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Here's "THE SOCIAL SECURITY & MEDICARE ADVISOR" E-mail Newsletter that you requested from TREA Senior Citizens League (TSCL). http://www.tscl.org

Dear Jean Beard,

Per your request, this is your e-mailed copy of the Internet issue 11#3 of "The Social Security & Medicare Advisor." "The Advisor" is a Senior Citizens League supporter benefit covered by voluntary membership dues; no subscription payment is necessary. I hope you enjoy this edition and welcome your comments. 
Mary Johnson, Editor

P.S. You may also read the full articles on our website by clicking here http://www.tscl.org/AdvisorCurrentIssue.asp.
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March 2006 Volume 11#3 Internet Issue TABLE OF CONTENTS
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TSCL -- Serving Seniors for 10 Years
Call to Action! 
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1. Transition To Medicare Drug Benefit a "Nightmare" For Many
TSCL Presses Congress to Ensure Seniors Receive Promised Benefit

The launch of the new Medicare Part D drug program in early January came as a shock to millions of the nation's sickest and poorest seniors and disabled. Hundreds of thousands had to pay far more than anticipated for their prescriptions or leave their pharmacies empty-handed. Click here to read the complete article: http://www.tscl.org/NewContent/102587.asp.

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2. Legislative Update: COLA More Medicare "Sticker" Shock Ahead For Seniors
By the TSCL Legislative Staff

The "sticker" shock of higher than expected Medicare Part D costs for many seniors last January could be a preview of what lies ahead. The 2003 drug legislation which was billed as the biggest expansion in the history of Medicare also greatly expanded out-of-pocket costs for millions of seniors from rich to poor. In addition to adding a drug benefit, it will make some seniors pay more for the doctors' and outpatient care starting next year, and already makes all beneficiaries pay more every year for the Part B deductible. 
Click here to read the article in its entirety: http://www.tscl.org/NewContent/102588.asp.

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3. Substantially Higher Part B Premiums in 2007 As Medicare Means Testing Starts

For the first time in Medicare's history, millions of seniors will be required to pay substantially more for their Medicare Part B premiums than other seniors next year. In 2007 the government will begin "income relating," or means testing. Higher income seniors will have to pay more for their doctors' services and outpatient coverage. The change, which comes as part of the 2003 Medicare drug legislation, could affect as many as 2.3 million seniors according to estimates by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO). To read the rest of this article, click the following: http://www.tscl.org/NewContent/102589.asp.

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4. Notch Bulletin: While Notch Babies Scrape By, Convicted Congressmen Draw Big Pensions 

Social Security beneficiaries have never enjoyed the same protection of their retirement benefits that Members of Congress seem to give to their own handsome pensions. When Members of Congress are convicted of crimes, they may lose their office and their annual paycheck ($165,200 this year), but they won't lose their cushy annual pensions — even in prison. Former U.S. Representative Randy "Duke" Cunningham, after pleading guilty to taking $2.4 million in bribes, is due to collect an estimated Congressional pension of $36,000 this year. In 1996, former chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, Representative Dan Rostenkowski pleaded guilty to mail fraud, served 15 months in prison, and continues to draw $110,000 per year. To read the full article, click here: http://www.tscl.org/NewContent/102590.asp.

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5. Congressional Corner: The Debate Over Social Security Is Far From Over
By Representative Charlie Gonzalez (TX)

While it is on the backburner for now, the debate over Social Security reform is far from over. Social Security is a reflection of our society's values. It's an understanding that we are a community that ensures our elderly and disabled citizens do not live in destitute poverty. Social Security therefore reflects the wealth we share collectively as a nation, not the sum of what individuals accumulate. Click here to read the full article: http://www.tscl.org/NewContent/102591.asp.

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6. TSCL Petitions Congress for "Redress of Grievances" Concerning U.S. /Mexico Social Security Totalization Agreement

Driven by public outrage over the flow of illegal immigrants across the borders, Congress is moving on controversial immigration legislation. Late last year, the House passed legislation that would require employers to verify the legal status of all employees by checking a national database. President Bush and many other Members of Congress want immigration legislation to also include provisions creating a "guest-worker" program, allowing millions of immigrants currently in this country illegally to gain temporary legal status, if they have a job. To see the rest of the story, click here: http://www.tscl.org/NewContent/102592.asp.

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7. The Benefits of Membership in TSCL
Saving Money On Your Smile Has Never Been So Easy!
By Georgette Pam, TSCL Member Services Coordinator

TSCL and DentalPlans.com want to make it as easy as possible for you to save money on quality dental care. As a benefit, TSCL members will save 30% on the discount dental plan of their choice by using coupon code TSCL. Click the following to read the rest of this article: http://www.tscl.org/NewContent/102599.asp.

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8. Special Report on Medicare "Part D" 
"It is An Impossible Task, We Are Overwhelmed" 

I'm a certified Medicare Benefits Counselor. Part of my job is to assist seniors with information and enrollment in the Medicare Prescription Drug Program. I agree with TSCL that the program is complicated and confusing and many of the seniors I speak with are dazed and confused. I also feel there are many seniors in our area that will "miss the boat" and not enroll in Part D because they are dazed and confused not knowing what to do or where to turn. To read the rest of the article, click here: http://www.tscl.org/NewContent/102600.asp.

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9. Questions and Answers 

Q: My husband will be 65 on May 27, 2006 and is still employed. He plans to continue working. He's not able to collect full Social Security benefits until he is 65 and 8 months. I turn 65 on August 14, 2006. When are we supposed to apply for Medicare and how will premiums be deducted if we have not started Social Security? We have prescription drug benefits through his employer now. Will we be penalized if we don't sign up by the end of our enrollment period? To see the answer, click here: http://www.tscl.org/NewContent/102601.asp.

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"The Social Security & Medicare Advisor" is published by The Senior Exchange, Inc. for the Senior Citizens League. The Senior Exchange is a communications and publication company which provides books, pamphlets, monographs, newsletters, and other information sources and products of special concern to America's senior citizens and retirees. We strive to ensure the information in this newsletter is accurate, but because our reports are based in part on what others have written, we cannot guarantee it and encourage you to confirm information when necessary. Any part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying or otherwise, provided that full credit is given, in writing, to

"The Social Security & Medicare Advisor,"
PO Box 144,
Burke, VA 22009,
info@seniorexchange.net. 

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10. Frequently Asked Questions about this Newsletter: How to Unsubscribe or Subscribe, Sharing the Newsletter with a Friend, etc.

Jean Beard, I sent you this newsletter via the Internet at your request. I hope it keeps you informed about some of the important developments and projects your Senior Citizens League is working on. 
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