The National Committee to Preserve Social Security & Medicare’s Legislative Agenda for the 114th Congress (2015-16) details numerous important improvements and legislative proposals designed to keep Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid strong and effective for current and future generations.  Many of these proposals have been offered in previous Congress’ and we hope lawmakers will reintroduce them again.  Others are good ideas still in search of legislative backers.  Among our recommendations:

Social Security Benefit Improvements and Strengthening Revenue

  • Strengthen the COLA 
  • Boost the Basic Benefit of all Current and Future Beneficiaries   
  • Lift the Cap on Social Security Payroll Tax 
  • Phase in a 1% Increase in the  Social Security Tax Rate over 20 Years  
  • Provide Benefit Equality for Working Widows and Widowers
  • Offer Social Security Credits to Caregivers
  • Provide a Benefit “Bump Up” to Seniors 85 and Older
  • Equalize Rules for Disabled Widows and Widowers      

Strengthen Traditional Medicare and Enhancing Benefits

  • Reform Provider Payments/Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) Formula 
  • Build on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and Medicare Quality of Care Reforms  
  • Remove Social Security Numbers from Medicare Cards 
  • Oppose Further Means-Testing of Part B and Part D Premiums
  • Enact a Catastrophic Out-of-Pocket Limit for Spending in Traditional Medicare
  • Complete Payment Alignments Between Medicare Advantage Plans and Traditional Medicare

“For too many years now, Social Security and Medicare have been in the crosshairs of those in Congress on a quest to cut benefits for millions of seniors, people with disabilities, survivors and their families.  However, as our economy improves and the deficit continues to shrink, now’s the time we should be looking at strengthening these program’s benefits not cutting them.  The National Committee’s legislative agenda provides a comprehensive legislative roadmap for lawmakers who are interested in common-sense reforms which address benefit adequacy as well as long-term solvency of programs which touch the lives of virtually every American family.

We understand the challenge we face in this 114th Congress. The disconnect between the American people and some in Congress when it comes to Social Security and Medicare couldn’t be larger; however, the National Committee will continue to work on our members behalf to close that gap and encourage Congress to pass legislation designed to strengthen these vital programs not cut them.” Max Richtman, NCPSSM President/CEO

The National Committee’s Legislative Agenda includes nearly 50 proposals impacting Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and more.  You can see the full report HERE.

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The National Committee, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization acts in the interests of its membership through advocacy, education, services, grassroots efforts and the leadership of the Board of Directors and professional staff. The work of the National Committee is directed toward developing better-informed citizens and voters.

Media Inquiries to:

Pamela Causey 202-216-8378/202-236-2123

Kim Wright 202-216-8414 www.ncpssm.org