Friday Alert Archives
Our Friday Alert newsletter delivers timely news and information about health care, Social Security, prescription drug prices and other retirement security issues.
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2023
March 31, 2023
- Trustees Report Shows Social Security Expansion is Affordable;
- Senators Draw Attention to the Sky-High Salaries of Medicare Advantage CEOs;
- Biden’s Budget Would Raise Taxes On Top .1%, Cut Them For Many Others;
- Kaiser Health News: Congressman Seeks to Plug ‘Shocking Loophole’ Exposed by KHN Investigation
March 24, 2023
- Mike Pence Doubles Down on Benefit Cuts;
- Larger COLA Increase Helps Seniors Weather Inflation;
- Starbucks Workers Hold Day of Action;
- Kaiser Health News: Being ‘Socially Frail’ Comes With Health Risks for Older Adults
March 17, 2023
- Alliance Releases New Congressional Voting Record;
- Biden-Harris Administration Acts to Lower Prices for 27 Drugs;
- GOP Senator John Kennedy, Presidential Candidate Nikki Haley Threaten Social Security, Medicare Cuts;
- California Alliance Members Leading Protest Today at House Speaker McCarthy’s Office
March 10, 2023
- President Biden Goes to Bat for Retirees with His 2024 Budget;
- Social Security and Medicare are Still in Congressional Crosshairs;
- Thursday was National “Slam the Scam” Day;
- Alliance Chapters Celebrate International Women’s Day, Women’s History Month
March 3, 2023
- Insulin Prices Cut for More Patients as Eli Lilly Caves to Pressure;
- Alliance Marks Scrap the Cap Day;
- Congress Reintroduces Protecting the Right to Organize Act;
- Kaiser Health News: Biden Promises to Fight GOP on ‘Gutting’ Medicaid. Budget Talks Seem Like Another Story;
- Julie Su Nominated for Secretary of Labor
February 24, 2023
- Take Action: Sign the Alliance’s Petition to Save Social Security;
- Steps to Hold Medicare Advantage Accountable are Not Cuts, Experts Say;
- Battle Over ‘Orphan Drugs’ Leads to Higher Drug Prices;
- Caregiving Crisis Looms as Number of Older Americans Soars
February 17, 2023
- Nobel Laureate Economist Paul Krugman Details Decades of GOP Plans to Cut Social Security and Medicare;
- Congressional Republican Agenda Would Increase the Debt by Over $3 Trillion;
- Senators Sanders and Warren, Reps. Schakowsky and Hoyle Introduce Legislation to Expand Social Security;
- One in Four American Older Adults Needed Long Term Care for Themselves or a Loved One Last Year
February 10, 2023
- Debate Over Future of Social Security and Medicare Dominates State of the Union;
- More State of the Union Priorities: Lower Insulin Prices for all Americans, the PRO Act;
- White House Fires Back After Freshman Member of the House Moves to Repeal the Inflation Reduction Act;
- Obituary: Gary Mitchell, President of the Wisconsin Alliance
February 3, 2023
- Alliance Celebrates Black History Month with an Eye on Voting Rights;
- President Roach Joins Family Leave Anniversary Event at White House;
- President Biden, Speaker McCarthy Meet About Raising the Debt Ceiling;
- New Study Identifies 6 Ways to Slow Memory Decline, Lower Dementia Risk;
- Kaiser Health News: Government Lets Health Plans That Ripped Off Medicare Keep the Money
January 27, 2023
- Democrats Debate Whether President Biden Should Negotiate with Speaker McCarthy on Debt Limit;
- Drug Corporations Plan Price Increases on Life-Saving Medications Despite Billions in Increased Profits;
- Pandemic Food Benefit is Set to End, and Seniors Risk Additional Food Insecurity;
- Kaiser Health News: Rural Seniors Benefit From Pandemic-Driven Remote Fitness Boom;
- Alliance Reacts to Mass Shootings in California
January 20, 2023
- Biden and House GOP are at an Impasse as Nation Hits Key Debt Ceiling Deadline;
- Democrats in Michigan Unite to Roll Back Tax on Pension Benefits;
- Kaiser Health News: Numbers Don’t Lie. Biden Kept His Promise on Improving Obamacare;
- Alliance Celebrates the Lunar New Year this Sunday
January 13, 2023
- Ohio Alliance Files Voting Rights Lawsuit Over New Photo ID Requirement;
- House GOP’s Plans to Cut Social Social Security and Medicare Advance;
- HHS Announces Key Dates for Implementation of Medicare Drug Price Negotiation;
- Remembering Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. – And His Statements Concerning Health Care
January 6, 2023
- Far-right House Members Seek Commitment that New Speaker Will Use Debt Limit to Force Spending Cuts;
- Pension Spending During Covid Pandemic Provided $1.3 Trillion to the Economy;
- House Investigation into Alzheimer’s Drug Places Blame on FDA, Biogen;
- Kaiser Health News: Weighing Risks of a Major Surgery:
7 Questions Older Americans Should Ask Their Surgeon
2022
December 23, 2022
- Congress Passes Omnibus Spending Bill;
- Many Inflation Reduction Act Provisions Set to Take Effect in January;
- EPI: Older Workers are Working Later in Life to Make Ends Meet;
- Special Message from President Roach;
- Kaiser Health News: States Challenge Biden to Lower Drug Prices by Allowing Imports From Canada
December 16, 2022
