Alliance for Retired Americans Blog

What Role Should Retirees Play in their Families?

Post by Donald Singer, Retiree activist from New York (AFSA, ARA)

     We all are members of many families.  Our immediate families (our own children and  grandchildren, our nieces and nephews); our professional family (fellow retirees, Associations, Political clubs, etc.); and our social  family (clubs, friends, religious institutions, community centers, etc.).

     Many of us consider ourselves "activists," because we belong to retiree groups and/or retiree organizations such as AFSA, CSA RETIREES, AARP and ARA.  Is that enough?

         Is there a connection between "family" and "activist?"

      Most definitely!!!  And as the State Legislatures and Governors around the country are screaming for "givebacks" from the "greedy public service unions" there has never been a more vital time for us to be active!

     Issues that continually face retirees including pensions, social security, health insurance, Medicare, a fair taxing policy and affordable housing must be approached at all levels with which we have contact.

     We as the "elders" must take the responsibility of sharing with all groups mentioned above.  We  should explain and teach about the values of pensions, Social Security and health care.  We must emphasize that these "benefits" were not "entitlements," but the results of 40+ years of work, savings, and that they are not "unfair" burdens to our communities.

     For example, our children and grandchildren must understand that Social Security is not a drain on our society's resources; that it is a self-funded retirement/survivor/disability policy for those who have contributed parts of our salary so that we and our children and grandchildren will accrue a dividend for their investment in their own retirement plan.

     For example, when discussing health care, we must continue to advocate for reforms with the U.S. National Health Insurance Act to essentialy expand Medicare for all Americans, to lower the cost of  health care, to allow the government to negotiate costs of prescription drugs and to maintain the integrity of health plans which retirees enjoy.

     For example, when talking about tax reform and the budget, shouldn't we look at a new tax policy, closing "loopholes,' how Wall Street "reforms" are playing-out.  Why should hedge-fund managers have a lower federal tax rate than middle-class teachers, nurses, firefighters and police officers?

    So many other issues are of importance... housing, victims' rights, funding public education and, employee rights to unionize - just to mention a few.

     When talking with our families, we must remember the "Social Contract" upon which our middle class was formed - the "family" must support the youngest through their years of schooling and post-High School education, and, at the same time, help the older generation retire in dignity and  comfort.  The families to which we belong will be supporting us if we support them.  The challenges will be constant, but families will make facing those challenges easier.

     These conversations could take place at our family and friends' dinner table and at parties and meetings and social events we attend.  We should be proud of the families to which we belong.

     We must see ourselves as advocates, as activists in all family situations.  When we hear that "pensions" are too much of a drain on our society, when we hear that public employees and their unions are only out for themselves, and when we're told that "vouchers" are the answer to Public Education, we must answer.

     But that answer should be in the context of the "family" in  which we are residing in at the moment.  It doesn't have to be confrontational, but the issue should be addressed.  We must remember, that regardless of what "family" we're in, we're always sensitive to the need to be an advocate for what we strived for all during our careers.  Not all of us will be active in "retiree organizations," but we should active as members of the "retiree family."

Critz on side of PA seniors

A new television ad, which began airing yesterday in Western Pennsylvania, lauds 12th congressional district candidate Mark Critz for his strong support for Social Security and lowering prescription drug costs for seniors.

The ad states that Mark Critz has signed a pledge to oppose privatizing Social Security, a major issue in this race.  Critz' opponent, Republican Tim Burns, has been the recipient of several endorsements from political leaders who support a privatized Social Security run by Wall Street investment firms. 

The 30-second spot, an independent expenditure by the Alliance for Retired Americans Political Action Fund, will run on a heavy ad buy during programming with large senior audiences across the 12th congressional district.

House Passes Landmark Health Reform Bill

Last night, the House of Representatives said "Yes" to health insurance reform. Years of hard work culminates in results.

Alliance Executive member/Vice President Judy Cato joined AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka and Working America member Liz Stender on Capitol Hill to witness the historic vote.

Ms. Cato said, "I believe in and am fighting for health care reform. I need health care reform. My family needs health care reform. Senior citizens need health care reform. Disabled vets need health care reform. I came here today to be another body to try to see this through. It feels really good to be here today. This moment is a long time a'coming."

Alliance Executive Director Ed Coyle said the landmark legislation will help current and future retirees in several significant ways including:

· Closing the Medicare “doughnut hole” coverage gap so seniors will no longer have to cut dangerous corners on their medications;
· Eliminating co-pays for preventive screenings to help older Americans more quickly and affordably identify and treat diseases such as cancer and diabetes;
· Cutting wasteful spending to extend the life of the Medicare Trust Fund so seniors can better afford premiums which have doubled over the past eight years; and
· Reducing costly health problems by assisting pre-Medicare retirees with insurance costs and banning discrimination based on pre-existing conditions.

