Alliance for Retired Americans, Friday Alert 8-9-13

Headlines:
Happy 78th Birthday, Social Security!
Voting Rights under Attack in Florida
More Polling Shows Republican Party Increasingly Unpopular With Seniors
Study Finds Dementia Dropping Sharply, as Forecast
Alliance President Barbara Easterling Speaks At Virginia AFL-CIO Convention

Happy 78th Birthday, Social Security!
On Wednesday, August 14th, Social Security will celebrate 78 years of providing retirement security to older Americans. In this time of financial uncertainty, when other sources of retirement income such as pensions and savings are increasingly out of reach for many Americans, Social Security is more important than ever.  If you have not already signed the Alliance petition, which says to “Keep Social Security Strong – Let’s Not Be the Last Generation to Retire,” you can add your support at http://bit.ly/16ESw9e. The Alliance has also marked the birthday milestone by partnering with the group Social Security Works to release special state-by-state reports on what Social Security means for the people and economy in each state. To view the reports and see the data for your state, go to http://tinyurl.com/mjfvazl.

State Alliances around the country have already begun holding birthday celebrations for Social Security, and the news media is taking notice. The Iowa Alliance co-hosted a town hall with Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA). View moving footage from the town hall at http://tinyurl.com/n4dkkh7. For coverage of a California press conference in Fremont with Rep. Mike Honda (D-CA), go to http://tinyurl.com/ltonyw6. To read about birthday celebrations in Connecticut, which were attended by Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), go to http://tinyurl.com/lpcbnsg. Dozens more events will be taking place across the country this month. Find an event near you at http://tinyurl.com/nxvp8ls.

Voting Rights under Attack in Florida
Florida officials, led by Gov. Rick Scott (R), have resumed a purge of Florida’s voting rolls. The process had been stalled due to lawsuits, but Mr. Scott claims that the Supreme Court’s recent decision to strike down a key part of the Voting Rights Act has made it clear that the voter removal program is legal. The purpose of the program is ostensibly to remove non-citizens from the voting rolls, but many opponents believe that the real motivations are political. Groups of voters likely to be disproportionately impacted by the purge include seniors, minorities, students, and low income Americans.

“These developments in Florida make it increasingly clear that the Supreme Court’s recent decision puts the voting rights of millions of Americans, including seniors, at risk,” said Edward F. Coyle, Executive Director of the Alliance. “Instead of trying to reduce voting, states should be encouraging political participation by expanding early voting programs and making it easier to vote from home.”

More Polling Shows Republican Party Increasingly Unpopular With Seniors
Echoing the sentiment of a National Journal story in the Friday Alert last week (http://tinyurl.com/n8aspgq), Democratic strategist James Carville and pollster Stan Greenberg brought more startling numbers to the table on Thursday. According to recent polling reported on the National Memo web site, only 28 percent of seniors rate the Republican Party favorably, and 71 percent disapprove of the job performance of House Republicans. Only 33 percent of seniors identify as Republicans, down from 39 percent in 2010. On the other hand, 39 percent of seniors now identify as Democrats, up from 29 percent in 2010. This change in party affiliation coincides with a recent survey about the policy priorities of seniors, which show that 89 percent of seniors want to protect Medicare benefits and 74 percent want to cut subsidies to big corporations. The survey also showed that a majority of seniors believe that Republicans are too extreme. In 2010, seniors voted for Republicans by a 21 point margin (38 percent to 59 percent). Among seniors likely to vote in 2014, the Republican candidate leads by just 5 points (41 percent to 46 percent).Read the analysis of the data at http://tinyurl.com/lj8aoca.

“This news comes as no surprise,” said Ruben Burks, Secretary-Treasurer of the Alliance. “Republicans have attempted to gut Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid while giving tax breaks and special deals to corporations and the wealthiest Americans. Seniors are a savvy voting bloc and do not support these misguided policies. The Republican Party needs to reconsider its extremist positions.”

Study Finds Dementia Dropping Sharply, as Forecast
A recent study has found that dementia rates among people 65 and older in England and Wales have plummeted by 25 percent over the past two decades, to 6.2 percent from 8.3 percent. Researchers say the trend “is probably occurring across developed countries and that could have major social and economic implications for families and societies.” Another recent study, conducted in Denmark, found that people in their 90s who were given a standard test of mental ability in 2010 scored substantially better than people who had reached their 90s a decade earlier. Both the British study and the Danish one were published in The Lancet. Experts on aging said the studies confirm something they had suspected but had had difficulty proving: that dementia rates would fall and mental acuity improve as the population grew healthier and better educated. The incidence of dementia is lower among those better educated, as well as among those who control their blood pressure and cholesterol, possibly because some dementia is caused by ministrokes and other vascular damage. To read the full New York Times story, go to http://tinyurl.com/m36cyzz.

Alliance President Barbara Easterling Speaks At Virginia AFL-CIO Convention
Alliance President Barbara J. Easterling spoke at the Virginia AFL-CIO’s convention today (August 9th). Her remarks focused on senior issues and the upcoming November 5 Virginia governor’s election, as well as the ongoing budget battles in Washington. Democratic gubernatorial candidate Terry McAuliffe has a very slim lead over his opponent Ken Cuccinelli (R) in recent polls. In Washington, conservatives continue to threaten to shut down the government unless their demands for draconian spending cuts, potentially including proposed cuts to Social Security and Medicare, are met. Ms. Easterling stressed the importance of holding firm against these threats and organizing to elect pro-senior lawmakers to both state and federal office.

“Older Virginians vote more than any other age group – this is a must-win voting bloc for both sides,” said Ms. Easterling. “We need you to help educate seniors on the huge differences between these two candidates. Please help us elect a pro-senior Governor and state legislature.”

For a printable version of this document, go to http://bit.ly/17cR6AY.

Currency Manipulation Just Isn't Fair

Hello SOAR members. We are still working on the issue of currency manipulation and I wanted to share with you an update. Congressman Levin from Michigan introduced The Currency
Reform for Fair Trade Act (HR 1276) in March and we’ve been building support for it ever since. Now 116 Members of Congress are cosponsors of this bill, and last month the Senate stepped into action with its version: The Currency Exchange Rate Oversight Reform Act (S 1114), now with 12 cosponsors.

Why is this important to us? When another country manipulates its currency, it acts as a subsidy for goods entering our market and as a tax on our goods in markets overseas. China is the leading currency manipulation culprit, so the value of goods coming in from China seems cheap to our consumers. At the same time our goods going to China seem expensive to their consumers. If China’s currency were not undervalued, trade with China would not be so one-sided. Now China sells us billions of dollars more in goods ($315 billion more in 2012 alone) than we sell to them. This unbalanced trade arrangement costs us jobs and has to stop!

So if 116 Members of Congress and 12 Senators pledged their support, that means 319 Member of Congress and 88 Senators have not yet. This month, most of them will be in their Districts. Visit their offices and ask them to support these bills. For more information, give me a call at 260-633-1060. Thank you for helping to “Keep it Made in America.”

Rachel Bennett Steury, AAM Field Coordinator

Obamacare Found to Lower Premiums - Nearly 20% Lower

HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius released a news report that finds premiums in the health insurance marketplace will be nearly 20 percent lower in 2014 than previously expected.

The Affordable Care Act requires health insurers in every state to publicly justify any premium rate increases of 10 percent or more. Health insurance companies now generally have to spend at least 80 cents of every premium dollar on health care or improvements to care, or provide a rebate to their policy holders. In addition, when the Health Insurance Marketplace opens for enrollment on October 1, 2013, consumers will be able to make apples to apples comparisons of quality health insurance plans.

Action needed

Sen. Jay Rockefeller (D-WV) and Rep. Henry Waxman (D-CA) have introduced the Medicare Drug Savings Act, S.740 in the U.S. Senate and H.R.1588 in the U.S. House of Representatives, that would eliminate this special deal for brand-name drug manufacturers. This legislation would prevent the big drug companies from charging the federal government higher drug prices for low-income Medicare beneficiaries than they charge for Medicaid. The Medicare Drug Savings Act would save the federal government more than $141.2 billion over 10 years, money that helps all Medicare beneficiaries. Please call your Congress Person and Senators.

Bill Pienta Appointed SOAR President

In July 2013, Bill Pienta was appointed SOAR President by USW International President Leo W. Gerard to serve the remaining term of
President C.L. “Connie” Entrekin who retired.

Prior to his retirement from active employment in 2012, Bill served on the USW’s International Executive Board as Director of District 4.