- Medicare Advantage Plans Overcharged Taxpayers by Millions;
- Covid-19 Vaccines Have Saved Millions of American Lives; Booster Shots are Critical;
- Kaiser Health News: Assisted Living Facilities Pressed to Address Growing Needs of Older, Sicker Residents;
- Higher Number of Seniors Living Alone Brings Housing, Elder Care Issues to the Forefront
December 9, 2022
- Biden Announces $36 Billion in Relief to Avoid Cuts to Promised Pension Benefits;
- Kevin McCarthy Faces Debt-limit Dilemma in Bid for Speaker as House GOP Hardliners Ratchet Up Demands;
- Kaiser Health News: Paxlovid Has Been Free So Far. Next Year, Sticker Shock Awaits;
- Wait Times Increase for Disability Benefits as Social Security Offices Struggle Financially
December 2, 2022
- White House Calls Tying Social Security and Medicare Cuts to Debt Ceiling Vote a “Non-Starter”;
- SSA Warns That it Needs More Funding;
- Older Americans Constitute Majority of COVID-19 Deaths;
- Medicare Open Enrollment Ends Next Week;
- Kaiser Health News: Should Older Seniors Risk Major Surgery? New Research Offers Guidance
November 25, 2022
- Researchers Find Evidence That Aerobic Exercise Reinvigorates the Aging Brain;
- RSV Hospitalization Rate is 10 Times Higher for Seniors This Year;
- Long-Term Care Affordability Crisis Looms As Middle-Income Seniors Age;
- Kaiser Health News: Sick Profit: Investigating Private Equity’s Stealthy Takeover of Health Care Across Cities and Specialties
- Washington State Alliance Holds Annual Meeting
November 18, 2022
- Alliance for Retired Americans Hosts 2022 Retirement Security Symposium;
- Retirees Congratulate Pelosi on Remarkable Career as Speaker;
- Senators Kelly and Cortez Masto, Retiree Heroes, Re-elected to the U.S. Senate;
- Alliance Leader Elected to Colorado House;
- Alliance Loses Ron Long, Indiana Retiree Rights and UAW Leader;
- Alliance Wishes All of Our Members a Safe and Happy Thanksgiving
November 11, 2022
- Retirees Remain Hopeful as Election Day Results are Tabulated;
- Decision Blocks Illegal Hand Counting of Ballots in Cochise County in Arizona Alliance Lawsuit – but Board of Supervisors Appeals;
- Kaiser Health News: Supreme Court to Hear Nursing Home Case That Could Affect Millions;
- Retirement Symposium to Take Place Tuesday, will be Available on Youtube;
- Alliance Celebrates Veterans Day Friday
November 4, 2022
- See Which Candidates Can be Trusted with Seniors’ Votes;
- Court Issues Temporary Restraining Order after Arizona Alliance Sues to Stop Intimidation at Ballot Drop Boxes;
- GOTV Teletown Halls Feature AFL-CIO President Shuler, Labor Secretary Walsh, Rep. Tim Ryan and Other VIPs;
- Medicare Beneficiaries Urged to Compare Plans and Be Wary of Misleading Claims During Open Season
October 28, 2022
- Arizona Alliance and Voto Latino File Lawsuit to Stop Harassment and Intimidation at Arizona Ballot Drop Boxes;
- Alliance and AFL-CIO Educate Voters During National Retirement Security Week;
- Democratic Super PAC Ads Focus on Social Security as Election Day Draws Closer;
- Alliance Hosts Teletown Hall with Wisconsin Members and Mandela Barnes
October 21, 2022
- Ohio Pension Warrior Rita Lewis to Address Alliance Symposium
- Top House Republican Kevin McCarthy Vows to Create Global Financial Crisis to Force Cuts to Social Security and Medicare
- Alliance Celebrates Voting Rights Court Victory in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania
- Alliance Hosts Teletown Hall with Sen. Cortez Masto; Fiesta Campaigns for Sen. Kelly
- Kaiser Health News: Say What? Hearing Aids Available Over-the-Counter for as Low as $199, and Without a Prescription
October 14, 2022
- Social Security Benefits to Rise by 8.7 percent in 2023 in Big Boost for Seniors;
- Senate Republican Bill Would Repeal Democratic Drug Pricing Gains;
- GOP Aims to Use Debt-Limit Deal to Cut Social Security and Medicare;
- Fiesta Travels to Wisconsin, Arizona on the Campaign Trail;
- Mississippi Alliance Holds Its Convention
October 7, 2022
- Alliance to Host Retirement Security Seminar in November;
- Early Voting Has Already Begun in Several States;
- It’s Flu Vaccine Time and Seniors are Urged to Get Special Shots;
- New Study Offers Advice for Recovering from Elder Financial Exploitation;
- Kaiser Health News: Nursing Home Surprise: Advantage Plans May Shorten Stays to Less Time Than Medicare Covers
September 30, 2022
- Hurricane Ian Causes Loss of Life, Epic Damage Across Florida, American Southeast;
- Alliance Joins President Biden at White House Inflation Reduction Act Event;
- Arizona Alliance, Priorities USA and Voto Latino Win Challenge Against Two Provisions in Arizona Voter Suppression Law;
- Break on Medicare Premiums in 2023 Comes as Welcome News;
- Alliance Members Cheer Additional Funding for SSA in Continuing Resolution;
- New Mexico Alliance Holds its Convention with Several Elected Officials in Attendance
September 23, 2022
- Alliance, Members of Congress Praise Inflation Reduction Act’s Health Care Measures at Capitol Hill Rally;
- House Committee Passes The Social Security Fairness Act to Repeal Unfair WEP/GPO Social Security Provisions;