Alliance members made over 6000 phone calls and sent over 2000 emails to their representatives last week.

Download House Health Care Vote March 21 Press Release

Check out how your Representative voted here.

Seniors voice opinions as health bill vote approaches

Retired teacher, Stella Johnson, joined Nancy Pelosi & House leadership at the Capitol yesterday to add her perspective on the health reform bill coming up for a vote.

Here's what she had to say:

My name is Stella Johnson, and I am a retired school teacher for Washington, D.C. I am also a member of the Alliance for Retired Americans. Like many seniors, I must take prescriptions every day to manage my high blood pressure and high cholesterol. But unfortunately, along with over 3 million other seniors, I am in what is known as the Medicare “donut hole.”

For several months of the year, I have to pay full price for my prescriptions, even though I am still paying my Medicare premiums. In other words, I pay the money but get nothing in return. For an example, in 2008, I received a letter from my insurance company stating that I would not receive any money for my medicine during the month of December. No you know how that is, that is supposed to be a very joyful month. However, I found myself, during that time, quite desperate for I would not receive any money until the new year for my insurance began. I had to use my utility bill money in order to buy my medicine. And then, in order to catch up these bills, I had to even go to borrow money from my food money. I became quite desperate, and I didn’t know what to do. Because in times like this, it is very hard for me to make ends meet. I have to chose between taking the medicines I need and paying my monthly bills. Because my prescription costs so much, I fall behind on some of these bills. When I get hit with late penalties, things even get worse.

The health care bill will help seniors like me, who struggle every day to afford the prescriptions they must have. Retirees all across the country desperately need this bill to pass right away.

Health Reform Summit Wrap-up

Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL): "If you think it's a socialist plot and it's wrong, for God's sake drop out of the federal employee health benefits program." (Regarding health insurance reform)

Sen. John Barrasso (R-WY)  "A lot of people with catastrophic health care are the best consumers of health care." (Talking around the issue of health insurance reform)

President Obama: "Can America do what every other advanced country in the world has done?" [Give health insurance to all its citizens]

Yesterday's health reform summit at Blair House included much banter. If it wasn't clear before, it was clear yesterday that Republican Members of Congress agree on one thing: it's time to "scrap" the health reform legislation and "start over." Considering they've been trying to squelch health reform since the very beginning, starting over seems a truly futile endeavor.

President Obama defended his Administration’s own health plan which was released Monday. The plan contains several major steps toward improving the well-being of current and future retirees. 

Obama’s plan addresses millions of seniors who are struggling to afford to see a doctor or get a prescription filled.  Medicare premiums and out-of-pocket costs are on their way to eating up more than one-third of a retiree’s Social Security benefits, if they do not already. For retirees, continued inaction would truly be devastating. 

The Alliance continues to receive letters and emails decrying the difficulty of being in the 'donut hole,' skyrocketing Rx drug costs and premiums. Recent messages include:

• "I'm just an old man trying ot get by. Please close the donut hole. This would help us old people."
• "Paying 672.00 monthly [in the donut hole] is very difficult after receiving just 542.00 dollars my wife receives from social security. In fact, the charge card calls to check if our card is lost or stolen when they get this bill."
• "I have friends and family members who could greatly benefit from this new health care reform. They will go to the doctor without hesitations for the health care they need."

Activists can follow up on the summit by doing 3 things:

1) Contact your U.S. House member and two Senators by calling 202-224-3121.  Tell them that President Obama's proposal would close the "doughnut hole" coverage gap in Medicare Part D; finally end the $3.60 per month every senior pays in higher premiums to subsidize the big insurance corporations that run Medicare Advantage; and make long-term care more affordable for middle-class families. 2) Write a letter to the editor of your local paper reiterating the need for reform.  You may find it helpful to use the language at http://bit.ly/8YMsgI as a guide; and 3) Share Alliance materials like the comparison chart above and the fact sheet at http://bit.ly/a1qtC8 with your friends and neighbors.

Premiums rising across the board

Last week's Friday Alert reported "Insurance Premium Increase of 39% in California Adds to Health Reform Urgency."

Alliance for Retired Americans member Marlene Colbeck from Merchantville, New Jersey points out that premiums are rising everywhere.

