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Respected Contributor
Posts: 2,169
Registered: ‎05-09-2023

It was indeed bi-partisan! I think one of the best aspects of this.

 

Make sure to remember the 91 persons who voted no. They are some of the most prominent and probably represent a large number of posters here. Good to know where you stand with them.

Respected Contributor
Posts: 4,030
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

I have no complaints about the COLA. My part B increased $10, but my part D decreased &10 

 

My standard of living isn't affected by a COLA. 

Honored Contributor
Posts: 15,158
Registered: ‎01-02-2011

@Kachina624 wrote:

I was a state government employee.  We always paid into both social security and our employees' retirement system and once I retired, I drew full benefits from both.

 

I haven't received a COLA notice from SS.


I never received one either, @Kachina624.  I looked at my account online.  

Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 6,475
Registered: ‎09-08-2010

@CelticCrafter wrote:

@Carmie wrote:

@Still Raining wrote:

Merging the underlying Social Security increase with three other different changes can obscure the components.

 

Part B changes are set by Medicare.  Part D and supplements are set by insurance companies.

 

 


Agreed, but at the end of the day, you can't get ahead.

 

Federal Law has now capped the RX coverage out of pocket at $2000 and they have added some previously uncovered drugs that are expensive.

 

This has made the Part D prices go up a lot for everyone...even those who don't need or use RX drugs.

 

The bottom line for many people celebrating a small increase is going to be disappointing when they find they are short on monthly income compared to last year.


People that aren't taking prescription drugs have the option to buy the absolute cheapest plan available in their area.  

I take nothing so why would I pay a ridiculous price for something I'm not using?  If that changes in the future I have the option to make a change in October.

You should be aware of that, you have extensive knowledge in the insurance business.


The cheapest Part D in my area is over $150.00. 

Trusted Contributor
Posts: 1,527
Registered: ‎10-23-2011

@Jo1313   I netted a $30 increase from S.S.

 

However, my pension annuity was DECREASED about $100/month as my premium(although subsidized) for my PPO health insurance was raised from $35/month to $99/month and my dental insurance premium(also subsidized) increased about $5.00/month.

 

NOT GOOD...I also have other sources of income but my overall financial picture is much worse than it was a few short years ago.  I hope that will change for the better soon.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 11,258
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Medi gap went up, my supplement went up, my part D went up tremendously.  Then to boot went to pick up refill of medication I have taken for years...and that went up 11 bux!!  I don't get it.  I mean I do...but still, OUCH.  

Honored Contributor
Posts: 37,796
Registered: ‎08-19-2010

Have them to run it thru a GoodRX card all pharmacies have.   I had a face cream that cost 300 a tube, but, then when they ran it thru a GoodRX savings card it dropped it down to 30.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 20,523
Registered: ‎10-25-2010

@Effie54 wrote:

@CelticCrafter wrote:

@Carmie wrote:

@Still Raining wrote:

Merging the underlying Social Security increase with three other different changes can obscure the components.

 

Part B changes are set by Medicare.  Part D and supplements are set by insurance companies.

 

 


Agreed, but at the end of the day, you can't get ahead.

 

Federal Law has now capped the RX coverage out of pocket at $2000 and they have added some previously uncovered drugs that are expensive.

 

This has made the Part D prices go up a lot for everyone...even those who don't need or use RX drugs.

 

The bottom line for many people celebrating a small increase is going to be disappointing when they find they are short on monthly income compared to last year.


People that aren't taking prescription drugs have the option to buy the absolute cheapest plan available in their area.  

I take nothing so why would I pay a ridiculous price for something I'm not using?  If that changes in the future I have the option to make a change in October.

You should be aware of that, you have extensive knowledge in the insurance business.


The cheapest Part D in my area is over $150.00. 


It's like that in my area too....and most have a high deductible as well.

Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 6,475
Registered: ‎09-08-2010

@Carmie wrote:

@Effie54 wrote:

@CelticCrafter wrote:

@Carmie wrote:

@Still Raining wrote:

Merging the underlying Social Security increase with three other different changes can obscure the components.

 

Part B changes are set by Medicare.  Part D and supplements are set by insurance companies.

 

 


Agreed, but at the end of the day, you can't get ahead.

 

Federal Law has now capped the RX coverage out of pocket at $2000 and they have added some previously uncovered drugs that are expensive.

 

This has made the Part D prices go up a lot for everyone...even those who don't need or use RX drugs.

 

The bottom line for many people celebrating a small increase is going to be disappointing when they find they are short on monthly income compared to last year.


People that aren't taking prescription drugs have the option to buy the absolute cheapest plan available in their area.  

I take nothing so why would I pay a ridiculous price for something I'm not using?  If that changes in the future I have the option to make a change in October.

You should be aware of that, you have extensive knowledge in the insurance business.


The cheapest Part D in my area is over $150.00. 


It's like that in my area too....and most have a high deductible as well.


@Carmie  Yes, that's true for my area as well. 

Honored Contributor
Posts: 11,258
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

@SharkE   You won't believe this but CVS, the closest drug store to me wont take coupons on certain drugs.   If the insurance doesn't pay, they charge full price. They started this last year surprised it's not illegal.