- Many Republicans Continue to Support Privatizing Social Security, Medicare;
- Kaiser Health News: Clearing Pollution Helps Clear the Fog of Aging — And May Cut the Risk of Dementia;
- Alliance Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month
September 16, 2022
- Pennsylvania Alliance Files Motion to Fight Voter Suppression in Lehigh County;
- Social Security’s Cost-of-Living Increase Likely to be Largest in Four Decades;
- Kaiser Health News: While Inflation Takes a Toll on Seniors, Billions of Dollars in Benefits Go Unused;
- Alliance Celebrates Drug Price Provisions in Inflation Reduction Act;
- President Roach Joins Minnesota Governor Tim Walz at Machinists Picnic
September 9, 2022
- Alliance and Allies Highlight the Benefits of Inflation Reduction Act for Retirees;
- SSA Adds Safety Measures to Protect People Facing Long Wait Times, Adverse Conditions;
- Illinois Alliance Member Bea Lumpkin, 104, Leads Chicago Labor Day Parade;
- Walking More Will Cut Your Risk of Developing Dementia;
- Fiesta Addresses Colorado Alliance Members
September 2, 2022
- Wisconsin Senator Doubles Down on Plans to Slash Earned Retirement Benefits on Campaign Trail;
- After Crackdown, Medicare Advantage Marketers Tone Down Sales Tactics;
- You’re Invited: Celebrate Passage of the Inflation Reduction Act and Learn How it Will Lower Drug Prices;
- New Study Shows Paxlovid Decreases COVID Deaths for Older People;
- Union Support Reaches Its Highest Point In Nearly Six Decades
August 26, 2022
- Charlie Crist to Take on Ron DeSantis for Florida Governor after Winning Democratic Primary;
- FDA’s Announcement on Hearing Aids Could Save Relationships;
- Using Covid Relief Funds to Rehire Retired Teachers Could Help Address Teacher Shortage;
- Life Expectancy Fell during COVID Pandemic, Especially for Hispanic and Black Males
August 19, 2022
- Alliance Mourns the Death of Jo Etta Brown
- Arizona Alliance, Priorities USA and Voto Latino Challenge Arizona Voter Suppression Law
- Alliance Celebrates Social Security’s Anniversary in the Face of Threats to the Program
- Richard Fiesta Addresses APWU Retirees in Maryland
- Affordable Hearing Aids to Be Available Over the Counter Nationwide
August 12, 2022
- Seniors Applaud House Passage of Bold Action to Lower Drug Prices
- Social Security’s Anniversary is This Sunday
- Richard Fiesta Addresses SOAR Retirees
- Kaiser Health News: Nursing Homes Are Suing the Friends and Family of Residents to Collect Debts
August 5, 2022
- Inflation Reduction Act Gains Traction As it Heads Toward a Vote
- Anti-Retiree GOP Candidates Win Primaries
- Alliance Members Join Kentucky Flooding Relief Efforts
- Kaiser Health News: ‘True Cost of Aging’ Index Shows Many Seniors Can’t Afford Basic Necessities
July 29, 2022
- Robert Roach, Jr. and Joseph Peters, Jr. Re-elected as Alliance Leaders at National Meeting Continue to Work on Legislation Allowing Medicare to Negotiate Lower Prices
- National Meeting Includes VIP Remarks, Greetings
- New Resolutions Honor Leaders, Address Social Security and Right to Vote and More
- Celebrating the 57th Anniversary of Medicare
- “The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022” Renews Hope for Action to Lower Drug Prices
July 22, 2022
- Drug Corporations Hike Prices Again While Senate Democrats Continue to Work on Legislation Allowing Medicare to Negotiate Lower Prices
- GAO Investigation Finds Failures in Appeals Process for Social Security Disability Benefits
- Study Finds American Men Are Less Healthy Than Their Counterparts
- Alliance Members Elect Regional Board Members
July 15, 2022
- Register by Monday for the Alliance’s 2022 National Membership Meeting
- Big Pharma Spends $150 Million Lobbying Against Lower Drug Prices
- President Roach Addresses AFT Retirees in Massachusetts
- Congress Must Improve Customer Service by Boosting the Budget for Social Security Administration
- Obituary: Gerald McEntee, Longtime AFSCME President
July 8, 2022
- Senate Democrats Continue to Eye July Deadline to Pass Lower Drug Price Bill
- Alliance Calls for Change in Wake of Mass Shooting at Fourth of July Parade in Illinois
- Florida Alliance Denounces Sen. Marco Rubio’s Plan to Cut Social Security
- Register now for the Alliance’s 2022 National Membership Meeting
- Kaiser Health News: How Pfizer Won the Pandemic, Reaping Outsize Profit and Influence
July 1, 2022
- History Made as Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson Joins the Supreme Court
- Senate Democrats Working to Pass Legislation to Lower Drug Prices in July
- Register now for the Alliance’s 2022 National Membership Meeting
- Alliance Members Host Convention in Connecticut and Senior Summit in Kansas
- Kaiser Health News: Government Watchdogs Attack Medicare Advantage for Denying Care and Overcharging
June 24, 2022
- Research Provides Further Evidence that Pensions are Superior to 401(k) Plans
- U.S. Supreme Court Upholds Rule Requiring Return of Medicare Overpayments
- New Bipartisan Legislation Aims to Limit Insulin Prices for Patients
