Covid Cases Soar In Some State But Drop In MinnesotaDuring recent healthcare reform hearings, TSCL submitted a statement to the Senate HELP Committee expressing support for an emergency COLA in 20The COLA could be set high enough to cover the rise in Medicare Part B and the average rise in Part D premiums. Doing so would help prevent reductions in seniors' benefits, and a Medicare notch in premiums, and provide protection from benefits taking a big hit in buying power. TSCL believes that H.R. 3557 as introduced by Representative Walter Jones would do just that..Nonetheless, this weekend the President said he will carry out his threat and veto the bill. It is not clear if all Republican members of Congress who voted for the bill will do so again and override Trump but there were large enough majorities in both houses that they could lose a few votes and still override..The largest percentage of those surveyed in TSCL's 2017 Senior Survey - 37 percent - reported that their household expenses rose by more than 9 per month in 2016, yet the annual cost of living adjustment increased benefits by only 0.3 percent, about .00- .00 per month for someone with average benefits. Few beneficiaries actually saw an increase in benefits at all, however, because rising Medicare Part B premiums took the entire COLA. "This flat growth in Social Security forces tens of millions of retirees and their families to spend more out of savings every year, go into debt, or look to Medicaid and other safety net programs to make ends meet," Johnson says. … Continued
Health Reform Press Release Estimates Average Monthly Premium After Tax Credit Would Be 74 Higher Under Senate Health Bill In 2020TSCL believes that Social Security and Medicare remain at high risk of major changes that would cut benefits and continues to meet with Members of Congress and their staffs. The COLA is particularly vulnerable due to the size of the reduction in the deficit it would have - both by cutting federal spending and boosting tax revenue. The next election will be one of the most critical in years for both retirees and older Americans within ten years of retirement. TSCL urges you to ensure that you and your family are registered and ready to vote this November!.IPAB Repeal Bill Approved by House."Today's approval provides patients with an additional safe and effective treatment option and also expands the number of products that are available," Archdeacon said. … Continued
