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We need to work together to reduce the deficit in a balanced way, not on the backs of seniors and middle class families who have worked hard, contributed their fair share and played by the rules all their lives. I ran for Congress to fight for Illinois seniors and I'll continue to do my part to protect and preserve Medicare, so it will be strong for the working families I represent for the next forty-eight years and beyond..For more information about the Seniors Have Eyes, Ears, and Teeth Act or to view a list of bills endorsed by The Senior Citizens League in the 116th Congress, visit the Bill Tracking section of our website.."We continue to see this as a critical public health tool," CDC Director Robert Redfield said. Responding to questions about large public gathers of unmasked people, he stated that, "obviously we're very concerned that our public health message isn't resonating.".Increasing the payroll tax cap. Currently, the amount of earnings subject to payroll tax is 7,200, and the Social Security payroll tax is not applied to annual income over that amount. In a recent survey of TSCL's members, 73% said they would like to see the 6.2 percent payroll tax applied to all earnings in order to increase the solvency of the program..Several controversial policy riders are currently acting as hurdles in the discussions. Many are pushing to revive expired tax breaks for businesses, while some are hoping to put an end to restrictions that ban the exportation of crude oil. Other potential riders include changes to the Dodd-Frank financial regulation law, new research on gun violence, and an extension of health benefits for 9/11 first responders..TSCL opposes such plans since evidence shows they would result in higher out-of-pocket costs for most older Americans, and we will advocate against them as the administration attempts to build support. To stay updated on the latest Medicare reform news from Washington, visit the Legislative News section of our website..The House recently voted to pass my bipartisan Senior Security Act, which takes senior fraud and scams head on and will help the Security Exchange Commission and, federal prosecutors, crack down on these senior-preying criminals. I introduced this bill with Republican Congressman Trey Hollingsworth of Indiana..By working longer, you may have access to employer-provided health.This week, TSCL's legislative consultants, Former Congressman David Funderburk and Mrs. Betty Funderburk, along with TSCL's legislative analyst, Jessie Gibbons, held meetings on Capitol Hill with Members of Congress and their top staff.

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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..Even patients on Medicare have faced this problem because not all health care providers accept Medicare or some Medicare supplement policies..According to a recent nation-wide survey conducted by The Senior Citizens League, almost one-third of older taxpayers, 30 percent, say they itemize deductions for healthcare costs, and about 56 percent say that a portion of their Social Security benefits are taxable. "Taxpayers who may be postponing needed medical or dental services, getting glasses, or filling expensive prescriptions may want to consider doing so before the end of the year, in order to maximum the medical expense deduction in 2018," Johnson says. … Continued

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Third, the Standardizing Electronic Prior Authorization for Safe Prescribing Act of 2018 gained three new cosponsors in Representative Todd Rokita, Representative Jackie Walorski, and Representative Roger Marshall, bringing the new cosponsor total to six. If signed into law, H.R. 4841 would allow for and standardize electronic prior authorization for Medicare Part D beneficiaries..Rather than making deliberate well-reasoned choices, our brains often latch onto the first piece of information offered when making a decision, even though we may not be aware we are doing so - a process cognitive scientists have named "anchoring." You already know how it works. We've all seen a sign like this: "SAVE! 4 cans of soup for $Limit 12 cans per customer!" How many cans would you buy?.Congress Adjourns for Holiday Recess … Continued