Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

TexLaProgressive

(12,280 posts)
Wed Nov 6, 2024, 10:33 AM Wednesday

I am anxious about possible changes to Medicare and Social Security

I have a pension, but my SS benefit is higher than the pension.
If there are cuts to SS we would be in serious trouble financially.
I’m a type 2 diabetic on an insulin pump, I receive insulin and pump supplies at a reasonable rate because of Medicare and my retirement benefit. I had a radical cystectomy (bladder removal) last January, so I need urostomy supplies for life. Then there are our cadre of doctors, both PCP and specialists and regular testing - Friday I am scheduled for a CT scan of chest and pelvis with and without contrast. A 10% decrease in benefits might be enough to shorten our lives.

Then there’s the possibility of decreasing SS benefits. Won’t be able to pay for medical bills and food and utilities.

I have know for about 45 years that the Republican Party has a hate on for Medicare and Social Security since their inception. With the courts, Congress and the WH in their hands will their dreams come true of killing these life giving and saving programs?

8 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
I am anxious about possible changes to Medicare and Social Security (Original Post) TexLaProgressive Wednesday OP
You aren't alone in your anxiety n/t Yonnie3 Wednesday #1
I suspect, if someone is already on Social Security they will be grandfathered in. Those who are not on Social Security JohnSJ Wednesday #2
I share your concern the_liberal_grandpa Wednesday #3
Those 2 programs have always been the 3rd rail TexLaProgressive Wednesday #8
I'm in the same boat. I have not touched my other investments and have lived on pension and SS. If SS goes away mitch96 Wednesday #4
Ya, rape seens to be a thing with them Joinfortmill Wednesday #7
Many of us are with you on this! SheltieLover Wednesday #5
This is what is giving me heart palpitations today Ruby the Liberal Wednesday #6

JohnSJ

(96,436 posts)
2. I suspect, if someone is already on Social Security they will be grandfathered in. Those who are not on Social Security
Wed Nov 6, 2024, 10:39 AM
Wednesday

will need to figure out a way to protect themselves if they haven't been saving regularly, because there is a real possibility that they will sure try destroy it by making it voluntary.

The big problem will be Medicare. Again I think those that are on it will be grandfathered in, but those who aren't will need to look for alternative options.

I can see them raising the age of both Medicare and Social Security to help finance trump's tax breaks.

It is scary times.

3. I share your concern
Wed Nov 6, 2024, 10:40 AM
Wednesday

While they likely will try to change Social Security and Medicare the certainly won't help strengthen them so we may be looking at benefit cuts.

I would like to think that Americans wouldn't stand for this but today I'm not sure. This is not the America I grew up in.

TexLaProgressive

(12,280 posts)
8. Those 2 programs have always been the 3rd rail
Wed Nov 6, 2024, 11:00 AM
Wednesday

I’m not sure that 3rd rail is carrying much of a charge anymore.

mitch96

(14,618 posts)
4. I'm in the same boat. I have not touched my other investments and have lived on pension and SS. If SS goes away
Wed Nov 6, 2024, 10:41 AM
Wednesday

Life will get very interesting and not in a good way.
The oligarchs want to privatize SS so they can rape it like corporate raiders do. Split it up and sell the parts for profit.
m

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corporate_raid

Ruby the Liberal

(26,305 posts)
6. This is what is giving me heart palpitations today
Wed Nov 6, 2024, 10:58 AM
Wednesday

I'm terrified right now.

We can definitely kiss Medicare drug price negotiation and the 2025 $2k annual pharma cap goodbye. Who knows whats next or how soon.

Sorry to be adding doom.

Latest Discussions»Support Forums»Seniors»I am anxious about possib...