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NRLN discusses Need to Reduce Prescription Drug Prices /Episode 8



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Bill Kadereit, pres

PRESIDENT'S

          FORUM

We are committed to keeping you informed about your retiree benefits, pension funds, medical and drug costs and the truth about Medical Advantage Plans. This column features a current topic on these issues. (click here for previous FORUM articles )

Trustees’ 2021 Reports on Social Security and Medicare

The Trustees for Social Security and Medicare released their 2021 reports on August 31. In recent years the reports had been released in April. Apparently, more time was needed to compile the reports to include the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the associated recession and projected outlook for the programs.

Social Security Report

This year the total annual cost of Social Security is projected to exceed the program’s total annual income, for the first time since 1982 and remain higher throughout the 75-year projection period. As a result, asset reserves are expected to decline during 2021. Social Security’s cost has exceeded its non-interest income since 2010.

The Trustees projected the Social Security Old-Age and Survivors Insurance (OASI) trust fund will deplete its reserves by 2033, one year sooner than last year’s estimate, with 76 percent of benefits payable at that time. The Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) trust fund will become insolvent by 2057, eight years earlier than last year’s estimate, with 91 percent of benefits still payable.

The year when the combined trust fund reserves are projected to become depleted, if Congress does not act before then, is 2034 – one year earlier than last year’s projection. At that time, there would be sufficient income coming in to pay 78 percent of scheduled benefits.

“The Trustees’ projections in this year’s report include the best estimates of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Social Security program,” said Kilolo Kijakazi, Acting Commissioner of Social Security. “The pandemic and its economic impact have had an effect on Social Security’s Trust Funds, and the future course of the pandemic is still uncertain.”

Social Security makes payments to 65 million beneficiaries and 176 million workers pay into Social Security through payroll taxes.

Medicare Report

According to the Trustees, Medicare Part A (inpatient hospital services) is expected it to run cash deficits in 2021 and every year after until it is exhausted in 2026. At that time provider and insurer payments would have to be cut by 9 percent to bring spending in line with revenue. This Hospital Insurance (HI) trust fund has not been this close to projected insolvency since 1997, when depletion was projected to be just four years away and it forced Congress to take some corrective actions.

The Supplemental Medical Insurance (SMI) Trust Fund has two accounts: Part B, which pays for physician and outpatient services, and Part D, which covers prescription drug benefits. SMI is adequately financed into the indefinite future because current law provides financing from general revenues and beneficiary premiums each year to meet the next year's expected costs. Due to these funding provisions, the rapid growth of SMI costs will place steadily increasing demands on both taxpayers and beneficiaries. The Medicare Part B a monthly premium paid by all Medicare and Medicare Advantage enrollees is $148.50 in 2021.

Medicare covers 62.6 million people: 54.1 million aged 65 and older, and 8.5 million disabled. About 40 percent of these beneficiaries have chosen to enroll in Part C, Medicare Advantage (MA) private health plans that contract with Medicare to provide Part A and Part B health services and most plans offer taxpayer funded special benefits that are denied to original Medicare enrollees. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure said the Medicare trust fund solvency is incredibly important and CMS is committed to working with Congress to continue building a sustainable Medicare program.

NRLN on Social Security

The NRLN was in contact this week with the Legislative Director for House Subcommittee on Social Security Chairman John Larson (CT-01) who introduced the Social Security 2100 Act in the 116th Congress. We learned that Representative Larson is gathering original cosponsors so when he introduces the Social Security 2100 Act in the current 117th Congress there will have more than 100 cosponsors.

The NRLN will again lobby for the passage of the Social Security 2100 Act after it is reintroduced. We anticipate the Social Security 2100 Act will again ensure funding the program for the next 75 years and change the Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) from the current CPI-W pegged to urban wage earners’ living expenses to CPI-E (Elderly) based on older Americans’ spending patterns, including medical costs.

