, or this year," Johnson says. The 7.5 percent of AGI threshold was unchanged from what taxpayers age 65 and older paid in 2016, and before. That threshold, however, was formerly scheduled to rise to 10% of AGI in 201"Meanwhile taxpayers younger than 65 could only deduct medical expenses in excess of 10% under the former tax law, and so for that crowd it may have been noticed as a tax break," Johnson notes..Surprise! Effort to End Surprise Billing Still Alive.With about 1 million supporters, The Senior Citizens League is one of the nation's largest nonpartisan seniors groups. Located just outside Washington, D.C., its mission is to promote and assist members and supporters, to educate and alert senior citizens about their rights and freedoms as U.S. Citizens, and to protect and defend the benefits senior citizens have earned and paid for. The Senior Citizens League is a proud affiliate of TREA The Enlisted Association. Please visit or call for more information. … Continued