- New Flu Vaccines Recommended for Older Americans
- Kaiser Health News: 100 Million People in America Are Saddled With Health Care Debt
June 17, 2022
- President Shuler, Secretary-Treasurer Redmond Bring Bold Vision For Labor Expansion
- Biden Speaks about Social Security and Medicare at Philadelphia AFL-CIO Convention
- Workers Encouraged to Track Down Lost Pension Benefits
- Kaiser Health News: Preventive Care May Be Free, but Follow-Up Diagnostic Tests Can Bring Big Bills
June 10, 2022
- President Roach Tells Senate Committee Social Security Must Be Expanded
- Medicare Advantage Insurance Firms Accused of Submitting False Bills to Inflate Profits
- New Drug Prices Soar to Median of $180,000 a Year
- Kaiser Health News: Despite a First-Ever ‘Right-to-Repair’ Law, There’s No Easy Fix for Wheelchair Users
June 3, 2022
- Social Security Trustees Report Shows We Can Expand Social Security;
- Medicare Beneficiaries Will See A Premium Cut, But Not Until 2023;
- Kaiser Health News: ‘That’s Just Part of Aging’: Long Covid Symptoms Are Often Overlooked in Seniors;
- June is LGBTQ+ Pride Month
May 27, 2022
- Alliance Stands with Victims of Texas Elementary School Shooting and Their Families
- Social Security Administration Levied Enormous Fines on the Poor and Disabled
- FCC Addresses Annoying Robocalls from Other Countries
- Executive Director Fiesta Addresses Coalition of Black Trade Unionists
- Alliance Marks Memorial Day
May 20, 2022
- Alliance Stands with Those Targeted in Mass Shooting in Buffalo
- Health Insurance CEOs Raked in Record Compensation Last Year
- Join the Alliance Next Thursday for “Slam the Scam: How to Shut Down Social Security Scammers” Workshop
- CMS Unveils Updated, More User-Friendly Medicare Website
- Kaiser Health News: Why Won’t More Older Americans Get Their Covid Booster?
May 13, 2022
- New Campaign Ads Focus on Sen. Scott’s Plans for Medicare, Social Security
- American Covid Death Toll Hits One Million
- Older Americans Month: A Chance to Put Aside Stereotypes About Aging
- Alert: Scammers Using Alliance Logo to Obtain Banking Information
May 6, 2022
- White House Issues “Older Americans Month” Proclamation
- Alliance Facilitates Partnership with Labor Movement, SUNY to Help Students with Family, Financial Obligations
- COVID-19 Death Toll Among Older Americans Still Rising
- Kaiser Health News: Medicare Surprise – Drug Plan Prices Touted During Open Enrollment Can Rise Within a Month
April 29, 2022
- May is Older Americans Month!
- HHS investigation Finds Many Medicare Advantage Enrollees are Denied Necessary Care
- Sen. Warren, Experts Highlight Executive Actions to Lower Drug Prices
- Alliance Celebrates May Day this Sunday
April 22, 2022
- Help Build Momentum for Rep. Larson’s Bill that Expands Social Security Benefits
- Alliance Draws Attention to Dangers of Sen. Scott’s “Rescue America Plan”
- Big Pharma’s Lies on Drug Prices Debunked
- Workers Memorial Day is April 28 – Find an Event Near You
April 15, 2022
- New Laws Make It Easier to Visit Loved Ones in Health Care Facilities
- 2022 National and Regional Meetings – Save the Dates
- Arizona Alliance Testifies at Sen. Kelly Hearing on Lowering Prescription Drug Prices
- Kaiser Health News — It’s Your Choice: You Can Change Your Views of Aging and Improve Your Life
- The Alliance Celebrates Medicaid Awareness Month
April 8, 2022
- Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson Confirmed as 116th Supreme Court Justice
- Medicare Limits Coverage of Aduhelm to Patients in Clinical Trials
- After Insulin Copay Cap Passes House, Senate Looks for a Broader Bill
- Social Security Field Offices Reopen Nationwide
April 1, 2022
- Federal Judge Finds Florida Voting Law Unconstitutional in Case Brought by the Florida Alliance and Others
- Alliance Praises House Passage of Legislation to Reduce the Price of Insulin
- President Biden’s 2023 Budget Offers Benefits, Protections for Older Americans
- FDA, CDC Clear Second COVID-19 Boosters for Americans Age 50 and Older
March 25, 2022
- Democrats Eye Plans to Substantially Drop the Price of Insulin
- Seniors Celebrate Affordable Care Act’s 12th Anniversary
- Retirees on Fixed Incomes Live Day-to-Day Amid Rising Inflation
- Kaiser Health News: Covid’s ‘Silver Lining’: Research Breakthroughs for Chronic Disease, Cancer, and the Common Flu
March 18, 2022
- Senior GOP Sen. Grassley Tells Democrats to Pass Drug Price Legislation Now
- Pfizer asks FDA to Approve Fourth Dose of COVID Vaccine for Seniors
- Omnibus Spending Bill Includes Increases for Social Security Administration, Senior Nutrition, and the CDC
- As Medical Debt Stacks Up, Many People in Their Early 60s Count the Days Until They Are Eligible for Medicare
March 11, 2022
- Alliance Praises Senate Passage of Bipartisan Postal Reform Bill
- Generic Drug Manufacturer Announces Plans for Low-Cost Insulin
- Nation Celebrates One Year Since American Rescue Plan Became Law
- Report Highlights In-Home Hazards for Older Americans
March 4, 2022