Pienta began his career with the United Steelworker union in 1966, when he began working at the former Allegheny Ludlum steel mill in Dunkirk as an electrician. He became a union activist and was elected to the grievance committee in 1970. He went on to serve in a variety of local union positions, eventually being elected
president of Local 2693. Pienta was appointed to the USW International staff as an organizer in 1990. He was promoted to the position of Buffalo Sub-district Director and served as the organizing and first contract coordinator for the district. In 2002, Pienta was named Assistant Director of District 4 and served in that capacity until his appointment as Director in 2004.

As Director of USW District 4, Pienta represented about 80,000 members in both the public and private sectors of organized labor. He was responsible for all USW activities in nine states, New York, Delaware, New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine and the island of Puerto Rico.

Throughout his career, Pienta worked tirelessly to represent the members of our union. He served as a vice president of the Buffalo, NY Central Labor Council and as secretary to the Western New York Area Labor Federation. Additionally, he represented the USW as a vice president of the New York State AFL-CIO, Executive Board. He also presided over national negotiations of the Allegheny Ludlum Bargaining Council and the National Gas Conference. He was also a director of the New York State Workforce Development Institute, Inc.

SOAR Director Expresses Gratitude

It is with mixed emotions that I write this column. I have spent a great deal of time these past six years; working shoulder to shoulder with President Entrekin through some very difficult times. I have the utmost respect for Connie and his ability to rally our members on the issues that most affect our members. His dedication to working families and retirees is second to none.

Not only have I had the opportunity to know Connie on a professional level, my wife Carol and I have gotten to know both him and his wife Barbara on a personal level, and have thoroughly enjoyed their company. As we have travelled across this great union of ours, we have bonded in a way that makes it very difficult for me to see him move on.

I want to thank Connie for all he has done for our organization and the positive influence he has had on me. He has strengthened my resolve and commitment to the work that we do on behalf of our retirees and working America.

On behalf of all of us, I say thank you Connie for your service and we wish you and Barbara the best as you enter this next phase of your lives together.

I also would like to congratulate Bill Pienta on his appointment as SOAR president. I have known Bill practically all my working life. We were members of the same local union and served as fellow officers of that local for many years, prior to our appointment to the union’s staff. Bill’s experience as a local union leader, servicing staff and district director will serve him well, as he faces the challenges that will confront him in his new role in our union.

As Director, Pienta had a reputation of being a fighter and strong political activist. He has a straight forward approach to getting the job done. His ability to deliver a message and motivate activists will serve him well as our president.

I look forward to working with President Pienta as we face the challenges of protecting and enhancing the quality of life of our retired members and working families. Please join me in congratulating Bill on his appointment and welcoming him to his new position!

Jim Centner, SOAR Director

Connie Entrekin Retires as SOAR President

After spending 55 years of my life in the trenches, I have decided to slow down and spend more time with my wife Barbara and family. I have always advocated that we need to look around for new leaders and know when it is time to step aside. For me, that time has come.

I informed USW International President Leo W. Gerard of my decision and have recommended to him that recently retired District 4 Director Bill Pienta follow me in office. Leo supports this recommendation and has asked both Bill and myself to attend the USW Executive Board meeting scheduled for the end of July. I served with Bill on the International Executive Board for a number of years and saw firsthand the outstanding work he did as Director of District 4. I believe he is the right person to lead SOAR, as we face the challenges that lie ahead. I urge you all to give him your full support.

But before I leave, I want to take a moment to honor USW/SOAR President Emeritus Lynn Williams. His strength of character and leadership qualities made the transition into this job seamless. I thank him for his guidance and support.

I also want to thank all of you for the support you have given me these past six years and urge you to continue your involvement with SOAR.  I have really enjoyed my years as President of this wonderful organization. As I have travelled around this great union, I have met many of you and applaud the good works you do on behalf of our nation’s retirees and working families.

SOAR must continue to grow. It has never been more important to our retirees and union. Retirees and working families are under unprecedented assault. Corporations are using the excuse of the global economy to gut our contracts and abandon their obligations to their retirees. Congress is attempting to balance our nation’s budget on the backs of the working class, while cutting the taxes of corporations and the wealthiest Americans. We can’t stand back and let that happen. We need to continue to fight back! SOAR provides us with the vehicle to make our voices heard.

In closing, I want to wish Bill Pienta great success in his new role as SOAR president and congratulate him on his appointment. Again, thank you for the support you have given me and for your continued support of the Steelworkers Organization of Active Retirees.

Connie Entrekin, SOAR Emeritus Member

Friday Alert, Alliance for Retired Americans, 8-2-13

Headlines:
On Medicare and Medicaid’s 48th Birthday, Mobilization for More Affordable Drugs;
National Journal: Senior Vote Will Play a Critical Role in the 2014 Midterm Elections;
Update on President Obama’s “Grand Bargain” Deal with Republicans;
PBS’ Frontline: A Cautionary Tale on Assisted Living;
Plan to Defund Obamacare Causing Strife among Republicans

On Medicare and Medicaid’s 48th Birthday, Mobilization for More Affordable Drugs
Celebrating Medicare and Medicaid’s 48th birthday, Alliance members across the country ate cake and blew out candles on Tuesday while talking about the importance of protecting and preserving the program for current and future seniors. Coverage from the Pennsylvania Medicare birthday party is at http://tinyurl.com/nfz59jf  and http://tinyurl.com/pog7l47.

“Thank you to everyone who celebrated Medicare’s birthday and reminded the public how important it is not to shift more costs onto seniors,” said Edward F. Coyle, Executive Director of the Alliance. “We can have a strong, sustainable Medicare program without cutting benefits or increasing costs, if we take measures to limit drug companies from price-gouging American taxpayers,” Mr. Coyle continued. “Already, according to HHS, over 6.6 million people with Medicare have saved over $7 billion on prescription drugs in the Medicare Part D doughnut hole since the law was enacted, for an average of $1,061. In the first 6 months of 2013, 16.5 million beneficiaries on traditional Medicare took advantage of at least one free preventive service.”

Coyle concluded, “The Medicare Drug Savings Act (S. 740 in the Senate and H.R. 1588 in the House), introduced by Sen. Jay Rockefeller (D-WV) and Rep. Henry Waxman (D-CA), would save Medicare more than $140 billion by eliminating the loophole that blocks Medicare from negotiating with Big Pharma for cheaper drugs.” Mr. Coyle’s full statement can be read at http://tinyurl.com/o6y4vlh.

National Journal: Senior Vote Will Play a Critical Role in the 2014 Midterm Elections
The senior vote will likely be a crucial factor in the outcome of the 2014 midterm elections, as older Americans are well known for disproportionately high turnout in midterm years. Charlie Cook wrote in National Journal recently that Democrats are closely watching the voting pattern of older Americans, “a group that voted heavily Republican in the 2010 midterm and, to a lesser extent, in 2012.” Recent polling has shown that seniors are increasingly divided between the two parties. In March and July surveys, older voters’ responses are showing only about half the GOP margin their voting showed last November, and about a quarter of the Republican margin in the 2010 midterm elections. Read the article at http://tinyurl.com/n8aspgq.

Update on President Obama’s “Grand Bargain” Deal with Republicans
President Obama on Tuesday proposed a new “grand bargain” that would couple an overhaul of the corporate tax code with job creation and investments in road and other construction projects around the country. In a speech in Chattanooga, Tenn. Mr. Obama suggested the plan as a way through the current congressional gridlock and as a way to boost the economic recovery. “Grand bargain” talks between Obama and the Republicans, which were aimed at reducing the government's long-term deficit by combining lower spending on Medicare and Social Security with some tax increases, have dragged on for months but have so far failed to produce a plan both sides could support. “Through our hard work, we have temporarily dodged another bullet,” said Barbara J. Easterling, President of the Alliance. “But the battle to protect and preserve Social Security and Medicare continues. We must remain vigilant.”

PBS’ Frontline: A Cautionary Tale on Assisted Living
Dr. Keren Brown Wilson opened the nation’s first licensed assisted living facility in Canby, Ore., in 1981. Wilson was inspired by tragedy: A massive stroke had paralyzed her mother at the age of 55, forcing her into a nursing home, where she was miserable, spending the bulk of her days confined to a hospital bed. Wilson aimed to create an alternative to nursing homes. She envisioned comfortable, apartment building-style facilities that would allow sick and fragile seniors to maintain as much personal autonomy as possible, and assisted living was born.

The PBS television show Frontline focused on assisted living facilities this week – often with a critical eye. As more older Americans choose to spend their later years in assisted living facilities, FRONTLINE and ProPublica examined “whether this loosely regulated, multi-billion dollar industry is putting seniors at risk.” The film, “Life and Death in Assisted Living,” began airing on PBS Tuesday night. You can download the full written series as an e-book or watch the film at
http://tinyurl.com/lqltqgt. The programming noted, for instance, that the “dearth of hard and fast rules gives executives and managers at assisted living companies wide latitude in deciding how many workers should be clocking in on a given shift,” sometimes leading to staffing shortages.

