Retiree Notes: Fighting back against Social Security cuts
Fighting back against Social Security cuts
Former President Donald Trump recently suggested that, if elected, his administration will make cuts to Social Security, Medicare and other federal programs that seniors rely on.
“There is a lot you can do in terms of entitlements, in terms of cutting and in terms of also the theft and the bad management of entitlements,” Trump said during a recent television appearance. Even though he later backtracked on the statement, his words have caused considerable alarm among the nation’s seniors.
Cuts to Social Security could be disastrous for the more than 50% of Americans 65 years and older who rely on it for more than half of their income. More than one in three Americans rely on it for 90% or more of their income.
As a candidate in 2016, Trump promised not to cut Social Security, Medicare or Medicaid. But his actions as president were exactly the opposite. Trump’s budget proposals included large cuts to Social Security, primarily by targeting disability benefits, and Medicare, largely by reducing provider payments.
“Every few years, Americans have to again stand up against attacks to programs that are vital to our ability to live like Social Security and Medicare, and it appears that the time has again arrived,” says Theresa Sheridan, president of the Dixon area Sub-chapter 72.
These threats are even more real considering the Republican efforts in the U.S. House advancing House Resolution 5779, the Fiscal Commission Act of 2023. This legislation would set up a fiscal commission to address the national debt and make “fast track” changes to Social Security.
It would be able to “fast-track” recommendations and accompanying legislation, bypassing the debate and amendment processes entirely, cutting seniors and advocates out of the decision-making process.
Legislation is indeed necessary to address the funding shortfall in Social Security, such as increasing the cap at which the wealthy pay into the program, but we need to fight off all efforts to “fix” the programs by cutting benefits for retirees.
Fortunately, President Joe Biden’s commitment to preserve Social Security and Medicare are irrefutable. In his State of the Union address, President Biden went beyond taking cuts to seniors’ earned benefits “off the table.” He promised to “protect and strengthen Social Security and make the wealthy pay their fair share.”
“Working people who built this country pay more into Social Security than millionaires and billionaires do,” President Biden continued. “It’s not fair.”
AFSCME, the Alliance for Retired Americans and many senior organizations support a number of bills to secure the future of Social Security and Medicare, all of which would extend the solvency of the programs.
“As AFSCME retirees, we clearly understand that we must stand united against these further attempts to cut benefits for the working class,” Sheridan said.
Retirees can never stop their vigilance against proposed cuts to Social Security and Medicare. Our voices are what have kept Social Security from being stripped away for this long, it will take our voices to ensure it remains in place for generations to come.
Finding a Long-Term or Rehabilitative Care Facility
Whether looking for a skilled nursing home for rehabilitation services or a long-term placement for a loved one, beginning the process of finding the appropriate facility can be daunting and riddled with pitfalls. But with enough research and diligence, you can find the facility that’s right for your family.
The first step is to find a facility that fits your needs. The federal Nursing Home Compare website through Medicare is a great place to start. Visit it by checking www.medicare.gov/care-compare
Often those looking for information online for nursing home care are inundated with information from untrustworthy sources. The Medicare home page provides a place to enter a specific city or zip code to find facilities in that area or look into a specific facility.
Once a location is chosen, the specific type of care can be selected, such as rehabilitation care, nursing home services, home care or hospice. It will show ratings of facilities and contact information.
The second step is to find out which facility accepts your insurance by calling the ones you’re interested in.
Step three is to check recent public health findings on the facilities you’ve narrowed down and examine their records.
The IL Department of Public Health’s Facility Finder will include general information about the facility, links to surveys and complaints, staffing, and levels of care provided. Doing a simple Google search for the facility finder will bring you to the page.
The fourth and final step is to pay an in-person visit to the facility. It is important to visit more than one facility so there is a chance to compare services, and there is a back-up in case the first facility of choice falls through. Develop a relationship with the admissions coordinator as they will be your main source of information.
It’s not easy, but with diligence and commitment, you can very likely find the right place for your family member.
AFSCME Retirees stand with SIUE workers
Chapter 31 retirees came out to support AFSCME members at Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville at a critical action in February during their fight for a fair contract. From left: Pat Rensing, Council 31 staff; Catherine Bencini, Sub-chapter 93; Harriet Baker, Sub-chapter 93; Barb Brumfield, Sub-chapter 59.