News

  • Update For March 13 2021

    What is likely to happen if the test is not done? .The new cards will have unique, randomly-assigned numbers called a Medicare Beneficiary. Benefit Bulletin: June 2016 Can You Identify Medicare Fraud In This Story? .For details, or to see if your Members of Congress will be holding town hall meetings during the summer recess, call their local offices. You can find contact information HERE. For a list of ten sample town hall questions, click HERE. … Continued

  • Category Issues Medicare Part B Bills Feed

    Government officials, like the head of the Department of Veterans Affairs, can opt out of buying American drugs if the product is not produced "in sufficient and reasonably available commercial quantities" in the United States or buying the product in America would raise procurement costs by 25 percent. .Unlike the experience of the general public who access state or federal health care exchanges to choose coverage, the choices offered to Members of Congress are dramatically different than those from many other parts of the nation. For 2017, Members had 57 plan options in "Gold" plans alone on the DC shop exchange. In many areas of the nation, particularly rural ones, Gold plans aren't even available. Unlike the Silver and Bronze level plans, Gold plans have lower deductibles, and cover 80% of costs with patients paying only 20%. Silver plans, for example, typically come with deductibles ranging from ,500 - ,000, and pay 70% of costs while patients pay the other 30%. And in some areas of the country, people are happy if they have a choice of more than six silver plans. Certain parts of the country have only one. .TSCL is hopeful that Congress will pass these commonsense solutions as soon as possible to restore the solvency of the Social Security and Medicare programs. For more information on legislation that would strengthen these programs, visit the Bill Tracking section of our website. … Continued

First, one new cosponsor – Representative Mike Quigley (IL-5) – signed on to the bipartisan Social Security Fairness Act (H.R. 1205), bringing the total up to 19If adopted, H.R. 1205 would repeal the Government Pension Offset (GPO) and the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) – two provisions that unfairly reduce the Social Security benefits of millions of teachers, police officers, and other state and local government employees each year. It would ensure that public servants receive the Social Security benefits they have earned and deserve. .Mexican consulate officials are informing people about the availability of such benefits.Survivor claims are increasing due to recent violence in Mexico. .Expands disability investigation units effective Feb 1, 2016. .1977 Changes Fixed An Earlier Flaw In The Benefit Formula .The Senior Citizens League supports legislation that would raise the income thresholds that subject Social Security benefits to taxation. .VA officials are talking to other agencies about expanding the availability of vaccines at VA facilities, Richard Stone, acting under secretary for health at the Veterans Health Administration, said. Limited supply has forced the department to prioritize veterans who are currently enrolled to receive vaccines, though in some cases they have managed to immediately enroll eligible veterans on the spot, Stone said. .78% Of Older Voters Support Strengthening Social Security By Raising Payroll Taxes .This week, Members of Congress remained in their home states and districts to prepare for the upcoming election, and The Senior Citizens League (TSCL) saw support grow for one key bill. .Four Key Bills Gain Support in Congress