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In January, one-third of all Medicare beneficiaries could see a Part B premium increase of 22 percent the highest increase in 27 years. Do you believe Congress should take action like it did last year to prevent the dramatic increase?.The coronavirus emergency spending bill that Congress just passed was not "paid for," in Washington's language. It was added to the deficit, which means the government will borrow the money to pay for it..As I head toward the kitchen with the soda, a vase of flowers on the window ledge catches my eye--they need water..Simply setting government spending limits and putting seniors at greater risk for rising costs does nothing to slow rising healthcare costs. TSCL is sharing the results of our recent 2011 Advisor Senior Survey on healthcare costs and the inadequacy of COLAs to cover rising costs in our visits with Members of Congress. We encourage you to contact your Members of Congress and describe your Medicare and other out-of-pocket costs and what portion of your Social Security payments is required to cover them. Use examples of recent cost increases and let them know your concerns about keeping Medicare affordable!.The Republicans on the committee include: Sens. Jon Kyl, John Barrasso, and Mike Crapo ; and Reps. Tom Price, Nan Hayworth, Renee Ellmers, Dave Camp, Fred Upton, Tom Reed, Kevin Brady, and Greg Walden..Does Medicare provide coverage for eye care services or eyeglasses?.Dr. Redfield also told Congress this week that the CDC is developing a test that can check for seasonal influenza and COVID-19 infections at the same time..This is a great question to ask, because working under the wrong assumptions about Medicare and your current group health insurance could wind up costing.Q April/May 2021 Does Medicare Cover Eyeglasses?.The big concern is that per capita caps and block grants won't keep pace with the real growth in costs in state Medicaid programs - especially since the reimbursements formulas would be tied to the rise in inflation. Actual medical costs are expected to grow several times faster than reimbursements. States could be forced to reduce spending on older people and younger disabled adults, who account for a disproportionately large share of Medicaid spending. States could tighten eligibility, reduce non-mandatory benefits like your home caregiving program, and nursing home reimbursements, or otherwise ration care.