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Last week Politico.com reported that major legislation meant to lower prescription drug prices has run into unexpected trouble in the House of Representatives..Editor's note: We regret the passing of Representative Elijah E. Cummings, who died October 17, 201He will be remembered for many things, including his stand on cutting high healthcare costs for American families..Eligibility criteria vary according to the type of benefit. The amount of benefits is determined by things such as the worker's earning record, age when the benefit was started, and other factors. For more information about whether you might be eligible for any of the above types of benefits visit or call Social Security toll-free 772-1213..Prior to 1984 Social Security benefits weren't taxed, and when the tax on benefits was first enacted in 1983, Congress sold it to the public saying it affected "high income" beneficiaries. At that time, only 10% of Social Security beneficiaries paid the tax. But during the 2015 tax season, an estimated 56% of Social Security beneficiary households will owe federal income taxes on part of their benefit income according to the Social Security Administration..The retirement pensions of most average Americans, however, have not received the same level of dedicated protection from our elected lawmakers over the years. In 1977, Congress enacted changes to the Social Security benefit formula that cut benefits for persons who first became eligible to retire just two years later. Because of flaws in the transition and unexpectedly high inflation during the period, benefit reductions were even greater than anticipated. Seniors born from 1917 through 1926, known as Notch Babies, receive lower benefits than other seniors with similar work and earnings records. According to studies for TSCL, Notch Babies' benefits are ,000 to ,000 per year lower, on average, than those of other retirees with similar work and earnings records..After 13 years with TREA he retired from the organization at the end of 2018 and became TSCL's Legislative Consultant in September of 2019..But first there's a lot you can learn for yourself online. Here are some things you need to know:.This policy catches the vast majority of the public unawares. Understandably most people, like you, react with surprise, disgust, and upset when they learn the final payment must be returned..Chapter 1The Consumer Price Index, Handbook of Methods, The Bureau of Labor Statistics, updated April 18, 2019.

Health Prescription Drug Statenet Database

Alexandria, VA deadline is looming for more than 8.9 million disabled Social Security beneficiaries as well as 1.8 million of their children, warns The Senior Citizens League. So far Congress has not made public any long-term plan to head off a 20% cut of Social Security disability benefits that would occur in about two years. "All Social Security beneficiaries are waiting to learn how our newly elected lawmakers intend to remedy the situation," says TSCL Chairman, Ed Cates..Now it seems that the cancelled policies and the number of people affected by them are beginning to have an effect on the Administration and Members of Congress concerned about the November elections. The Obama Administration recently announced that individual health policies, that were supposed to end in 2014 because they aren't compliant, may remain in force another two years, if states allows it..Sadly, Social Security benefits and cost-of-living adjustments specifically, have not kept up with inflation in recent years. The Senior Citizens League has estimated that the 2021 COLA will be just 1.3%., the second lowest in its history. This comes as our nation grapples with a once-in-a-century pandemic and seniors are relying on their Social Security benefits to get by more than ever before. … Continued

Health Reform Issue Brief Implementing New Private Health Insurance Market Rules 2

Over the years, TSCL surveys indicate that older Americans overwhelmingly oppose totally replacing Medicare with a system of private insurance plans. On the other hand, the design of traditional Medicare alone has a considerably high level of out-of-pocket spending, and no annual out-of-pocket limit. That leaves an important role for private insurers to fill in the gap with Medigap supplements or Medicare Advantage plans..Check your health plan's "out-of-pocket" maximum and budget a little more annually for emergencies: Traditional Medicare has no limit on out-of-pocket spending for hospital or doctors' services. But Medicare Advantage plans have annual out-of-pocket limits. On average, the out-of-pocket limits for Medicare Advantage plans is ,037 this year, but limits can be as much as ,700. Check the booklet that came with your plan, or call your plan's customer service number. It's a good idea to budget more than the out-of-pocket maximum for goods and services not covered by Medicare or your plan. For example, your plan may cover eye exams but not glasses. It's also good to have more the out-of-pocket maximum set aside in case you should ever require hospitalization..CMS to Save 4.5 Billion Dollars over Ten Years … Continued