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.

2025

May 9, 2025

Senate Confirms Frank Bisignano as SSA Commissioner Despite Controversy Over His DOGE Connections, Lack of Relevant Experience;
Alliance Protects Voting Rights With Key Victory in North Carolina;
Retirees Congratulate Jan Schakowsky on Exceptional Career in Congress;
Alliance Marks Older Americans Month;
KFF Health News: At Social Security, These Are the Days of the Living Dead

May 2, 2025

Appeals Court Blocks DOGE’s Access to Social Security Records;
Republicans Grapple With Disagreements Over Potential Medicaid Cuts;
New Poll Shows Strong Support for Medicare Drug Price Negotiation;
Alliance Members Stand In Solidarity With Workers;
KFF Health News: Trump Administration Retreats From 100% Withholding on Social Security Clawbacks

April 25, 2025

Senate Democrats Call for Investigation into DOGE’s Social Security Cuts;
Medicaid Cuts Would Jeopardize Health Coverage for Millions—Particularly in 9 States;
Alliance Webinar: Social Security in Crisis;
KFF Health News: Why Cameras Are Popping Up in Eldercare Facilities

April 18, 2025

Court Grants Preliminary Injunction and Blocks Access to SSA Systems;
Alliance Members Participate in “Save Social Security” Day of Action;
New Executive Order Raises Concerns About Prescription Drug Prices for Seniors;
Medicare Advantage Plans Spent Billions on Supplemental Benefits Last Year;
KFF Health News: Trump HHS Eliminates Office That Sets Poverty Levels Tied to Benefits for at Least 80 Million People

April 11, 2025

House and Senate Pass Budget Resolution That Calls for Massive Medicaid and Tax Cuts;
SSA Backs Down on Plan to End Phone Service for Millions After Public Outcry;
Alliance Releases New Congressional Voting Record;
KFF Health News: Rural Hospitals Question Whether They Can Afford Medicare Advantage Contracts

April 4, 2025

Senate May Vote on Frank Bisignano’s Confirmation as SSA Commissioner Next Week ;
HHS Layoffs Threaten Meals on Wheels and Other Vital Aging and Disability Programs;
House Democrats Hold Hearing on Social Security Threats;
Senate Confirms Dr. Oz to Lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services;
Take Action: Hands Off Our Social Security Rally This Weekend;
KFF Health News: ‘If They Cut Too Much, People Will Die’: Health Coalition Pushes GOP on Medicaid Funding

March 28, 2025

Social Security Administration Rolls Back Plan to End Telephone Service for People with Disabilities After Criticism;
Retirees Shouldn’t Count on Frank Bisignano to Stop Musk’s Destruction of the Social Security Administration;
Department of Health and Human Services Restructuring Threatens Critical Services for Americans; Administration Moves to Gut Collective Bargaining for Federal Workers;
Alliance Members Mobilize Against Social Security Attacks

March 21, 2025

Judge Issues Temporary Restraining Order in Social Security Administration Lawsuit;
Social Security Administration Set to End Telephone Services for Claims, Forcing Millions to Process Claims in Person;
Take Action: Join Our “Save Social Security” Virtual Phone Bank Next Week;
Congress Extends Medicare Telehealth Services That Were Set to Expire

March 14, 2025

New Fact Sheet: Elon Musk and Donald Trump’s Biggest Lies About Social Security;
CMS Nominee Oz Faces Tough Questions at Senate Confirmation Hearing;
Anthony G. Padilla (Tony), Former President of the Texas Alliance, Passes Away at 79;
KFF Health News: Under Trump, Social Security Resumes What It Once Called ‘Clawback Cruelty’

March 7, 2025

House Democrats Introduce Legislation to Protect Social Security Benefits, Offices, and
Workforce ;
President Trump Doubles Down on Social Security Lies During Address to Congress;
Millionaires Are Done Paying Into Social Security This Year;
KFF Health News: Trump Vowed To End Surprise Medical Bills. The Office Working on That Just Got Slashed.

February 28, 2025

SSA Offers Buyouts to Staff Ahead of Planned Workforce Reductions and Field Office Closures;
House Passes Budget Proposal That Slashes Medicare and Cuts Taxes for the Rich;
Supreme Court Schedules Arguments in Case Challenging ACA Benefits Mandate;
KFF Health News: Republicans Once Wanted Government out of Health Care. Trump Voters See It Differently.

February 21, 2025

House of Representatives Will Vote on Budget Resolution That Fast Tracks Massive Medicaid and Tax Cuts Next Week;
Turmoil at Social Security Administration as Acting Commissioner Resigns After Trying to Block Musk Team’s Unwarranted Data Access;
Wisconsin Alliance Wins Voting Rights Case as Wisconsin Supreme Court Rejects Attempts to Restrict Absentee Voting;
Medicare Advantage Increases Financial Strain for Rural Hospitals;
KFF Health News: GOP Takes Aim at Medicaid, Putting Enrollees and Providers at Risk

February 14, 2025

Republicans Release Dueling Budget Blueprints That Call for Massive Cuts to Health Care and Food Assistance;
Alliance Members Join Protests Across the Country;
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is Confirmed by the Senate;
Oklahoma Retirees Form 40th State Alliance Chapter;
Alliance Releases 2024 Activity Report

February 7, 2025

Alliance Sues Treasury Department to Protect Americans’ Personal and Financial Data;
Retirees Affected by WEP-GPO May Have to Wait a Year for Benefit Increases;
Pharmaceutical Industry Pushes for Drug Price Negotiation Pause;
The Alliance Joins the AFL-CIO in Celebrating Black History Month;
KFF Health News: Across the South, Rural Health Care Has Become ‘Trendy.’ Medicaid Expansion Has Not.
By Lauren Sausser

