About State Legislatures Legislatures At A GlanceAccording to the Congressional Budget Office, a growing share of the government's spending for Social Security is going to pay for disability benefits.[iii] Between 1990 and 2012, the ratio of disabled recipients to retirees changed dramatically, increasing 112.5%, from 3.2 to 6.7 beneficiaries per 100 covered workers.[iv] In testimony to the House Subcommittee on Social Security, the Congressional Budget Office said that legislation enacted in 1984 expanded the ways in which people could qualify for the DI program, which included allowing symptoms of mental illness and pain to be considered even in the absence of clear - cut medical diagnosis. In addition, disabled beneficiaries also receive coverage under Medicare, regardless of age, after a 24 - month waiting period..This week, TSCL also proudly endorsed the Seniors Have Eyes, Ears, and Teeth Act, a bipartisan bill from Representative Lucille Roybal-Allard and 130 cosponsors in the House. If adopted, the bill would expand Medicare coverage of hearing, vision, and dental services. Currently, Medicare is prohibited from covering these critical health services, and many older Americans living on fixed incomes cannot afford to pay out-of-pocket for them..In a letter to Congressman Davis, Art Cooper Chairman of TSCL's Board of Trustees wrote: "According to a recent study completed by TSCL, Social Security beneficiaries have lost over 20 percent of their purchasing power since 2000. Those who are subjected to the WEP and the GPO have undoubtedly fallen even further behind. It is now more important than ever for Congress to address the inequities that have been created by the WEP and the GPO, and TSCL believes the Social Security Fairness Act is a fair and responsible solution." … Continued
For Medical Professionals Library Services Email UsThis week, one new cosponsor Rep. Timothy Bishop signed on to Rep. Peter DeFazio's Consumer Price Index for Elderly Consumers Act. The cosponsor total for the bill is now up to thirty..Last year, the Social Security Trust Fund fell into deficit, paying out more than received in revenues for the first time since 198The new incoming Congress will undoubtedly consider long-term proposals that would cut Social Security benefits. But at the same time, Totalization with Mexico would add potentially millions of new beneficiaries to the rolls - beneficiaries whose checks are based, at least in part, on illegal work..As we look to the start of the 117th Congress, my commitment to seniors and workers is to fully support Social Security and Medicare and to oppose cuts to these vital programs. We have many challenges ahead of us. We must keep the economy moving and growing again as we fight coronavirus. Government spending must get under control. And we must ensure Social Security and Medicare works for today's seniors and future generations. There are ways to do both! … Continued