- President Biden Addresses Many of Retirees’ Highest Priorities at State of the Union
- Biden Unveils Plans to Support Poorest-Performing Nursing Homes
- Even Sen. McConnell Reprimands Sen. Rick Scott over Drastic Social Security, Medicare Proposals
- Social Security Administration Fights Fraud with National “Slam the Scam Day”
February 25, 2022
- Seniors Praise Nomination of Ketanji Brown Jackson to U.S. Supreme Court
- Senators Again Eye “Fixes” to Social Security
- Alliance Celebrates Scrap the Cap Day
- Daily Activities Like Gardening Reduced Heart Disease Risk in Older Women
- Kaiser Health News: As Covid Slogs On, Seniors Find Fortitude Waning and Malaise Growing
February 18, 2022
- Alliance Releases New Retiree Voting Record Report
- Invitation: Zooming into 2022 Training Event
- For Older People with Memory Issues, ‘Clutter’ May be the Culprit
- Kaiser Health News: Why Millions on Medicaid Are at Risk of Losing Coverage in the Months Ahead
February 11, 2022
- Alliance Cheers House Passage of Bipartisan Postal Reform Bill
- Census Report Highlights Older Households’ Sources of Income
- For Older Patients, Exercise Could Speed Recovery Following Hospitalization
- Kaiser Health News — Health Care Paradox: Medicare Penalizes Dozens of Hospitals It Also Gives Five Stars
February 4, 2022
- The Alliance and the AFL-CIO Celebrate Black History Month, Lunar New Year
- Medicare to Pay for Home Covid Tests
- Florida Alliance’s Lawsuit Against the State’s Restrictive Voting Law Goes to Court
- COVID-19 Widows Struggle to Get Survivors Benefits as Social Security Offices Remain Closed
- KHN: Pandemic-Fueled Shortages of Home Health Workers Strand Patients Without Necessary Care
January 28, 2022
- Alliance Takes More Action to Protect Voting Rights
- Key Senator Still Pushing for Legislation to Lower Drug Prices
- Nursing Home Staff Shortage Worsens as the Pandemic Continues
- KHN: Why Medicare Doesn’t Pay for Rapid At-Home Covid Tests
January 21, 2022
- Historic Voting Rights Legislation, Filibuster Reform Fail to Pass in the U.S. Senate
- Democrats Urge Scaled-Back Build Back Better Act
- Free COVID-19 Test Kits are Now Available from the U.S. Postal Service
- Supreme Court Decision Upholds Vaccine Rule for Most Nursing Home, Health Care Workers
January 14, 2022
- Retirees Applaud HHS Secretary Becerra’s Directive that CMS Reconsider 14% 2022 Medicare Premium Hike
- Voting Rights Push Hits a Major Hurdle following Speech by Sen. Sinema
- Pension Plans Offer Substantial Cost Advantages Over 401(k) Retirement Accounts
- AFL-CIO’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day Virtual Event to Feature Vice President Kamala Harris
January 7, 2022
- Prices Jump 5% On More Than 450 Prescription Drugs to Start the Year
- How to Get Social Security Questions Answered
- “No Surprises Act” Law is Now in Effect to Dispute Unexpected Medical Bills
- Obituary: Karen Ferguson, Founder of the Pension Rights Center
2021
December 31, 2021
- The Alliance Mourns Loss of Retiree Champion Senator Harry Reid
- Biogen Cuts Price for Alzheimer’s Drug Amid Controversy
- New Protections from Surprise Medical Bills Go into Effect in 2022
- Voting Rights Battle to Continue in 2022
- Seniors are Disproportionately Affected by Breakthrough Covid Hospitalizations
- KHN: ‘The Charges Seem Crazy’: Hospitals Impose a ‘Facility Fee’ — For a Video Visit
December 17, 2021
- Senate Republicans and Chamber of Commerce Double Down on Opposition to the Build Back Better Act
- Covid Booster Rates are Sluggish in Nursing Homes
- Postal Reform Act Awaits a Vote to Strengthen the Post Office
- As U.S. Passes 800,000 Virus Deaths, 1 of Every 100 Older Americans Has Died
December 10, 2021
- President Roach Pushes for a Vote on Social Security Expansion at Congressional Hearing
- President Biden Outlines the Ways “Build Back Better” will Lower Drug Prices
- House Oversight Committee: Drug Prices are “Unsustainable, Unjustifiable and Unfair”
- Medicare Beneficiaries’ Telehealth Visits Increased 63-Fold in 2020
December 3, 2021
- Health Officials Urge Booster Shots for Older Americans to Combat Omicron Variant
- Tell Senators: Pass the Build Back Better Act Now
- Older Homeowners Experience Surge in Predatory Solicitations
- KHN: For Older Adults, Smelling the Roses May Be More Difficult
November 26, 2021
- Biden to Replace Ron Bloom, USPS Board Chair and DeJoy Ally, on Postal Board of Governors
- New Report Shows Drug Price Hikes for 7 Medicines Were “Unjustified” and Cost Billions
- Psychologists: Use These Techniques to Boost Your Mental Health
- KHN: As Big Pharma and Hospitals Battle Over Drug Discounts, Patients Miss Out on Millions in Benefits
November 19, 2021
- House Passes Historic Build Back Act that Lowers Drug Prices, Funds Home Care and Hearing Aids
- UAW Members End John Deere Strike with Higher Wages and Stronger Retirement Benefits
- Medicare Premiums to Take a Big Bite out of Social Security’s 5.9% COLA in 2022
- KHN: Public Opinion Is Unified on Lowering Prescription Drug Prices. Why Are Leaders Settling for Less?
