Medicare & Social Security
Prior to its creation in 1965, only 50 percent of seniors had health insurance. Today, Medicare provides one of the most important guarantees in our society – the guarantee that if you are an older American and you get sick, you will get the care that you need without going broke. Brian is committed to protecting the Medicare guarantee, opposing plans that would force seniors to buy insurance on the open market, and making sure that the program remains affordable and continues gives seniors access to the care they deserve.
Since 1935, Social Security has ensured older citizens can retire without fear of significant financial hardship, surviving spouses and children are taken care of after the death of a loved one, and that persons with disabilities receive needed assistance to live full and productive lives. Throughout his time in Congress, Brian has fought efforts to privatize or threaten Americans’ Social Security benefits. Brian has also stood up for keeping local Social Security field offices open to maintain accessibility and prevent claims backlogs. Brian has introduced H.R. 3997, the Social Security Administration Accountability Act, which would require that the Social Security Administration provide adequate justification before closing any field offices.
More on Medicare & Social Security
Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) and Village of Williamsville Mayor Brian Kulpa announced a plan to preserve access to Social Security services for residents in northern Erie County. Under an agreement with the Village of Williamsville, residents will be able to connect with Social Security Administration (SSA) caseworkers directly from Village Hall.
Following a call with Social Security Acting Commissioner Carolyn Colvin this morning, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer and Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) are insisting the Social Security Administration halt all plans to close the field office in Amherst, New York.
Today, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer and Congressman Brian Higgins requested an in-person meeting with the Acting Commissioner of the Social Security Administration (SSA) Carolyn Colvin in Washington DC to raise concerns about the slated closure of the Amherst Social Security Office. Schumer and Higgins will make the case that the Amherst Office is efficient and has sufficient demand to warrant continued operation. They are pressing Acting Commissioner Colvin to hear out their arguments and they both will urge the Commissioner to reverse course and keep Amherst open.
Congressman Brian Higgins released the following statement in response to an informational picket at the Buffalo Social Security office:
“I stand with local workers today opposed to the proposed cuts to Social Security. Recently I joined several colleagues urging funding at levels that will prevent furloughs and ensure continuation of Social Security services for local residents.