“There are many wonderful assisted living facilities out there,” said Ruben Burks, Secretary-Treasurer of the Alliance. “It is important to investigate the background and reputation of the facility you are choosing, and to stay in close touch with loved ones once they enter assisted living.”

Plan to Defund Obamacare Causing Strife among Republicans
House Republicans are scheduled to vote Friday - for the 40th time - on a bill that would prevent the Internal Revenue Service from enforcing or implementing any part of “Obamacare.” After that, an upcoming, must-pass spending bill will be the next battleground for Republicans in their long-running attempts to kill the president's health care law. If Congress fails to approve new spending authority by the end of September, government agencies would shut down as the new fiscal year starts on October 1. The core component of Obamacare - a requirement that uninsured Americans obtain health care coverage or pay a tax penalty - goes into effect in January 2014, but a first step is the opening of state-run online insurance exchanges in October.

According to Reuters, U.S. Senators usually keep conversations private when they include words such as “silly”, “dumb,” “dishonest” and “feckless” in referring to ideas being floated by members of their own political party. But “such constraints have been cast aside in recent days after a group of young, ambitious Senate conservatives including Marco Rubio (R-FL), Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Mike Lee (R-UT) urged a government shutdown unless ‘Obamacare’ health care exchanges are denied funding by Congress.” A bloc of about 71 House Republicans are saying they, too, will refuse to vote for a measure that funds the government if it continues to fund Obamacare. Read the full Reuters article at http://tinyurl.com/mqs68om.

For a printable version of this document, go to http://tinyurl.com/perlwyg.

USW, BF Goodrich Reach Tentative Settlement

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                       CONTACT: Larry Jackson,
Monday, July 29, 2013                                                                         (256) 546-6960, ljackson@usw.org


 
USW, BF Goodrich Reach Tentative Contract Settlement

PITTSBURGH (July 29) – The United Steelworkers (USW) have reached a tentative agreement on a new three-year contract with BF Goodrich covering 2,400 workers at facilities in Tuscaloosa, Ala., and Fort Wayne, Ind.
The union and the tire company had been working since June on a new collective bargaining agreement. The previous contract expired on Saturday. The new agreement is scheduled to expire on July 30, 2016.
“Our goal throughout the bargaining process has been to reach an agreement that ensures a solid future both for our members and their families,” said USW Secretary-Treasurer Stan Johnson, who led the negotiations for the union, along BF Goodrich coordinator Larry Jackson. “This agreement represents a step forward for USW members at BF Goodrich.”
Specific details of the contract will be withheld until members are able to review and vote on it. Ratification votes are scheduled to take place by Aug. 9.
The USW also has reached tentative agreements covering 8,500 workers at Goodyear and 4,500 at Bridgestone-Firestone.

The USW represents 850,000 members in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean. It is the largest private-sector union in North America, representing workers in a range of industries including metals, mining, rubber, paper and forestry, oil refining, health care, security, hotels, and municipal governments and agencies.

# # #

Friday Alert, 7-26-13

Headlines:
Retirees are under Attack in Detroit and Cincinnati
See all the Highlights from the July 2 Human Chain Day of Action
Alliance Prepares to Celebrate Medicare’s 48th Birthday Next Week
Affordable Care Act Will Cut Cost of Self-Insuring in New York By Half
Delaware Caps Co-Pays for Specialty Prescription Drugs – is Whole U.S. next?
Iowa Alliance Holds its Convention

Retirees are under Attack in Detroit and Cincinnati
Retirees are facing frightening new threats this week in two major U.S. cities - Detroit and Cincinnati. The first involves the city of Detroit’s bankruptcy filing, the largest filing by a local government in U.S. history. Because Michigan's constitution says that public pensions “shall not be diminished or impaired,” Ingham County Circuit Court Judge Rosemarie Aquilina had ruled last week that the bankruptcy filing violates the state constitution by jeopardizing the pensions of Detroit retirees. She had directed Emergency Manager Kevyn Orr to withdraw the bankruptcy application and issued temporary restraining orders preventing Orr, Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder (R) and Treasurer Andy Dillon from proceeding with the bankruptcy process. However, a federal judge on Wednesday swept aside lawsuits challenging the filing.

Detroit has about 21,000 retirees - police, firefighters, City Hall clerks, trash haulers, bus drivers - who are owed money and fear their income is at risk in a bankruptcy, since public workers are not protected by federal pension insurance. The average public service pension is $19,000 per year. AFSCME members and other public sector workers were not consulted for input before the filing. “Detroit’s public service employees and retirees worked hard and played by the rules, but now Governor Snyder and Mr. Orr are moving to take away their right to retire with dignity,”  said Edward F. Coyle, Executive Director of the Alliance. For more, go to http://tinyurl.com/p2xvd63.

In Cincinnati, a corporate-backed attack is being lodged. The biggest change would be to workers employed by the city beginning in 2014.  Instead of getting a defined benefit at retirement, with a known payment each month, employees would have a 401k plan. “It would make it so the city’s retirees would have claim only to the retirement funds they have had taken out of their paychecks and nothing more – no employer match,” said Bentley Davis, Senior Field Organizer for the Ohio Alliance. The charter amendment also reduces the cost of living increases for current retirees. A television news clip from Cincinnati includes Ms. Davis noting that future retirees especially would take a big hit. “The pension in Cincinnati is in lieu of Social Security. They don't pay in but as a result they don't get Social Security,” she said. To view the clip, go to http://tinyurl.com/n3ml533.

See all the Highlights from the July 2 Human Chain Day of Action
The Alliance’s activities with partners on July 2 to stop the chained CPI Social Security benefit cut included 2,800 participants, generated scores of press hits, and raised awareness of the issue in towns and cities across the country. Go to http://bit.ly/13LaJRk to see the final report!

Alliance Prepares to Celebrate Medicare’s 48th Birthday Next Week
Next week, Medicare celebrates 48 years of providing care and security for millions. The Alliance will be using the occasion to spark a national movement, aggressively defending and strengthening Medicare and the protections it provides. Unfortunately, some politicians in Washington continue to talk about saving money by further means-testing Medicare and shifting more costs to beneficiaries. These “reforms” would seriously hurt current and future retirees and undermine the program. The Medicare Drug Savings Act, S. 740 in the Senate and H.R. 1588 in the House of Representatives, introduced by Sen. Jay Rockefeller (D-WV) and Rep. Henry Waxman (D-CA), would save the Medicare program $140 billion by eliminating the loophole that blocks Medicare from negotiating with big pharma for cheaper drugs. Click on http://tinyurl.com/q3jnwer to support it if you have not done so already. Visit http://tinyurl.com/mjn2von for stories from members about what it's like for retirees and why shifting more costs onto beneficiaries would be a disaster.

Affordable Care Act Will Cut Cost of Self-Insuring in New York By Half
New York State insurance regulators have announced that insurance rates in 2014 will be at least 50% lower than the current rates, thanks to the online purchasing exchanges created by the Affordable Care Act (ACA). This change affects people who do not receive insurance through their employers. Currently, 2.6 million New Yorkers are uninsured and only 17,000 buy insurance on their own.  The ACA’s exchanges are spurring competition between insurance companies and driving them to lower their rates. The decrease in costs, combined with the ACA’s subsidies for low income individuals and the fact that it is now illegal for insurance companies to deny coverage due to pre-existing conditions, will enable many currently uninsured Americans to purchase insurance. A New York Times article about it is at http://tinyurl.com/kocbx2b. “This is great news for the millions of New Yorkers who are uninsured, including many retirees who are not yet eligible for Medicare,” said Barbara J. Easterling, President of the Alliance.

Delaware Caps Co-Pays for Specialty Prescription Drugs – is Whole U.S. next?
Gov. Jack Markell (D-DE) recently signed legislation that caps patients’ co-pays for specialty prescription drugs at $150 a month. Delaware’s new law applies to drugs that cost $600 or more a month and are used to treat medical conditions that include multiple sclerosis, hepatitis C, and rheumatoid arthritis. “Big pharma and greedy insurance companies should not be allowed to exploit vulnerable patients facing chronic and debilitating illnesses,” said Ruben Burks, Secretary-Treasurer of the Alliance. Read the Washington Post’s write-up at http://tinyurl.com/oahdvyg.

