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Retirees and disabled Social Security beneficiaries generally have different spending patterns than younger workers. Retirees spend less on gasoline, and a greater portion of their incomes on healthcare costs and housing. The lack of a COLA means that if other costs like prescription drugs increase, retirees have to dig deeper into their Social Security or savings..You may possibly qualify for a divorced spouse Social Security survivor's benefit that would be the same as what a widow would get, but you have a number of options that you need to carefully think through. If you receive survivors benefits as a divorced spouse now, you can switch to your own retirement benefit later if it is higher than your widow's benefit..Even patients on Medicare have faced this problem because not all health care providers accept Medicare or some Medicare supplement policies..Instead, they are banking on seniors losing the grit and determination that saw them build America into the greatest economic and military power the world has ever known, in order to tax more, spend more, borrow more, and leave us a diminished nation. The generation of my mother and father left me a nation of opportunity and freedom. I assure you, I am reminded of that legacy every day I am in Congress, and remain determined to leave my children, and your grandchildren, a stronger nation..The Biden administration announced last week that it will begin distributing a limited number of Covid-19 vaccine doses directly to retail pharmacies across the nation..There is still only 1 check in my checkbook..New legislation retroactively extends several tax breaks that affect the amount you may deduct in unreimbursed medical expenses. The lower threshold for itemized medical expense deduction was one of the breaks extended. The threshold under the 2017 tax law was originally scheduled to rise from the excess of 7.5% of adjusted gross income to 10% of AGI for the 2019 tax year. But new legislation extended the 7.5% AGI level..That's correct, you can work while receiving a Social Security retirement, or survivors' benefit. The Social Security Administration even says it could eventually mean a higher benefit for you, but it could also mean that your Social Security benefits may be reduced - at least temporarily - when you earn more than the annual limit. In addition, your earnings may subject a portion of your Social Security benefits to taxation..Two Ways and Means Subcommittees held hearings on reforming Medicare and Social Security this week. On Tuesday, the Health Subcommittee heard from a panel of experts on Medicare reform, and on Thursday, the Social Security Subcommittee met to discuss potential changes to the program.