January 31, 2025

Trump Administration Rescinds Memo “Pausing” Federal Grants After Sparking Widespread Panic and Confusion;
Report: Americans Prefer to Add Revenue to Social Security Instead of Cutting Benefits;
The Alliance Urges Senators to Reject Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services;
Alliance Celebrates Lunar New Year;
Federal Trade Commission Holds Identity Theft Awareness Week

January 24, 2025

President Trump Halts Efforts to Lower Prescription Drug Prices for Seniors on First Day in Office;
Supreme Court Set to Hear Case Challenging Key Affordable Care Act Provision;
President Trump Takes Aim at Federal Workers;
Long-Term Care Industry Prepares for Fallout from Immigration Plans;
Alliance Allies Named to Key Positions at PBGC;
KFF Health News: The Growing Inequality in Life Expectancy Among Americans by Amy Maxmen

January 17, 2025

15 New Drugs Selected for 2025 Medicare Price Negotiation;
Out-of-Pocket Cap Expected to Save Medicare Beneficiaries More than $7 Billion in 2025;
Medicare Advantage Does Not Provide More Supplemental Coverage for Beneficiaries;
KFF Health News: Trump’s Return Puts Medicaid on the Chopping Block by Phil Galewitz;
Remembering Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Pro-Worker Legacy

January 10, 2025

Alliance Leadership Attends Social Security Fairness Act Bill Signing Ceremony;
New Congress Starts to Take Shape;
New Research Illustrates How Pensions Drive the Economy;
KFF Health News: Biden Administration Bars Medical Debt From Credit Scores By Noam N. Levey

January 3, 2025

President Biden to Sign Social Security Fairness Act into Law on Monday;
Hundreds of Thousands of Seniors to See Lower Drug Costs in 2025;
Many Billionaires are Already Done Paying Taxes on Social Security for the Year;
KFF Health News: In Year 7, ‘Bill of the Month’ Gives Patients a Voice;
Alliance Congratulates Staff Member David Blank on His Retirement

2024

December 27, 2024

GOP Lawmakers Prepare to Slash Social Security and Medicare
Executive Pay Continues to Skyrocket While Wages Remain Stagnant
Biden Plan to Increase Nursing Home Safety and Staffing Levels in Danger;
Majority of Americans Have Positive Views of the Affordable Care Act, Medicare;
Authorities Highlight Potential Scams Targeting Older Americans this Holiday Season;
KFF Health News: A Centenarian Thrives Living Alone, Active and Engaged

December 20, 2024

After Cloture Vote in Senate, Alliance Members Call for Final Passage of Social Security Fairness Act;
Elon Musk, Speaker Johnson and Trump Stopgap Plan to Fund the Government Fails;
Republicans in Congress Are Talking Big About the First 100 Days, but There will be Roadblocks;
KFF Health News: Trump’s Picks for Top Health Jobs Not Just Team of Rivals but ‘Team of Opponents’

December 13, 2024

Schumer Promises Floor Vote at Rally for Social Security Fairness Act;
Democratic Lawmakers Ask Dr. Oz to Explain His Support for Medicare Privatization;
Senate Vote to Re-Confirm Lauren McFerren as NLRB Chair Fails;
KHN: Resources Are Expanding for Older Adults on Their Own
Judith Graham, Kaiser Health News

December 6, 2024

Elon Musk and Sen. Mike Lee Declare War on Social Security;
Fiserv CEO Frank Bisignano is Nominated to Lead SSA;
Social Security Fairness Act Faces Uncertain Future in Senate;
Republicans in Congress Eye 100-Day Agenda That Starts with Immigration and Tax Cuts;
KFF Health News: Nursing Home Industry Wants Trump To Rescind Staffing Mandate By Jordan Rau

November 29, 2024

Trump Selects Lori Chavez-DeRemer to Lead Labor Department, Russell Vought to Lead OMB;
PBGC’s Annual Report Shows Continued Strength in its Pension Insurance Programs;
Large Majority of Trump and Harris Supporters Say Social Security Should Not Be Reduced In Any Way;
November is National Family Caregivers Month;
KFF Health News: TV’s Dr. Oz Invested in Businesses Regulated by Agency Trump Wants Him To Lead

November 22, 2024

President-elect Trump Chooses Dr. Oz to Run Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services;
Senate Must Pass Social Security Fairness Act Before End of the Year;
Martin O’Malley Stepping Down as SSA Commissioner;
Social Security Administration Will Require Customers to Make Appointments for In-Person Services;
InterGen, the Intergenerational Alliance of Young and Elder Activists, Shares Inspiring Video;
Alliance Releases New Fact Sheet with Updated Social Security, Medicare Statistics;
Happy Thanksgiving from the Alliance

November 15, 2024

Alliance/AFL-CIO Symposium Addresses the Looming Retirement Security Crisis;
Alliance Applauds House of Representatives’ Passage of Social Security Fairness Act; Calls on Senate to Act;
Republicans Keep Control of the House;
John Thune of South Dakota is Elected New Senate Majority Leader;
KFF Health News: Scientists Fear What’s Next for Public Health if RFK Jr. Is Allowed To ‘Go Wild’ By Arthur Allen

November 8, 2024

Donald Trump is Elected President of the United States Again;
KFF Health News: Trump’s White House Return Poised To Tangle Health Care Safety Net By Stephanie Armour;
Final Reminder – Alliance’s Retirement Security Symposium;
Alliance Calls on Speaker Johnson to Bring Social Security Fairness Act to the House Floor;
Alliance Wishes All of its Members a Happy Veterans Day

