YOU EARNED THIS
The Social Security & Medicare Podcast
From NCPSSM
The National Committee to Preserve Social Security & Medicare
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About The Podcast
Advocating for a Decent Quality of Life for Older Americans
Brought to you by NCPSSM (The National Committee to Preserve Social Security & Medicare), the You Earned This Podcast features a new VIP guest each week, covering Social Security, Medicare, aging with dignity, and other vital topics affecting older Americans and their families today.
We discuss serious issues with a light touch with an average 15 minutes of listening time per episode. Tune in every week!
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RECENT EPISODES
You may find yourself as the “financial caregiver” for an aging parent. Most people are thrust into this role with little preparation or warning. Certified Financial Planner Beth Pinsker has written a new book, “My Mother’s Money,” bursting with great advice for adult children who — sooner or later — may need to take responsibility for their parents’ finances. She was inspired to write the book after serving as financial caregiver for her own mother, who passed away in 2021. In this episode, Beth reveals strategies for dealing with powers of attorney, banking, Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security and end of life planning. A must listen! The book is available here.
The Trump administration tried to make it harder for older workers to qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), but backed down under public pressure. Kathleen Romig of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities says this mean-spirited policy would have stripped coverage from 1.5 million disabled workers over 10 years. She also explains why the 2026 Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) comes up short. (Note: This episode was recorded & posted shortly before the Trump administration abruptly withdrew the restrictive new SSDI rules.)
They say not to pay too much attention to off-year elections. But our political director, Luke Warren, says that 2025 might have been different. He tells us what last week’s results portend for 2026. Luke also explains what we look for when our PAC endorses candidates for Congress. Hint: It has something to do with an unflinching committment to Social Security & Medicare that does not involve benefit cuts. To see which candidates we support, visit www.ncpssm.org/pac!
Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) tells us that Trump and congressional Republicans are leaving people of modest means “in the dust” — by jacking up health insurance costs while showering the wealthy with huge tax cuts. He’s also worried about the future Medicare, as the disadvantages of Medicare Advantage become increasingly apparent and the Trump administration meddles with traditional Medicare in disturbing ways. Don’t miss our visit with one of the most fervent advocates for Americans’ health care in the U.S. Senate.
Starting with Season 1
MEET YOUR HOST
WALTER GOTTLIEB
Walter is Director of Communications at the National Committee to Preserve Social Security & Medicare. He is responsible for the organization’s public messaging and communications strategies – including earned media, social media, the Entitled to Know blog, and media relations.
Walter is also an Emmy award-winning television and video producer, writer, and director. He produced programming for Discovery, History Channel, Smithsonian Networks, Animal Planet, and National Geographic, among others.
As the host of the podcast, Walter brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to the subject, asking well-informed guests the most pressing questions our listeners want and need to know.
ABOUT NCPSSM
An Advocacy Group for Older Americans
The National Committee to Preserve Social Security & Medicare (NCPSSM) routinely delivers letters of support or opposition to Congress and the White House on legislation that will impact the health and retirement security of older Americans now and in the future. Expert testimony from our President & CEO or policy advisors is also given during hearings before House and Senate committees.