Finally Some Good News for Seniors
According to news from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services today, beneficiaries over 65 who have been paying $96.40 a month in Medicare Part B premiums, will see their premiums rise next year to $99.90. This is significantly less than the increase predicted by CMS for 2012. New Medicare enrollees who have been paying $115.40 a month will actually see their premiums go down. The Part B deductible decreases as well, by $22, and premiums for Medicare’s Part D prescription benefit will remain unchanged for 2012. Today?s Medicare announcement follows news last week that seniors will receive a 3.6% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) in their 2012 Social Security checks. That means the average retiree will receive a nearly $40 per month increase in their Social Security checks even including the Part B premium increase.?Today?s Medicare announcement is truly welcome news for millions of seniors worried that healthcare costs would once again eat away at this year?s COLA. For the first time in many years, most retirees can count on actually seeing an increase in their monthly check. We?ve said all along that healthcare reform was vital to strengthen and improve Medicare for seniors and that given time the benefits would be undeniable. Today?s announcement is further proof of exactly that. Rather than trading away benefits in a so-called ?grand bargain?, Congress should heed the lessons provided in today?s announcement. Instead of cutting seniors? benefits in the name of deficit reduction, we should be building on the successful reforms already passed to continue improving Medicare efficiencies while reducing costs. The Affordable Care Act has shown we don?t have to cut benefits to seniors to save money in Medicare. The question is — is the Super Committee even paying attention?? Max Richtman, President/CEO
Hands Off-No Cuts Activists Say: We’re Not a Mob but We Are Angry
Last week House Majority leader Eric Cantor dismissed protestors who are tired of a nation that puts profits ahead of people as nothing more than an angry ?mob?. Then on Friday he cancelled a scheduled speech at the Wharton School of Business in Philly after it was clear Penn would not restrict the audience as Rep. Cantor preferred.NCPSSM?s Hands Off-No Cuts activists were in Philly on Friday and just to set the record straight?they are angry but they?re not a mob. They?re hardworking middle-class Americans who know that cutting Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid in the name of deficit reduction is anything BUT fiscal responsibility. In fact, they represent the view of the vast majority of Americans of all ages and political persuasions.Here are just a few of the faces at Friday?s Wharton School event who wanted to deliver that message to Leader Cantor and his friends in Washington.Do they look an unruly mob or average Americans who are just fed up?
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Photos courtesy of the Daily Pennsylvanian
New Analysis Confirms: SuperCommittee Social Security Cuts WOULD Hurt Current Retirees
One of the most cynical approaches used by those who?ve been advocating Social Security benefit cuts for decades has been to argue that as long as we don?t touch current retirees? benefits (ie, protect the politically active senior voter) slashing Social Security would be an easier sell politically. Problem is?that view may sound good tossed around in a think-tank boardroom but it just doesn?t wash out in the real world. American seniors want Social Security protected for their children and grandchildren too. President Bush learned that the hard way during his privatization push.However, in spite of this, politicians of both political parties continue to wrap their ?everything?s on the table? deficit rhetoric with a promise that America?s current retirees wouldn?t be hurt by cuts being discussed in the Congressional Super Committee. Now it?s clear even this is yet another empty promise. According to the House Ways and Means committee, new analysis provided by the Chief Actuary at the Social Security Administration shows:?Three-quarters of all Social Security payments between 2012 and 2021 the 10-year period in which the Select Committee is required to generate deficit reduction will go to current recipients, while an additional 21 percent will go to Americans who are very close to retirement-age and will start receiving benefits between 2012 and 2019, according to the Actuary?s analysis. The analysis highlights that there is virtually no way for the panel to use Social Security cuts to meet its target without harming current beneficiaries. Current retirees have struggled in recent years because there was no cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) in 2010 or 2011. The Social Security Administration yesterday announced a 3.6 percent COLA for 2012.?In short, current retirees will be impacted by Social Security cuts being proposed by members of the Congressional Super Committee regardless of empty promises to the contrary.
This providesyet another reason to join our ?Hands Off ? No Cuts? Campaign. Write a letter, join a rally, send an email. Tell Congress once and for all– cutting middle-class programs serving generations of Americans to solve a crisis they didn?t create is not fiscal responsibility.