Ms. Colbeck is on Medicare with Aetna HMO supplement and although her rates remain relatively low, they have increased significantly in just the last year and a half. Earlier last year, Ms. Colbeck's rates were $35/month. Later in the year they nearly doubled to $65/month and just two months later at the beginning of 2010, they raised yet again to $87.

Marlene Colbeck wants people to know that huge jumps in insurance premiums are going on in every city in this nation. Ms. Colbeck is very grateful for the care Medicare provided her husband and now her, but she thinks it's sad that insurance companies are trying to make a lot of money now before health reform passes. Or just trying to make a lot of money because they can.

Today, the AP reported "Medicare Advantage Premiums Jump 14 Percent."

More Seniors Eligible for Rx Drug Help in 2010

Beginning January 1, 2010, changes in Medicare began making it easier for some beneficiaries to qualify for additional help with their prescription drug plan costs. 

Under the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act, seniors will no longer have to count help that they receive from someone else toward their expenses - including rent, mortgage, heat, food and property taxes - as income.  Also, life insurance policies will no longer count as a resource when determining eligibility. 

• ~Click here for more information on eligibility.

~Watch an explanatory webinar here. 

• ~You can apply for the program online at www.socialsecurity.gov, by calling 1-800-772-1213, or by applying at your local Social Security office.

Member Gary Brown's health care story

Gary Brown is an Alliance for Retired Americans member in Iowa. He worked for a packaging manufacturer in California for many years before moving back to Iowa where he now resides with family.

Brown, like many seniors, manages a number of health issues. He became disabled 9 years ago. He has been hypo-tensive for many years and diabetic for 35 years. He is insulin-dependent and experienced kidney 9 years ago. This October (2009), he had his second below-the-knee amputation. From his room at the rehabilitation hospital, he reached out to his elected representatives to convey his strong support for health insurance reform this year that includes a public option.

Medicare is Browns primary source of income and primary medical coverage. He also has secondary health coverage through Blue Cross Blue Shield. Brown also uses Medicare's prescription drug coverage (Medicare Part D). He is grateful for the coverage and care that he receives, but says he and other seniors and disabled people cannot always afford their prescription drugs. That goes for life both in and out of the "donut hole," although life in the donut hole is considerably more challenging.

Brown said:

I am on about 12 medications on a monthly basis in addition to diabetic supplies, and that can be very expensive. Some of those medications exceed $100/month. So for someone who is dependent on Medicare for their entire income, it can be quite difficult.

In fact, for many seniors and disabled people, they have to make a choice between paying the bills, paying their rent and eating which is very unfortunate. I happen to be fortunate to have family members who participate in my care and in the amount of money that I have to pay my bills, and quite frankly to eat.

Last year, Brown fell into the Medicare Part D prescription drug "donut hole" in the beginning of Sept and paid for all of his prescription drugs for rest of year. He is currently in the donut hole again.

Like most Americans, Gary Brown is concerned about the out-of-control, indeed skyrocketing, costs of health care and health insurance. Brown said,"I'm on one Medication that costs $800 per month. In pill form, that very same medication is $3800 per month

." He continued, "Why are there no controls on what the insurance companies and the medical providers and the hospitals can charge? We walk in there and we need help. Many people live below the poverty line and simply cant afford it."

For Brown, health insurance reform with a public option is absolutely necessary. He said, "We need an affordable national public option."

Gary Brown supports a national public option:

On the donut hole:

More on Gary Brown:

Allow Safe Reimportation of Rx Drugs

The U.S. Senate may vote as soon as Monday, December 14 to allow the safe reimportation of drugs from other industrialized countries.  Senators Byron Dorgan (D-ND) and Olympia Snowe (R-ME) have introduced an amendment to the Senate health care legislation to allow safe drug reimportation.

Americans pay the highest prescription drug prices in the world, five times more to fill their prescriptions than consumers in other countries such as Canada.  Retirees and older Americans are particularly hard hit by high drug costs because they have more acute and chronic illnesses.  In addition to consumer savings, the Congressional Budget Office estimates that the Dorgan-Snowe Amendment would also save the government about $19 billion over 10 years.  This is a win for retirees and all taxpayers.

For several years, the Alliance sponsored bus trips to Canada for seniors who are forced to make the trips to purchase prescriptions that costs hundreds of dollars less than in the United States. [Rx Express bus tour press conferences pictured at right]  However, bus trips are not a solution.  The Dorgan-Snowe Amendment, with rigid safeguards to ensure quality control, is a necessary measure to reduce ever-increasing prescription drug costs. 

***Please click here to send an email to your U. S. senators today and urge them to vote for the Dorgan-Snowe drug reimportation amendment.***