Latest news with #seniors
Yahoo
13 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Contributor: Social Security is headed for a cliff. When will voters care?
Considering recent news, you may have missed that the 2025 trustees reports for Social Security and Medicare are out. Once again, they confirm what we've known for decades: Both programs are barreling straight toward insolvency. The Social Security retirement trust fund and Medicare Hospital Insurance trust fund are each on pace to run dry by 2033. When that happens, seniors will face an automatic 23% cut in their Social Security benefits. Medicare will reduce payments to hospitals by 11%. These cuts are not theoretical. They're baked into the law. If nothing changes, they will be made. I have nothing against cuts of this size. In fact, if it were up to me, I would cut deeper. Medicare is a terrible source of distortions for our convoluted healthcare market and needs to be reined in. Social Security was created back when being too old to work meant being poor. That's no longer the case for as many people. Thanks to decades of compound investment growth, widespread homeownership and rising asset values, seniors are no longer the systematically vulnerable group they once were. The top income quintile includes a growing number of retirees who draw substantial incomes from pensions and investment portfolios with Social Security benefits layered on top. These programs have become a transfer of wealth from the relatively poor to the relatively wealthy and old. Of course, America still has some poor seniors, so cutting across the board is bad. This is why the cuts should be targeted, not the automatic effects in 2033. And Congress should get started now. The size of the problem is staggering. Social Security's shortfall now equals 3.82% of taxable payroll or roughly 22% of scheduled benefit obligations. Avoiding insolvency eight years from now would require an immediate 27% benefit cut, according to former Social Security and Medicare trustee Charles Blahous. Alternatively, legislators could raise the payroll tax from 12.4% to 16.05%. That's a 29.4% increase. Or they could restructure Social Security so that only people who need the money would receive payments. But because facing this problem in an honest way is politically toxic, legislators are ignoring it. Blame does not rest solely with Congress. The American public has made it abundantly clear that they don't want reforms. They don't want benefit cuts or tax increases, and they certainly don't want higher retirement ages. So politicians pretend everything is fine. Congress does deserve fresh criticism for making things worse. Last year, legislators passed the misnamed 'Social Security Fairness Act,' giving windfall benefits to government workers who didn't pay into the system — which enlarges the shortfall. This year, the House proposed expanded tax breaks for seniors in the 'One Big Beautiful Bill Act,' which would further worsen the problem. The cost of political giveaways is steep. Social Security's 75-year unfunded obligation has now reached $28 trillion, up from $25 trillion just a year ago. Medicare is no better. Its costs are projected to rise from 3.8% of gross domestic product today to 6.7% by the end of the century (8.8% under more realistic assumptions). Most of the additional spending will be financed through general revenue, meaning more borrowing and more pressure on the federal budget. As Romina Boccia of the Cato Institute has documented, other countries have taken meaningful steps to address similar challenges. Sweden and Germany implemented automatic stabilizers that slow benefit growth or raise taxes when their systems become unsustainable. New Zealand and Canada have moved toward more modest, poverty-focused pension systems that offer basic support without bankrupting the state. A few weeks ago, Denmark increased the retirement age to 70. These are serious reforms. The U.S. has done nothing. Options exist. Policymakers could gradually raise the retirement age to reflect modern, healthier, longer lives. They could cap benefits at $2,050 monthly, preserving income for the bottom 50% of beneficiaries while progressively reducing benefits for the top half. They could reform the tax treatment of retirement income to encourage private savings, as Canada has done with its tax-free savings accounts. Any combination of these reforms would help. But that would require admitting that the current path is unsustainable. It would require telling voters the truth. It would require courage. So far, these admirable traits have been sorely lacking in our politicians. The programs' trustees have made the stakes clear: The only alternatives to reform will be drastic benefit cuts or massive tax hikes. Waiting until the trust funds are empty will leave no room for gradual, targeted solutions. It will force crisis-mode slashing that will hurt the most vulnerable. The ultimate blame is with voters who continue to reward politicians for promising the impossible. A functioning democracy cannot survive if the electorate insists on voting benefits for themselves to the point of insolvency. At some point, reality asserts itself. That moment is rapidly approaching. Veronique de Rugy is a senior research fellow at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University. This article was produced in collaboration with Creators Syndicate. If it's in the news right now, the L.A. Times' Opinion section covers it. Sign up for our weekly opinion newsletter. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Yahoo