A bipartisan group of lawmakers introduced legislation on Thursday to allow Medicare Part D beneficiaries nationally to request lower co-pays for high-cost specialty drugs used to treat chronic illnesses. The proposal, the “Part D Beneficiary Appeals Fairness Act,” is spearheaded by Sens. Bill Nelson (D-FL) and Susan Collins (R-ME) in the Senate and U.S. Reps. Hank Johnson (D-GA), Walter Jones (R-NC), David McKinley (R-WV) and Bruce Braley (D-Iowa) in the House.  The Senate bill is S. 1365; the House measure is H.R. 2827. Currently, Medicare Part D beneficiaries are prohibited from seeking exemptions from their plans that could lower their cost-share for specialty drugs - a basic right beneficiaries have throughout the rest of the program.  A U.S. Congress news release noted that more than 30 national groups support the bill, including the Alliance.

Iowa Alliance Holds its Convention
Seventy-five members attended the Iowa Alliance’s convention in Altoona, Iowa on Wednesday.

State Senate President Pam Jochum gave a lively presentation about the Medicaid expansion that was finally passed and signed by the governor, and the Raging Grannies provided lively lunch-time entertainment with creative and timely "senior" songs. Jan Laue was re-elected President, and Rich Fiesta, Director of Government and Political Affairs for the national Alliance, was a speaker.
For a printable version of this document, go to http://bit.ly/13i8iBF.

Anna Netrebko, Butterfly

Alliance for Retired Americans, Friday Alert for 7-19-13

Headlines
Why Summertime Heat is Especially Dangerous for Seniors
Alliance Members Tell Their Stories of High Drug, Health Care Costs
Democratic Senate Majority Hinges on a Few 2014 Races as First Forecasts Come in
Social Security Begins to Accept Same-Sex Marriage Claims
Contest Backfires on Social Security Privatizer
Alliance Thanks Outgoing Senior Legislative Representative Sarah Byrne

Why Summertime Heat is Especially Dangerous for Seniors
Extreme summer heat causes thousands of heat-related illnesses in the U.S. each year, and kills more people than hurricanes, lightning, tornadoes, floods and earthquakes combined. With the dramatic heat wave currently gripping so much of the U.S., seniors have been especially vulnerable recently. According to The Huffington Post, this is largely because the body's ability to regulate temperature through blood circulation and sweat glands tends to decline with age. Bodies of older adults also contain far less water than a younger person’s, and older brains don't recognize thirst as easily, making them more likely to get dehydrated. In addition, many seniors have health problems that can increase their risk of hyperthermia (the body overheating). These include diseases like congestive heart failure, diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD; trouble walking; and being overweight. To learn more, go to http://tinyurl.com/lqszoj8.

Alliance Members Tell Their Stories of High Drug, Health Care Costs
“Even though Medicare gives me access to health care and prescription drugs, it can still be a struggle to pay the copays and out-of-pocket costs,” said Leah Witherspoon, a member of the Texas Alliance. “Instead of cuts to Medicare, like more means-testing or new home health co-pays, it seems to me we could and should save money for the Medicare program and taxpayers with policies like negotiating better prices on prescription drugs,” the activist declared. The Alliance has begun collecting stories from our members of high prescription drug costs and other health care costs under Medicare. The stories will reinforce the fact that cuts to Medicare are the last thing this country needs. Tell us your story about these high costs by clicking on: http://bit.ly/13FwE84.

Democratic Senate Majority Hinges on a Few 2014 Races as First Forecasts Come in
Recent analysis from New York Times statistician and political prognosticator Nate Silver illustrates that control of the U.S. Senate after the 2014 midterm elections hangs in the balance. Currently, Democrats hold 54 Senate seats and Republicans hold 46. According to Silver, Republicans have about a 50% chance of gaining a Senate majority in 2014, in part due to the retirement of several long serving Democratic Senators. In North Carolina, where Sen. Kay Hagan (D) will face off against the winner of the Republican primary, Silver predicts a particularly close race. Other nail biters include Louisiana and Arkansas. Seniors are likely to play a major role in the outcome of these races, because of their high turn out during midterm elections. To read Silver’s state-by-state analysis of the 2014 races, go to http://tinyurl.com/pnkrefk.

“Far right conservatives have controlled the House of Representatives for nearly three years,” said Ruben Burks, Secretary-Treasurer of the Alliance. “In that time, they have consistently obstructed government, refused to compromise, and voted for anti-senior policies like the destructive Paul Ryan budget. Seniors will fight to ensure that the Senate does not fall under the control of the same irresponsible team of ideologues.”

Social Security Begins to Accept Same-Sex Marriage Claims
The Social Security Administration announced last Friday that it would begin accepting benefit claims related to same-sex marriage (http://tinyurl.com/mlq3mvj). The change comes after the Supreme Court ruled in June that the heart of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) is unconstitutional, deciding that the federal government couldn't treat same-sex marriages approved by some states any differently than heterosexual marriages. Prior to the ruling, an individual in a same-sex marriage was unable to claim survivor benefits from Social Security when a spouse died.

In a bit of a twist, The Hill notes, the Supreme Court’s recent DOMA ruling could also end up reducing the federal budget deficit despite the likely increase in Social Security spending, since most high-income married couples face a tax penalty when filing tax returns jointly. “The fact that the DOMA decision could help the deficit is just the icing on the cake,” said Barbara J. Easterling, President of the Alliance. “This was about civil rights and fairness, and I am glad to watch as the Social Security Administration reflects this change.”

Contest Backfires on Social Security Privatizer
Pete Peterson, a conservative billionaire, is a major financier in the effort to dismantle, cut and privatize Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. According to the AFL-CIO blog, he and his foundation recently held a contest asking people to submit videos describing why it is important to “fix” the national debt, of which he and his foundation falsely claim, Social Security is a major contributor. However, “sometimes the best-laid plans for a propaganda campaign can go awry. The winner of the $500 grand prize determined by popular vote on a website sponsored by Peterson came from the completely opposite side of his ‘cut Social Security’ argument.”

The “Just Scrap the Cap” winning video features “rapping seniors rhyming their way to the conclusion that the way to shore up Social Security isn’t through cuts or privatization but by scrapping the payroll tax cap on Social Security.” That means billionaires and rich CEOs would pay the same Social Security tax that low- to upper-middle-income workers do. Currently, any income above the $113,700 cap is exempt from the Social Security tax. Peterson’s check went to Robby Stern, a member of the Alliance and of Social Security Works, the group that produced the video. Stern signed the check over to Social Security Works, saying, “We will use the $500 to finance our education efforts and our Scrap the Cap campaign. We want to save Social Security from Peterson and his band of wealthy supporters.” To see the winning video, go to http://tinyurl.com/p2hvybp.

Alliance Thanks Outgoing Senior Legislative Representative Sarah Byrne
After nearly six years as Senior Legislative Representative at the Alliance for Retired Americans, Sarah Byrne has moved on to join the Social Security Administration’s Office of Legislation and Congressional Affairs. During her time at the Alliance, Sarah worked tirelessly to educate Alliance members and the public on social insurance and was also the principal Alliance staffer working with the Leadership Council of Aging Organizations coalition. Her last day with the Alliance is today.

“Sarah’s extraordinary work advocating for retirement security and Social Security has greatly benefited not only our members but all older Americans, and she has been a favorite of her colleagues,” said Edward F. Coyle, Executive Director of the Alliance. “I know that thousands of Alliance members join me in congratulating Sarah on her outstanding work here, her bright future, and her continuing work at the Social Security Administration.”


For a printable version of this document, go to http://bit.ly/130cqXK.

Alliance for Retired Americans, Friday Alert, 7-12-13

Headlines:
Human Chain Effort: A Smashing Success in More than 50 U.S. Cities!
Republicans May Demand Earned Benefit Cuts in Exchange for Raising Debt Ceiling
Tell Congress: Co-Sponsor Rockefeller-Waxman Bill to Reduce High Drug Costs
Federal Budget Forecast Shows Smaller Deficit for this Year

Human Chain Effort: A Smashing Success in More than 50 U.S. Cities!
On July 2nd, the Alliance’s Human Chains events, designed to stop the chained CPI cut to Social Security benefits, took place in more than 50 cities and included more than 2,800 participants. Alliance members raised awareness of the chained CPI to many people who had never heard of it and led an effort to send over 108,000 emails to members of Congress. Activists’ voices were heard not only in the halls of Congress, but in towns and cities across the country. The idea for the Human Chain originated with the California Alliance, and the effort paid off, leading to more than 110 press hits nationally.

“Thank you to those who braved the rain and heat, lending your time and energy to this important effort,” said Barbara J. Easterling, President of the Alliance. “This month is critical in bringing more members of Congress onboard opposing these cuts. Some elected officials continue to call for unnecessary cuts through a chained consumer price index or chained CPI. This would mean if you’re 65 years old today, you would lose more than $650 a year when you reach 75 and more than $1,000 a year when you reach 85. Put simply, some cuts never heal!”