November 1, 2024

Seniors Can Trust Kamala Harris — See Who Else You Can Trust with Your Vote;
Speaker Johnson: “No Obamacare” if Trump Wins;
Biden-Harris Administration Acts to Make it Easier to End Recurring Subscriptions and Memberships;
Draft Agenda Now Available for the Alliance’s November 13 Symposium;
Nevada Alliance Joins Sen. Jacky Rosen for Social Security, Medicare Event

October 25, 2024

Donald Trump’s Plans Cut $2.3 Trillion from Social Security;
Alliance Endorses U.S. Senate Candidate Angela Alsobrooks at Rally;
New Ad: Deb Fischer Voted to Raise the Retirement Age and Cut Medicare, Dan Osborn Will Fight for Seniors;
Court Rejects Drug Corporation Novartis’ Challenge to Medicare’s Drug Price Negotiation Program;
FTC Announces Final “Click-to-Cancel” Rule, Making it Easier to End Recurring Subscriptions and Memberships

October 18, 2024

Wisconsin Alliance Calls Out GOP Senate Candidate Eric Hovde for Wanting to Raise the Retirement Age, Hosts Power Lunch;
Half of Voters Plan to Cast Their Ballots Early;
Beware Scams During Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period;
KFF Health News: Millions of Aging Americans Are Facing Dementia by Themselves
By Judith Graham

October 11, 2024

Alliance Praises Vice President Harris’ New Medicare Home Care Plan for Seniors;
New Digital Ad: Kamala Harris will Work for Union Households and Older Americans, Donald Trump will Work for Billionaires and Corporations;
Rep. Larson Confirmed to Speak at Alliance’s November 13 Symposium;
SSA Announces a 2.5% COLA Increase for Social Security Beneficiaries;
Alliance Releases Digital Ad to Help Older Pennsylvanians Vote by Mail

October 4, 2024

Vice Presidential Debate: Tim Walz Makes Clear That Kamala Harris is the Only Candidate Who Has Lowered Drug Prices and Made Health Care More Affordable;
Retired Americans PAC Launches New Ad for Michigan’s Close Senate Race;
Ohio Alliance President Challenges State Drop Box Restrictions for Voters with Disabilities;
Texas Retirees Rally to Encourage Voting Early

September 27, 2024

Retired Americans PAC Launches Ads in Five Key House Races;
Join us at the Alliance’s Annual Retirement Security Symposium on November 13;
North Carolina Alliance Files Motion to Protect Voting Rights;
Find a Rally Near You This Tuesday for the People’s Post Office;
Hawaii Alliance Holds Its Convention

September 20, 2024

Some Republicans are Already Planning to Repeal Medicare Drug Price Negotiation if They Win in November;
Graves-Spanberger Discharge Petition Reaches 218 Signatures, Enough to Force U.S. House Vote on Bipartisan Bill to Eliminate WEP & GPO;
Early Voting Gets Under Way in Some States;
KFF Health News: Historic Numbers of Americans Live by Themselves as They Age, By Judith Graham;
Alliance Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month

September 13, 2024

Vice President Harris Highlights Need to Lower Drug Prices During Presidential Debate;
You’re invited: Election Essentials Webinar with Former AG Eric Holder and Former White House Counsel Bob Bauer;
Senate Budget Committee Hosts Hearing, “Social Security Forever: Delivering Benefits and Protecting Retirement Security”;
Election Officials Warn That Pervasive Problems with U.S. Mail System Could Disrupt Voting;
Harris-Walz Campaign Adds New Policy Information Affecting Seniors to Website;
Alliance Chapters Hold Conventions in Ohio, Washington State, and Massachusetts

September 6, 2024

Vice President Harris, Governor Walz Celebrate Labor Day with Promise to Fight for Union Members, Retirees;
Save the Date: Alliance Retirement Security Symposium on November 13;
Voters Urged to Re-Confirm Their Voter Registration Status as Voter Roll Purges Continue in Many States;
Seniors Hit Disproportionately by New Bitcoin “ATM” Fraud Scam;
Pollsters Say Kamala Harris Could Win a Majority of Seniors’ Votes

August 30, 2024

Labor Day: Union Approval Rating Continues to Skyrocket;
Save the Date: Alliance Retirement Security Symposium on November 13;
Lawmakers Push for September House Floor Vote for Social Security Fairness Act;
Latest Postal Service Proposal Would Degrade Service in Rural Areas;
Medicare Changes Rules for Wegovy Weight-Loss Drug

August 23, 2024

Kamala Harris and Tim Walz Joyfully Accept Nominations to be President, Vice President;
Democratic National Convention Features Labor Leaders, Includes Discussion of Key Seniors Issues;
Poll of Older Voters in Six Battleground States Shows Tight Race Between Harris and Trump;
KFF Health News: New Lines of Attack Form Against the Affordable Care Act, By Julie Appleby

August 16, 2024

White House Announces New Prices for First Ten Drugs Subject to Medicare Negotiation;
Alliance Members Mark Social Security’s 89th Anniversary with Events Across the Country;
SSA Inspector General: Social Security Scams Are On the Rise;
Alliance Member Pam Parker Speaks at White House Event Celebrating Inflation Reduction Act Anniversary, Lower Insulin Prices;
New Mexico Alliance Endorses Gabe Vasquez for Reelection, Elects Officers

August 9, 2024

Senators Brown and Collins Urge Senate Leadership to Bring the Social Security Fairness Act to the Floor;
Seniors Praise Choice of Governor Tim Walz as Running Mate;
In Case You Missed It: Executive Director Fiesta Joins “Seniors for Harris” Organizing Call with Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff and his Parents;
Almost 50% of Global Dementia Cases May be Preventable

