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That's why we endorsed legislation from Congressman Ted Deutch that would protect the earned benefits of older Americans, by exempting Social Security and Medicare from any requirements of a balanced budget amendment. The bill H.R. 5466 would go a long way in protecting the retirement security of older Americans against irresponsible measures like the one that was considered this year..Virtually all low-income programs such as food stamps, rental assistance and Medicare Extra Help, come with complex eligibility rules and income restrictions that are tied to a percentage of the federal poverty level, such as 100%, 135% or 150%. If your income is right on the borderline, and you get a high COLA boost, that could potentially cause you to see trims to benefits from programs that have income restrictions. Some individuals might lose access to certain low-income benefits altogether because the COLA boosts their income over the limit..On the heels of Greenspan's recent statement, President Obama's Fiscal Commission is due to release itsplan to solve the growing U.S. deficit by December 1st of this year. The Commission is eyeing major cuts to Social Security - including cost-of-living adjustments cuts that would affect 53 million current beneficiaries..In addition, the plans in his orders all have limitations. For example, the rebate order comes with a caveat that any plan cannot increase seniors' premiums, the unworkable problem that led the administration to kill its original rebate rule last year..Studies show the vaccines made by Pfizer and Moderna, the only two approved by the U.S. so far, are fully effective at one to two weeks after the second dose, depending on the vaccine; while they prevent disease, it is not clear whether they prevent asymptomatic infection.The Internal Revenue Service interpreted the law to allow eligible consumers to receive premium subsidies regardless of whether the exchange was run by their state or by the federal government. Challengers of the law question that interpretation, saying that the law as written clearly directs subsidies to state-run exchanges only. Health law proponents say that lawmakers fully intended that subsidies be offered on all exchanges, regardless of whether they were administered by the states or federal government..For information about town hall meetings near you during the final days of the spring recess, call the local offices of your elected officials. You can find contact information for your Members of Congress right here..Congress Passes "Doc Fix".Low premiums: MA premiums are typically about 60% lower than Medigap premiums, and despite cut backs to plan reimbursements, MA premiums have remained relatively low. However, if you live in a rural area your plan choices may be more limited, and no matter where you live, your premiums may climb in the future.