The events included clever refrains. For instance, as the AFL-CIO’s blog noted, more than 30 Indiana activists formed a human chain holding a red-and-white paper chain outside the U.S. Federal Building in Fort Wayne and chanted, “It's time for us to just say no/Chained CPI has got to go. We're smart enough to see the lie/So don't you chain our CPI.”

In dozens of cities across the nation, Alliance members, other senior advocates, community and faith allies formed human chains outside lawmakers’ offices and federal buildings to protest the cuts in Social Security that a proposed “chained” CPI would bring. Many of the actions were aimed at lawmakers who back the Social Security cuts, but others included those who are fighting to protect Social Security. The South Carolina Alliance received widespread press attention for their protests in Conway and N. Charleston. The California Alliance led two large events, one with 350 activists - including Rep. Maxine Waters (D-CA) - in Los Angeles, and one with 500 members and allies in San Francisco. The Texas Alliance formed a chain outside Rep. Jeb Hensarling’s (R-TX) office in Dallas. Attendees of all ages also chained up outside Sen. Mark Warner’s (D-VA) Richmond office to urge him to oppose the chained CPI cuts.
 
In addition to Rep. Waters, many other members of the U.S House and Senate joined the effort. In Rhode Island, Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, as well as Reps. David Cicilline and Jim Langevin, took part in the festivities. Reps. Brian Higgins and Daniel Maffei in Lackawanna and Syracuse, New York, respectively, also participated. Reps. Dina Titus in Las Vegas and André Carson in Indianapolis appeared at the events in those cities. For more on the July 2 events, including news articles and video footage, go to http://tinyurl.com/pd8pbsz. Go to http://bit.ly/1dnCEs1 for photographs. To read the AFL-CIO blog’s coverage of the events, go to http://tinyurl.com/mke7car.

Republicans May Demand Earned Benefit Cuts in Exchange for Raising Debt Ceiling
According to recent reports, Republicans in the U.S. House are in the process of preparing for this fall’s debt ceiling showdown by creating a “menu” of benefit cuts that they plan to demand in exchange for raising the debt ceiling. These demands are based largely on the ultra-conservative budget proposed by Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI). According to National Journal, possibilities being considered include implementing chained CPI; means testing Social Security; gutting Medicaid by turning it into a block grant program; and privatizing Social Security and Medicare.  President Obama has said that he will refuse to negotiate with Republicans over the debt ceiling limit.

“Although this showdown is likely still several months away, we must remain vigilant against any proposed cuts to Social Security, Medicare, or Medicaid,” said Edward F. Coyle, Executive Director of the Alliance. “We will not allow far right politicians to hold our vital benefit programs hostage to their irresponsible threat to shut down the government.”

Tell Congress: Co-Sponsor Rockefeller-Waxman Bill to Reduce High Drug Costs
Under current law, the Medicare program is not allowed to negotiate with drug companies to get the lowest rate on prescription drugs. This amounts to a massive windfall for big pharmaceutical companies at the expense of taxpayers and Medicare beneficiaries. In response to this unjust situation, Sen. Jay Rockefeller (D-WV) and Rep. Henry Waxman (D-CA) have introduced the Medicare Drug Savings Act, S. 740 in the U.S. Senate and H.R. 1588 in the U.S. House of Representatives. This legislation would eliminate the special deal for brand-name drug manufacturers, saving the federal government more than $140 billion over ten years. That is money that should be used to help all Medicare beneficiaries, not to line the overstuffed pockets of big pharma. Please click http://tinyurl.com/q3jnwer to ask your Senators and Representatives to co-sponsor the Medicare Drug Savings Act.

Federal Budget Forecast Shows Smaller Deficit for this Year
The midseason review from the White House Office of Management and Budget has projected that the federal budget deficit for this fiscal year will be $759 billion, which is considerably smaller than it has been in recent years. The review also found that the budget deficit will continue to shrink through the year 2018. The decrease in the deficit is the result of several factors, including the improving economy and increased tax revenue. Although the spending cuts imposed by sequestration are also a factor, this year’s budget deficit is projected to be much lower than last year’s even if the cuts are repealed. Other recent projections, such as those from the Congressional Budget Office, have shown similar findings. For more on the budget, read the Washington Post’s write up at http://tinyurl.com/mh3htyn.

“Given this news, it is clearer than ever that those misguided individuals who advocate gutting earned benefit programs can no longer use the budget deficit as an excuse,” said Ruben Burks, Secretary-Treasurer of the Alliance. “It is not surprising that deficits were high in a time of economy instability, and are now coming back down as the economy improves. Our nation’s fiscal health clearly does not require any cuts to benefit programs. The reckless across-the-board cuts imposed by sequestration are also unnecessary and should be repealed.”

For a printable version of this document, go to http://bit.ly/1b6WHOG.

Alliance for Retired Americans Chained CPI Event

For Immediate Release
July 2, 2013
Contact: Laura Markwardt – 202/637-5178 or lmarkwar@retiredamericans.org

Seniors to Form Human Chains in 50 Key Locations Protesting the Chained CPI Social Security Benefit Cut

“Some Cuts Never Heal”

Washington, DC--- Today, Tuesday, July 2nd, the Alliance for Retired Americans will sponsor a National Day of Action opposing the chained CPI Social Security benefit cut.

Members of the Alliance will work together to create a human chain in front of important locations to protest the chained CPI. More than 50 human chains will be formed in front of key Congressional offices and Federal buildings, as well as other strategic locations, in states around the country.

“The chained CPI would cut Social Security benefits by changing the cost of living adjustment (COLA) formula - and some cuts never heal!” said Edward F. Coyle, Executive Director of the Alliance.

The chained CPI is an immediate Social Security benefit cut, and it would result in an annual benefit that is roughly $1,000 (2012 dollars) lower by the time a beneficiary reaches age 85. Activists will stress that the chained CPI does not accurately account for large health care cost increases faced by seniors and people with disabilities.

Click here to view a map and list of events taking place across the country. For more on the chained CPI, click here.

###

The Alliance for Retired Americans is a national organization that advocates for the rights and well-being of over 4 million retirees and their families.

Alliance for Retired Americans Friday Alert, 6-28-13

Headlines:
July 2 Human Chain Events now Just Around the Corner
Supreme Court’s “Defense of Marriage Act” Decision to Affect Gay Seniors Greatly
Voting Rights Decision a Major Blow to Civil Rights of Minorities
Alliance Members Join Leader Pelosi, Secretary Sebelius at Capitol Hill Press Event
Chained CPI or another Topic on Your Mind? Write a Letter to the Editor, Win a Pen!

July 2 Human Chain Events now Just Around the Corner
The Alliance will be hosting more than 45 “Human Chain against the Chained CPI” events on July 2. For a list of events, including a map that allows you to find an event near you by typing in your zip code, go to http://tinyurl.com/pd8pbsz. Highlights for a few of the events: The “Human Chain” in Providence, Rhode Island will feature Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse and Reps. Jim Langevin and David Cicilline, and the chain in Indianapolis will feature Rep. André Carson. The event in Albuquerque, New Mexico will feature Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham. “The chained CPI is a cold, calculated benefit cut to our Social Security - and some cuts never heal!” said Barbara J. Easterling, President of the Alliance.

Alliance members who are unable to attend an event in person are urged to participate in the day’s action by calling or writing to Congress. Call Congress on July 2 at 202/224-3121 and say, “I oppose the chained CPI benefit cut to Social Security.”  Encourage your Member of Congress to co-sponsor the resolution rejecting the chained CPI benefit cut – in the House, the Cicilline Resolution, H.Con.Res. 34; and in the Senate, the Harkin Resolution, H.Con.Res. 15.

Supreme Court’s “Defense of Marriage Act” Decision to Affect Gay Seniors Greatly
On Wednesday, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down a key provision of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), meaning that the spousal benefits of Social Security and Medicare will be extended to married, same-sex couples. The Administration on Aging estimates that there are between 1.75 million and 4 million Americans over the age of 60 who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT). Many LGBT seniors who live in states with legalized same sex marriage have wed. Until Wednesday, due to DOMA, these seniors did not have the same federal benefits and protections as heterosexual couples. This had particularly broad implications with regard to Social Security. The Social Security spousal retirement benefit allows the partner in a couple with the lower earnings record to receive an amount equal to 50% of their spouse’s Social Security benefits. The survivor benefit allows surviving spouses to receive Social Security equivalent to what their spouse with a higher earnings record received.

LGBT couples had also faced discrimination in the federal tax code. Since their marriages were not federally recognized, they could not claim the tax benefits reserved for married couples. Inheriting the estate of a deceased partner was often more complex and costly than for heterosexual couples.