November 12, 2021
- Build Back Better Act Clears Procedural Vote in House, Awaits Next Steps
- Alliance Activists Make the Case for the Build Back Better Act
- Legislation is Introduced in House to Reduce Barriers for Older Workers
- KHN: Medicare Enrollment Blitz Doesn’t Include Options to Move Into Medigap
November 5, 2021
- House and Senate Leaders Reach Agreement on Legislation to Lower Drug Costs
- Build Back Better Act Will Also Fund Home Care, Adds Guaranteed Hearing Benefit to Medicare
- Lower Premiums, More Choices for Affordable Care Act Patients in 2022
- KHN: Nursing Home Residents Overlooked in Scramble for Covid Antibody Treatments
- Happy Veterans Day from the Alliance
October 29, 2021
- President Biden Unveils Framework for Build Back Better Bill
- Representative Larson Introduces Social Security Expansion Bill With 194 Co-Sponsors
- Arizona Alliance Holds Halloween Rally Outside Senator Sinema’s Office
- KHN: Medicare Punishes 2,499 Hospitals for High Readmissions
October 22, 2021
- Voting Rights Legislation Blocked Again in Senate
- Only 1 in 7 Seniors Have Received a Covid Booster Shot So Far
- Kaiser Health News: ‘They Treat Me Like I’m Old and Stupid’: Seniors Decry Health Providers’ Age Bias
- Medicare Open Enrollment Season Has Begun
October 15, 2021
- Social Security Benefits Will Increase by Almost 6 Percent in 2022
- Analysis Illustrates How Eliminating the Payroll Tax Cap Could Substantially Improve Social Security’s Future
- Kaiser Health News: The Public Backs Medicare Rx Price Negotiation Even After Hearing Both Sides’ Views
- Elmer Blankenship, Beloved Longtime President of the Indiana Alliance, Passes Away at 95
October 8, 2021
- Drug Corporations Kick Lobbying into High Gear to Stop Medicare Drug Price Negotiation
- Alliance Members Speak Out for Drug Price Negotiation and Expanded Medicare Benefits
- Forty-nine Democratic Senators Introduce Voting Rights Legislation
- USPS Postal Banking Pilot Launched in Four Cities
October 1, 2021
- CEOs Against Medicare Price Negotiation Were Paid $400 Million Collectively Last Year
- Extreme Wealth Inequality at All Ages is Tied to Retirement Struggles for Many Americans
- Kaiser Health News: An Ad’s Charge That Price Haggling Would ‘Swipe $500 Billion From Medicare’ Is Incorrect
- Fred Redmond is New Alliance Executive Vice President
September 24, 2021
- Alliance Fighting for Lower Drug Prices as Debate Heats up in Congress
- FDA, CDC Back Pfizer COVID-19 Boosters for Seniors, High-Risk Americans
- Survey Says Most Private Insurance Plans Won’t Waive COVID-19 Cost-sharing
- Nabisco Strike Ends: BCTGM Members Overwhelmingly Accept New Contract
September 17, 2021
- Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Proposal Blocked in Committee
- Senate Democrats’ Introduce New Voting Rights Bill
- Democrats Look to Wealthiest Americans, Corporations to Pay for Reconciliation Bill
- Kaiser Health News: Over Half of States Have Rolled Back Public Health Powers in Pandemic
September 10, 2021
- Texas Alliance Sues Over New Extreme Voting Restrictions
- Administration Advances Plans for Lower Drug Prices as Congress Works on Ways to Expand Medicare with the Savings
- Action Needed: Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Being Debated in Congress Now
- New Poll Explores Seniors’ Biggest Concerns
- Many Nursing Home Residents Suffer through Hurricane Ida, Pandemic in Horrid Conditions
September 3, 2021
- Texas Legislature Sends Anti-Democratic Voting Legislation to Governor Abbott for Signature
- Action Needed: Sign the Labor Day Petition Calling for Passage of the PRO Act
- Social Security’s Finances Remain Strong, Annual Trustees Reports Show
- KHN: Apple, Bose and Others Pump Up the Volume on Hearing Aid Options, Filling Void Left by FDA
August 27, 2021
- House Passes Budget Resolution Agreement
- Nabisco Workers Go On Strike in Five States to
Fight Offshoring, Preserve Pension Benefits - House Passes the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Act
- Older Workers Struggling to Stay in Workforce
- KHN: After Pandemic Ravaged Nursing Homes, New State Laws Protect Residents
August 20, 2021
- Action Needed: Demand That Your Senators Protect Our Vote
- Growing Number of Public Health Experts Recommend Upgrading Masks
- Medicare Advantage Plans Cost Federal Government $7 Billion in 2019
- Alliance Leader Jo Etta Brown Re-Appointed Chair of Nevada Commission for Women
August 13, 2021
- Retirees Applaud President Biden’s Forceful Call for Action to Lower Prescription Drug Prices
- Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal Passes Senate
- Alliance Says “Expand, Don’t Cut” Social Security as Anniversary Approaches
- KHN: Why Doesn’t Medicare Cover Services So Many Seniors Need?
