NRLN Guarding Against Surprises to Social Security and Medicare

50 views
A+A-
Reset

NRLN Guarding Against Surprises to Social Security and Medicare

With the convening of the new 119th Congress last week the NRLN has it eyes on the House and Senate. And after the Presidential inauguration on January 20, we will be watching the administration for anything that could negatively impact older Americans.

There was good news on January 7 when House Speaker Mike Johnson announced that cuts to Social Security and Medicare won’t be part of the legislative package being worked out to fund the incoming President’s agenda.

When Speaker Johnson was asked if he was open to cutting Social Security and Medicare programs as part of the spending plans being worked out between House and Senate Republicans, he replied, “No, the president has made clear that Social Security and Medicare have to be preserved,” He added, “The Republican Party will not cut benefits.”

All that said, the NRLN will keep watchful eyes on Congress. I remember that last year the NRLN lobbied against the House Study Committee’s Fiscal Year 2025 budget failed proposal that would have harmed Social Security and Medicare by:

  • Cutting over $1.5 trillion from Social Security.
  • Increasing the retirement age to 69 from the current age 67 which is a reduction in lifetime benefits.
  • Raising Medicare costs by stopping Medicare from negotiating prescription drug prices, repealing $35 insulin, and preventing Medicare’s $2,000 out-of-pocket cap on prescription drugs beginning in 2025.
  • Transitioning Medicare to a premium support system that the Congressional Budget Office has found would raise premiums for many seniors.

Each year, like our bulldog friend above, the NRLN looks to protect what we have but we also try to look ahead to find new ways to guard against anticipated problems. For example, we know as you do, that lowering high dollar drug costs in 2024 was positive but 2025 prescription drug premiums and deductible increases seem unwarranted. We know that healthcare cost increases will increase our out-of-pocket insurance costs, etc.

When it comes to what Congress might or might not try to do, our guard is always up.

Bill Kadereit, President

National Retiree Legislative Network

National Retiree Legislative Network
Based in Washington, D.C., the National Retiree Legislative Network (NRLN) is the only nationwide organization solely dedicated to representing the interests of retirees and future retirees. Formed in 2002, the NRLN’s endeavors to secure federal legislation to protect retirees’ employer-sponsored pensions and benefits in addition to keeping Social Security and Medicare strong.

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Accept Read More...

Verified by MonsterInsights