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October 2005 Essma
A Special Note To Advisor Readers From the Social Security Administration: You May Qualify for Extra Help to Pay for Prescription Drug Costs Medicare's new prescription drug program goes into effect in January 2006. Open enrollment for the new plan runs from November 15, 2005, to May 15, 2006. Social Security & Medicare Questions Q: How will the new Medicare drug plans work? How can I learn what my expected costs will be? Ask the Advisor: Aren't Taxes on Benefits a Benefit Reduction? Q: President Bush has promised that no one born before 1950 would be affected by Social Security Benefit cuts. What does he mean by that? Does he not consider taxes on benefits a benefit reduction? And what about COLA cuts? Assistance For Medicare Drug Benefit Could Affect Food Stamps Low-income seniors may literally have to choose between food or prescription drugs under the new Medicare prescription drug benefit, even if they have never done so before. TSCL's Illegal Immigration Concerns Confirmed: Proposal Prompted Surge In Illegal Immigration President Bush's proposal for a guest worker immigration program has prompted a surge in illegal border crossings. TSCL Member Benefits: Great Hotel Savings! Save up to 20% off overnight hotel accommodations! Congressional Corner: Preserving and Protecting Social Security Since coming to Congress in 2001, I have continually fought to strengthen Social Security. Notch Bulletin: Progress Made On Notch Reform My grandfather recently informed me of the Notch as he and his brother are Notch Babies. Medicare Part B Premium May Rise at Least $11, Obliterating COLA for Low-Income Seniors The government will announce Medicare premiums and deductibles for 2006 later in October. Legislative Update: Healthcare Budget Shortfalls Likely to Continue Congress had to scramble recently to cover a $1.3 billion shortfall in the 2005 veterans' health care budget. Seniors to Receive Information on New Medicare Drug Benefit In October: TSCL Concerned That Seniors Will be Confused "It takes a nuclear scientist to understand it." That's the reaction of a Washington senior after listening to a two-hour briefing on the new Medicare prescription drug benefit that starts January 1 next year.
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