August 6, 2021
- Retirees Mourn the Death of AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka
- Alliance Poll: Seniors Would Cross Party Lines to Vote for Candidates Who Support Medicare Drug Price Negotiation
- Alliance Members Continue to Commemorate Medicare, Social Security Anniversaries
- KHN: ‘Wisdom and Fear’ Lead 90% of U.S. Seniors to Covid Vaccines
July 30, 2021
- Alliance Celebrates Medicare’s Birthday with Events from Coast to Coast
- Medicare Part D Enrollees Are Paying Thousands Out-of-Pocket Above the Catastrophic Threshold, Far More than Expected
- Doctors Hand Big Pharma a Loss in Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill Negotiations
- Staffing Shortages, High Turnover Make Finding Home Care for Older Adults Even Harder
July 23, 2021
- 56th Anniversary of Medicare Brings Fight to Lower Drug Prices into High Gear
- Senate Holds Hearing on PRO Act, Proponents Drum Up Support
- American Medical Debt Twice as High as Previously Thought, Concentrated in States Without Medicaid Expansion
- KHN: Though Millions Are at Risk for Diabetes, Medicare Struggles to Expand Prevention Program
July 16, 2021
- Senate Democrats Announce Package to Expand Medicare to Include Dental, Hearing and Vision Benefits
- President Biden Fires SSA Commissioner Appointed by Trump
- President Biden Signs Executive Order Targeting High Drug Prices
- Texas State Legislators Flee the State to Preserve Voting Rights
July 9, 2021
- Report Shows Top 14 Drug Corporations Could Easily Afford Medicare Price Negotiation
- Congressional Democrats Eye Multiple Paths to Medicare Improvement
- Alliance’s Partnership with SUNY Helps Younger Caretakers
- Ageism Costs the Economy Trillions
July 2, 2021
- New Report Details Patient Advocacy Groups’ Reliance on Big Pharma Donations
- Legislation Introduced to Enact President Biden’s Caregiving Plan
- House of Representatives Passes Legislation to Protect Older Workers from Discrimination
- Calming Computer Jitters: Help for Seniors Who Aren’t Tech-Savvy
June 25, 2021
- Schumer Backs Plan to Expand Medicare, Add Dental, Vision, and Hearing Coverage
- Alliance Urges Congress to Lower Drug Prices Now, Saying Older Americans are “Fed Up”
- Data Show Massive COVID Death Toll in Nursing Homes; Crucial Information Missing in Florida
- Black and Hispanic Americans Suffer Most in Biggest US Decline in Life Expectancy Since WWII
June 18, 2021
- President Roach Urges House Democrats to Expand Social Security
- Government Panel: Higher Drug Prices, not More Prescriptions, Are Driving Higher Medicare Spending
- U.S. Supreme Court Dismisses Challenge to the Affordable Care Act
- KHN: Device Makers Have Funneled Billions to Orthopedic Surgeons Who Use Their Products
June 11, 2021
- Drug Prices Rose at Twice the Inflation Rate in 2020
- Biden Budget Includes Funds to Boost Social Security’s Customer Service
- New Alzheimer’s Drug Approved as Debate Heats Up Over Its Cost, Effectiveness
- KHN: Zooming Into the Statehouse: Nursing Home Residents Use New Digital Skills to Push for Changes
June 4, 2021
- Voter Suppression Spotlight Shifts to Texas
- New Studies Detail Pandemic’s Impact on Retirement Security
- Biden Budget Addresses Seniors’ Health Care Needs
- KHN: Caring for an Aging Nation
May 28, 2021
- Happy Anniversary to the Alliance
- Nursing Homes Look to Protect Against Lawsuits by Invoking Trump Administration’s Policy
- Senate Confirms Chiquita Brooks-LaSure to Run the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Service
- KHN: Stark Racial Disparities Persist in Vaccinations, State-Level CDC Data Shows
- Remembering Those Who Died Serving the Country
- Alliance Mourns Those Lost in Latest Senseless Shooting
May 21, 2021
- Hearing Exposes Greed of Drug Corporation Abbvie
- Florida Alliance Urges Congress to Lower Drug Prices and End Corporate Tax Breaks
- Members of Congress Suggest Expanding Medicare Telehealth Options
- KHN: As Pandemic Eases, Many Seniors Have Lost Strength, May Need Rehabilitative Services
May 14, 2021
- For the People Act Advances in the U.S. Senate
- Congress Takes Significant Steps to Strengthen the Postal Service
- CFPB Offers Financial Resources for Seniors
- KHN: Trouble Managing Money May Be an Early Sign of Dementia
May 7, 2021
- Florida Alliance Sues State of Florida to Protect Voting Rights
- COVID-19 “TRIPS Waiver” Could Assist Countries Seeing the Worst of the Pandemic
- Mounting Evidence Demonstrates Need for Action on High Drug Prices
- Alliance Members Mark Older Americans Month
April 30, 2021
- New Congressional Voting Record Report Available
- President Biden’s Joint Address to Congress Promises More Action
To Help Older Americans Recover from the Pandemic - Senate Committee Advances Biden’s Nominees for USPS Board
- Seniors’ Face a Financial Double Whammy: Escalating Drug Prices and Low Social Security COLAs
- May Day to Commemorate Workers Around the World as Senate Considers the PRO Act
April 23, 2021
- Sen. Romney, Rep. Gallagher Re-Introduce the TRUST Act
- Rural Seniors’ Lower Vaccination Rates Signal an Urban-Rural Divide
- CFPB Offers Tips for Seniors Seeking a Financial Adviser
- KHN: From Rotten Teeth to Advanced Cancer, Patients Feel the Effects of Treatment Delays
April 16, 2021
- White House Budget Includes Increased Funding for SSA, Alzheimer’s Research
- COVID Scams Targeting Seniors Continue Despite a Majority of Seniors Being Vaccinated
- KHN: Biden Seeks $400 Billion to Buttress Long-Term Care. A Look at What’s at Stake.
