Senate Democrats and Independent Senator Bernie Sanders have voiced their concerns to the Trump administration regarding reports that the Social Security Administration (SSA) plans to drastically cut field office visits. The senators expressed worries that these efforts, which aim to reduce in-person visits by 15 million annually, might hinder Americans’ access to necessary services. They are particularly concerned about the impact on beneficiaries already facing long wait times, potentially pushing them towards unreliable online resources or customer service “doom-loops.” The senators are requesting further details from the SSA about the plan’s implementation, alternative service provisions, and its anticipated effects on current service delays.
Read More
Newly released facts from Social Security demolish Elon Musk’s fraud claims — again.
Let’s cut right to the chase: The entire premise of Elon Musk’s involvement in the government, particularly concerning Social Security, has been repeatedly debunked. There were never any actual fraud charges. It’s almost as if the initial claims, the ones that propelled this narrative, were just that: claims. The media should have challenged these bogus claims from the start, but alas, here we are. It’s time to state the obvious: nothing Musk did held up to even a modicum of scrutiny.
The underlying motivations for such actions are also suspect.… Continue reading
In 2026, the standard Medicare Part B premium will rise to $202.90 per month, a $17.90 increase from the previous year. This marks the second-largest dollar increase in Part B premiums on record. As Part B covers essential medical services, this increase may impact Social Security beneficiaries, as premiums are often deducted from their monthly checks. This continued rise in costs could be perceived as a burden for retirees.
Read More
On November 8th, a proposal to impose a “minimum contribution” on foreign retirees benefiting from France’s universal healthcare coverage after three months of residency garnered significant support in the Assemblée Nationale. The amendment, spearheaded by MP François Gernigon, targeted retirees from G20 countries, specifically those holding long-stay visas. This measure, aimed at addressing the nation’s €23 billion social security deficit, seeks to ensure reciprocity as many of these countries lack similar healthcare contribution arrangements. While the public accounts minister acknowledged the government’s seriousness regarding the issue, the amendment was carefully crafted to exclude all foreign nationals, and focus on the G20 countries.
Read More
President Donald Trump recently issued a warning concerning the future of Social Security and Medicare, stating these programs are in danger if an agreement cannot be reached with Democrats. He claims that their refusal to accept a funding bill will lead to the collapse of these programs due to overall national bankruptcy. These comments come amidst a government shutdown triggered by disagreements over funding and healthcare provisions. The shutdown has created a heated debate between the political parties, each pointing fingers on who is to blame.
Read More
Social Security recipients, like Sue Conard, are expressing concerns that their benefits are not keeping pace with rising healthcare costs. The current government shutdown is delaying crucial data used to calculate cost-of-living adjustments, projected to be only 2.7% for the coming year. This adjustment, while providing a small monthly increase, is not considered sufficient by many, as the inflation data used does not specifically reflect the expenses faced by the elderly, such as healthcare and prescription drugs. Advocates are pushing for the use of the CPI-E, a consumer price index tailored to the elderly, but related legislative efforts have stalled.
Read More
The government shutdown’s immediate impact will be felt by federal workers and contractors, who will face missed wages. As the shutdown continues, the lack of funds will affect social security payments, impacting families. Furthermore, crucial services like national parks could face funding shortages. Finally, there is concern the shutdown might lead to federal job cuts, which have historically been reversed.
Read More
Social Security Administration (SSA) Commissioner Frank Bisignano has not ruled out raising the retirement age to address the program’s projected insolvency by 2034. Bisignano stated that “everything is being considered” when asked about this possibility, suggesting other options like increasing the maximum taxable earnings subject to Social Security tax are also under review. The Social Security Trustees estimate that the program’s funding gap could be addressed by permanently raising payroll taxes by 3.65 percentage points. The current full retirement age has been steadily rising since 1983.
Read More
Trump is breaking Social Security, and it’s a concern that echoes through a lot of discussions. It’s like he’s got this private enterprise setup in the works, ready to take over the retirement fund, and, of course, the plan is to enrich himself and his friends in the process. It’s a pattern of personal profits taking precedence over long-term societal stability.
I can’t help but think about the people who are directly impacted, like those struggling with disabilities and the worries about losing essential support like SNAP, even when they’re legitimately disabled. The fear of losing those crucial safety nets is a reality for many.… Continue reading
Sen. Bernie Sanders announced plans to introduce legislation to counteract the Trump administration’s cuts to Social Security, which impacted staffing and accessibility. The proposed bill, “Keep Billionaires Out of Social Security Act,” aims to prevent office closures without congressional approval, maintain staffing levels, and increase funding. Furthermore, the bill seeks to expand Social Security benefits by removing the income cap on taxable income, ensuring that the wealthy contribute their fair share. This is intended to extend the life of Social Security and benefit the millions of Americans who rely on it.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood