Seniors
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.
Social Security is the most successful antipoverty program in American history and we must keep it strong for the future. The formula used to set the annual cost of living increase is out of date and does not properly weigh the price increases in housing and medical care. Brian supports using a Consumer Price Index for the Elderly to more accurately reflect the costs incurred by seniors. And rather than cut benefits or ask Americans to invest their Social Security in Wall Street, Brian thinks we should lift the cap on what very high income Americans are asked to pay into the system.
More on Seniors
Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) released the following statement in response to President Trump’s tweet indicating he has instructed his team to stop any discussions about providing Americans and communities with COVID relief until after the election.
Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) announced $773,233 in federal funding provided through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) awarded to Neighborhood Health Center of WNY, Community Health Center of Buffalo, and Jericho Road Ministries to further strengthen quality improvement activities and expand quality primary health care service delivery.
Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) joined Western New York postal workers and residents in expressing outrage and opposition to operational changes which threaten to sabotage the United States Postal Service (USPS). The community gathered in front of the William Street mail processing facility in Buffalo, as the Congressman prepares to head to Washington, DC where the House of Representatives will vote on legislation to protect and provide emergency relief to the USPS.
Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) says the announcement by Postmaster General Louis DeJoy indicating he is temporarily pausing sweeping changes to the United States Postal Service (USPS) doesn’t demonstrate the Postmaster has a true understanding of what the Postal Service means to Americans and provides no confidence that sabotage of the Postal Service won’t continue.
Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) is among over 170 Members of Congress pushing back on recent efforts by the Trump Administration to diminish services and refuse funding for the United States Postal Service.
Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) joined a group of 89 members calling on Congressional leadership to include funding for the census in the next COVID-19 relief package, accompanied by a necessary extension to census reporting deadlines. The letter follows a recent announcement by the Census Bureau to suddenly end field data collection by September 30.
Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) announced the House of Representatives approved an appropriation package funding various government programs and operations for fiscal year 2021.
“These are challenging times for our nation,” Higgins said. “This legislation invests in our communities and builds a path to a healthier and stronger America.”
Below are highlights of the package with a focus on several aspects important to Western New York:
Transportation-Housing & Urban Development
Congressmembers Brian Higgins (NY-26), Gwen Moore (WI-4) and Ways and Means Social Security Subcommittee Chair John Larson (CT-1) are calling on the Social Security Administration (SSA) to maintain a strong national network of field offices that tens of millions of Americans rely on each year for information about Social Security services and administered benefits.
Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) announced skilled nursing facilities in Western New York will receive more than $20 million in federal emergency funding to address increased expenses related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Nursing homes, by their very mission, serve those most at-risk of serious consequences as a result of infection due to age, pre-existing conditions and close proximity,” said Congressman Higgins. “This funding provides needed resources to help facilities meet the challenges of prevention and protection against COVID-19.”
Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) outlined components of the Heroes Act, the latest emergency package constructed to provide relief to workers, families, small businesses and communities impacted by the coronavirus outbreak.