NRLN on Medicare

The NRLN is in the early stages of advocating legislation to add a low out-of-pocket cap to original Medicare. Far too many seniors in original Medicare are forced to go without critical health care because they cannot afford the out-of-pocket costs. With this additional benefit, original Medicare would be on a more level playing field with Medicare Advantage plans which are required to have an out-of-pocket cap.

We also advocate leveling the playing field with Medicare Advantage by providing original Medicare participants the same special benefits. Joe Namath and other MA commercials refer to drug plan, dental, hearing, and eye care special benefits as “free” benefits. Today, over 30 million on original Medicare who are not in Medicare Advantage plans are cheated out of these “free” benefits, though they and other Americans have to pay for them when paying income taxes. Tax subsidies, paid directly to insurance companies are used to buy these “free” benefits.

An NRLN Action Alert was issued on July 19, 2021, in support of H.R.3, Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act, and S.833, Empowering Medicare Seniors to Negotiate Drug Prices Act of 2021. Enacting either bill would allow Medicare to negotiate lower prescription drug prices. In addition, H.R.3 would cap seniors' out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs at $2,000 per year.

On August 24, House Democrats passed a $3.5 trillion budget framework that would include dental, vision and hearing benefits for Medicare. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (NY) has included these benefits in his outline of the Senate budget bill. If a budget is enacted that includes these benefits it would fill a major Medicare gap in coverage. Of course, the NRLN is concerned about how Congress would pay for these benefits given the financial status of Medicare noted above in the Medicare Trustees’ Report.

Bill Kadereit, President
National Retiree Legislative Network

Enact Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage

Early detection of cancer through screening saves lives. Click here to urge your Representative and Senators to enact the Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act of 2021. This bill would create a covered benefit for multi-cancer early detection screening tests to ensure Medicare beneficiaries have access to these tests without unnecessary delay once approved under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDA).

 

Medicare Out-of-Pocket Cap Survey Results Narrative

On August 25 the NRLN closed its survey which opened on July 13. The purpose of the survey was to collect information on what NRLN members over age 55 pay for healthcare under the coverages of their various insurance plan types; how healthcare costs affect their economic stability, and to assess their interest in adding an out-of-pocket cap to original Medicare – would it help them meet financial obligations.

There were 3,312 survey participants. Their responses to questions showed they mainly rely on original Medicare and a private supplement plan (Medigap) or a Medicare Advantage plan for healthcare but costs are eating way their fixed income.

The participants in the survey were from all 50 states. They retired from 161 companies or public entities. Ages of responders ranged from 55 to over 85 with and the average age of 78.

Click here to read a narrative of the survey results.

 

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report card NRLN Provides New “Report Card” Feature on Members of Congress

The report card has been modified to reflect a bill that has passed and to more clearly show who is supporting us, who is not and who is uncommitted.

Do your Senators or Representative support bills that help retirees? Check it out here!

 

PHARMA CONTRIBUTIONS TO CONGRESS

money How much did your U.S. Representatives and Senators take as campaign contributions from the Pharmaceutical and Health Products Industry for their recent election campaigns and the current 2019-20 one? Could this be a reason why bills to reduce the price of prescription drugs are not being passed? Click here to see data that the NRLN has compiled from OpenSecrets.Org, Center for Responsive Politics. All Senators and Representatives are now shown by state and amount for ease of reviewing your state's delegation.

 

drugsBest Prescription Discount Cards

The Retirement Living website provides rating of Best Prescription Drug Discount Cards. Click here https://www.retirementliving.com/best-prescription-drug-cards to access the website which has links to several Rx Discount Cards.

 

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IN THE NEWS...

The articles and opinion pieces below are for information and are not necessarily a reflection of the NRLN’s position on issues. The NRLN is nonpartisan and its positions on retirement issues are presented in its Legislative Agenda and white papers that can be accessed from the Legislative Agenda tab.

