About State Legislatures Building Democracy The Story Of Legislatures An Ncsl PodcastThis year, Social Security beneficiaries are receiving a COLA of just 0.3 percent, and in 2016, they received no COLA at all. Since 2012, COLAs have averaged 1 percent less than half of the 3 percent average during the decade prior but most beneficiaries have seen no benefit increase at all in several years due to rising Medicare Part B premiums..When the COLA does not accurately or adequately reflect the costs that retired and disabled people actually have, the buying power of Social Security benefits erodes over time. A study by TSCL has found that Social Security benefits have lost 30 percent of their buying power since 2000..As I head toward the kitchen with the soda, a vase of flowers on the window ledge catches my eye--they need water. … Continued
Health Conditions And Treatments Eat Healthy Appetizers And Snacks Watermelon And Herbed Goat Cheese BitesThe big news at the end of last week was President Trumps four executive orders that are supposed to lower prescription drug prices. Lowering those prices was something he campaigned on in 2016 and has talked about since, but this is the first time he has taken action..Rx for Medicare's Doctors' Pay Formula.On Wednesday, the Ways and Means Social Security Subcommittee held a hearing titled "Lacking a Leader: Challenges Facing the SSA after over Five Years of Acting Commissioners." The Social Security Administration has been without a Senate-confirmed commissioner for over five years, which means it has not had a leader with the legal authority to make long-term decisions for the future of the agency. … Continued