In another civil rights ruling the same day, the Supreme Court on Wednesday dismissed an appeal over same-sex marriage on jurisdictional grounds, ruling that private parties do not have “standing” to defend California's voter-approved ballot measure barring gay and lesbian couples from state-sanctioned wedlock.

“I am pleased that married gay and lesbian seniors will have the same rights as other seniors when it comes to not only Social Security, Medicare, and many tax issues – but also overall fairness,” said Edward F. Coyle, Executive Director of the Alliance.  “The Alliance wholeheartedly supports extending the same rights for older LGBT couples that this country does for older, straight couples.”

Voting Rights Decision a Major Blow to Civil Rights of Minorities
The Supreme Court made other decisions this week as well. In addition to landmark gay rights cases, they ruled on voters’ rights. On Tuesday, the Supreme Court struck down a central part of the Voting Rights Act, invalidating crucial protections passed by Congress in 1965 and renewed four times in the decades since. The sharply divided decision will significantly reduce the federal government’s role in overseeing voting laws in areas with a history of discrimination against African-Americans and other minorities.

“The decision turns back the clock and makes it much easier to discriminate,” said Ruben Burks, Secretary-Treasurer of the Alliance. “There is still so much to be done. We hope Congress will act quickly to remedy this terrible, wrong decision.”

Alliance Members Join Leader Pelosi, Secretary Sebelius at Capitol Hill Press Event
On Wednesday on Capitol Hill, Alliance members and political leaders celebrated the one-year anniversary of the Supreme Court ruling on the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act and marked the countdown - fewer than 100 days left - until the next provision of the law is implemented on October 1, 2013. The event noted the re-launch of web sites www.HealthCare.Gov and www.CuidadoDeSalud.Gov, which offer in English and Spanish, respectively, new tools that will help Americans understand their choices and select the coverage that best suits their needs when open enrollment in the new Health Insurance Marketplace begins October 1.

The event featured U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius; House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi; Minority Whip Steny Hoyer, Assistant Democratic Leader James Clyburn, and a score of other Representatives. Maryland/DC Alliance members Annie Leach, Audrey Bell, and Minnie Jacobs, all of Suitland, Maryland, joined the government officials on stage. Ms. Leach spoke about taken advantage of a free wellness check-up; initially she had received a bill, but an ally, Tara Maxwell, informed the doctor on her behalf that the Affordable Care Act covered it. For video footage of the event, go to http://tinyurl.com/op2rqau. For photos, go to http://tinyurl.com/q38pgfj.

Chained CPI or another Topic on Your Mind? Write a Letter to the Editor, Win a Pen!
With the July 2 Human Chain events fast approaching, Alliance members have an excellent opportunity to write a letter to the editor in their local paper. If you want others to know about the chained CPI or another topic, take a moment and write that letter. If it is published, the Alliance will send you a free, union-made “Retirees with the Write Stuff” pen. Most recently, Edward Corrigan, Teresa Ewbank, Lynda Fainter, Gary Hall, Janice Laue, Bob Laurence, Jewel Littenberg, Al Mumm, Lester Newton, William Stevens, and Ron Thompson contributed to their local papers. Please e-mail aracommunications@retiredamericans.org if you have had a letter published. “Letters to the editor are a cost-effective way to get our message out,” said Mr. Burks.

The next issue of the Friday Alert will be published on July 12. Enjoy the Fourth of July holiday!


For a printable version of this document, go to http://bit.ly/153hCxI.

Disappointed in Rep. Walorski and Sen. Donnelly

103 Members of the U.S House have co-sponsored H. Con. Res. 34, the House Resolution rejecting the Chained CPI that was introduced by Rep. Cicilline (D-RI). To see who those co-sponsors are (as of June 17), go to http://tinyurl.com/ob7yqed. In addition, twenty U.S. Senators have now co-sponsored S. Con. Res. 15, a Senate Resolution introduced by Senators Harkin (D-IA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Whitehouse (D-RI), rejecting the Chained CPI. To see that list of co-sponsors as of June 17, go to http://tinyurl.com/o4465ot. The Resolutions express the sense of Congress that the Chained Consumer Price Index should not be used to calculate cost of living adjustments for Social Security.

Look, I'm very disappointed in both Representative Jackie Walorski and Senator Joe Donnelly for not appearing on the list of co-sponsors as of today and I hope they will get on the list as soon as they can.

Alliance for Retired Americans Friday Alert 6-21-13

Headlines:
Initial List of Members of Congress Joining July 2 Human Chain Events is Revealed
103 House Members, 20 Senators Co-Sponsor Resolutions Rejecting Chained CPI
Help Sen. Bernie Sanders Address Poverty among Seniors
Generic Drugs, Consumers Win in Supreme Court Ruling
ACLU of Indiana Files Suit to Keep Seniors and the Disabled in Their Homes

Initial List of Members of Congress Joining July 2 Human Chain Events is Revealed
Politicians continue to press for the Chained CPI cut to Social Security benefits as a way to reduce the deficit. However, an average earner retiring at age 65 would lose over $6,000 over 15 years if the chained CPI were adopted. On Tuesday July 2nd, the Alliance is mobilizing people in more than 40 cities across the country to form a Human Chain against the Chained CPI. This National Day of Action will showcase the broad base of Americans who support protecting and enhancing retirement security, not dismantling Social Security inch by inch.

Members of the U.S. Senate and House who are planning to join the July 2 events, as of today, are: Sens. Kay Hagan in Raleigh, NC; Tom Harkin in Des Moines, Iowa; and Sheldon Whitehouse in Providence, RI; as well as Reps. Jim Langevin (RI), also in Providence; Michelle Lujan Grisham in Albuquerque, NM; and Maxine Waters in Los Angeles, CA. To find an event near you, go to http://tinyurl.com/ndah9ea. To view the Alliance webpage for July 2, which includes both a map and a link to find an event, go to http://tinyurl.com/pd8pbsz. To join the events over Facebook, and invite your friends to do the same, go to http://on.fb.me/13QpMbH.

103 House Members, 20 Senators Co-Sponsor Resolutions Rejecting Chained CPI
103 Members of the U.S House have co-sponsored H. Con. Res. 34, the House Resolution rejecting the Chained CPI that was introduced by Rep. Cicilline (D-RI). To see who those co-sponsors are (as of June 17), go to http://tinyurl.com/ob7yqed. In addition, twenty U.S. Senators have now co-sponsored S. Con. Res. 15, a Senate Resolution introduced by Senators Harkin (D-IA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Whitehouse (D-RI), rejecting the Chained CPI. To see that list of co-sponsors as of June 17, go to http://tinyurl.com/o4465ot. The Resolutions express the sense of Congress that the Chained Consumer Price Index should not be used to calculate cost of living adjustments for Social Security.

“Alliance members have been instrumental in drumming up support for additional co-sponsors, and we thank you for that,” said Barbara J. Easterling, President of the Alliance.

Help Sen. Bernie Sanders Address Poverty among Seniors
Last month, Sen. Sanders, chairman of the subcommittee on Primary Health and Aging of the Senate’s Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, introduced S. 1028, the Older Americans Act (OAA) Amendments of 2013. This legislation would reauthorize and strengthen the OAA, which supports Meals on Wheels and other critical programs for seniors. This past Wednesday, Sanders held a hearing to discuss the role of the OAA in addressing poverty and hunger among seniors. The hearing took place as the HELP Committee attempts to pass the reauthorization of the OAA before the August recess.

The HELP Committee is marking up S. 1028, now cosponsored by 17 Senators (http://tinyurl.com/ocalyj9), in the coming weeks. Contact your Senators, especially those on the HELP Committee (http://www.help.senate.gov), to share your support of S. 1028 as it moves through the Committee. To read Sen. Sanders’ related piece this week in Politico, “Keep Meals on Wheels Going,” go to http://tinyurl.com/o9q2neu.

Vote in the Alliance’s Social Security Bumper Sticker Poll!
The Alliance is preparing to put our message on bumpers across the country – but we would like your input on what we should say about Social Security first. Please participate in our online poll to choose the bumper sticker we use. Go to http://tinyurl.com/pjcyra2 to vote on Facebook!

Generic Drugs, Consumers Win in Supreme Court Ruling
This past Monday, the Supreme Court sided with the Federal Trade Commission in a case challenging "pay-for-delay" and other payment agreements that pharmaceutical companies make with rival companies to keep cheaper generic versions of drugs off the market. The Court ruled that regulators can challenge deals between brand-name drug companies and generic rivals that delay cheaper medicines from going on sale, which can increase costs to consumers by billions of dollars. However, the Court's 5-3 vote denied the Federal Trade Commission's request to declare "pay-for-delay" deals illegal. The case centered around drug company Solvay's agreement with four generic companies to suspend sales of the generic versions of Androgel, a gel for men with low testosterone. For more information, read a New York Times article here: http://nyti.ms/19VYRQy.