Biden agenda in limbo amid 'intense' reconciliation talks, Dems allegedly holding infrastructure 'hostage
By Tyler Olson, Fox News – Sept 18, 2021

Know Your Treatment Options for COVID-19
FDA Website

FDA panel endorses COVID-19 booster shots for older Americans, rejects widespread use
By Nathaniel Weixel, The Hill – Sept 17, 2021

Hoyer: House will vote to avoid debt default, shutdown next week
By Caitlin Emma, Politico – Sept 17, 2021

Dem senators warned of long nights and weekend work as fiscal cliff looms
By Marianne Levine and Burgess Everett, Politico – Sept 17, 2021

Democrats brace for toughest stretch yet with Biden agenda
By Mike Lillis and Scott Wong, The Hill – Sept 16, 2021

Biden goes after top 1 percent in defending tax hikes
By Alex Gangitano, The Hill – Sept 16,2021

Here's what is in House Democrats' multitrillion-dollar infrastructure and social spending package
By Zachary Halaschak, Washington Examiner – Sept 16, 2021

Biden expects Congress to approve spending, infrastructure bills
By Nandita Bose, Reuters – Sept 16, 2021

Democrats' sweeping healthcare expansion at risk amid new clash over drug pricing
By Jennifer Haberkorn, Los Angles Times – Sept 15, 2021

House panel advances key portion of Democrats' $3.5T bill
By Naomi Jagoda and Aris Folley, The Hill – Sept 15, 2021

Democrats revive filibuster fight over voting rights bill
By Jordain Carney, The Hill – Sept 15, 2021

Biden meets with Sens. Manchin, Sinema as Democrats try to build support for $3.5 trillion bill
By Jacob Pramuk, CNBC – Sept 15, 2021

Doc Groups Seek to Reinstate Ban on Step Therapy in Medicare Advantage
By Joyce Frieden, MedPage – Sept 13, 2021

Bernie Sanders says Senate Democrats weighing $1,000 voucher for seniors to purchase new Medicare benefits
By Joseph Zeballos-Roig, Business Insider – Sept 14, 2021

House is no easy road for Biden, Democrats on $3.5T package
By Hanna Trudo, The Hill – Sept 13, 221

Opinion: A stealth national energy tax is in the $3.5 trillion reconciliation package
By Ed Longannecker, Washington Examiner – Sept 14, 2021

Schumer urges Democrats to unify amid divisions on Biden spending plan
By Jordain Carney, The Hill – Sept 14, 2021

McConnell: Republicans 'united in opposition to raising the debt ceiling'
By Alexander Bolton, The Hill – Sept 14, 2021

Cruz set to filibuster any Democratic attempt to raise debt limit
By Burgess Everett, Politico – Sept 14, 2021

Top Democrats tout ‘paid for’ spending bill amid centrist backlash
By Susan Ferrechio, Washington Examiner – Sept 13, 2021

House Democrats take step back from Biden on tax hikes
By Naomi Jagoda, The Hill – Sept 13, 2021

Schumer points to debt incurred under Trump to highlight need for bipartisan action
By Aris Folley, The Hill – Sept 13, 2021

Here are the major issues and deadlines facing Congress as lawmakers return to Washington
By Jacob Pramuk, CNBC News – Sept 13 2021

Democrats put tax hikes on fast track after knocking GOP’s haste on tax cuts
By Brian Faler, Politico – Sept 13, 2021

Dems hurtle toward a new fiscal cliff
By Burgess Everett and Heather Caygle, Politico – Sept 12,

Congress returns for legislative marathon after summer recess
By Sarah Mucha, Yahoo News – Sept 12, 2021

Democrats plot shutdown-prevention patch into December
By Caitlin Emma, Politico – Sept 10, 2021

Tax Fight Lined Up for Key House Committee: Congress Update
By Bloomberg – Sept 10, 2021

Biden Inheritance-Tax Plan Poised to Be Scaled Back in Congress
By Colin Wilhelm, Bloomberg – Sept 10, 2021

Democrats hit crunch time for passing Biden agenda
By Scott Wong and Mike Lillis, The Hill – Sept. 9, 2021

Democratic leaders betting Manchin will back down in spending fight
By Alexander Bolton, The Hill – Sept 9, 2021