August 2, 2024

Alliance Protests Trump’s Project 2025 Efforts to Slash Medicare Benefits;
Alliance Members Lobby Congress, Plan Strategy to Elect Kamala Harris at the Northeast Regional Meeting;
Alliance Members Celebrate Medicare’s 59th Anniversary from Coast to Coast;
White House Announces Disbursement of $5.7 Billion from the American Rescue Plan to Save Union Pensions

July 26, 2024

Alliance Thanks President Biden for his Service to the Nation;
Alliance Enthusiastically Endorses Kamala Harris for President;
SSA Makes Progress on Addressing Supplemental Security Income Underpayments;
NIRS: 87% of Americans Say Congress Needs to Act Now to Address Social Security Funding;
Alliance’s Northeast Regional Meeting Begins Tuesday, on Medicare’s Anniversary

July 19, 2024

Media Watchdogs Refute GOP’s Lies about Undocumented Immigrants, Medicare and Social Security;
AFL-CIO Highlights the Anti-Worker Foundation of Trump’s Second-Term Agenda;
Trump-Vance: Another Step Toward Retirement Insecurity;
KFF Health News: States Set Minimum Staffing Levels for Nursing Homes. Residents Suffer When Rules Are Ignored or Waived. By Jordan Rau;
Alliance Joins “Boomers for Biden-Harris Rock ’n Doo-Wop Party”;
Alliance’s Northeast Regional Meeting is Less than Two Weeks Away

July 12, 2024

Alliance Protects Voting Rights with Victories in Pennsylvania, Wisconsin;
President Biden Meets with the Executive Council of the AFL-CIO;
Wall Street Journal: Medicare Advantage insurance Corporations Overcharged the Government $50 Billion from 2018 to 2021;
KFF Health News: Lack of Affordability Tops Older Americans’ List of Health Care Worries;
Join Us at the Alliance’s Northeast Regional Meeting;
Alliance Calls for Strengthening the Older Americans Act on its Anniversary

July 5, 2024

Alliance’s New “Project 2025” Fact Sheet Illuminates Changes in Social Security and Medicare if Donald Trump is Elected President;
Biden Administration Invests in Training More Geriatricians to Treat Older Patients;
NIRS: Pensions Play a Key Role in Sustaining a Robust Public Safety Workforce;
KFF Health News: The Concierge Catch – Better Access for a Few Patients Disrupts Care for Many;
Make Your Hotel Reservation by July 8 for the Alliance’s Northeast Regional Meeting

June 28, 2024

Debate Fact Check Reveals Trump’s Lies about Social Security;
Older Voters Want Candidates Who will Protect Their Social Security, but Neither Party Has a Strong Advantage on the Issue So Far;
Medicare Announces Lower Prices for 64 Prescription Drugs Thanks to Biden’s Medicare Rebate Program;
Hotel Deadline Extended for Northeast Regional Meeting;
Connecticut Alliance Holds its Convention

June 21, 2024

Arizona, Nevada Alliance Members Join First Lady Dr. Jill Biden in Phoenix and Reno;
Donald Trump Falsely Claims Credit for Inflation Reduction Act Insulin Price Cap;
Congress Tries Again to Crack Down on Medicare “Prior Authorization” Delays;
KFF Health News: Older Women Are Different Than Older Men. Their Health Is Woefully Understudied;
Fiesta Speaks at IUE-CWA Meeting in Orlando

June 14, 2024

Biden-Harris 2024 Announces the Launch of Seniors for Biden-Harris;
Pennsylvania Alliance Files a Lawsuit Challenging Mail-in Ballot Rejections;
Alliance Hosts Southern Regional Meeting in Orlando;
Study Finds Medicare is a Top Voting Issue for Gen Xers and Millennials;
Alliance Mourns the Death of Scott Watts

June 7, 2024

House Republicans Discuss Raising Social Security Retirement Age and Cutting Benefits During Hearing;
Alliance Endorses Colin Allred for U.S. Senate;
Alliance Hosts Western Regional Meeting in Las Vegas;
Alliance Celebrates LGBTQ+ Pride Month

May 31, 2024

Senator Sanders Introduces Landmark Bill to Expand Access to Dental Care;
Alliance Social Security Video Wins International Award;
Rick Scott to Seek GOP Leadership Role;
Registration is Still Open for Three Alliance Regional Meetings — Las Vegas Meeting is Next Week;
Alliance Mourns the Death of Barbara Franklin

May 24, 2024

Alliance Endorses Ruben Gallego for the U.S. Senate;
Under Pressure, Postmaster General Agrees to Pause Consolidations at Dozens of USPS Facilities;
KFF Health News: Forget Ringing the Button for the Nurse. Patients Now Stay Connected by Wearing One;
Registration is Still Open for Three Alliance Regional Meetings;
Executive Director Fiesta Addresses Coalition of Black Trade Unionists;
Alliance Members Mark Memorial Day

May 17, 2024

15 of the Biggest Drug Corporations Reported Nearly $29 billion in Profits in Just the First Three Months of 2024;
Alliance Hosts Midwestern Regional Meeting in Michigan;
Awareness of Inflation Reduction Act’s Drug Pricing Provisions is Gradually Rising;
Superior Court Judge Sides With Arizona Alliance in Important Voting Rights Case

May 10, 2024

Trustees Reports Show Social Security Expansion Remains Affordable;
Most Drugmakers in Medicare Negotiations Spent More on Shareholder Payments and Marketing than R&D in 2023;
KFF Health News: Stranded in the ER, Seniors Await Hospital Care and Suffer Avoidable Harm;
Alliance Celebrates Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Throughout May;
Alliance’s 2024 Regional Meetings Begin Next Week – Have You Registered?

