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The 2013 COLA will be announced October 16, 201Based on CPI-W data through June 2012, TSCL's Advisor editor Mary Johnson forecasts that the COLA payable next year will be about 1.4% - 1.5%. That would make it one of the lowest COLAs paid in the 38 years since the COLA became automatic..TSCL sent a letter to House and Senate leaders asking for their support for a more fair and adequate Social Security COLA. Stated TSCL's Chairman Arthur Cooper, "Eighty-six percent of TSCL's members and supporters believe Congress must pass legislation tying the annual COLA to the Consumer Price Index for the Elderly. Doing so would more accurately base COLAs on the spending patterns of seniors instead of the spending patterns of young, urban workers, and would go a long way in improving the adequacy of Social Security benefits.".in 2011 by switching drug plans. She was able to enroll in a plan that provided.Dependentparent benefit based on account of person who has reached age 62..Romney's bill would not tackle changes to the programs directly but would require Congress to set up "rescue" committees. The committees would be tasked with evaluating proposals and writing legislation to extend the solvency of the Trust Funds - which include the Social Security retirement, survivors, and disability trust funds and Medicare hospital insurance. At least two members of each party would be required to work on the legislation, and any qualifying bills that are written, would get expedited consideration in both the House and the Senate..The high cost of health care is one of the biggest threats to Medicare and older Americans' health in general. I stand ready to take action on drug price negotiation and Medicare-X and to debate whatever ideas Democrats, Republicans, and independents have to bring down the cost of health care today and protect Medicare's viability for generations to come.."The Earnings Suspense File isn't getting enough attention from Congress," says TSCL Chairman, Ed Cates. "Wages are an important indicator of the extra costs associated with immigration reform," Cates notes. Wage records are used to determine both the number of quarters worked to qualify for Social Security, and to calculate the initial benefit. The wages represented by the Earnings Suspense File would potentially form a portion of Social Security benefits for undocumented workers who later gain legal status..Let's say that you work for an employer with more than 20 employees. Then you and your wife may delay enrollment in Medicare, if you continue to work, and as long as you're still covered by the group health plan. If your employment or coverage ends, however, then you and your wife have 8 months to enroll in Medicare. COBRA and retiree health plans don't count as coverage based on current employment..Despite the House passing a trillion coronavirus relief bill last month, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has not scheduled a vote on a Senate relief package before July Instead, Republicans will focus on the National Defense Authorization Act, the Great American Outdoors Act and the confirmation of circuit court and other nominees this month.