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TexLaProgressive

(12,285 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?

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JohnSJ

(96,520 posts)
2. I suspect, if someone is already on Social Security they will be grandfathered in. Those who are not on Social Security
Wed Nov 6, 2024, 10:39 AM
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

(316 posts)
10. that was the sales pitch, but when have they delivered
Mon Nov 18, 2024, 04:38 AM
Monday

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.

3. I share your concern
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.

mitch96

(14,651 posts)
4. I'm in the same boat. I have not touched my other investments and have lived on pension and SS. If SS goes away
Wed Nov 6, 2024, 10:41 AM
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

Ruby the Liberal

(26,312 posts)
6. This is what is giving me heart palpitations today
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

(17,977 posts)
9. I hear you! Have only SS, Medicare, and Medicaid. Medicaid provides my housing and meals.
Sun Nov 17, 2024, 04:38 AM
Sunday

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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