14 hours ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
See Branch County weekend forecast here
Branch County can expect a warm weekend ahead, with temperatures forecast at a range of 83 to 90 degrees, according to data from AccuWeather. You can search for more information on hourly, daily, monthly weather forecasts and current air quality conditions for your location here. Need help deciding whether to stay inside or plan a trip out of the house this weekend? Here's a breakdown of the weekend forecast for Branch County. Friday is forecast to have a high of 89 degrees with a low of 68 degrees and humid, with a stray thunderstorm early at night. Expect the daytime temperature to feel eight degrees hotter at 97 degrees. There will be moderate rain during the day, with about less than an inch of rain expected. Throughout the day, wind will be blowing southwest at 9.2 miles per hour. With high temperatures forecast in the upcoming days, be sure to follow these tips to decrease the risk for heat-related illness. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people aged 65 and older are at high risk for heat-related illnesses. To avoid illness or death, make sure to stay inside in air conditioned buildings as much as possible, do not rely on a standing fan to cool you off during extreme heat, drink more water, and limit the use of big kitchen appliances like the stove or oven (it will make your house hotter). Even if those not at risk for heat-related illnesses should still limit strenuous outdoor activity (especially during midday when the sun is the hottest). The CDC also advises to drink more water, wear lightweight clothing, take cool showers, and never leave children or pets in cars. Friday's forecast high is above average for this time of year. The 30-year average maximum temperature for June 27 is 80 degrees. This internationally agreed-upon average represents climate data from 1991-2020 and is recalculated every 10 years. The forecast low is eight degrees hotter than the established normal of 60 degrees for this time of year. Historically, this day is usually a bit wet, with an average 0.11 inches of precipitation. Dust and dander: Indoor dust and dander levels will be extremely high. Actions to control indoor dust and dander are very strongly recommended. Hair frizz: Frizz is unavoidable! Sticky weather affects all hair types, so anyone may have a bad hair day! Saturday is forecast to have a high of 83 degrees with a low of 64 degrees and clear and humid at night. Expect the daytime temperature to feel six degrees hotter at 89 degrees. Throughout the day, wind will be blowing west northwest at 6.9 miles per hour. Saturday's forecast high is above average for this time of year. The 30-year average maximum temperature for June 28 is 80 degrees. The forecast low is four degrees hotter than the established normal of 60 degrees for this time of year. Historically, this day is usually a bit wet, with an average 0.11 inches of precipitation. Dust and dander: Indoor dust and dander levels will be high. Actions to control indoor dust and dander are recommended. Hair frizz: Frizz is likely for all hair types. Sunday is forecast to have a high of 90 degrees with a low of 69 degrees and partly cloudy, warm and humid at night. Expect the daytime temperature to feel eight degrees hotter at 98 degrees. Throughout the day, wind will be blowing southwest at 4.6 miles per hour. Sunday's forecast high is above average for this time of year. The 30-year average maximum temperature for June 29 is 81 degrees. The forecast low is eight degrees hotter than the established normal of 61 degrees for this time of year. Historically, this day is usually a bit wet, with an average 0.1 inches of precipitation. Dust and dander: Indoor dust and dander levels will be very high. Actions to control indoor dust and dander are strongly recommended. Hair frizz: Some frizz is possible, especially for people with naturally curly or wavy hair. Monday is forecast to have a high of 84 degrees with a low of 66 degrees and some rain and a thunderstorm early at night. Expect the daytime temperature to feel eight degrees hotter at 92 degrees. There will be heavy rain during the day, with about less than an inch of rain expected. Throughout the day, wind will be blowing southwest at 6.9 miles per hour. Monday's forecast high is above average for this time of year. The 30-year average maximum temperature for June 30 is 81 degrees. The forecast low is five degrees hotter than the established normal of 61 degrees for this time of year. Historically, this day is usually a bit wet, with an average 