May 3, 2024

Alliance Marks Older Americans Month;
Another Federal Judge Rejects Drug Corporations’ Challenge to Medicare Drug Price Negotiations;
Survey: 80% of Women Say the United States Faces a Retirement Crisis;
This Year’s May Day: A Time to Celebrate UAW Victories;
Alliance’s 2024 Regional Meetings Begin in Less Than Two Weeks – Have You Registered?

April 26, 2024

Arizona Court Rejects Right-Wing Challenges to Drop Boxes and Signature Matching Rules;
Sen. Sanders Investigates “Outrageously Overpriced” Ozempic and Wegovy;
Rep. Gallego, Sen. Casey Introduce New Social Security Expansion Bill;
Alliance’s 2024 Regional Meetings Begin in Less Than Three Weeks – Are You Registered?;
KFF Health News: Biden Administration Sets Higher Staffing Mandates. Most Nursing Homes Don’t Meet Them;
Alliance Celebrates Workers Memorial Day this Sunday

April 19, 2024

Wisconsin Alliance Members Hit the Road to Save Social Security;
Reuters: Donald Trump Considers Plan to Gut Social Security if Elected;
Alliance’s 2024 Regional Meetings Are Fast Approaching;
House Social Security Subcommittee Holds Hearing on Social Security Provisions that Harm Public Servants and their Families;
KFF Health News: Nearly 1 in 4 Adults Dumped From Medicaid Are Now Uninsured, Survey Finds

April 12, 2024

Study: Medicare Would Have Saved $26.5 Billion if Drug Price Negotiation Had Been in Effect Between 2018 and 2020;
Alliance’s 2024 Regional Meetings Are Fast Approaching;
Michigan Alliance Goes to Court to Defend Vote by Mail;
Trump Promises to Extend Tax Cuts for Billionaires;
New Research Links Skyrocketing Corporate Profits and Inflation

April 5, 2024

President Biden, Senator Sanders Tout Lower Health Care Cost Accomplishments;
Washington State Alliance Victory: New Residents Get Relief in Voting Rights Case;
Alliance Webinar Tells How to Spot and Fight Artificial Intelligence Election Disinformation;
KFF Health News: Your Doctor or Your Insurer? Little-Known Rules May Ease the Choice in Medicare Advantage

March 29, 2024

41 Prescription Drugs Are Now Eligible for Medicare Part B Savings;
Key Senator Urges Postal Service to Suspend Agency Overhaul;
April is Medicaid Awareness Month;
KFF Health News: The Burden of Getting Medical Care Can Exhaust Older Patients

March 22, 2024

House Republican Budget Framework Would Cut $1.5 Trillion from Social Security, Raise Retirement Age to 69;
Shortage of Geriatricians Can Make Finding the Right Doctor Hard for Seniors;
Bill Would Stop Medicaid from Targeting Family Homes Following the Death of a Loved One;
Save the Dates: 2024 Regional Meetings

March 15, 2024

Alliance Members Join Biden Campaign In Battleground States to Focus on Protecting Social Security and Medicare; Trump Talks About Slashing Them;
Biden Budget Includes Plans to Further Lower Drug Costs;
New Administration Rule Caps Credit Card Late Charges;
KFF Health News: Concerns Grow Over Quality of Care as Investor Groups Buy Not-for-Profit Nursing Homes

March 8, 2024

Alliance Releases New Congressional Voting Record;
In his State of the Union Address, President Biden Calls for Continued Lowering of Prescription Drug Prices, Pledges to Keep Social Security and Medicare Cuts off the Table;
House Budget Resolution (Again) Includes Tax Cuts for the Ultra-Wealthy and Will Lead to Cuts to Social Security and Medicare;
Alliance Marks the 5th National “Slam the Scam” Day;
Alliance Celebrates International Women’s Day, Women’s History Month;
Save the Dates: 2024 Regional Meetings

March 1, 2024

Alliance Marks Scrap the Cap Day;
Survey: 83% of Americans Believe All Workers Should Have a Pension;
CDC: Many Older Adults Should Get Another COVID-19 Booster Shot;
KFF Health News: Say That Again: Using Hearing Aids Can Be Frustrating for Older Adults, but Necessary

February 23, 2024

Take Action: Tell Congress to Oppose Fiscal Commission Legislation;
North Carolina Alliance is Looking for Help to Fight Voter Suppression;
Webinar Outlines Key Legislation and Priorities for Seniors;
Programs Stress the Importance of Conversations Between Older and Younger Generations;
KFF Health News: Southern Lawmakers Rethink Long-Standing Opposition to Medicaid Expansion

February 16, 2024

President Roach Joins Rep. Larson, Labor Leaders at Press Conference Opposing Benefit Slashing Fiscal Commission;
Minnesota Alliance Joins Priorities USA, Civil Plaintiffs in Lawsuit Against State Absentee Ballot Restriction;
1.5 Million Medicare Part D Beneficiaries Will Benefit from the $2,000 Annual Cap on Out-of-Pocket Drug Costs;
Federal Judge Dismisses PhRMA Lawsuit Challenging Medicare Drug Negotiations;
2024 Regional Meeting Announcement

February 9, 2024

GOP Blueprint Shows Guaranteed Medicare Benefits are at Risk if Trump Returns to Office;
Alliance Members Share How Much Less They Pay for Their Prescriptions;
GOP House Passes Bill that Threatens To Roll Back Medicare Drug Negotiation While Harming Public Health and Increasing Health Care Costs for Millions;
KFF Health News: Halfway Through ‘Unwinding,’ Medicaid Enrollment Is Down About 10 Million;
Alliance Celebrates the Lunar New Year this Saturday

