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  • Category Legislative News Page 14

    SSA Implements New Security Policy .TSCL is very disappointed to hear President Trump continue to demand a payroll tax cut before he will agree to any new legislation dealing with the effects of the pandemic emergency. .In our meetings on Capitol Hill, we're frequently told that Notch reform would more likely be addressed when Congress takes action on comprehensive Social Security reform, as it appears to be interested in doing now. TSCL is meeting with Members of Congress to ensure that Notch Reform is considered. … Continued

  • Benefit Bulletin October 2018

    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. .The Notch Fairness Act In House And Senate .The annual Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment period starts January 1 –March 3During this time, you will be allowed to switch to another MA plan or return to Medicare and a stand alone plan. However, if you give up your MA plan in favor of returning to original Medicare, that does not necessarily mean you would be able to buy a Medigap supplement. Medicare supplement insurers are not required by law to cover pre-existing conditions, other than during certain periods (when you first sign up for Part B or if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.) … Continued

In a letter of support for the bill, Ed Cates – TSCL's Chairman – wrote: "As you know, Social Security beneficiaries today are struggling to keep up with rising costs. Our research shows that seniors have lost over 20 percent of their purchasing power since 2000, and last year, their benefits increased by while their expenses jumped by nearly 0. These are clear signs that the COLA is growing too slowly." .Medicare is structured to pay more to providers based on how sick people are — not on making them well. Yet about one-half of all adults have at least one chronic condition, which is not only the most costly type of health problem to treat over time, but also the most preventable. .In addition to testing, passengers who are not fully vaccinated should self-quarantine for 7 days after cruise travel, even if they test negative. If they do not get tested, they should self-quarantine for 10 days after cruise travel. .Sources: "Report: Social Security Numbers Active For 6.5 Million People Aged 112," Stephen Ohlemacher, Associated Press, March 14, 201"Man Impersonates Dead Mother To Collect 5,000 In Social Security, Rent Subsidies," New York Daily News, June 17, 2009. .When we contacted the governor's office for evidence to back up DeSantis' comments, press secretary Cody McCloud didn't produce any studies or statistics. Instead, he cited the Florida Department of Health's contact tracing program, writing that it "has not yielded any information that would suggest any patients have been infected while travelling on a commercial aircraft." .You can gather indoors with fully vaccinated people without wearing a mask. .Use call block technology. If you have a smart phone, you can block calls from unknown numbers. Some land line phones also have similar technology. .The Senior Citizens League proposes that Congress enact an emergency COLA or one - time benefit boost payable for 202TSCL supports legislation that would ensure that COLAs are no less than 3 percent. But the organization also recognizes that the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), in its January 2020 baseline, estimated that a 2.5 percent COLA would be payable for 202Thus, providing a 2.5 percent emergency COLA would provide what has already been projected for Social Security benefits by the CBO. .It's clear that Congress has failed mature workers and their families. We need to do more to create jobs and ensure mature workers have the skills needed for today's job market.