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Petition to Congress in Support of a Social Security Guarantee.This week, the Social Security and Medicare Trustees released their annual reports on the financial standing of the two programs. In addition, the Supreme Court announced its decision on the immigration orders President Obama released back in 2014..Federal law requires noncitizens who earn income in the U.S. to file tax returns. In order for a person who isn't eligible for an SSN to do this, the Internal Revenue Service provides an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number to facilitate the filing of tax returns. The number looks very similar to an SSN, having nine digits. Although that number does not authorize the number holder to work, undocumented workers use them to get jobs. More than 7.8 million ITINs were issued between 2005 and 20The Social Security Administration itself is another major source of abused numbers. Between 1974 and 2003 the SSA issued 7 million "non-work" SSNs. The cards are clearly printed NOT VALID FOR EMPLOYMENT and they do not authorize noncitizen number holders to work. Audits by the Social Security Inspector General have found these numbers are widely misused by illegal workers..In April, House lawmakers voted on a balanced budget amendment to the constitution that would have been disastrous for Social Security and Medicare beneficiaries if adopted. Did you support this drastic measure, and if so, why?.What are budget cutters looking at? Here are a few key proposals under discussion. After reviewing these, tell us what you think by taking our survey..Editor's note: Telephone etiquette has changed! Ask around, and you'll probably discover that many people are letting their voice mail or answering systems screen calls. This is no longer considered rude - but acting in self - defense. Protect yourself from scam. Be defensive:."The government now finds itself trying to figure out how to satisfy patients who desperately need help, even though scientists think this particular treatment lacks strong evidence for its effectiveness and policy experts warn it is setting up a budgetary nightmare for Medicare in the future.".When comparing plans, beneficiaries are generally told to check premium costs, deductibles and other cost-sharing, whether the plan covers the drugs you actually take, provider networks, and added benefits, if any, not covered by Medicare. All of that is essential. But one key consideration that can be overlooked is how the plan uses prior authorization..Estimate your costs and when you may risk hitting the doughnut hole: Based on the prescriptions you enter, the Medicare Drug Plan Finder can estimate your annual costs and when you potentially may hit the doughnut hole.