Report Section Individual Insurance Market Performance In 2018 Issue BriefTSCL Endorses Lock-Box Bill.The fate of President Obama's controversial executive action on immigration remains tied up in court. Texas and 25 other states, supported by TSCL, 12 other groups, and 113 Members of Congress are challenging the legality of Obama's actions. TSCL and the others argue in an amicus curiae brief, that "the President acted contrary to both the express and implied will of Congress."."This survey illustrates why budget proposals that would cut the growth of COLAs would put millions of older and disabled Americans at risk of insufficient income to cover more growing expenses," says Larry Hyland, TSCL chairman. "To put it in perspective, for every 0 worth of expenses seniors could afford in 2000, they can afford just today." Hyland adds. … Continued
Medicaid Issue Brief Medicaids Role For Medicare BeneficiariesSince 2000, Social Security benefits have lost 23 percent of their purchasing power due to inaccurate inflation adjustments based on the CPI-W. This year, for instance, seniors would be receiving a 2.1 percent Social Security benefit increase if the COLA were based on the CPI-E. Instead, they are receiving a 0.3 percent COLA that is offset completely by increased Medicare Part B premiums..Early in the summer, I spent an afternoon at one of two critical access hospitals in my district in Southeastern Ohio. It's a hospital with just 25 beds and an Emergency Department no larger than many families' kitchens. Still, every year the doctors and nurses there care for more than 2,000 inpatients and treat an astonishing 50,000 outpatients..However, a rift has developed among Democrats in the House of Representatives. Those who want to empower the government to demand lower prices from drug makers are concerned that moderates in their party are now emboldened to blunt their ambitious drug-pricing agenda. … Continued