Norcross Announces Seniors' Security Act to Protect Against Rising Healthcare Costs
Monday, October 23, 2017
By Congressman Donald Norcross
WASHINGTON, DC – Following the announcement that Social Security recipients will receive a 2% cost-of-living increase next year, Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) today announced he is re-introducing the Seniors’ Security Act to help seniors who are struggling to pay their medical bills.
Norcross’ Seniors’ Security Act provides a ‘circuit breaker,’ so cost-of-living increases don’t just get eaten up by rising healthcare costs. Specifically, it provides a cap at 30% that can be paid from COLA into Medicare premiums. The Act also changes the calculation so future Cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) would be based on the price of goods and services for seniors, a formula known as Consumer Price Index for the Elderly (CPI-E).
“This cost-of-living increase is good news for seniors, but not good enough. Seniors are struggling with healthcare costs are rising,” said Congressman Norcross. “Our seniors worked hard all their lives and paid into the system – they’ve earned the right to true peace of mind. Let’s add in a sensible cap so seniors in our communities are able to put food on the table and pay their bills.”
“Congressman Norcross’ legislation would require the Social Security Administration to base future cost-of-living adjustments on the Consumer Price Index for the Elderly (CPI-E), which much more accurately reflects the cost of things retirees purchase, including health care. It would also limit Medicare premium increases,” said Richard Fiesta, Executive Director, Alliance for Retired Americans. “The bill will get seniors the COLA they earned and ensure it isn't immediately consumed by higher Medicare premiums.”
“For the tens of millions of families who depend on Social Security for all or most of their retirement income, this cost of living increase may not adequately cover expenses that rise faster than inflation including prescription drug, utility and housing costs,” said Jo Ann Jenkins, CEO, AARP.
Since 2010, seniors have failed to receive a COLA increase three times – and last year the increase was a meager 0.3%. This year, higher 2018 premiums for Medicare Part B will hit older adults, including large numbers of low-income individuals who struggle to make ends meet. The expected increase is $300 next year.
Norcross added: “While others want to privatize and dismantle Social Security, I’m fighting to honor our commitments by keeping the system safe and secure for retirees and working Americans.”