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Insider's Report: Huge Victory for Medicare Expansion
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Saturday is Senior Citizens’ Day and as we celebrate the achievements and contributions of millions of senior Americans, the National Committee is fighting to protect and strengthen seniors’ access to quality and affordable health care.
Last week lawmakers in the Senate passed a historic budget resolution which would expand Medicare to cover dental, hearing and vision care — services that are essential for healthy aging. President Biden is also urging Congress to include measures that will lower prescription drug costs, including allowing Medicare to negotiate drug prices directly with pharmaceutical companies — something currently forbidden under law.
The House is expected to take up the Senate-passed budget resolution at the end of August. From there we expect a significant fight to get budget reconciliation legislation that includes Medicare expansion and meaningful drug pricing reforms onto President Biden’s desk for his signature.
Today millions of older Americans cannot afford dental, hearing and vision care because they are not covered by Medicare. Yet, neglecting this basic care has profound health consequences, which ultimately harms seniors and costs Medicare even more in the long run. And given the power of Big Pharma to raise the price of prescription drugs with impunity, too many older Americans are unable to afford the prescription medications prescribed by their doctors.
For years the National Committee has fought for Medicare expansion and lower drug costs. And we will continue to put pressure on all members of Congress as this debate ramps up in Washington in the weeks ahead. The support we receive from you and our million+ members and supporters across the country makes this progress possible!
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| Good Bills |
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Coming soon … U.S. Representative John Larson (CT-01) is gearing up to introduce a new Social Security bill in September. U.S. Representative Larson’s previous legislation to boost Social Security included provisions to improve Social Security benefits, extend the solvency of the Social Security Trust Fund and require the wealthy to pay their fair share into the program.
Social Security gives the American people a secure, basic income that lasts as long as they live. That’s why we are urging all members of Congress to show their commitment to preserving Social Security for current and future generations of Americans.
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| Ask Web |
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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 single and will be eligible to receive Social Security as of next January. Will I have to pay income tax on this?
Click here to read the answer.
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| Poll Results! |
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In the last issue of Benefits Watch we asked our readers the following question:
Have you or a loved one ever struggled to afford dental care, eyeglasses or hearing aids because Medicare does not include these critical services in its coverage?
The results from our recent poll are fascinating, but they’re only available to National Committee members! Join the National Committee today and we’ll immediately give you the results of this important poll.
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Ask Web
Whether you’re currently retired or approaching retirement, we can help answer your questions and provide valuable advice on Social Security. |
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Join Now
Your support sustains our campaigns in Washington to protect and strengthen Social Security and Medicare. |
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Rebuild the Middle Class
Learn how we’re fighting to rebuild the middle class for a stronger America where everyone has a chance to thrive. |
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| Biden urges Congress to lower prescription drug costs |
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President Joe Biden on Thursday called on U.S. lawmakers to enact legislation aimed at lowering drug prices, including allowing Medicare to negotiate drug prices and imposing penalties on drugmakers that hike prices faster than inflation. (August 12, 2021, Reuters, Jeff Mason and Susan Heavey)
Read More →
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| Older Workers Are Being Pushed Out Of Work |
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Yes, COVID-19 makes the advice to work longer in old age a cruel suggestion since older workers were hardest hit in the 2020 recession. But it isn’t just COVID-19 that makes it difficult, the labor market has been forcing older workers out for years. (August 10, 2021, Forbes, Teresa Ghilarducci)
Read More →
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