News

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..Be sure to check out the TSCL website, for updates to bill co-sponsor lists and for newly introduced legislation. As TSCL continues to work with people on Capitol Hill to make your issues known, your help is also needed and greatly appreciated..Automatic renewals are supposed to make this fall's Open Enrollment under the new health law run more smoothly for consumers like you. But analysts are warning to only do so as a last resort - especially if you qualified for a lower premium. The lower premiums are made possible through premium subsidies, which are actually an advance tax credit based on your income. According to analysts, health insurance exchange customers who like the convenience of automatically renewing are likely to receive outdated and inaccurate premium subsidy amounts that could result in big tax bills later..TSCL Expects COLA Will Be About 1.4%.TSCL will continue to monitor the state of the trust funds especially for the DI program and our legislative team will advocate tirelessly for fair and responsible policy solutions in the months ahead. For updates, visit our new page on Facebook..A 2004 law forbids the payment of Social Security benefits to illegal immigrants in the U.S. unless they receive legal work authorization at some point. The scope of that law appears much more vague under Totalization. It appears that illegal Mexican workers would only need to return to Mexico to file a claim for benefits. Under current policy, once a worker becomes eligible for Social Security, the U.S. Social Security Administration determines entitlement based on all earnings, even from jobs worked illegally..NOTE TO JOURNALISTS: A table showing the full list of drugs compared and details on costs can be found here..We normally try to stay away from items that are covered in the news during the week. There would be no point in sending this out of all we did was repeat what you already know. But this time we have decided we need to talk, at least a little, about the subject that has captured the attention of the major and local news media, and the government this week..In the weeks ahead, TSCL will continue to monitor the health reform discussions in the Senate and we will post updates here in the Legislative News section of our website. In the meantime, we encourage our members and supporters to contact those in the Senate who voted against the "skinny repeal" bill to express their gratitude. Senators Collins, Murkowski, and McCain took a stand against legislation that would have jeopardized the health and financial security of millions of older Americans, and TSCL appreciates their leadership on this important issue. For contact information, click HERE.