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  • Social Security Medicare Questions July 2015

    The FDA advises consumers to be cautious of websites and stores selling products that claim to prevent, treat or cure COVID-1There are no FDA-approved products to prevent COVID-1Products marketed for veterinary use, or "for research use only," or otherwise not for human consumption, have not been evaluated for safety and should never be used by humans. .Our seniors worked hard all their lives and paid into the system – they've earned the right to true peace of mind. But the COLA formula in place right now just isn't providing that peace of mind. It's imbalanced and creating uncertainly for millions of Americans. .Lawmakers from both the House and Senate remained in their home states and districts this week to continue the month-long August recess. They are expected to return to Washington on September 5th, following the Labor Day holiday. … Continued

  • Senior Survey Monthly Benefits Rose Less Than 39 Expenses Rose More Than 119

    Uncovered healthcare costs — In planning your budget, include costs that Medicare doesn't cover — dental care, eye exams and eyeglasses, for example. When shopping health plans, some MA plans may offer extra benefits like these. .Super-Committee Republicans offer a 300 billion dollar tax-revenue concession. After an initial pledge not to raise taxes over the next decade, Republicans are willing to allow tax increases to help meet the 1.2 trillion dollar debt-reduction mandate by November 23rd. .Is his condition "severe"? Your husband's medical condition must significantly limit his ability to do basic work— for at least 12 months. … Continued

Your daughter is giving you good advice. It is time to sign up for Medicare. If you are still working, and you aren't yet getting Social Security, then you won't get Medicare automatically, and you need to apply by your Initial Enrollment deadline. It's important to pay attention to Medicare's enrollment deadlines in order to avoid permanent late enrollment penalties or a lapse in your health insurance coverage, but there is excellent free unbiased help available to steer you through this, as near as your local agency on aging or senior center. .Near the end of the hearing, the focus finally shifted to options for fixing the financing shortfall. Charles Blahous and Robert Reischauer offered some suggestions. Mr. Blahous recommended that Congress gradually raise the age of retirement to seventy, that they reduce benefits progressively by modifying the benefit formula, and that they offer more incentives for workers who delay their retirement. Mr. Reischauer offered similar suggestions, but added that he would like to see the taxable maximum raised to cover 90% of wages. .However, if a waiver would have been included in the Covid relief bill Senate rules would have required there that 60 votes in favor of passage would be needed instead of a simple majority of 51. .This week, The Senior Citizens League released its final estimate for the 2019 Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), and four key bills gained support in Congress. .Consider the difference it would have made if Congress had provided an emergency COLA of 2.5% during the four years when there was no, or almost no, COLA in 2010, 2011, 2016, and 201The benefits of people retired since 2009 would be about 10% higher per month today! For someone receiving about ,200 in 2009 that would be an extra 0 per month. .The Congressional Budget Office estimates that H.R. 3, Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act, prescription drug price negotiation legislation which is under debate in the House could lower government spending on Part D by 6 billion over a ten year period, but cautioned the estimates are uncertain, especially if price negotiations are implemented differently that the CBO's interpretation. .This week, The Senior Citizens League was pleased to see support grow for three important bills that would strengthen the Social Security program and reduce prescription drug prices for Medicare Part D beneficiaries if signed into law. .TSCL is continuing to work hard for any and all legislation that would accomplish those goals. .Third, one new cosponsor – Senator Kamala Harris (CA) – signed on to the Affordable and Safe Prescription Drug Importation Act (S. 469) this week, bringing the total up to twenty-two. If adopted, S. 469 would reduce prescription drug prices by allowing individuals, pharmacies, and wholesale distributors to safely import prescription drugs from abroad, where they are often much cheaper.