|
Insider’s Report: Congressional Hearing Presents Social Security Witnesses
|
On June 15, 2021, members of the House Ways & Means Social Security Subcommittee heard from genuine experts on Social Security: older Americans from across the country who have to survive on their benefit checks each and every month.
Seniors appeared via video before the subcommittee chaired by U.S. Representative John Larson (CT-01) and spoke earnestly about the challenges of making ends meet on their current Social Security benefits, while expressing gratitude for the program which has kept seniors out of poverty for more than 85 years.
The witnesses’ testimony gave credence to U.S. Representative Larson’s argument that Social Security benefits must be boosted to meet retirees’ actual needs, including a fairer formula for calculating Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLAs).
While U.S. Representative Larson emphasized the importance of Congress taking bold action on Social Security now, instead of “kicking the can down the road,” other lawmakers on the committee have called for “entitlements” to be “reformed” (code word for ‘cut’) in the wake of soaring budget deficits even though Social Security does not contribute to the federal deficit.
U.S. Representative Larson’s is preparing to introduce a new Social Security bill that would boost benefits and help shore up this vital program for future generations of Americans.
|
|
|
|
| |
| |
| |
 |
|
| Affordable Care Act Upheld … Again |
| |
|
Last month the Supreme Court ruled against another constitutional challenge to the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Since its implementation in 2012, the ACA has survived all challenges in the Supreme Court.
This ruling protects enhancements in health coverage for millions of ‘near seniors’ aged 55-65 and Medicare beneficiaries. The ACA limits the premiums insurers can charge based on age, protects patients with pre-existing conditions and improves Medicare coverage — including a broad array of preventative services with no out-of-pocket cost to seniors and phasing out the ‘donut hole’ in Part D prescription coverage.
|
|
|
| |
 |
|
| Ask Web |
| |
|
Our resident Social Security expert, Webster Phillips — a Senior Policy Analyst for the National Committee and a 31-year veteran at the Social Security Administration — is here to answer your questions about Social Security.
You can either search our archives for valuable advice on a broad range of concerns or submit your question here.
This week's question is: I am still working full time and have not yet applied for Social Security. I would like to know how my continued employment will affect my Social Security benefits. By how much will my benefit be increased for each year I work beyond my full retirement age of 66?
Click here to read the answer.
|
|
|
| |
 |
|
| Take Our Poll |
| |
|
Despite the Supreme Court’s recent ruling reaffirming the Affordable Care Act, do you believe that opponents of the health care law will continue to try to overturn it in the courts?
Take our poll now!
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Ask Web
Whether you’re currently retired or approaching retirement, we can help answer your questions and provide valuable advice on Social Security. |
|
 |
|
Join Now
Your support sustains our campaigns in Washington to protect and strengthen Social Security and Medicare. |
|
 |
|
Coronavirus
Find valuable information, essential tips and warnings about COVID-19-related scams. |
|
|
|
|
| |
| |
| Why does the Pay Gap Persist? |
| |
|
"The gender pay gap translates to a retirement gap between men and women. But it is only one of the reasons women end up with less money in retirement," explains Maria Freese of the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare. (June 16, 2021, WTTN, Radio Interview with Maria Freese of the National Committee)
Listen Here →
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
| |
| Senate must pass bill to enable the government to negotiate lower prescription drug prices |
| |
|
Every time I hear a constituent struggling to afford next month’s medications, wondering whether they’ll have to choose between paying for a lifesaving prescription and paying rent, the same question — the same frustration — rushes through my mind. In the year 2021, how are we still allowing Big Pharma to have such a stranglehold on our country? (June 23, 2021, The Hill, Senator Tammy Duckworth (IL))
Read More →
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
| |
| Supreme Court dismisses challenge to Affordable Care Act, leaving it in place |
| |
|
The Supreme Court dismissed a challenge to the Affordable Care Act on Thursday in a decision that will leave the law intact and save health care coverage for millions of Americans. The justices turned away a challenge from Republican-led states and the former Trump administration, which urged the justices to block the entire law. (June 17, 2021, CNN, Ariane de Vogue and Chandelis Duster)
Read More →
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
| |
| The push to expand Medicare coverage. |
| |
|
National Committee President and CEO Max Richtman tells television news interviewer it's crucial that Medicare be expanded to include dental, hearing, and vision coverage. "It's esential for the safety and health of older people. (June 17, 2021, WCAX TV, TV Interview with NCPSSM President Max Richtman)
Read More →
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
2.png "tw"){kind=small}
