Medicaid Fee IndexCPI Data Through August 2012, Bureau of Labor Statistics, September 14, 201Social Security Monthly Statistical Snapshot, Social Security Administration, July, 2012..The suppressed growth in Social Security benefits not only creates ongoing benefit adequacy issues for retirees, but also Medicare budget problems when the COLA is not sufficient to cover rising Part B premiums for large numbers of beneficiaries. When the dollar amount of the annual Medicare Part B premium increase is greater than the dollar amount of an individual's annual cost of living adjustment, the Social Security benefits of about 70 percent of Medicare beneficiaries are protected by the hold-harmless provision in the Social Security Act. The Medicare Part B premium of those individuals is reduced to prevent their net Social Security benefits from being lower than the year before..Senate Republicans said this week they are more focused on reforming the Small Business Administration's Paycheck Protection Program, providing more money for cash-strapped state and local governments, boosting benefits for Social Security recipients and fixing other elements of COVID-19 relief bills passed earlier this year. … Continued
Press Release Missouri Foundation For Health And Kff Announce New Partnership Establish Kaiser Health News Midwest Bureau In St LouisRecently we asked for your stories and comments on how rising prescription drug costs impact you. The following story illustrates new administrative efforts by Medicare to "educate" beneficiaries about their options for less expensive prescription meds, by sending out letters listing lower cost medications. The question we need to ask our lawmakers is why is this necessary? Does the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services believe we are impoverishing ourselves by using more expensive drugs if a less expensive alternative was effective, to begin with? Unfortunately, sometimes the older, less expensive drugs don't work as well, and with metastatic cancer drugs, quality of life can be at stake. Our sincere thank you to Janice S. a retiree living in Illinois, for sharing the following..Outdoor improvements. First impressions are important to getting buyers through the door. The grounds and exterior of your home need to be in good condition including the siding, landscaping and any wooden deck or patio area. Resurface cracked driveways or sidewalks..you get your new prescription, ask your doctor or pharmacist for a complete list … Continued
