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With or Without Chained CPI in President’s Budget, Social Security Reform Should Start
The American Academy of Actuaries is taking the opportunity presented by President Obama’s FY2015 budget request to remind the president and members of Congress of the pressing need for Social Security reform. This year’s budget request is expected not to…
Medicaid Expansion Terms Possible
Former Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen says federal health officials are probably willing to talk terms on an expansion of Medicaid in Tennessee with the state’s current governor. “The feds want us to do it badly enough that they will negotiate some…
HealthStyle: How to win the battle of the bulge
Many Americans suffer with obesity problems. It’s estimated that nearly two-thirds of Americans are now overweight and many have given up the struggle to return to a healthy weight. As your weight increases, the chances of losing it seem to…
Veterans’ Corner: Social security options for veterans
Social Security pays benefits to people who cannot work because they have a medical condition that is expected to last at least one year or result in death. Federal law requires this very strict definition of disability. While some programs…
Disability-related films get Oscar nominations
This year’s Oscar-nominated themes range from slavery to aging and disability. AIDS, mental illness and cancer are the disabilities of some Best Actor nominees’ characters. There is also a disability-related film nominated for Best Picture. “Dallas Buyers Club” is based on a…
Elections Office installs disability access booths for voting
With primary elections just around the corner, the Lubbock County (TX) Elections Office has been busy prepping for voting day.They’re not only concerned with the typical voting booths, but also with organizing and placing services geared toward making the voting…
SOCIAL SECURITY: When ‘storms’ hit, Social Security has you covered
You’ve probably noticed the unusually cold and stormy weather we’ve been experiencing this year. That makes it more appropriate than ever to recognize National Umbrella Month this March. April showers may bring May flowers, but the rain starts pouring in March.…
House GOP discuss health care alternative
House Republican leaders took a small step on Friday toward pulling together a viable alternative to President Barack Obama’s four-year-old health care law but faced deep divisions over whether the GOP caucus can coalesce around a comprehensive proposal. Majority Leader Eric…
Health care act no more a ‘job killer’ than Social Security or Medicare
People change their behavior in response to incentives. That is what economics is all about. So no one should be surprised that when a new law makes health care more accessible, some people will change their behavior, perhaps by working…
The Issue: Year of action? Doubtful.
U.S. President Barack Obama may have declared 2014 a year of action in his State of the Union address but lawmakers last week moved quickly after returning from their recess to knock down expectations. Even Obama seems to be rethinking his ambitions, deciding…