Health Insurane Reform

Are the democrats likely to pass bold health reforms or are they afraid to rock the private insurance boat? The country has a consensus for expanded health coverage, but experience shows you can't achieve universal coverage at an affordable price unless you throw out the insurance companies overhead and profit. Have the Democrats learned this lesson or is 'universal coverage,' merely a euphemism for the right to purchase private health insurance? Has health reform flatlined

POOR IN U.S. PUNISHED FOR SAVING MONEY

Comments to Mass Senior Action Council
From
Howard McGowan, Metro North Chapter

I read an article that “hit home” in a local paper because it affects members of MSAC
and low income citizens in Massachusetts and directly applies to my situation.
I would like to read a summary of the points made and the way it can be applied to my
Situation.
The Federal Government has been urging people to sock away money for their
retirement
Low Income families would be foolish to take that advise!
FACT Low Income Households face “Astronomical” penalties for saving.
We are constantly told we need to save early and often to prepare for retirement yet
Government policies tell low income families that if you save for the future you won’t get
help today.
TAX CODE Increased set aside incentives to save for retirement that wipes out savings by Qualifying for income tax credit.
Putting aside a few dollars in a retirement plan can
Disqualify for food stamps, healthcare benefits as well as assistance given to poor
Families w/children Loss of Benefits year after year compounded into a large loss over period of time
People start saving thinking they are going to be treated fairly and then they get
Clobbered
They do not know what happened!!!
There are ways to achieve our savings
Objectives without kicking people in the head if they try to work and save.

I can relate to this stated position..
I am a product of the depression era as are many of the M S A C members who can relate.
As a veteran of the Marine Corps who enlisted and served proudly believing all the
promises of the government. I purchased War Bonds (with the urging and advise of my
Superiors) and made an allotment to my folks back home. The bonds grew to a “nest Egg”
With the money I lent the war effort in two years overseas service in the Pacific besides
Stateside service. After taking on GI bill “catch up” education I was able to get a work
record and IRA savings restricted by the government tax code so lent money to
“Uncle Sam”by purchasing savings bonds to secure my retirement . I became a victim
of the Social Security reform
When they adjusted the system by creating “Notch babies” and assuring me a lower
Social Security payments. I took (with the blessing of the government in their effort
to open jobs for younger workers) early retirement at 62. I am now 83 and guess
Took advantage of the Social Security System by living beyond their calculations.
Now that my wife and I are in need of some government services the tell me to become
A pauper and then apply for help. They are means testing me to death and want to
consider getting rid of my Lend to the government that was my backup to remain
Independent.

N C O A is pleased to announce a new Access to Benefits Campaign to improve assistance for low-income Medicare beneficiaries. The 1. Medicare Prescription Drug Low-Income Subsidy (LIS) and the Medicare Savings Programs (MSP) provide significant assistance to low-income Medicare beneficiaries in paying their premiums and cost-sharing. Unfortunately, enrollment rates in these programs have historically been very low. For example, up to 4.2 million low-income Medicare beneficiaries are eligible for assistance under the LIS, but are not yet enrolled in the program. Enrollment in one of the MSP programs is estimated at only 13 percent. In addition, the asset test for MSP eligibility has not been updated to reflect inflation in decades and one of the programs is scheduled to expire this September 30.