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There is real concern that many people who are treated for the coronavirus could end up with surprise medical bills. Because of that Democrats want to make health-care services free to people who contract the new coronavirus. If treatment were free, those with the virus wouldn't have to fear surprise medical bills. That would, of course, still leave unsolved the issue of surprise billing for other types of treatments..If it weren't for the coronavirus and the start of the vaccination program against it the top news story would probably be the fact that Congress still can't reach a final agreement to keep the government from shutting down. As we indicated in last week's update, they had to pass another one-week Continuing Resolution last Friday in order to give them more time to try and pass the needed legislation.."The Social Security Notch: An Economic Analysis," John Haldi, The Senior Citizens League, October 2002.."The group of Democrats blocked one committee from advancing their party's drug-pricing legislation, with two members arguing it was too far-reaching and could stymie innovation in the pharmaceutical industry. Some of those Democrats also want to rein in a proposal to expand Medicare to include dental coverage, a high priority for progressives such as Sen. Bernie Sanders.".This is a tough decision, for which you need independent advice from someone other than the marketing agent of a MA plan. TSCL strongly recommends that you contact your area agency on aging or senior services department and ask for one-on-one counseling available through your State Health Insurance Assistance Program. The service is available at no charge..House Republicans surprised the nation earlier this year by approving an increase to the federal budget debt limit in exchange for passing the "No Budget, No Pay Act." The legislation required Members of Congress in both chambers to pass a budget resolution by April 15, 2013, or their pay would be withheld until they do. According to a TSCL poll, 62 percent of seniors thought the "No Budget, No Pay Act" was a smart move that would get the legislative process back on track..A new Medicare Advantage plan is available in my area and the premiums are extremely low. It would save me a lot of money this year, so I'm thinking about dropping my Medigap and Part D plan to enroll in the new Medicare Advantage Plan during the fall Open Enrollment period. Can you explain the pros and cons of doing this?.TSCL agrees enthusiastically and we believe the SAVE Benefits Act introduced by Sen. Warren and Rep. Grayson would go a long way in ensuring the retirement security seniors have earned. We look forward to working with them in the months ahead to build support for their critical new bill..To learn more about how work affects your benefits, call the Social Security Administration toll free at and ask for How Work Affects Your Benefits