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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..Lawmakers Remain in Recess.With Medicare and other insurers scrambling to control costs, "observation stays" in the hospital have become a loophole that could leave you footing the bill for thousands in uncovered costs. Your hospital status - whether you are an inpatient or an outpatient - makes a huge difference in how much you will have to pay for hospital services like X-rays, drugs and lab tests. But figuring out whether you are an inpatient or outpatient, believe it or not, isn't always clear..In a letter of endorsement to Rep. Valadao, Ed Cates TSCL's Chairman wrote, "As you know, identity theft is a significant and growing problem, and older Americans are disproportionately affected since they rely heavily on paper mail carried by postal delivery services. Greater protection from identity theft is critical to our members and supporters nation-wide.".This week was a busy one for Social Security and Medicare Advocates! There was considerable activity to combat the high cost of prescription drugs. The Ways and Means Committee had a hearing on the Social Security 2100 Act. And, work continues on repealing the Windfall Elimination Provision..Congressman John Garamendi, the sponsor of the bipartisan CPI-E Act, recently said: "Using a Consumer Price Index that actually reflects how retirees spend their money especially in health care is a no-brainer that will increase benefits and make Social Security work better for the people it serves.".Social Security beneficiaries received a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment this year, but millions of older Americans with low benefits have seen their increases completely offset by higher Medicare Part B premiums. Do you support the Fair COLA for Seniors Act, which would give beneficiaries a more adequate Social Security COLA?."My brother ran a restaurant in Springfield, and he said the most lucrative part of their business was the private room that was reserved by pharmaceutical companies four nights a week," McCaskill said. "The wine consumed was unbelievably expensive, the dinners were unbelievably expensive. Now, I've got to tell you I don't think that most Americans think that's about patients first. That's about lobbying.".What do you think? Take TSCL's 2016 Senior Survey.