February 2, 2024

Alliance Enthusiastically Endorses Joe Biden for Reelection;
Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Reaches Important Milestone; HHS Launches Resource Hub for Medicare Beneficiaries;
KFF Health News: The FTC Is Attacking Drugmakers’ ‘Patent Thickets’;
Alliance Joins AFL-CIO, White House in Celebrating Black History Month;
President Roach Speaks at Texas Alliance’s Biennial Convention

January 26, 2024

Biden Administration to Require Prior Authorizations for Urgent Care Within 72 Hours;
More States Working to Implement Work Requirements for Medicaid;
Union Membership Grew by 139,000 in 2023 in a Win for Workers, Retirees;
KFF Health News: With Trump Front of Mind, New Hampshire Voters Cite Abortion and Obamacare as Concerns

January 19, 2024

House Budget Committee Advances “Fiscal Commission” Legislation;
Wall Street Journal: Out-Of-Pocket Drug Expenses Cap Will Save Seniors Thousands of Dollars;
RSV Vaccine Authorization Encourages Older Americans to Seek Preventive Care;
KFF Health News: America’s Health System Isn’t Ready for the Surge of Seniors With Disabilities

January 12, 2024

Republican Presidential Debate Brings Back Threats to Cut Social Security and Medicare;
Florida’s Plan to Import Lower Cost Prescription Drugs from Canada Approved by FDA;
Record High of Over 20 Million Selected Affordable Health Coverage through ACA Since the Start of Open Enrollment;
AFL-CIO’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day Conference to be Held in Montgomery

January 5, 2024

Lower Insulin Prices, Out-of-Pocket Cost Caps for Medicare Beneficiaries Kick Off 2024;
220 People Finished Paying Social Security Taxes on New Year’s Day;
Pharmaceutical Corporations Expected to Raise Prices on Over 500 Drugs This Month;
Hearing Aids May Boost Longevity But Must Be Used Regularly

2023

Decem ber 22, 2023

Senate Confirms Martin O’Malley as Commissioner of the Social Security Administration;
Generation X Workers Are Not Prepared for Retirement, New Survey Shows;
Americans Are Generally Dissatisfied With the U.S. Health System;
KFF Health News: Deep Flaws in FDA Oversight of Medical Devices, and Patient Harm, Exposed in Lawsuits and Records

December 15, 2023

Biden Administration to Impose New Inflation Penalties on Makers of 48 Drugs;
Gallup: Americans Strongly Oppose Cutting Social Security Benefits;
KFF Health News: Dodging the Medicare Enrollment Deadline Can Be Costly;
American Rescue Plan Commits $37 Billion in Funding to Benefit Seniors, People with Disabilities

December 8, 2023

Administration Announces Plans to Seize Patents for Certain High-Priced Medicines;
NIRS Report Examines the Impact of Switching Away from Defined Benefit Pension Plans;
KFF Report: Qualified Medicaid Beneficiaries Wait 36 Months to Receive Home and Community Based Services on Average;
Fiesta Speaks at Kentucky State AFL-CIO Convention

December 1, 2023

House Budget Committee Hearing Builds Momentum for Debt Commission, Cuts to Social Security and Medicare;
Senate Finance Committee Advances Martin O’Malley’s Nomination to Lead SSA;
401(k) Balances are Down and Hardship Withdrawals Continue to Rise;
Materials Available from Alliance Webinar, Watch Your Wallet: Making Housing Decisions, Managing Debt and Avoiding Scams as You Age;
KFF Health News: Uncle Sam Wants You … to Help Stop Insurers’ Bogus Medicare Advantage Sales Tactics

November 24, 2023

Biden Administration Moves to Tighten Medicare Advantage Regulations;
Our New Debt Commission Position Paper;
LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER – Watch Your Wallet: Making Housing Decisions, Managing Debt and Avoiding Scams as You Age Webinar;
Free At-Home COVID Tests Available for Home Delivery;
KFF Health News: Extra Fees Drive Assisted Living Profits

November 17, 2023

Speaker Johnson Leads Battle Toward Medicare and Social Security Cuts;
Alliance Members Turn Out to Support Starbucks Employees Trying to Form a Union;
YOU’RE INVITED – Watch Your Wallet: Making Housing Decisions, Managing Debt and Avoiding Scams as You Age Webinar;
Alarming Stat: 1 in 3 U.S. Adults Is Unable to Afford Needed Medication;
Additional Material from the Alliance’s Retirement Security Symposium Now Available;
Happy Thanksgiving from the Alliance

November 10, 2023

Union Voters Lead the Way to Election Victories Across the Country;
Republican Presidential Debate Rife With Misinformation on Social Security;
YOU’RE INVITED – Watch Your Wallet: Making Housing Decisions, Managing Debt and Avoiding Scams as You Age Webinar;
President Roach Speaks at Maryland/DC Alliance Convention;
Alliance Celebrates Veterans Day on Saturday

November 3, 2023

Senate Finance Committee Considers Nomination for Commissioner of the Social Security Administration;
Biden Administration Announces Plan to Protect Retirees Seeking Financial Advice;
Medicare Expands Mental Health Coverage Options;
Kaiser Health News: Doubts Abound About a New Alzheimer’s Blood Test

October 27, 2023

Alliance Statement on New House Speaker Mike Johnson’s “Debt Commission” Plan;
U.S. Life Expectancy Stagnates as Income Inequality Soars;
Advocates Push for Caregiving Issues to Move to Forefront;
KFF Health News: Let’s Have an Honest Conversation About What to Expect as You Age;
California Alliance Celebrates 20 Years of Activism and Results for Retirees

October 20, 2023

Alliance for Retired Americans Hosts Fourth Annual Retirement Security Symposium;
Appeals Court Rules in Favor of Arizona Alliance in 2022 Cochise County Election Case; Hand Counting Ballots Not Allowed in Arizona Elections;
House Budget Committee Holds “Fiscal Commission” Hearing;
ACTION NEEDED: Tell CMS that Nursing Homes Need More Staff to Keep Residents Safe;
KFF Health News: Medicare Enrollees Can Switch Coverage Now. Here’s What’s New and What to Consider.

