Cost Related Problems Are Less Common Among Beneficiaries In Traditional Medicare Than In Medicare Advantage Mainly Due To Supplemental CoverageSocial Security currently determines initial retirement benefits based on all earnings, even when individuals were working without legal authorization under stolen or fake Social Security numbers..Lower than expected payroll tax revenues. Payroll taxes account for roughly 89% of Social Security's financing. But in 2020, businesses nationwide temporarily shuttered due to emergency stay at home orders. In addition, widespread layoffs, reductions in work hours, and job losses resulted in the collection of fewer payroll tax revenues. Emergency legislation that was passed last year allowed employers to even temporarily defer payment of Social Security payroll taxes until December of 2022 to help companies shore up cash flow and stay in business. While the job market is getting back on its feet again in 2021, unemployment is still higher than it was prior to the pandemic, and payroll tax revenue has not yet returned to pre-pandemic levels..There's an old saying: "Laws are like sausages; it is better not to see them being made." … Continued
Fact Sheet U S Global Health Legislation TrackerThe U.S. Treasury has borrowed .8 trillion from Social Security, but in recent years Congress has battled over the borrowing required to repay the Trust Fund. Some are calling instead for COLA and other "entitlement" cuts..The CPI-E Act, if signed into law, would amend the Social Security Act with regard to the annual cost-of-living adjustment for Social Security and Medicare benefits. Currently, the COLA is based upon the spending patterns of young, urban workers, but this legislation would calculate the COLA based on the spending patterns of seniors..One way to strengthen Social Security is to do what's known as "scrapping the cap." Americans only contribute to Social Security on the first 7,200 in income earned every year. That makes no sense. Why should the very wealthiest get a tax break, when nurses, electricians, and grocery store clerks pay into the system on 100 percent of their earnings? Closing this loophole would extend the program for at least another generation. … Continued
