The Senior Citizens League is hopeful that Congress will pass responsible reforms to the Social Security and Medicare programs as soon as possible to strengthen benefits and restore the solvency of the Trust Funds. For more information about legislation that has been endorsed by The Senior Citizens League, visit the Bill Tracking section of our website..Social Security benefit "boost" legislation under consideration in the House not only would boost benefits by about per month on average, it also includes a provision that would allow senior taxpayers to keep more of their money. Under current law, up to 50% of Social Security benefits are taxable when the sum of the recipients' modified adjusted gross income, plus half of Social Security benefits, exceeds ,000 for a couple filing jointly, or ,000 for a single taxpayer. As much as 85% of Social Security benefits may be taxable when the income is above ,000 for joint filers, or ,000 single filers. Revenues from the taxation of Social Security benefits flow to the Social Security and Medicare Trust Funds, and go towards the financing of benefits..Covid-19 displaced suicide as one of the top 10 causes of death..If you have questions or experience billing issues, contact an advocate such as your doctor, and your area agency on aging. Multiple home health agencies operate in many areas of the country, and you may be able to find services through a different agency. For information on where to find help in your area, check the Eldercare Locator..Once lawmakers return from next week's holiday break, they will have just a few days to pass a continuing resolution to keep most of the federal government operating past December 7th. Should they fail to reach an agreement before then, part of the federal government will shut down like it did earlier this year. The Senior Citizens League is hopeful that lawmakers will act responsibly to keep the federal government fully funded so that essential programs like Social Security and Medicare can operate as smoothly as possible..The Senior Citizens League enthusiastically supports the Seniors Have Eyes, Ears, and Teeth Act, and we believe its passage is essential in order for older Americans to maintain their dignity and good health in retirement. In the months ahead, we look forward to working with Representative Roybal-Allard to help build support for her bill, and we hope to see it signed into law before the end of this year..Barbara has a number of ways she tries to cope. She qualifies for an age reduction waiver on real estate taxes, and energy assistance to help cover the cost of heating her home. To save on her phone bill, she asked her phone company for a discount and got it. She uses shopping points from Kroger where she buys groceries to save money on gasoline.."Home Heating Oil Cost Forecast To Rise 19 Percent This Winter," Reuters, October 11, 201"Prepare To Pay An Extra 5 For Food In 2013," Nicole Seghetti, The Motley Fool, August 6, 201"Healthcare Cost To Rise 7.5 Percent In 2012 Report," David Morgan, Reuters, May 31, 2012..By Representative John Garamendi