October 13, 2023

Social Security Beneficiaries Will Receive a 3.2% COLA Increase in 2024;
Alliance Shows Its Support for Striking UAW Members;
Join Us at the Alliance’s Retirement Security Symposium This Tuesday;
KFF Health News: Trump Misplaced Blame When He Said Drug Shortages Were Biden’s Fault

October 6, 2023

First Time in History: Kevin McCarthy is Ousted as Speaker;
Ten Drug Corporations Meet Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Deadline;
You’re Invited: Alliance’s Retirement Security Symposium Less Than Two Weeks Away;
Alliance Marks Hispanic Heritage Month;
Fiesta Addresses APWU Retiree Conference

September 29, 2023

Federal Government Shutdown Looms as GOP House Members Disagree on Next Steps;
Medicare Open Enrollment Starts October 15: What to Know about the Process and Coverage Options;
KFF Health News: Biden Administration to Ban Medical Debt From Americans’ Credit Scores;
You’re Invited: Alliance’s Retirement Security Symposium Less Than Three Weeks Away;
Retirees Mourn the Loss of USW International President Tom Conway;
Senator Dianne Feinstein Passes Away

September 22, 2023

Alliance’s Retirement Security Symposium Less Than a Month Away;
Report: Defined Benefit Pensions Help Close the Racial Wealth Gap;
Poll: Most Americans Oppose Drug Corporations’ Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Lawsuits;
FDA Panel: Popular Decongestant in Cold Medicine Is Not Effective;
KFF Health News: Save Billions or Stick With Humira? Drug Brokers Steer Americans to the Costly Choice

September 15, 2023

Alliance Supports Striking UAW Workers;
Alliance Members Rally to Repeal Social Security Provisions that Punish Public Servants;
Reminder: Register today for the Alliance’s Retirement Security Symposium on October 17;
New Bill Would Raise Raise Harsh Supplemental Security Income Savings Limits

September 8, 2023

Alliance Members Spread the Word about the Benefits of Medicare Drug Price Negotiation;
President Biden, AFL-CIO President Shuler Mark Labor Day with Rallies in Philadelphia, Detroit;
Pleasant Surprise: Medicare’s Per Person Spending Has Stopped Skyrocketing;
FDA Expected to Greenlight a New Covid Booster

September 1, 2023

White House Announces First 10 Drugs Up for Medicare Price Negotiation;
Biden Administration Releases New Minimum Staffing Standards for Nursing Homes;
GOP Presidential Candidates Continue to Attack Earned Benefits;
Labor Day: Treasury Department Study Demonstrates Union Benefits for Workers and Labor Unions Approval Rating Reaches Record Levels;
Prescriptions for Fruits and Vegetables Enhances Health and Well-Being

August 25, 2023

White House to Name First 10 Drugs for Medicare Negotiations Next Week;
It is Possible to Control Negative Thoughts about Aging;
Arizona Alliance Holds Its Convention;
KFF Health News: Few Firm Beliefs and Low Trust: Americans Not Sure What’s True in Age of Health Misinformation

August 18, 2023

White House Marks the Inflation Reduction Act’s One-Year Anniversary;
You’re Invited to the Alliance’s Retirement Security Symposium on October 17;
More Americans are Dipping into Retirement Savings Early;
KFF Health News: New Alzheimer’s Drug Raises Hopes — Along With Questions

August 11, 2023

Alliance Members Mark Social Security’s Anniversary;
Costliest Medicare Drugs More Than Tripled in Price Since Entering Market: Report;
KFF Health News: As Many American Cities Get Hotter, Health Systems Face Off Against Heatstroke;
Fiesta Speaks at A. Philip Randolph Institute Convention

August 4, 2023

Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation’s FY 2022 Projections Report Shows Continued Strength in its Pension Insurance Programs;
Alliance Members Mark Medicare Anniversary;
KFF Health News: The Real Costs of the New Alzheimer’s Drug, Most of Which Will Fall to Taxpayers;
Pennsylvania Alliance Elects Officers at Their Convention

July 28, 2023

Alliance Praises Biden Nomination of Martin O’Malley to be Social Security Commissioner;
As Medicare Turns 58, Retirees Concerned About Congressional Plans to Cut the Program;
New Poll Finds Retirement Out of Reach for Workers of All Ages;
KFF Health News: New Weight Loss Drugs Carry High Price Tags and Lots of Questions for Seniors

July 21, 2023

Wisconsin Alliance for Retired Americans, Priorities USA File Legal Challenge to Absentee Ballot Restrictions in Wisconsin;
Congressional Democrats Introduce Freedom to Vote Act;
Ten Prescription Drugs Accounted for More Than One-Fifth of Part D Spending in 2021;
KFF Health News: In Older Adults, a Little Excess Weight Isn’t Such a Bad Thing

July 14, 2023

Senate Budget Committee Holds Hearing on Strengthening Social Security; Rep. Larson Re-Introduces the Social Security 2100 Act;
NIRS: New Report Finds Disturbing Outlook for Generation X in Retirement;
Movement Advances to Establish Minimum Staffing in Nursing Homes;
KFF Health News: What You Need to Know About the Drug Price Fight in Those TV Ads