“Seniors and consumers should celebrate the decision,” said Ruben Burks, Secretary-Treasurer of the Alliance. “However, while it is great that regulators can challenge these unholy deals to keep generic drugs off the market, it would have been even better if the deals had been ruled illegal altogether.”

ACLU of Indiana Files Suit to Keep Seniors and the Disabled in Their Homes
Last Friday, the ACLU of Indiana filed a suit against the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA), saying that changes to the Medicaid Waiver program put Hoosiers “at grave risk of immediate and irreparable harm.” The suit challenges the way in which the agency operates two of its Medicaid waiver programs, the Community Integration and Habilitation Waiver (CIH) and the Aged and Disabled Waiver (A&D). The programs serve thousands of Hoosiers, offering services that enable people to live in their communities even though their disabling conditions would otherwise require that they be institutionalized. To read more on this story, go to http://tinyurl.com/qc7a86r.

“I am glad the ACLU filed this case,” said Elmer Blankenship, President of the Indiana Alliance. “People in Indiana who could and should be living at home are being placed in institutions.”

Did You Know...
The average age at which current U.S. retirees say they actually retired is now 61, up from 59 a decade ago and 57 in the early 1990s. Conversely, 37% of non-retirees expect to retire after age 65, up from 14% in 1995 (http://tinyurl.com/cmzysvf).

For a printable version of this document, go to http://bit.ly/10DNc5T.

Differences Between Union and Non-union Compensation

In 2011 union members were making an average wage difference of $3.51 per hour. That’s a total over $7,300 per year on a straight time basis or over $140.00 per week more for union members.

The benefit costs are even greater. Union members enjoy a $7.11 per hour more ($14.67 vs. $7.56 per hr.) That’s over $14,788 more per year for union members vs. nonunion or over $284.00 more per week in benefits for the union member.

Union members have better retirement plans, insurance plans, holidays, vacations, etc.

The total union member advantage per year on a straight time basis is over $22,000 more per year or $424.00 more per week.

It should not be forgotten that union contracts provide numerous other rights that no cost can cover, like fair treatment, just cause standards protecting employees from unfair, unjust discipline and seniority rights covering promotional opportunities, etc.

Basically, a right at the table and democracy on the job.

Is it any wonder why so many in corporate America and the greedy are so viciously and wrongly attacking organized labor?

http://www.bls.gov/opub/mlr/2013/04/art2full.pdf

Alliance for Retired Americans Friday Alert 6-14-13

Headlines:
Momentum Continues to Build Ahead of July 2nd Human Chain Day of Action
Did Your U.S. Rep. Vote for the Extremist Republican Study Committee Budget?
New York Times Editorial Board Comes Out Against Social Security Cuts
Mississippi Republicans Risk Entire Medicaid Program to Avoid Vote on Expansion
Medicare Must Retain Crucial Protections against “Balance Billing”
Average Household Income of American Seniors is Precariously Low

Momentum Continues to Build Ahead of July 2nd Human Chain Day of Action
The Alliance and our allies continue to plan events around the country for the July 2nd “Human Chain against the Chained CPI” National Day of Action. The day is devoted to stopping the chained CPI benefit cut to Social Security. More than forty actions are already scheduled to take place in front of key Congressional offices and Federal Buildings across the country. A comprehensive map of events is now available, along with an event listing, on our website at http://tinyurl.com/pd8pbsz. Several members of the U.S. Senate and House are already confirmed to join the July 2 events – stay tuned for details.

“We cannot cut Social Security,” said Barbara J. Easterling, President of the Alliance. “Some cuts never heal!”

Did Your U.S. Rep. Vote for the Extremist Republican Study Committee Budget?
This past March, the U.S. House of Representatives held a vote on a budget proposed by the House Republican Study Committee (RSC), a caucus of 170 conservative Republicans. If passed, the budget would have decimated crucial benefit programs. Medicare would be gutted by turning it into a voucher program. Social Security would be cut by implementing chained CPI and increasing the retirement age to 70. All discretionary spending, including Meals on Wheels and vital medical research, would have been frozen until 2017. The RSC budget ultimately failed, but 104 Republicans (over half of the House Republican caucus) voted to pass it. To view a list of these lawmakers, go to http://tinyurl.com/mn5z4ss.

“The RSC budget achieves the remarkable feat of being even more harmful to retirees than the already destructive Paul Ryan budget,” said Ms. Easterling. “The Alliance is committing to ensuring that our members know how extreme these 104 politicians are.”

New York Times Editorial Board Comes Out Against Social Security Cuts
In a strongly worded editorial released this past Sunday, The New York Times Editorial Board condemned the chained CPI and other proposed cuts to Social Security. The editorial states that the majority of people over 65 get two-thirds or more of their income from Social Security. It also points out that benefits are already being reduced due to the rise in Medicare Part B premiums and the gradual increase in the retirement age from 65 to 67. For these reasons, the editorial board argues that no further across the board cuts to Social Security, including the chained CPI, should be implemented. To read it, go to http://tinyurl.com/og9zk45. “It is heartening to see the editorial board of such a major paper strongly denounce chained CPI and other Social Security cuts,” said Edward F. Coyle, Executive Director of the Alliance. “Those who continue to support draconian cuts are finding that their position is increasingly out of the mainstream.”

The Sunday Times also contained an article stressing that people at nearly all levels of the income distribution have under-saved. Social Security is going to be a major, and maybe primary, source of income for people, even for those with $1 million in new worth. (http://tinyurl.com/kkwsdql).

Mississippi Republicans Risk Entire Medicaid Program to Avoid Vote on Expansion
Mississippi’s entire Medicaid program is in danger of losing all funding due to the refusal of Gov. Phil Bryant (R) and conservative leaders in the state legislature to hold a vote on the Affordable Care Act’s Medicaid expansion. Mississippi has not passed a Medicaid budget, meaning that the program will run out of funding and cease to exist on July 1. Republican leaders are demanding that Democrats pass a bill reauthorizing Medicaid without the expansion, which would prevent them from having to bring the expansion to the floor for an up-or-down vote.  Currently, 700,000 people are enrolled in Mississippi’s Medicaid program. If the expansion passes, coverage would be expanded to up to 300,000 more Mississippians. To read a Politico write up of the story, go to http://tinyurl.com/ppdtjwh.

“Governor Bryant and his allies should be ashamed of themselves,” said Ruben Burks, Secretary-Treasurer of the Alliance. “This is a clear case of putting politics and obstructionism above the interests of Mississippi’s most vulnerable citizens.”

Medicare Must Retain Crucial Protections against “Balance Billing”
“Balance billing” is a practice that occurs when health care providers, such as physicians or hospitals, feel that they have not been paid enough by a patient’s health care plan, and they make up the difference by levying charges on the patient. Currently, Medicare includes protections that make this practice illegal for all approved Medicare services. However, a Medicare reform bill recently proposed by House Republicans does not include the balance billing protections.  To learn more about balance billing and how to protect yourself, go to http://tinyurl.com/qcm636l. To read a letter from the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) defending the protections, go to http://tinyurl.com/k7uu5me.“Removing Medicare’s protections against balance billing would leave seniors vulnerable to unfair and unexpected charges,” said Mr. Coyle. “We are staunchly opposed to any legislation that would remove these protections.”

Average Household Income of American Seniors is Precariously Low
According to an analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data recently released by the financial website Interest.com, the median household income for Americans over the age of 65 is $35,107. That amount is only 57% of the median household income for Americans 45 to 64, meaning that many seniors are living on considerably lower incomes than they had during their working lives. The analysis found that the average varied considerably by state, ranging from 45% of pre-retirement income in Massachusetts to 71% in Nevada. Retirement experts recommend that retirees retain at least 70% of pre-retirement income, but only two out of fifty states meet that benchmark in their average. To read a Washington Post article about the analysis, go to http://tinyurl.com/lv249n6. “The results of this study, while very troubling, are no surprise in light of the decrease in pensions and the recent recession making it very difficult for seniors to save for retirement,” said Mr. Burks. “Given these difficult circumstances, it is more crucial than ever to protect, preserve, and strengthen Social Security and Medicare.”

For a printable version of this document, go to http://bit.ly/12LxZkB.

Immigration Reform Vote

Yesterday, the U.S. Senate took their first vote on Immigration Reform. Some Republicans were insisting that before allowing those immigrants here in the United States illegally to pursue a pathway to citizenship, the borders must be made “fully secure”. There is no such thing.

There is no way on earth that the border between two countries can become “fully secure”.

