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The Social Security Notch is the unexpectedly steep drop in benefits that affects people born from 1917 through 192This generation of seniors receives lower benefits than other seniors who had nearly identical work and earnings histories..While it is true that we must come together to address our budget, we cannot fix our fiscal problems on the backs of our seniors. We also must not use our economic future as a bargaining chip to advance unrelated partisan interests. During my time in Congress I'm proud to fight for Medicare benefits for our next generation of seniors. As we look forward to the next 50 years I am cognizant of some of the challenges facing Medicare. But I also see opportunity:.By Mike Watson, TSCL Legislative Assistant.A pending Totalization Agreement with Mexico could add more than 1.6 million Mexicans to the rolls and cost in excess of 7 billion by 2040 according to a new report released by TREA Senior Citizens League. The cost estimate, the first of its kind, was performed for TSCL to provide a more comprehensive picture of the impact a totalization agreement with Mexico would have on the fiscal solvency of Social Security..However, the Biden administration has not received the idea enthusiastically. Jen Psaki, who is the White House Press Secretary, was asked about the proposal to fire the postal service board and she said it was an "interesting question," and that "we all love the mailman and mailwoman," but did not have any further comment..Fall Congressional Recess Continues.Social Security provides at least half the income for 65 percent of seniors..TSCL continues to fight the agreement and supports measures that would block it from taking effect should it be sent to Congress for approval. TSCL continues to educate new lawmakers about the issue and recently filed a third Freedom of Information Act lawsuit to force the U.S. government to release documents related to the agreement, include those concerning the estimated cost to the Social Security Trust Fund..As I turn on the hose, I look over at my car and decide it needs washing.

Health Costs Press Release Two Thirds Of The Public Say The Us Should Play A Major Role In Distributing Covid 19 Vaccines Globally But Not Most Republicans

Physical, occupational and speech therapy services for some patients, especially those who have long-term severe illnesses, are the services that have been impacted the most. Under a new Medicare reimbursement system, home health agencies now have a stronger financial incentive to treat patients who need short-term therapy after a stay in the hospital or rehabilitation facility. Payments under the new reimbursement system are higher for people who are discharged from an institution and have services provided within the first 30 days - and get lower after that..There were reports recently that Republicans in the House of Representatives are insisting that stemming the growth of Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid costs is necessary. Bloomberg news reported on a House Budget Committee hearing about a new Congressional Budget Office report that projects trillion-dollar deficits for the next decade..Social Security beneficiaries have lost nearly one-third of their buying power since 2000, according to the 2017 Social Security Loss of Buying Power Study released by The Senior Citizens League. The findings represent a big 7% loss in buying power just over the past 12 months, from 23% in 2016 to 30% in 201This occurred as inflation has begun to climb, but people receiving Social Security received an annual cost-of-living adjustment of just 0.3% for 201Housing and medical costs - particularly for prescription drug expenses - were among the most rapidly rising spending categories over the past year. … Continued

Report Section Kff Health Tracking Poll June 2020 Methodology

TSCL agrees that solvency issues for both programs should be addressed as soon as possible so that any changes may be phased in gradually. However, we do not support increased cost-shifting or harsh benefit cuts for seniors. Both Subcommittees will likely hold more hearings on reforming the two programs in the coming months. TSCL will continue to monitor the ongoing debate..Your wife can sign up, when she's first eligible, during the 7-month period that begins 3 months before the month she turns 65 and ends 3 months after the month she turns 65..Check your health plan's "out-of-pocket" maximum and budget a little more annually for emergencies: Traditional Medicare has no limit on out-of-pocket spending for hospital or doctors' services. But Medicare Advantage plans have annual out-of-pocket limits. On average, the out-of-pocket limits for Medicare Advantage plans is ,037 this year, but limits can be as much as ,700. Check the booklet that came with your plan, or call your plan's customer service number. It's a good idea to budget more than the out-of-pocket maximum for goods and services not covered by Medicare or your plan. For example, your plan may cover eye exams but not glasses. It's also good to have more the out-of-pocket maximum set aside in case you should ever require hospitalization. … Continued