July 7, 2023

Deciding When to Retire is Not Always About How Much You’ve Saved, Report Finds;
Florida Alliance Lawsuit: Federal Judge Issues Injunction Against State’s Latest Election Law, Citing Discrimination;
Alliance Members Join HHS Secretary Becerra in Ohio to Highlight Biden Administration Efforts to Lower Drug Costs;
KFF Health News: Why the Next Big Hope for Alzheimer’s Might Not Help Most Black Patients

June 30, 2023

Supreme Court Rules Against Giving State Legislatures Unchecked Control in North Carolina Elections Dispute;
Sen. Peter Welch, President Roach and Protect Our Care Discuss Importance of Medicare Negotiation;
Pickleball Craze is Driving Medical Costs Higher;
KFF Health News: Will the Doctor See You Now? The Health System’s Changing Landscape

June 23, 2023

Following Merck, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Bristol Myers Squibb and PhRMA Sue Administration Over Drug Price Negotiation;
Millions of Insured Older Americans Face Unpaid Medical Bills;
Using Aspirin Every Day May Cause Anemia in Seniors;
KFF Health News: Dementia Can Take a Toll on Financial Health, as Some Families Learn the Hard Way

June 16, 2023

New House Republican Budget Plan Raises Social Security Retirement Age, Privatizes Medicare;
Study: Medicare Advantage Overpayments are Far Higher than Estimated;
Drug Corporations Must Pay Penalties for Hiking Prices on 43 Drugs Excessively;
KFF: Biden Admin Implores States to Slow Medicaid Cuts After More Than 1M Enrollees Dropped

June 9, 2023

Merck Lawsuit Over Drug Price Negotiation Reflects Industry Greed, Disregard for Seniors and Taxpayers;
Report Shows Social Security Lifting More People Out of Poverty Than Any Other Program;
KFF: As Medicaid Purge Begins, ‘Staggering Numbers’ of Americans Lose Coverage;
Women Are More Likely to Skip or Delay Medications Due to Cost

June 2, 2023

Speaker McCarthy Commission to Find Ways to Cut Government Spending, Including Social Security and Medicare, as Congress Passes Bill to Raise Debt Ceiling;
More Workers Are Tapping 401(k)s Early for Help with Financial Emergencies;
KFF Health News: Cardiovascular Disease Is Primed to Kill More Older Adults, Especially Blacks and Hispanics;
Alliance Joins Pride at Work in Celebrating LGBTQ+ Pride Month

May 26, 2023

President Roach Urges House Subcommittee to Expand Social Security, Oppose Cuts;
Retired Americans PAC Releases Ads Warning Seniors About Threats to Social Security if Congressional Republicans Refuse to Raise the Debt Ceiling;
Alliance Marks Memorial Day;
KFF Health News – Remote Work: An Underestimated Benefit for Family Caregivers

May 19, 2023

Alliance Hosts Town Hall with Dr. Kilolo Kijakazi, Acting Social Security Commissioner;
Debt Ceiling Update: Talks Continue as June 1 Deadline Approaches;
Economic Policy Institute: Almost Half of Older Workers With Physically Challenging Jobs with Low Pay May Be Unable to Retire;
NYSARA Holds Convention in Albany, Elects Leaders;
Alliance Celebrates Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

May 12, 2023

A Possible Default on the National Debt Approaches as GOP Continues to Threaten Seniors’ Programs;
HELP Committee Passes Package of Bipartisan Drug Price Bills to Increase Competition, Transparency;
Register Today for the Alliance Town Hall with Dr. Kilolo Kijakazi, Acting Social Security Commissioner;
Missouri House Votes to Eliminate State Income Tax on Social Security Benefits;
KFF Health News: Republicans Vow Not to Cut Veterans’ Benefits. But the Legislation Suggests Otherwise

May 5, 2023

Save the Date: Alliance Retirement Security Symposium on October 17;
White House Releases State by State Fact Sheets on the GOP House’s “Default on America Act”;
Register Today for the Alliance Town Hall with Dr. Kilolo Kijakazi, Acting Social Security Commissioner;
KFF Health News: Biden Administration Issues New Warning About Medical Credit Cards;
Older Americans Month Begins with May Day

April 28, 2023

Fiesta: If a Budget Reflects a Party’s Values, Then the GOP Must Not Value Seniors;
You’re Invited! Alliance Town Hall with Dr. Kilolo Kijakazi, Acting Social Security Commissioner;
Biden Announces Run for Second Term as President;
Today is Workers Memorial Day

April 21, 2023

Alliance Announces Partnership with National United Committee to Protect Pensions;
McCarthy Goes After Most Vulnerable Americans as Condition for Raising the Debt Ceiling;
OMB: Rescinding COVID Funds as Part of Debt Limit Deal is an Attack on Pensions;
Biden Event Provides Sharp Contrast with House GOP Proposals

April 14, 2023

Poll: Most Americans Oppose Social Security, Medicare Cuts;
Judge Grants Attorneys Fees in Arizona Alliance Voting Lawsuit;
McCarthy’s 100th day as Speaker: Not Much to Show So Far
Kaiser Health News: No-Cost Preventive Services Are Now in Jeopardy. Here’s What You Need to Know;
Did You Know…What Happens If You Work While Collecting Social Security Retirement Benefits?

April 7, 2023

Americans Could Lose $20,000 in Retirement Savings if GOP Refuses to Raise the Debt Ceiling;
Need for Escorts Following Relatively Minor Medical Procedures Questioned;
Kaiser Health News: Fatigue Is Common Among Older Adults, and It Has Many Possible Causes;
AFSCME Commemorates Anniversary of 1968 Sanitation Strike with New Podcast;
Did You Know…Social Security and Income Taxes

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