Changes to Medicare and the tax code this year will affect some seniors positively, but many more seniors negatively. Those who fall into the donut hole will receive some much-needed relief from the federal government, while young retirees with high medical bills and those who rely heavily on investment income may be hit with tax increases. The Senior Citizens League will continue to closely monitor the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, and will post updates on our website. To learn more about these and other issues affecting seniors, visit SeniorsLeague.org..New Co-Sponsor for Key Bill.In addition, one new cosponsor Rep. William Lacy Clay signed on to the Social Security Fairness Act this week, bringing the total up to 167..If you get a call from someone that you don't know who is asking for personal information, don't be polite - hang up or shut the door. If you do get such a call about new Medicare cards, you may help other retirees avoid scams by calling your local newspaper and TV stations to alert the local news media to the attempt. Tell journalists what almost happened to you and ask for their help to get the word out to other retirees..Rescue committees may not even be needed for Social Security. The House is working on The Social Security 2100 Act introduced by Representative John Larson, and has the support of 208 co-sponsors. The bill would provide;."At the time of enactment, The Congressional Quarterly referred to this revenue change as 'taxing the benefits of high-income recipients'" says Johnson, citing the publication's summaries of major Social Security changes from 1983-198Social Security's archives state that "Congress intended that the taxation of benefits should not affect 'lower income' individuals." The revenues from the tax on Social Security benefits are credited to the Social Security and Medicare trust funds and provide a growing share of the programs' financing..In the debate over Social Security's funding, much of the debate has focused on benefit cuts. A recent survey by the National Academy of Social Insurance, however, shows that benefit cuts aren't supported by a large majority of survey participants. Those who participated in the survey agreed on a package of changes to strengthen Social Security that doesn't cut benefits..At this point in time, it remains to be seen whether or not lawmakers will successfully avert the October 1st shutdown. Leaders in the House have already cancelled the week-long recess that was scheduled to begin on September 23rd, and according to Congressional Quarterly, a Senate vote on the measure could come as late as September 29th just one day before funding for federal agencies expires..TSCL would like to thank Representatives Kristi Noem, Sean Duffy, and Mick Mulvaney for taking the time discuss the issues that matter the most to our members and supporters. TSCL also met with top staffers in the offices of the following Members of Congress: Jim Matheson, Linda Sanchez, Norm Dicks, Steve Stivers, William Keating, Janice Hahn, and Robert Hurt.
