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Insider's Report: Will Congress finally pass much-needed improvements to Medicare?
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President Biden’s Build Back Better Act has gone through many drafts, but the latest plan now on the verge of passing the House of Representatives includes a long sought-after provision that would finally allow Medicare to negotiate drug prices with huge drug companies, something forbidden under current law.
While this measure is not as comprehensive as we wanted, it represents a historic step toward taming soaring drug prices that force too many older Americans to ration pills or forgo vital medications altogether. This agreement would for the first time allow Medicare to negotiate some drugs with Big Pharma. It would also cap seniors’ out-of-pocket drug costs at $2,000 per year (the current cap is $6,500 annually).
As you know, nothing is final until all the votes are counted. Pharmaceutical corporations and their well-paid lobbyists are still working behind the scenes to strip this measure out of the final reconciliation bill. And they continue to put enormous pressure on Senators Joe Manchin (WV) and Kyrsten Sinema (AZ) to stop this bill from passing in the Senate once it reaches their chamber.
Yet, the National Committee is optimistic the Build Back Better Act will pass in the House and Senate — and we will succeed in finally taking on Big Pharma’s unfair drug pricing policies that continue to hurt all Americans, especially older adults. That’s why we are working to convince Senators Manchin and Sinema — and all U.S. Senators — that now is the time to buck the influence of Big Pharma and vote in favor of Americans, many of whom are finding it increasingly difficult to afford their medications.
With your support, we won’t stop fighting until we get the Build Back Better Act passed in Congress and sent to President Biden’s desk for his signature.
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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: If I apply for disability and become approved, will this affect my husband's check and what about our son's check?
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:
After reading about what’s in the “Social Security 2100: A Sacred Trust Act,” do you believe Congress should pass this bill?
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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Boost Social Security
Learn how we’re fighting to improve and expand Social Security benefits for current and future generations of Americans. |
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| Medicare beneficiaries must have the option to recover safely at home |
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While our nation has recently faced unprecedented challenges in the delivery of health care, we have also been offered significant opportunities for positive change — including reforming post-acute care options for American seniors in order to transition them safely home after hospitalization. (November 8, 2021, The Hill, Joanne Cunningham and William Dombi)
Read More →
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