Get Ready for 2012 Social Security, Medicare Changes

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I think everyone should have Medicare and pay the premium every month and
nobody gets out of paying a premium according to their income. This way we all have coverage with the existing plans that we have now, also have a watchdog
that oversees all phases of Medicare to avoid fraud. If you want another plan
then it is your right to do so, it will probably cost you more. I know this sounds
like socialized medicine but it is not.

TR Smith of TX 11:48AM October 20, 2011

We need to be on full allert with this little increase. COLA did not stop going up in the past 3 years and neither did what needs to be paid to have Medicare B. How about giving those who are on Medicare long term nursing or in home care coverage instead of going broke trying to find a place that isn't satan's playground to put your loved ones in. Our system is a mess and will never get better any time soon.

Cozette Carlisle of IL 1:21PM October 19, 2011

I am 76 . My gain or loss for my railroad retirement seems to be a mystery. I now worry the government is not going to send next months check. These temperary budget fixes only create doubt.

roger kelley of WI 9:15AM October 19, 2011

I think that a lot of people who are working now have NO IDEA how much a retiree on Social Security and Medicare has to pay when they have to be hospitalized! They need to check it out!

Susan Hernandez of LA 8:55PM October 18, 2011

Well I am really Glade to here that people on Social Security will be getting an COLA incress after 3 Years frezz which I think was unfair in the First place when
Congress past a 3 Billions $ for cash for clunkers program which was supost to incress car sales in the us and you Don't do that when you have half of the us out
of work about 15 Million people just to boost car sales in a bad time for all Americans as well so as long as we let Corgress mess up the United States we will
never move ford ward so on November 4.2012 vote them all out of office.

Donald L Harper of GA 1:33PM October 18, 2011

Open comment to all the workers who think SS and Medicare are entitlements: We who are on SS and Medicare paid into the system just as current workers are doing so now. It is an insurance that was paid while working, and continues to paid for out of our SS benefits once receiving SS. I receive x-amount of funds monthly to cover my rent, utilities, medical not covered by medicare, and food. As the price of food keeps rising, the cost of my rent has increased 45$ since last cola raise, my utilities have risen approx 15%. This leaves me nothing.

Kenneth of IL 7:57PM October 17, 2011

I have to say that I don't really understand how those individuals receiving social security can complain about the Part B fees going up. I know that any COLA would probably go to cover the increased cost of the Part B coverage. But it's still quite a good deal really. What if they had to pay for the doctors? Medical care continues to go up and up and up. But really, how much of that can retired people expect those working to cover for them? When I was born there were about 17 people working for each retiree. Today that ratio is about 4 people working for each person retired. That is a staggering burden to put on someone who is still working and trying to support a family.
I think that retired people should be grateful for the compensation they receive. I wonder just how many people bother to check their statement and see what their contribution actually was. When you consider that someone retiring at the full age is probably getting somewhere around $1,500 a month that's $18,000 a year. Look at your statement and see how long your contribution would cover your retirement.

James Graves of CA 12:42AM October 17, 2011

Out of my social security I budget $300 a month for food.
My rent has increased by $35, making my food budget $265.
My medicare co-pay this month was $109, making my food budget $156 or making my budget $5.20 a day. Good thing I like Top Raman Noodles.

Bill of TX 10:01AM October 16, 2011

WHAT IF SOCIAL SECURITY KEEPS 3 MONTHS CHECKS. AND U HAVE NO OTHER INCOME. HOW CAN i PAY MY PREMIUM

LINDA J LANE of WA 10:45PM October 14, 2011

Social security cola should be in dollars, not by percent. Determine The total amount allowed for all on social security, Then divide that number by all on social security. Every person should get the same dollar increase. If that amount is enough to give each person $1,000.00, per year, then the lowest paid should get that amount, and the ones getting the maximum payment should get the same dollar amount. The way it is now, the gap continues to widen, between the lowest payment,and the maximum payment allowed. That is wrong. Only people with good common sense will understand this.
Donald Eugene Hill
5792 highway 197 south
Clarkesville, Georgia. 30523

Donald Eugene Hill of GA 12:23AM October 14, 2011