News

  • Benefit Bulletin Marchapril 2013

    Annual vaccinations. While you don't want to skip annual exams and vaccines, you might be surprised to learn that many recommended vaccines are licensed to be effective for three years or more. However, all pets are different and some non-core vaccines may need to be given more frequently. State and local laws can affect how frequently some vaccines are given. Ask for a copy of your pet's vaccination records, if you don't already have them. Then check around for low-cost spay & neuter clinics that also offer discounted vaccinations. To learn more about discounted vaccines, contact your local SPCA, animal shelter, or local pet supply stores to learn what may be scheduled in your area. .The way to learn about your drug plan choices is to use the Medicare Drug Plan Finder at www.medicare.gov. You will need a complete up-to-date list of your current prescriptions. Correct spelling is essential. Using a computer, either you or a Medicare benefits counselor will input your information and prescription information. The Drug Plan Finder will pull up a list of all the plans in your area and the estimated costs for each based on the prescription you currently use. ."Social Security benefits have flat - lined since 2010," says Mary Johnson, a Social Security policy analyst and author of TSCL's buying power study. "That was the first time since the annual COLA became automatic that inflation was too low for a COLA to be payable," Johnson notes. Since then, COLAs have averaged just 1.2 percent per year, less than half the 3 percent that COLAs averaged during the decade prior to 2010. … Continued

  • Ask Advisor Septemberoctober 2017

    The decision on when to start benefits is not a simple one. If you have some retirement savings, or equity in a home, it may be to your advantage to delay starting benefits and to use other resources for a few months while you look for other work. Your local senior center, or colleges or public libraries may also have programs provided by retirement and financial professionals that can help provide you with guidance. To learn more, download this publication from the Social Security Administration: How Work Affects Your Benefits. .Are you at risk of a notch in your Social Security benefits? A & 8220;notch& 8221; refers to inequality in benefits between people who are close in age and have similar earnings records. One birth group receives significantly more in benefits, sometimes thousands of dollars per year, than. Benefit Bulletin: March/April 2013 ,000 Notch Fairness Act Reintroduced .Congressman Mike McIntyre Receives TSCL 2012 Seniors Advocate Award One of North Carolina's staunchest advocates for seniors was recently recognized for his efforts on behalf of the nation's senior citizens. Representative Mike McIntyre (D-NC-7) received the 2012 Seniors Advocate Award from The Senior Citizens League (TSCL) one. Legislative Update: August 2012 Three Ways Congress Can Pay For Notch Reform … Continued

TSCL enthusiastically supports H.R. 1795, H.R. 2305, and H.R. 4613, and we look forward to helping build support for them through the remainder of the 113th Congress. .Not thoroughly reviewing the contracts. Make sure you understand what your fees cover and understand built - in price "escalators." For example, cost-of-living adjustments have only increased Social Security benefits by an average of 1.1% over the past 8 years, but rental units may come with automatic price escalators of 5% per year. Facilities often have charges for room and board and separate fees for care. In addition to care fees, there may be medical supplies, medication delivery, laundry and other fees. It's a good idea to have an attorney review the contracts with you. .Support for Notch Reform legislation has grown significantly, nearly doubling over the previous six Congressional sessions in which it's been introduced. TSCL is encouraging seniors and their younger family members like you to contact your Members of Congress and urge them to co-sponsor and pass "The Notch Fairness Act, " H.R. 1001 and S. 118! .Can Home Health Agencies Provide Rebates? .On Thursday, the House Ways and Means Social Security Subcommittee held a hearing to discuss the findings of the new 2018 Social Security Trustees Report. Those on the subcommittee heard from Stephen Goss, Chief Actuary at the Social Security Administration. .Eliminating the tax on Social Security benefits that currently applies to individuals with incomes as low as ,000 and married couples with incomes less than ,000. .Senate Drug-pricing Bill to get Renewed Push .The Super Committee deadline looms and two important bills for seniors are introduced. .All costs cited include premiums and prescription out-of-pocket.