Majority in new poll backs Manchin 'pause' on $3.5T spending plan
By Jordan Williams, The Hill – Sept 9, 2021

House Panel Moves to Boost Retirement Accounts: Congress Update
By Bloomberg News – Sept 9, 2021

Schumer rejects Manchin's call for pause on Biden plan
By Jordain Carney, The Hill – Sept 8 2021

Sanders says House Democrats' proposal falls short on Medicare dental benefits
By Peter Sullivan, The Hill – Sept 8, 2021

Yellen triggers alarm bells over debt ceiling cliff
By Jordain Carney and Sylvan Lane, The Hill – Sept. 8, 2021

Democrats reopen old health care wounds with $3.5T mega-bill on the line
By Heather Caygle and Alice Miranda Ollstein, Politico – Sept 8, 2021

Debt limit showdown in Congress looms ahead of October deadline
By Sahil Kapur, NBC News – Sept 8, 2021

Biden predicts he can 'work something out' with Manchin
By Brett Samules, The Hill – Sept 7, 2021

House Democrats move quickly on legislation expanding Medicare benefits and enacting paid family leave
By Cassidy Morrison, Washington Examiner – Sept 7, 2021

Democrats float a tax on investments to help pay for $3.5 trillion budget plan
By Kate Dore, CNBC – Sept 7, 2021

U.S. Congress stuck between a rock and a hard place on raising debt limit
By Richard Cowan, Reuters – Sept 7, 2021

Pelosi says Congress has 'several options' on debt ceiling as partisan battle looms
By Megan Henney, Fox Business – Sept 7,2021

GOP and centrist Democrats threaten Biden pivot to domestic issues
By Emily Brooks, Washington Examiner – Sept 6, 2021

Special interest groups spent more than $135,700 for Congress to travel during the August recess
By Kimberly Leonard, Business Insider – Sept 6, 2021

More than 7 million Americans to lose jobless benefits on Labor Day
By Joseph Choi, The Hill – Sept 5, 2021

Five tax issues to watch as Democrats craft $3.5T bill
By Naomi Jagoda, The Hill – Sept. 4, 2021

Senate Democrats float taxes on stock buybacks, plastics to pay for spending plan
By Naomi Jagoda, The Hill – Sept 3, 2021

FDA retirements reignite debate over Biden booster plan
By Nathaniel Weixel, The Hill – Sept 9 2021

Dems prepare to fight their own over $3.5T megabill
By Marianne Levine, Politico – Sept 3, 2021

Biden urges Congress to pass his economic plans after weak jobs report: ‘Our country needs these investments’
By Jacob Pramuk, CNBC – Sept 3, 2021

For Delphi's former salaried workers, retirement has been a long fight for fair treatment
By Todd Spangler, Detroit Free Press – Sept 3,2021

Democrats face internal disagreement over Biden plan to tax large inheritances
By Zachary Halaschak, Washington Examiner – Sept 2, 2021

Democrats race to resolve House-Senate disputes on $3.5T megabill
By Jennifer Scholtes, Heather Caygle and Caitlin Emma, Politico – Sept 2, 2021

Manchin to Dems: Pause social spending plan
By Marianne Levine, Politico – Sept 2, 2021

U.S. Congress seeks information from FDA on approval of Biogen's Alzheimer's drug
From Reuters – Sept 2, 2021

Congress will eventually bail out Social Security – but that will create another set of problems
By Andrew G. Biggs, MarketWatch – Sept 2, 2021

Social Security costs to exceed revenue for 1st time in 39 years
By Danielle DuClos, ABC News – Sept 1, 2021

Social Security Board of Trustees Report: Combined Trust Funds Projected Depletion One Year Sooner Than Last Year
Social Security Trustees’ Press Release – August 31, 2021

Texas legislature approves voting overhaul
By Reid Wilson, The Hill – Aug 31, 2021

AFL-CIO pressures Manchin and Sinema on filibuster
By Paul Bedard, Washington Examiner – Aug 31, 2021

