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Insider's Report: COVID-19 and What You Need to Know Right now, there is so much information floating around about the coronavirus
and proposals and legislation aimed at providing much-needed economic relief and
health security to millions of Americans, including workers and retirees. With
so much at stake during this uncertain time, the National Committee wants to
ensure that you and your family are armed with the facts to help you navigate through this crisis.
As you know, not only are older Americans more susceptible to the coronavirus,
but keeping their financial, health and food security stable is a priority.
That's why we've created a new section on our website, Seniors and Coronavirus: What You Need to Know, [link removed] which provides important information related to the ongoing coronavirus
pandemic. This page will be updated regularly so please keep checking back.
In addition to other valuable information, we've recently
uploaded a comprehensive list of common questions and answers [link removed] about the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act and what
this law will do to help older Americans. It also includes essential tips on how
to access health care and food assistance during this crisis. We encourage you
to pass this material on to any friends and relatives who you think may find it
helpful. [link removed] Please consider becoming a member now [link removed] to help us keep the pressure on Congress. Your continued support is essential to
the National Committee's mission of protecting your earned benefits. Good Bills
The National Committee endorses the "Older Americans Bill of Rights" (H. Res. 871), [link removed] introduced by Representative Janice Schakowsky (IL-09). This resolution, which
identifies and establishes fundamental rights that every older American and
their families deserve, is centered around four pillars, including: guaranteeing
access to affordable, equitable and comprehensive health care; financial and
retirement security for seniors and their families; full participation and
contribution to their communities; and aging with dignity and respect.
Thus far, there are 12 pieces of legislation supporting principles outlined in
this resolution that have been passed in the House of Representatives, including
the "Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act" (H.R. 3), [link removed] which would help rein in soaring prescription drug prices and hold Big Pharma
accountable for unfair drug pricing policies. The resolution also calls for
expanding and improving Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid in order to meet
growing needs.
At a time when most older Americans are counting on Social Security for the
majority of their income in retirement, it's vital that our leaders in
Washington continue to work to improve seniors' earned benefits and prevent
older adults from falling into poverty. After a lifetime of hard work, older
Americans should not have to worry about affording basic necessities, including
the prescription drugs they need to stay healthy. Max Richtman to Assume LCAO Chairmanship
We are pleased to announce that Max Richtman will assume the one-year
chairmanship of the Leadership Council of Aging Organizations (LCAO), which
begins on June 3rd. The LCAO is a coalition of 69 national nonprofit organizations concerned with
the well-being of America's older population and committed to representing their
interests in the policy-making arena.
For decades, the LCAO has worked to educate and advocate on behalf of the
nation's senior citizens. From Social Security to long-term care issues, the
LCAO has been a leading voice in the debate on how best to serve America's
senior population — current and future. Poll Results!
The bipartisan coronavirus relief bill [link removed] passed by Congress and signed into law by President Trump addresses the health
and economic crises that have gripped our country as a result of the coronavirus
pandemic. It offers financial relief to workers and corporations, as well as
automatic cash payments to Social Security beneficiaries ($1,200 for individuals
and $2,400 for couples). While the National Committee supported provisions in
the bill to provide cash payments to seniors and make health care benefits more
accessible during the crisis, we opposed the bill's employer payroll tax rebates
and deferrals because they undermine the earned-right nature of the program,
opening the door for privatization or future benefit cuts that will hurt seniors
and people with disabilities.
That's why I asked our readers the following question in the last issue of Benefits Watch:
Do you believe the coronavirus stimulus relief legislation goes far enough to
protect the health and economic security of workers and retirees as our
government struggles to bring the coronavirus pandemic under control?
The results from our recent poll are fascinating, but they're only available to National Committee members! Join the National Committee today [link removed] and we'll immediately give you the results of this important poll. Ask Us
Did you know that a team of experts in the field of Social Security policy is
available to answer your questions about benefits? For 37 years, the National
Committee has been helping thousands of our members and supporters with a broad
range of concerns on Social Security.
Whether you're currently retired or approaching retirement, the National
Committee's "Ask Us"section can help answer your questions about Social Security. You can either
search our archives for valuable advice on a broad range of concerns at www.ncpssm.org/ask-us-recent/ [link removed] or email your question to
[email protected] mailto:
[email protected]?subject=.
This week's question is: I am 61, in excellent health, make a substantial salary and plan to keep working
for 10 (+ or -) years. At what age should I file for my Social Security benefits
to obtain the most income over the years from those payments?
Click here to read the answer. [link removed] Recent Headlines
The next stimulus packages should help seniors [link removed] (April 13, 2020, The Hill, written by Max Richtman)
Details on the CARES Act for Seniors [link removed] (March 31, 2020, KDTH, audio clip with Max Richtman)
Payroll Tax Cut Is a Terrible Idea [link removed] (April 13, 2020, WEPM, audio clip with Max Richtman)
The Impact of Unemployment on Social Security [link removed] (April 6, 2020, WVBF, audio clip with Max Richtman)
Unemployed and eligible for Social Security? Here's what you need to know [link removed] (April 9, 2020, CNBC, Lorie Konish)
Inside Meals On Wheels' Struggle To Keep Older Americans Fed During A Pandemic [link removed] (April 7, 2020, Kaiser Health News, Bruce Horovitz)
[link removed] [link removed] [link removed] [link removed] Member contributions to the National Committee, a nonprofit 501(c)(4)
organization, are not tax-deductible.
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