If a person needs food for their family, a better life, life saving medicine etc; and that person is in reasonably good health and young enough, there is no way to prevent him from trying and trying and trying to cross a border that has a strong, high, fence; drones, land mines, military personnel every ten feet or whatever, until he finally succeeds.

Fortunately, wiser Senators turned  back that attempt.

Obamacares for Indiana

How the Health Care Law is Making a Difference for the People of Indiana

For too long, too many hardworking Americans paid the price for policies that handed free rein to insurance companies and put barriers between patients and their doctors. The Affordable Care Act gives hardworking families in Indiana the security they deserve. The new health care law forces insurance companies to play by the rules, prohibiting them from dropping your coverage if you get sick, billing you into bankruptcy because of an annual or lifetime limit, or, soon, discriminating against anyone with a pre-existing condition.
All Americans will have the security of knowing that they don’t have to worry about losing coverage if they’re laid off or change jobs.  And insurance companies now have to cover your preventive care like mammograms and other cancer screenings.  The new law also makes a significant investment in State and community-based efforts that promote public health, prevent disease and protect against public health emergencies.
Health reform is already making a difference for the people of Indiana by:
Expanding health insurance coverage in every state
The Affordable Care Act will expand health insurance coverage by establishing a Health Insurance Marketplace in every state and increasing access to the Medicaid program. 909,633 or 16% of Indiana’s non-elderly residents are uninsured, of whom 860,652 (95%) may qualify for either tax credits to purchase coverage in the Marketplace or for Medicaid if Indiana participates in the Medicaid expansion.
Establishing the Health Insurance Marketplace.  When key parts of the health care law take effect in 2014, there’ll be a new way for individuals, families and small businesses to get health insurance. Beginning Oct. 1, 2013, individuals in every state will be able to shop for health insurance and compare plans through the Marketplace.
Increasing Access to Medicaid.  The Affordable Care Act also fills in gaps in coverage for the poorest Americans by giving states the option to expand Medicaid to individuals under 65 years of age with income below 133 percent of the federal poverty level (FPL) (approximately $14,000 for an individual and $29,000 for a family of four) beginning in January 2014.  States will receive 100% federal funding for the first three years to support this expanded coverage, phasing to 90% federal funding in subsequent years. In addition, Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) eligibility and enrollment will be much simpler and will be coordinated with the Marketplace.
Providing new coverage options for young adults
Health plans are now required to allow parents to keep their children under age 26 without job-based coverage on their family coverage, and, thanks to this provision, 3.1 million young people have gained coverage nationwide. As of December 2011, 62,000 young adults in Indiana gained insurance coverage as a result of the health care law.
Making prescription drugs affordable for seniors
The Affordable Care Act makes prescription drug coverage (Part D) for people with Medicare more affordable. It does this by gradually closing the gap in drug coverage known as the "donut hole." Since the enactment of the law, 6.1 million Americans with Medicare who reached the donut hole have saved over $5.7 billion on prescription drugs.  Nationwide, drug savings of $2.5 billion in 2012 were higher than the $2.3 billion in savings for 2011.  In Indiana, people with Medicare saved over $144.1 million on prescription drugs since the law’s enactment.  In 2012 alone, 85,784 individuals in Indiana saved over $60.2 million, or an average of $702 per beneficiary.  In 2012, people with Medicare in the “donut hole” received a 50 percent discount on covered brand name drugs and 14 percent discount on generic drugs.  And thanks to the Affordable Care Act, coverage for both brand name and generic drugs will continue to increase over time until the coverage gap is closed.
Covering preventive services with no deductible or co-pay
The health care law requires many insurance plans to provide coverage without cost sharing to enrollees for a variety of preventive health services, such as colonoscopy screening for colon cancer, Pap smears and mammograms for women, well-child visits, and flu shots for all children and adults. The law also makes proven preventive services free for most people on Medicare.
In 2011 and 2012, 71 million Americans with private health insurance gained preventive service coverage with no cost-sharing, including 1,508,000 in Indiana. And for policies renewing on or after August 1, 2012, women can now get coverage without cost-sharing of even more preventive services they need.  Approximately 47 million women, including 983,850 in Indiana will now have guaranteed access to additional preventive services without cost-sharing.
The Affordable Care Act is also removing barriers for people with Medicare.  With no deductibles or co-pays, cost is no longer a barrier for seniors and people with disabilities who want to stay healthy by detecting and treating health problems early. In 2012 alone, an estimated 34.1 million people with Medicare benefited from Medicare’s coverage of preventive services with no cost-sharing.  In Indiana, 626,050 individuals with traditional Medicare used one or more free preventive service in 2012.
Providing better value for your premium dollar through the 80/20 Rule
Under the new health care law, insurance companies must provide consumers greater value by spending generally at least 80 percent of premium dollars on health care and quality improvements instead of overhead, executive salaries or marketing. If they don’t, they must provide consumers a rebate or reduce premiums. This means that 283,432 Indiana residents with private insurance coverage will benefit from $14,249,673 in rebates from insurance companies this year, for an average rebate of $99 per family covered by a policy.
Scrutinizing unreasonable premium increases
In every State and for the first time under Federal law, insurance companies are required to publicly justify their actions if they want to raise rates by 10 percent or more. Indiana has received $4,890,752 under the new law to help fight unreasonable premium increases.
Removing lifetime limits on health benefits
The law bans insurance companies from imposing lifetime dollar limits on health benefits – freeing cancer patients and individuals suffering from other chronic diseases from having to worry about going without treatment because of their lifetime limits. Already, 2,259,000 people in Indiana, including 822,000 women and 615,000 children, are free from worrying about lifetime limits on coverage. The law also restricts the use of annual limits and bans them completely in 2014.
Creating new coverage options for individuals with pre-existing conditions
As of August 2012, 1,924 previously uninsured residents of Indiana who were locked out of the coverage system because of a pre-existing condition are now insured through a new Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan that was created under the new health reform law. To learn more about the plan available in Indiana, check here.
Supporting Indiana’s work on Affordable Insurance Exchanges
Indiana has received $7,895,126 in grants for research, planning, information technology development, and implementation of Affordable Insurance Exchanges.

• $1,000,000 in Planning Grants:  This grant provides Indiana the resources needed to conduct the research and planning necessary to build a better health insurance marketplace and determine how its exchange will be operated and governed. Learn how the funds are being used in Indiana here. 
• $6,895,126 in Exchange Establishment Grants:  These grants are helping States continue their work to implement key provisions of the Affordable Care Act. Learn how the funds are being used in Indiana here.

Preventing illness and promoting health (Last Updated: March 15, 2012)
Since 2010, Indiana has received $16,500,000 in grants from the Prevention and Public Health Fund created by the Affordable Care Act. This new fund was created to support effective policies in Indiana, its communities, and nationwide so that all Americans can lead longer, more productive lives.
Increasing support for community health centers and primary care cliniciansThe Affordable Care Act increases the funding available to community health centers nationwide. In Indiana, 20 health centers operate 105 sites, providing preventive and primary health care services to 273,536 people.  Health Center grantees in Indiana have received $51,602,560 under the Affordable Care Act to support ongoing health center operations and to establish new health center sites, expand services, and/or support major capital improvement projects.
As a result of historic investments through the Affordable Care Act and the Recovery Act, the numbers of clinicians in the National Health Service Corps are at all-time highs with nearly 10,000 Corps clinicians providing care to more than 10.4 million people who live in rural, urban, and frontier communities.  The National Health Service Corps repays educational loans and provides scholarships to primary care physicians, dentists, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, behavioral health providers, and other primary care providers who practice in areas of the country that have too few health care professionals to serve the people who live there.  As of September 30, 2012, there were 121 Corps clinicians providing primary care services in Indiana compared to 54 in 2008.
Strengthening partnerships with Indiana
The law gives states support for their work to build the health care workforce, crack down on fraud, and support public health.  These partnerships help ensure that health care providers are working where they are needed most - in both urban and rural areas. They ensure that half a million people annually get access to HIV/AIDS treatment and access to high quality primary care services.
Examples of Affordable Care Act grants to Indiana not outlined above include:

• $2,444,294 for school-based health centers to help clinics expand their capacity to provide more health care services and modernize their facilities.
• $287,100 for Family-to-Family Health Information Centers, organizations run by and for families with children with special health care needs.
• $24,356,269 for Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting Programs. These programs bring health professionals, social workers, or paraprofessionals to meet with at-risk families in their homes and connect families to the kinds of help that can make a real difference in a child’s health, development, and ability to learn - such as health care, early education, parenting skills, child abuse prevention, and nutrition.

Last updated: March 18, 2013
source: Healthcare.org

Read the Affordable Care Act Here

For those interested in reading the Affordable Care Act, you can get it here: http://www.healthcare.gov/law/full/index.html

Thank you, America, For The New Health Care Law