These charts show which states will get the most money from Biden’s infrastructure bill
By Thomas Franck and Nate Rattner, CNBC – Aug 31, 2021

Over 100 House Republicans sign letter promising not to vote to raise debt ceiling, as partisan battle looms
By Tyler Olson, Fox News – Aug 30, 2021

Dems dig in on debt as painful September looms
By Burgess Everett and Jennifer Scholtes, Politico – Aug 30, 2019

The White House says Biden isn't pushing Congress to renew federal jobless aid because the economy is rebounding
From Business Insider – Aug 30, 2021

First, surges in Covid-19 infections led to shortages of hospital beds and staff. Now it's oxygen
By Aya Elamroussi, CNN -Aug 29, 2021

Opinion: It's time for Congress to act before slow mail turns into no mail
By Art Sackler, The Hill – Aug 28, 2021

Supreme Court blocks Biden's eviction moratorium
By John Kruzel, The Hill – Aug 26, 2021

Pelosi prescription drug bill faces centrist resistance
By David Hogberg, Washington Examiner – Aug 26, 2021

GOP lawmaker who spearheaded Trump tax cuts says Dems have great chance to pass spending bills by October
By Thomas Franck, CNBC – Aug 26, 2021

$3.5T or bust? Sanders goes all-out to protect Dems’ social spending plans
By Burgess Everett, Politico – Aug 26, 2021

New bipartisan bill aims to remove barriers to in-home infusion reimbursements
By Robert King, Fierce Healthcare – Aug 25, 2021

CMS will not immediately remove nursing homes from Medicare and Medicaid over vaccine requirement
By Modern Healthcare – Aug 25, 2021

Opinion: House Democrats want to put radical bureaucrats in charge of state elections
By Christian Adams, Washington Examiner – Aug 25, 2021

Summertime no-shows: Dozens skip House vote passing $3.5 trillion budget
By Susan Ferrechio, Washington Examiner – Aug 25, 2021

Here’s what happens next as Democrats try to pass Biden’s multitrillion-dollar economic plans
By Joseph Pramuk and Thomas Franck, CNBC – Aug 25, 2021

Pelosi commits to rallying support for infrastructure vote
By Joseph Choi, The Hill – Aug 24, 2021

House passes John Lewis voting rights bill that's set to stall in Senate
By Nicholas Wu, Politico – Aug 24, 2021

New CDC studies point to waning immunity from vaccines
By Erin Banco and Adam Cancryn, Politico – Aug 24, 2021

House Democrats Advance Biden Agenda in Key Vote After Delays, Party Divisions
By Lisa Hagan, US News – Aug 24, 2021

Pfizer's full approval triggers new vaccine mandates
By Karl Evers-Hillstrom, The Hill – Aug 23, 2021

Pelosi sets up risky House vote to deem $3.5T budget approved
By Cristina Marcos and Scott Wong, The Hill – Aug 23, 2021

Republicans call Democratic John Lewis voting rights bill a ‘partisan power grab’
By Emily Brooks, Washington Examiner – Aug 23, 2021

'Mutually assured destruction': Pelosi and centrists search for path out of standoff
By Heather Caygle, Sarah Farris and Nicholas Wu, Politico – Aug 23, 2021

Deeply Divided, House Democrats Battle Over Priorities and Politics
By Jonathan Weisman, New York Times – Aug 22, 2021

Democrats want billions to pay for elder care. Republicans say the price tag is too high.
By Leigh Ann Caldwell, NBC News – Aug 21, 2021

Full FDA approval for Pfizer vaccine could come next week: reports
By Justine Coleman, The Hill – Aug 20, 2021

What side effects can you expect from the COVID-19 vaccine booster shots?
By Sy Mukherjee, Fortune – Aug 19, 2021

Questions and answers on Biden's new booster shot plan
By Peter Sullivan, The Hill – Aug 18, 2021

Biden ties federal funds to nursing home vaccine mandates
By Lauren Classon, Roll Call – Aug 18, 2021