Social Security COLA Hike is a Mixed-blessing for Seniors
Healthcare Costs Will Erode COLA increaseThe Social Security Administration has announced a 3.6% increase in the annual Cost of Living Adjustments, or COLAs, for Social Security beneficiaries in 2012. The COLA increase will take effect January 1 and is welcome news for beneficiaries who have not seen a cost of living increase since 2009.The 3.6% increase adds about $43 to the average retired worker?s Social Security check of $1,186. However, premium costs for Medicare Part B coverage are expected to rise, potentially by double-digits, eating away at much of this cost of living increase. The Medicare premium announcement is expected later this month.?$43 may not sound like much but for millions of American seniors already suffering in this economy and facing years of rising costs, shrinking returns on their savings and no cost of living increases, today?s COLA announcement lets them know there?s some relief around the corner. It may be cold comfort, however, once they see just how high next year?s Medicare premiums will go. While healthcare costs continue to erode seniors? ability to keep up with inflation, Congress has yet to adopt a COLA formula that reflects the spending habits of seniors, like the CPI-E. At the same time, the Congressional Super Committee is reportedly considering another formula that would make a flawed formula even worse as COLA?s for beneficiaries would continue to fall even further behind the true costs of living they face each and every day.? Max Richtman, President/CEOSwitching to a Chained-CPI will permanently cut COLAs for generations of retirees and the disabled – making it harder and harder for them to make ends meet. The Social Security Actuary reports that over time the annual benefit cut will total almost $1,400.The National Committee agrees it is critical that the COLA be calculated based on an accurate formula. But if accuracy is really the goal, Congress should change the COLA formula to factor in the large health care expenses most seniors face. Adopting a formula that cuts already modest benefits for generations of retirees is not fiscal responsibility.There were a number of good articles today on the COLA and Medicare premiums for 2012. Here are a couple from the Associated Press and Los Angeles Times .
New Radio Ad Warns Congress Hands Off-No Cuts
Cutting Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security is NOT Fiscal Responsibility Today we’ve launched a new six-figure radio ad buy, as part of the ?Hands Off ?No Cuts Campaign? . Six radio stations, including Spanish language radio, will run the ad throughout the Washington, D.C. metro area.We’ve also gotten some attention in the press this week. USA Today highlighted the grassroots work done by our activists in their interview with Sam Burnett, a retired school administrator from Toledo.Roll Call had this photo of our Hands Off-No Cuts Truck with our favorite headline to date: “Hounded by Ads” . That’s just how we want Members of Congress to feel!
The New York Times did a piece on the Super Committee’s super secrecy and talked to Max Richtman, our President/CEO, about the flawed process.And here’s what Max had to say today about our radio ad campaign kickoff:?This ad campaign reminds members of Congress that Americans do not support trading away Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid?s life-saving benefits in another version of ?Let?s Make a Deal? Washington-style. The vast majority of Americans of all political persuasions do not want to balance the budget by cutting Medicare or Social Security because they know they?ve funded these programs, which serve as lifelines to millions still reeling in this economy. They also know targeting middle-class Americans, who?ve already borne the burden of an economic collapse they didn?t create, is not shared sacrifice by any definition.? Max Richtman, President/CEOThis latest round of ads is part of our multi-million dollar effort to mobilize and inform older Americans about the Congressional Super Committee?s ongoing budget debate in Washington and the threatened cuts to programs which are relied upon by virtually every American family. Other elements of the effort include:
- Mobile Billboards. The National Committee?s mobile billboards continue to roll in DC this week promoting the No Cuts message over every mile of official Washington?from Capitol Hill to the White House and beyond?with a high visibility message that can?t be ignored.
- Phone Calls. A second call-in campaign to Congress begins this week. More than 32,000 calls to Member?s offices were made in the first phone mobilization campaign and even more calls will flood the Capitol beginning this week.
- Grassroots Campaign. Activists are holding rallies and meetings at Congressional District offices, community centers and public events. Grassroots volunteers are also meeting with their congressional members one-on-one reminding them that cutting benefits to middle-class Americans is not fiscal responsibility.
- Television ads. A new six-figure television ad campaign will launch this month on major cable and broadcast networks including NBC, CBS, Fox , MSNBC and CNN reminding Congress of Americans broad opposition to cutting Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid to balance the budget.
- Congressional District Radio Ads in targeted markets will bring the Hands Off-No Cuts message directly to voters and their elected leaders across the nation.
You can listen to the ad HERE.