- Rich Fiesta Addresses United Federation of Teachers Retirees
April 9, 2021
- Lobbyists Fight Democratic Proposals on Drug Pricing, Vaccine Access
- American Rescue Plan Can Expand Medicaid in States That Have Refused Funds
- Biden Administration Announces 500,000 New HealthCare.gov Sign-Ups
- KHN: ‘I Can Breathe Again’: Older Adults Begin to Test Freedom After Covid Vaccinations
- Alliance Members Meet with Members of Congress during Congressional Recess
April 2, 2021
- Millions of Social Security Beneficiaries Still Waiting on $1,400 Covid-19 Relief Payments
- Biden Unveils $2 Trillion Infrastructure Plan, Including Vast Expansion of Long Term Care
- Infrastructure Plan Could Also Include Medicare Expansion
- KHN: ‘Incredibly Concerning’ Lawsuit Threatens Free Preventive Care for Millions
March 26, 2021
- Senior Trump Appointees Remain in Place at Social Security Administration
- KHN: Democrats Eye Medicare Negotiations to Lower Drug Prices
- Marty Walsh is Confirmed As Labor Secretary At a Key Time for Unions
- Calls for Postal Banking Gain Momentum
March 19, 2021
- Xavier Becerra is Confirmed to Lead HHS, Bringing Renewed Hope for Action to Lower Drug Prices
- Senate Prepares to Consider Biden Nominees to the Postal Service Board of Governors
- KHN: Covid Cases Plummet 83% Among Nursing Home Staffers Despite Vaccine Hesitancy
- Alliance Condemns Senseless Shootings in Georgia
March 12, 2021
- Biden’s American Rescue Plan Brings $1.9 Trillion in Coronavirus Relief
- Retirees Applaud Provision to Save Multiemployer Pension Plans from Insolvency
- PRO Act Passes the House
- KHN: Texas Winter Storm Exposes Gaps in Senior Living Oversight
March 5, 2021
- Tell Congress: Pass the PRO Act So Workers Can Form a Union Without Barriers
- House Passes Landmark Voting Rights Bill
- Leaked Documents Detail Postmaster General’s Plans to Slow Mail Delivery
- Alliance Celebrates Women’s History Month
- KHN: Reopening of Long-Term Care Facilities Is ‘an Absolute Necessity for Our Well Being’
February 26, 2021
- President Biden Takes Action to Help the Postal Service
- Coronavirus Stimulus Relief Package Closer to Passage
- Coronavirus Pandemic Has Had a Negative Impact on Retirement Security
- KHN: Countless Homebound Patients Still Wait for Covid Vaccine Despite Seniors’ Priority
February 19, 2021
- State Legislators Push For Price-Hike Penalties to Lower Drug Prices
- House Committee Will Focus on USPS Next Week
- KHN: Family Caregivers, Routinely Left Off Vaccine Lists, Worry What Would Happen ‘If I Get Sick’
- Former President Trump and Hate Groups Sued Over January 6 Capitol Riot
February 12, 2021
- Sen. Romney Continues to Threaten Retirement Security
- Rescue Plan for Multiemployer Pension Plans Advances in the House
- PRO Act is Re-Introduced in House and Senate to Make it Easier to Form a Union
- KHN: At This Early Stage of the COVID-19 Vaccine Roll-Out, Most Older Adults Have Not Yet Been Vaccinated As Supply Remains Limited
February 5, 2021
- John Sweeney, President of the AFL-CIO from 1995-2009, is Remembered as a Visionary
- Senate Approves Budget for Biden’s $1.9 Trillion Stimulus
- Survey: Pandemic Caused Many Americans to Withdraw Money from their Retirement Accounts
- KHN: When Your Chance for a Covid Shot Comes, Don’t Worry About the Numbers
- President Roach: Black History Month Comes Amid Milestones, But Work Remains
January 29, 2021
- President Biden Moves to Speed up Covid Vaccinations
- KHN Poll: Nearly Half of American Adults Now Want the Covid Vaccine — ASAP
- Biden Administration Kills Trump Proposals to Cut Social Security Disability Benefits
- Republicans Push New Voting Restrictions
- Scammers Have Stolen $130 Million in Coronavirus Schemes
January 22, 2021
- Hope for End to Coronavirus Pandemic Rises as Joe Biden and Kamala Harris Take Office
- Report Finds Pensions Make a Significant Contribution to the Economy, Not Just to Beneficiaries
- Biden Fires Trump Appointee at National Labor Relations Board
- COVID-19 Leads to Largest Single-Year Decline in Life Expectancy
January 15, 2021
- Biden’s COVID-19 Relief Package Will Accelerate Vaccine Distribution
- Highest Earners Already Paid their Social Security Taxes for the Year
- AFL-CIO President Trumka Introduces Workers First Agenda: Five Priorities for 2021
- Celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day with Messages of Hope and Equality
- Obituary: Former Alliance Regional Board Member Kenyon Lauten Pease Jr., 1943 – 2021
January 8, 2021
- Sign Our Petition to Remove President Trump from Office NOW
- Ossoff, Warnock Senate Victories a Momentous Win for Retirees
- Attacks on SSA Lead to Lost Benefits for Seniors
- Mayor Marty Walsh will be Nominated to be Secretary of Labor
- KHN: Seniors Face Crushing Drug Costs as Congress Stalls on Capping Medicare Out-Of-Pockets
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