61% of Americans paid no federal income taxes in 2020, Tax Policy Center says
By Robert Frank, CNBC – Aug 18, 2021

House Democratic leaders press for party unity on passing infrastructure plan
NBC News – Aug 17, 2021

Biden Administration Will Recommend Covid Booster Shot After 8 Months
Kaiser Health News – Aug 17, 2021

Early indicators suggest Democrats' House majority is in jeopardy
By Alex Seitz-Wald, NBC News – Aug 16, 2021

Pelosi faces infrastructure squeeze between moderates and progressives
By Sahil Kapur, NBC News – Aug 16 2021

Senior House Dems launch pressure campaign ahead of key budget vote
By Heather Caygle and Sarah Farris, Politico – Aug 17, 2021

National Park Service mandates masks in buildings, crowded public spaces
By Camron Jenkins, The Hill – Aug 17, 2021

Agreeing With FDA, CDC Says Yes To Boosters — Which May Come Soon
Via KHN Morning Briefing; Kaiser Health News ~ Aug 16, 2021

New Bill Creates Medicare Part E, Open to All
By Melanie Waddell; ThinkAdvisor ~ Aug 13, 2021

The politics behind President Biden’s plan to lower prescription drug prices
By Geoff Colvin; Fortune ~ Aug 14, 2021

Opinion: Happy 86th birthday, Social Security — it's time to expand benefits
From Nancy Altman; The Hill ~ Aug 14, 2021

Biden’s boost to the earned income tax credit may trigger a ‘marriage penalty’
By Kate Dore, CFP®; CNBC ~ Aug 13, 2021

America Is Aging and Diversifying. What that Means for Healthcare.
By Matt Smith; Barron’s ~ Aug 13, 2021

National Academies’ Report Took Pharma-Friendly Stance After Millions in Gifts From Drugmakers
By Christina Jewett; Kaiser Health News ~ Aug 12, 2021

Biden calls on Congress to act on 'outrageously' high drug prices
By Peter Sullivan; The Hill ~ Aug 12, 2021

Sen. Marshall to Newsmax: Infrastructure Bill 'Gateway Drug to Socialism'
By Sandy Fitzgerald; Newsmax ~ Aug 10, 2021

Skilled Nursing Facilities And The Medicare Three-Day Rule: What You Need To Know
By Gregory Gurbikian; Forbes ~ Aug 10, 2021

Why Doesn’t Medicare Cover Services So Many Seniors Need?
By Julie Rovner; Kaiser Health News ~ Aug 11, 2021

Drug Companies Are Putting Profits First While the Delta Variant Spreads. That Needs to Change.
From Tahir Amin; Barron’s ~ Aug 11, 2021

This Company Aims To Bring Down The Cost Of Your Medicine With Price Transparency
By Alex Knapp; Forbes ~ Aug 11, 2021

Social Security Benefits Poised For Largest Jump In Decades
From David Kudla; Forbes ~ Aug 11, 2021

How Will the U.S. Pay for the $3.5 Trillion? Taxes, Mostly.
By Janet H. Cho; Barron’s ~ Aug 10, 2021

No FDA Head as Vaccines Seek Full Approval
By Nick Koutsobinas ; MarketWatch ~ Aug 08, 2021

Framework for $3.5T Senate package seeks to close Medicaid gap, add new Medicare benefits and tackle drug prices
By Robert King; FierceHealthcare ~ Aug 09, 2021

Here are the key parts of Democrats' $3.5T budget resolution
By Aris Folley, Peter Sullivan, Zack Budryk & Karl Evers-Hillstrom; The Hill ~ Aug 09, 2021

Medicare expansion and a lower eligibility age are included in Democrats’ $3.5 trillion budget plan
By Sarah O’Brien; CNBC ~ Aug 09, 2021

Pension plans drew short straw in PPA
By Brian Croce; Pensions & Investments ~ Aug 09, 2021

