A report issued recently by the bipartisan Joint Economic Commission
found the new Medicare Part D prescription drug benefit may reduce seniors’
Social Security Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA). The Social Security
COLA is based on the overall rate of inflation. The 2003 Medicare law ties
the new prescription drug Part D premium increases to prescription drug
prices.
A study released in early July by the AARP Public Policy Institute noted
that prescription drug prices rose nearly three times the rate of inflation
in the first three months of this year. If the study's results hold
true in 2006 when the Medicare prescription drug benefit starts, how can
seniors stay ahead of the curve when the Part D prescription drug benefit
will consume most of their Social Security checks?
The 2003 Medicare drug law failed to include a provision to protect
retirees from cuts in benefits should their Part D premium increases exceed
their Social Security COLA. Without legislation correcting this oversight,
millions may see a large percentage of their COLA eliminated or greatly
reduced by increases on Part D premiums, leaving beneficiaries with limited
resources to afford necessities like food and rent.
Over 25 percent of Arkansas’ retired workers that receive Social Security
benefits are in the Fourth Congressional District. For this reason,
I signed onto the "Social Security COLA Protection Act of 2004” before
Congress adjourned for its annual August congressional work period.
H.R. 4910 will guarantee Social Security beneficiaries retain at least
75 percent of their Social Security COLA each year, regardless of increases
in Part D premiums.
The partisan 2003 Medicare drug law has resulted in much confusion and
negative consequences since its passage. Rest assured, as your United
States Representative, I will continue to fight to protect Social Security
COLA benefits and to correct the negative impact of the Medicare drug law. |