News

  • Q Februarymarch 2017

    It is likely the President will face a legal challenge over these actions. The U.S. Constitution gives Congress the power of the purse and any changes to taxes or spending are supposed to come from Congress. .Due to changes made to the Social Security benefit formula in the late 1970s, Notch Babies receive lower Social Security benefits than other Social Security recipients born before and after them with almost identical earnings. To learn more, or to add your name to TSCL's Notch Register, call 1-800-333-TSCL (8725). .Federal agencies shut down this week as Members of Congress failed to adopt a stopgap funding measure before the October 1st deadline. In addition, The Senior Citizens League (TSCL) saw one key bill gain support. … Continued

  • Democrats Seek To Pass Healthcare Changes Later This Year

    This week, lawmakers returned to Capitol Hill following a week-long holiday recess, and four Members of Congress signed on as cosponsors to key legislation that would make the Social Security program more equitable for public employees. .For information about town hall meetings near you in the weeks ahead, call the local offices of your elected officials. For contact information, click HERE. .TSCL Announces Support for PRIME Act … Continued

It remains to be seen whether or not lawmakers in the Senate will reach an agreement before the midnight deadline. If not, the federal government will shut down like it did back in 201While not likely, an extended government shutdown could result in negative impacts for Social Security beneficiaries and doctors who treat Medicare patients. .This is all good news. In addition to the cost of pharmaceuticals, the simple availability of them is crucial for seniors, especially during times like this. .Yet, millions of your fellow Americans, receive below poverty level checks adding to the wealth disparity and further eroding the middle-class. .The Medicare Hotline number is The number to report Medicare fraud is You may also wish to look at their web site. www.hcfa.gov .Sources: "Miami Actor, Cable Station Founder, Arrested In Medicare Fraud Takedown," Jay Weaver, The Miami Herald, May 14, 2013. .Can You Live On Social Security Alone? .TSCL believes that the extreme cost increases are putting Medicare beneficiaries and funding for Part D at risk. "Medicare must be given the authority to negotiate pharmaceutical prices with manufacturers for covered Part D drugs," says Cates. How are rising healthcare costs affecting you? TSCL wants to hear from you, visit . .Up to 85 percent of Social Security benefits can be subject to taxation if an individual has a combined income of ,000 or more, and married couples filing jointly have a combined income of ,000 or more. Had income thresholds been adjusted for inflation, they would be ,176 for individuals, and ,145 for joint filers in for the 2020 tax year. "Combined income" is determined by adding one's adjusted gross income, plus any tax - free interest income, and one - half of Social Security benefits. .Use tools on www.medicare.gov. The Medicare website offers data bases that allow you to compare health plans and Medigap policies available in your area. There is also a drug plan finder. You will be able to find a significant volume of information, but much of it may appear difficult for the layman to interpret. Don't despair. Grit your teeth, print out information, and read it through.