News

More than 5 million Social Security recipients with the lowest benefits are unlikely to see any net growth in their monthly checks after deduction of the Medicare Part B premium in 2019, according to a new analysis released by The Senior Citizens League. This will occur despite their receiving the highest cost-of-living adjustment in seven years. Those affected have a gross Social Security benefit of about 5 per month or less before deduction of the Part B premium. According to the analysis, the dollar amount of their Part B premium increase will be more than the dollar amount of their COLA. "This would make the fourth year in a row that this particular group has not seen a boost in their net Social Security benefits after the deduction for Medicare Part B premiums," says Mary Johnson, a Social Security and Medicare policy analyst for the League.\.Shortly after the announcement, the White House confirmed that many affected by the new actions would be eligible to receive Social Security and Medicare. "If they pay in, they can draw," said White House spokesman, Shawn Turner, according to The Washington Post..NOT TRUE. Pfizer has raised the price far too high for seniors on Medicare and living on a fixed income. Prior to the increase, I was paying 4.00 for a 3-month supply, or 6.00 a year. A few days ago I discovered the new price for this year was 8.80 for a 3- month supply or ,915.20 annually..Last week Politico.com reported that major legislation meant to lower prescription drug prices has run into unexpected trouble in the House of Representatives..I set the glasses back down on the window ledge, fill a container with water and suddenly spot the TV remote..Even more surprising is what isn't showing up on the list - medical costs. The cost of medical care services still increased 2.5 times faster than the COLA, rising by 3.2 percent. That's nothing new. In many years medical costs have increased more rapidly than in 2020. Emergency coronavirus legislation last spring restricted what providers could charge for many COVID-19 related services, and large numbers of patients and their doctors postponed non-urgent care..Social Security Benefits for Noncitizens: Congressional Research Service, July 20, 2006, RL32004..In today's environment, working together - whether that's across the aisle, across the country, or across generations - is the only way to keep our communities safe. That spirit and attitude is what America is all about, in the greatest country in the world, and that's thanks, in no small part, to the many accomplishments of our seniors..Retirees need to pay attention to income from tax-deferred retirement accounts, pensions, annuities and Social Security benefits, in addition to other streams of income from any jobs, rental property, or income from a business. Failing to pay the right amount throughout the year could subject you to a tax penalty next April when your federal return is filed.