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.

Sign up here to get your copy delivered to your inbox.

2024

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

December 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