Finally Some Good News for Seniors
According to news from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services today, beneficiaries over 65 who have been paying $96.40 a month in Medicare Part B premiums, will see their premiums rise next year to $99.90. This is significantly less than the increase predicted by CMS for 2012. New Medicare enrollees who have been paying $115.40 a month will actually see their premiums go down. The Part B deductible decreases as well, by $22, and premiums for Medicare’s Part D prescription benefit will remain unchanged for 2012. Today?s Medicare announcement follows news last week that seniors will receive a 3.6% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) in their 2012 Social Security checks. That means the average retiree will receive a nearly $40 per month increase in their Social Security checks even including the Part B premium increase.?Today?s Medicare announcement is truly welcome news for millions of seniors worried that healthcare costs would once again eat away at this year?s COLA. For the first time in many years, most retirees can count on actually seeing an increase in their monthly check. We?ve said all along that healthcare reform was vital to strengthen and improve Medicare for seniors and that given time the benefits would be undeniable. Today?s announcement is further proof of exactly that. Rather than trading away benefits in a so-called ?grand bargain?, Congress should heed the lessons provided in today?s announcement. Instead of cutting seniors? benefits in the name of deficit reduction, we should be building on the successful reforms already passed to continue improving Medicare efficiencies while reducing costs. The Affordable Care Act has shown we don?t have to cut benefits to seniors to save money in Medicare. The question is — is the Super Committee even paying attention?? Max Richtman, President/CEO
Hands Off-No Cuts Activists Say: We’re Not a Mob but We Are Angry
Last week House Majority leader Eric Cantor dismissed protestors who are tired of a nation that puts profits ahead of people as nothing more than an angry ?mob?. Then on Friday he cancelled a scheduled speech at the Wharton School of Business in Philly after it was clear Penn would not restrict the audience as Rep. Cantor preferred.NCPSSM?s Hands Off-No Cuts activists were in Philly on Friday and just to set the record straight?they are angry but they?re not a mob. They?re hardworking middle-class Americans who know that cutting Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid in the name of deficit reduction is anything BUT fiscal responsibility. In fact, they represent the view of the vast majority of Americans of all ages and political persuasions.Here are just a few of the faces at Friday?s Wharton School event who wanted to deliver that message to Leader Cantor and his friends in Washington.Do they look an unruly mob or average Americans who are just fed up?
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|
|
|
|
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Photos courtesy of the Daily Pennsylvanian
New Analysis Confirms: SuperCommittee Social Security Cuts WOULD Hurt Current Retirees
One of the most cynical approaches used by those who?ve been advocating Social Security benefit cuts for decades has been to argue that as long as we don?t touch current retirees? benefits (ie, protect the politically active senior voter) slashing Social Security would be an easier sell politically. Problem is?that view may sound good tossed around in a think-tank boardroom but it just doesn?t wash out in the real world. American seniors want Social Security protected for their children and grandchildren too. President Bush learned that the hard way during his privatization push.However, in spite of this, politicians of both political parties continue to wrap their ?everything?s on the table? deficit rhetoric with a promise that America?s current retirees wouldn?t be hurt by cuts being discussed in the Congressional Super Committee. Now it?s clear even this is yet another empty promise. According to the House Ways and Means committee, new analysis provided by the Chief Actuary at the Social Security Administration shows:?Three-quarters of all Social Security payments between 2012 and 2021 the 10-year period in which the Select Committee is required to generate deficit reduction will go to current recipients, while an additional 21 percent will go to Americans who are very close to retirement-age and will start receiving benefits between 2012 and 2019, according to the Actuary?s analysis. The analysis highlights that there is virtually no way for the panel to use Social Security cuts to meet its target without harming current beneficiaries. Current retirees have struggled in recent years because there was no cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) in 2010 or 2011. The Social Security Administration yesterday announced a 3.6 percent COLA for 2012.?In short, current retirees will be impacted by Social Security cuts being proposed by members of the Congressional Super Committee regardless of empty promises to the contrary.
This providesyet another reason to join our ?Hands Off ? No Cuts? Campaign. Write a letter, join a rally, send an email. Tell Congress once and for all– cutting middle-class programs serving generations of Americans to solve a crisis they didn?t create is not fiscal responsibility.
