Monterey, CA Seniors May Suffer Under Fiscal Cliff Negotiations

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There has been quite a bit in the press recently about the so-called fiscal cliff we may go over if Congress can't come up with a budget by year-end.  Not surprisingly, Medicare and Social Security are once again in the cross-hairs, with Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R., KY) outlining a plan to raise Medicare premiums for the wealthy, increase the Medicare eligibility age and slow down cost of living increases (COLA) for Social Security.  He said that in return for the support of Democrats, the Republicans have agreed to bring in more tax revenue, although it would not be due to higher rates.  However, Democrats are still pushing to raise taxes on the wealthy, so it's unclear that a deal is on the way.  The American Association for Retired Persons (AARP) has launched a major lobbying effort to oppose any reductions in Medicare benefits as well as the increase in the eligibility age from 65 to 67.  Hopefully, a deal will be reached soon on the budget that doesn't have a significant negative impact on seniors.  They have already suffered enough over the past two years with myriad cuts in services at both the state and federal levels.

Please note that this blog reflects my personal opinion and may or may not reflect the opinion of Hands To Help Seniors and the individual members comprising the Board of Governors.