0.11 inches of precipitation. Dust and dander: Indoor dust and dander levels will be extremely high. Actions to control indoor dust and dander are very strongly recommended. Hair frizz: Frizz is likely for all hair types. In Michigan, daily weather forecasts can be unreliable at times due to the volatile nature of Lake Effect-cold air passing over warm water that causes extreme low or high temperatures-and lack of weather-measuring coverage in the state, according to Dr. Jeffrey Andresen, the State Climatologist for Michigan. The USA TODAY Network is publishing localized versions of this story on its news sites across Michigan, generated with data from AccuWeather. Please leave any feedback or corrections for this story here. This story was written by Ozge Terzioglu. Our News Automation and AI team would like to hear from you. Take this survey and share your thoughts with us. This article originally appeared on Coldwater Daily Reporter: See Branch County weekend forecast here
The Independent
15 hours ago
- Health
- The Independent
Stay connected with half price Jitterbug phones and medical alerts
Health and safety for the older generation can be enhanced by new technologies, something Lively and Best Buy Health have utilized in their products since launching in 2018. The pair came together to support older adults in taking advantage of a range of different services and solutions to live their lives to the fullest. These products are designed for the older generation and their caregivers and include mobile phones and medical alert devices. Anyone looking to enjoy peace of mind and has purchased a product can enjoy 50% off Lively and Best Buy Health's Jitterbug devices and alerts for a limited time. Why choose Lively and Best Buy Health With device plans starting from as low as $14.99/month, these easy-to-use phones and medical alert devices can help users feel connected, safe and more secure whether in their own homes or on the move. If you already have a phone or mobile device you like and feel comfortable with, the Lively SIM Card lets you enjoy Lively services - including 24/7 emergency help - on your own compatible smartphone. Jitterbug Smartphone The Jitterbug Smartphone deal includes Unlimited Talk & Text plus 1GB data from $19.99/mo. The device's features include easy access to voice typing, video chat, internet, maps and directions. Jitterbug Flip2 Cell Phone The Flip2 is the range's easiest cell phone to help users stay connected. Plans start from $14.99/mo with the phone featuring big, backlit buttons and one-touch speed dial. Both phones have specific features designed to be invaluable for users including simple navigation, powerful speakers and long-lasting batteries. They also include: Urgent Response With the touch of the dedicated button, Urgent Response connects users to support agents who can offer round-the-clock support for any emergency. Lively Link app The app enables friends and family to receive alerts on their smartphone whenever Urgent Response is contacted. Nurse On-Call Nurses or doctors can provide medical advice anytime, even on nights or at weekends. These medical professionals can be asked questions or contacted for prescriptions or updates for common medications. Care Advocate Care Advocates can develop personalized health and well-being plans for users. They can also connect you to community programs, financial resources and more. Ask Lively Ask Lively is the support service where you can submit questions at any time, whether you want to learn more about your device, need help with directions or sourcing contact details. Lively Mobile2 The Lively Mobile2 gives you one-button access to Lively services and the Lively caring team which can be invaluable in case of a fall or accident. The enhanced GPS technology tracks user location while the optional Fall Detection can keep you safe by automatically calling Lively's Urgent Response team. This 24/7 emergency support service starts at $24.99/mo. If you have a phone you are familiar with and like, you can get Lively's exclusive services, including Urgent Response for help 24/7. Every Lively plan comes with Unlimited Talk, Text and 1GB of data, with the option to add more data, as well as our kind and knowledgeable caring team who are here for you day or night. This includes no long-term contracts and US-based call agents with fast, reliable nationwide mobile coverage. You can enjoy 50% off this and other Lively and Best Buy Health's Jitterbug devices and alerts for a limited time.
CTV News
a day ago
- General
- CTV News
Sault Ste. Marie seniors getting new slate of activities
Northern Ontario Watch Provincial support will help Sault Ste. Marie community centres continue to offer activities for seniors with new list starting July 1.
CBC
a day ago
- Health
- CBC
Most Albertans will soon pay $110 for a COVID shot
With Alberta soon to end free COVID-19 vaccines for most residents, there's growing concern about cost, coverage and access — especially for vulnerable seniors. When provincial funding ends, most Albertans will have to pay an estimated $110 per dose.