Social Security COLA Hike is a Mixed-blessing for Seniors
Healthcare Costs Will Erode COLA increaseThe Social Security Administration has announced a 3.6% increase in the annual Cost of Living Adjustments, or COLAs, for Social Security beneficiaries in 2012. The COLA increase will take effect January 1 and is welcome news for beneficiaries who have not seen a cost of living increase since 2009.The 3.6% increase adds about $43 to the average retired worker?s Social Security check of $1,186. However, premium costs for Medicare Part B coverage are expected to rise, potentially by double-digits, eating away at much of this cost of living increase. The Medicare premium announcement is expected later this month.?$43 may not sound like much but for millions of American seniors already suffering in this economy and facing years of rising costs, shrinking returns on their savings and no cost of living increases, today?s COLA announcement lets them know there?s some relief around the corner. It may be cold comfort, however, once they see just how high next year?s Medicare premiums will go. While healthcare costs continue to erode seniors? ability to keep up with inflation, Congress has yet to adopt a COLA formula that reflects the spending habits of seniors, like the CPI-E. At the same time, the Congressional Super Committee is reportedly considering another formula that would make a flawed formula even worse as COLA?s for beneficiaries would continue to fall even further behind the true costs of living they face each and every day.? Max Richtman, President/CEOSwitching to a Chained-CPI will permanently cut COLAs for generations of retirees and the disabled – making it harder and harder for them to make ends meet. The Social Security Actuary reports that over time the annual benefit cut will total almost $1,400.The National Committee agrees it is critical that the COLA be calculated based on an accurate formula. But if accuracy is really the goal, Congress should change the COLA formula to factor in the large health care expenses most seniors face. Adopting a formula that cuts already modest benefits for generations of retirees is not fiscal responsibility.There were a number of good articles today on the COLA and Medicare premiums for 2012. Here are a couple from the Associated Press and Los Angeles Times .
New Radio Ad Warns Congress Hands Off-No Cuts
Cutting Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security is NOT Fiscal Responsibility Today we’ve launched a new six-figure radio ad buy, as part of the ?Hands Off ?No Cuts Campaign? . Six radio stations, including Spanish language radio, will run the ad throughout the Washington, D.C. metro area.We’ve also gotten some attention in the press this week. USA Today highlighted the grassroots work done by our activists in their interview with Sam Burnett, a retired school administrator from Toledo.Roll Call had this photo of our Hands Off-No Cuts Truck with our favorite headline to date: “Hounded by Ads” . That’s just how we want Members of Congress to feel!The New York Times did a piece on the Super Committee’s super secrecy and talked to Max Richtman, our President/CEO, about the flawed process.And here’s what Max had to say today about our radio ad campaign kickoff:?This ad campaign reminds members of Congress that Americans do not support trading away Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid?s life-saving benefits in another version of ?Let?s Make a Deal? Washington-style. The vast majority of Americans of all political persuasions do not want to balance the budget by cutting Medicare or Social Security because they know they?ve funded these programs, which serve as lifelines to millions still reeling in this economy. They also know targeting middle-class Americans, who?ve already borne the burden of an economic collapse they didn?t create, is not shared sacrifice by any definition.? Max Richtman, President/CEOThis latest round of ads is part of our multi-million dollar effort to mobilize and inform older Americans about the Congressional Super Committee?s ongoing budget debate in Washington and the threatened cuts to programs which are relied upon by virtually every American family. Other elements of the effort include:
- Mobile Billboards. The National Committee?s mobile billboards continue to roll in DC this week promoting the No Cuts message over every mile of official Washington?from Capitol Hill to the White House and beyond?with a high visibility message that can?t be ignored.
- Phone Calls. A second call-in campaign to Congress begins this week. More than 32,000 calls to Member?s offices were made in the first phone mobilization campaign and even more calls will flood the Capitol beginning this week.
- Grassroots Campaign. Activists are holding rallies and meetings at Congressional District offices, community centers and public events. Grassroots volunteers are also meeting with their congressional members one-on-one reminding them that cutting benefits to middle-class Americans is not fiscal responsibility.
- Television ads. A new six-figure television ad campaign will launch this month on major cable and broadcast networks including NBC, CBS, Fox , MSNBC and CNN reminding Congress of Americans broad opposition to cutting Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid to balance the budget.
- Congressional District Radio Ads in targeted markets will bring the Hands Off-No Cuts message directly to voters and their elected leaders across the nation.
You can listen to the ad HERE.