Would a Government Shutdown Affect Social Security and Medicare?
First, the good news. Even if the government shuts down at the end of this week because of House Republican intransigence, Social Security benefits will continue to be paid and customer service for retirees should not get significantly worse. Now, the bad news. The impending shutdown is symptomatic of a disorder in Congress that seniors should care about: MAGA hardliners once again gumming up the works of a government which best serves the public when operating smoothly, without needless disruptions.
House GOP Spending Proposal Would Slash Social Security Administration Funding
We don’t know exactly what the impact of any cut will be on SSA, but we do know they have already requested an increase of $727 million above current funding, as a minimum, for FY 2024. Without this level of funding, they will be forced to reduce staffing and overtime, which will hurt the agency’s ability to serve the public. Without that minimum level of funding, SSA’s customers will wait significantly longer for field office services, disability decisions, and phone support, and their already significant backlogs would increase.
It’s Time to Repeal WEP & GPO, Says NCPSSM & National Task Force
NCPSSM participated in an event on the Capitol Grounds Wednesday to call for the repeal of the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset( GPO), which prevent millions of public employees and their families from collecting full Social Security benefits. The event was organized by the National WEP/GPO Repeal Task Force --- a coalition of advocates representing public sector workers.
Upcoming Celebration Event
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Proin a laoreet magna, nec interdum nibh. Aliquam at lacinia arcu. Fusce vulputate mauris quis eros efficitur vehicula. Sed eget volutpat ipsum. Duis eget dui facilisis, interdum sapien a, rhoncus dolor. Sed pulvinar risus vel metus blandit, non consequat risus rhoncus.
NCPSSM To Participate in Harkin Social Security Symposium in DC
The National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare will participate in a special Social Security symposium hosted by former U.S. Senator Tom Harkin and the Harkin Institute of Drake University. Featuring NCPSSM President Max Richtman and other prominent leaders from the national advocacy community.
NCPSSM At White House for Release of First Ten Drugs for Medicare Price Negotiation
Tuesday was an historic day in the effort to lower prescription drug prices for seniors. The Biden administration has released the names of the 10 life-saving drugs that will be subject --- for the first time ever --- to price negotiation between Medicare and Big Pharma. They are some of the most common and most expensive prescription medications that seniors take. These essential medications do everything from preventing blood clots and strokes to treating diabetes, and they will soon cost a lot less for the federal government and for patients.
FDR’S Grandson Says This Is a ‘High Stakes Time’ For Social Security
Social Security — which turned 88 years old this month — is one of my grandfather’s greatest legacies. It’s no exaggeration to say that this is a high stakes time for his landmark program. Powerful opponents of Social Security are calling for privatization, cutting the annual COLA, raising the retirement age, and even “sunsetting” the program.
Marking the First Anniversary of the Inflation Reduction Act
President Biden signed the historic Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) into law one year ago today. It was the first
Philadelphians Flock to NCPSSM/AARP Town Hall on Social Security
More than 150 Philadelphians turned out at Center in the Park for a town hall emphasizing Social Security’s importance to the Black community, co-presented by NCPSSM and AARP Pennsylvania. Attendees learned about their earned benefits and played Social Security-themed games — including Social Security Plinko and “What does Social Security Mean to You?”
Rep. Larson Re-introduces His Social Security 2100 Act & Other Top News of the Week
It’s been a busy week for Social Security watchers and advocates. Here are some of the major developments from