Senate votes to advance Biden’s $1T infrastructure bill
By Lisa Mascaro; The Associated Press ~ Aug 07, 2021

Lawmakers want to make it easier to have guaranteed income in retirement
By Sarah O’Brien; CNBC ~ Aug 06, 2021

FDA To Soon Roll Out Booster Plan For Immunocompromised People
Via KHN Morning Briefing; Kaiser Health News ~ Aug 06, 2021

CBO: Funding for Biden’s $1.2 trillion infrastructure plan comes up short
By Haris Alic; The Washington Times ~ Aug 05, 2021

McConnell: GOP will block debt limit hike if Democrats pursue spending plans
By Alexander Bolton; The Hill ~ Aug 05, 2021

Stimulus Subsidies Cut ACA Costs By 40%, CMS Reports
Via KHN Morning Briefing; Kaiser Health News ~ Aug 05, 2021

FAH: Surprise billing arbitration process has to be more flexible on timing, batching of claims
By Robert King; FierceHealthcare ~ Aug 05, 2021

US plans to require COVID-19 shots for foreign travelers
By Zeke Miller; The Associated Press ~ Aug 04, 2021

Pfizer Vaccine Could Gain Full FDA Approval Within Weeks
Via KHN Morning Briefing; Kaiser Health News ~ Aug 04, 2021

‘Wisdom and Fear’ Lead 90% of U.S. Seniors to Covid Vaccines
By Phil Galewitz; Kaiser Health News ~ Aug 04, 2021

Study: Drug utilization costs health industry $93B a year, with patients bearing most of the cost
By Robert King; FierceHealthcare ~ Aug 04, 2021

Medicare-reliant hospitals perform worse financially, more likely to face closure or acquisition: Health Affairs
By Samantha Liss; Healthcare Dive ~ Aug 03, 2021

Retirement security ‘is shakier than ever’ and ‘Americans are not saving enough’ for old age
By Alessandra Malito; MarketWatch ~ Aug 03, 2021

Elders Vote 200% More Than The Youth Do, Beware
From Teresa Ghilarducci; Forbes ~ Aug 02, 2021

Treasury Department Invokes ‘Extraordinary Measures’ To Avoid Busting US Debt Ceiling
By Varun Hukeri; Daily Caller ~ Aug 02, 2021

3 key health policies in the Senate's $1T infrastructure package
By Robert King; FierceHealthcare ~ Aug 02, 2021

Opinion: Don’t Want a Vaccine? Be Prepared to Pay More for Insurance.
By Elisabeth Rosenthal & Glenn Kramon; The New York Times ~ Aug 02, 2021

A wake-up call to retirees who don’t get enough sleep
By Howard Gold; MarketWatch ~ Aug 02, 2021

Pension Smoothing Extension Included in Infrastructure Deal
By Ted Godbout; ASPPA ~ Aug 02, 2021

Schumer: Vote on infrastructure bill could come within days
By Kevin Freking & Lisa Mascaro; The Associated Press ~ Aug 01, 2021

Medicare Part D average premiums to increase nearly 5% in 2022, CMS says
By Jeff Lagasse; Healthcare Finance ~ Jul 30, 2021

Have DirecTV? Don't Fall for this Social Security Number Scam.
By Stephen Silver; The National Interest ~ Aug 01, 2021

amazon smile AmazonSmile Program to Benefit the American Retirees Education Program (AREF)

The NRLN board created the American Retiree Education Foundation (AREF) in 2014 as a 501(c)(3) tax-deductible, nonprofit education foundation to expand the research and educational reach of the NRLN and to enable NRLN to sharpen its focus as an organization lobbying for the passage of federal legislation and regulations that benefit retirees.

For example, the white paper on Protecting Pension Assets which is used to educate members of Congress on the need for legislation to prevent pension plan sponsors from using plan assets for non-pension expenses was funded by AREF.. Access the white paper here.

You can help fund the AREF without costing you anything extra when you make a purchase online from Amazon through its AmazonSmile program. Click here to learn more about AmazonSmile.