Seniors

TexLaProgressive

(12,329 posts) Wed Nov 6, 2024, 10:33 AM Nov 6

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?

10 replies

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I am anxious about possible changes to Medicare and Social Security (Original Post) TexLaProgressive Nov 6 OP

You aren't alone in your anxiety n/t Yonnie3 Nov 6 #1

I suspect, if someone is already on Social Security they will be grandfathered in. Those who are not on Social Security JohnSJ Nov 6 #2

that was the sales pitch, but when have they delivered rampartd Nov 18 #10

I share your concern the_liberal_grandpa Nov 6 #3

Those 2 programs have always been the 3rd rail TexLaProgressive Nov 6 #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 Nov 6 #4

Ya, rape seens to be a thing with them Joinfortmill Nov 6 #7

Many of us are with you on this! SheltieLover Nov 6 #5

This is what is giving me heart palpitations today Ruby the Liberal Nov 6 #6

I hear you! Have only SS, Medicare, and Medicaid. Medicaid provides my housing and meals. electric_blue68 Nov 17 #9

Yonnie3

(18,195 posts)

1. You aren't alone in your anxiety n/t

Reply to TexLaProgressive (Original post)

Wed Nov 6, 2024, 10:35 AM

Nov 6

JohnSJ

(96,810 posts)

2. I suspect, if someone is already on Social Security they will be grandfathered in. Those who are not on Social Security

Reply to TexLaProgressive (Original post)

Wed Nov 6, 2024, 10:39 AM

Nov 6

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.

rampartd

(863 posts)

10. that was the sales pitch, but when have they delivered

Reply to JohnSJ (Reply #2)

Mon Nov 18, 2024, 04:38 AM

Nov 18

it will probably be "left to the states" at some point, but maybe they will take it slow enough for me to die first.

without social security and my civil service pension i'm homeless and bankrupt, bit without medicare i'm dead.

the_liberal_grandpa

(60 posts)

3. I share your concern

Reply to TexLaProgressive (Original post)

Wed Nov 6, 2024, 10:40 AM

Nov 6

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

(12,329 posts)

8. Those 2 programs have always been the 3rd rail

Reply to the_liberal_grandpa (Reply #3)

Wed Nov 6, 2024, 11:00 AM

Nov 6

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

mitch96

(14,766 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

Reply to TexLaProgressive (Original post)

Wed Nov 6, 2024, 10:41 AM

Nov 6

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

Joinfortmill

(16,620 posts)

7. Ya, rape seens to be a thing with them

Reply to mitch96 (Reply #4)

Wed Nov 6, 2024, 10:59 AM

Nov 6

SheltieLover

(60,247 posts)

5. Many of us are with you on this!

Reply to TexLaProgressive (Original post)

Wed Nov 6, 2024, 10:43 AM

Nov 6

Ruby the Liberal

(26,329 posts)

6. This is what is giving me heart palpitations today

Reply to TexLaProgressive (Original post)

Wed Nov 6, 2024, 10:58 AM

Nov 6

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.

electric_blue68

(18,685 posts)

9. I hear you! Have only SS, Medicare, and Medicaid. Medicaid provides my housing and meals.

Reply to TexLaProgressive (Original post)

Sun Nov 17, 2024, 04:38 AM

Nov 17

I have to fight off scenarios* of occasional despair.

*I am a highly imaginative visual artist which Is wonderful for drawing, painting; not so much for worrying!
Ugh.

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