The Fiscal Cliff: What Deal Would You Cut?

Massachusetts Democrats in Congress want to avoid cuts in benefits as part of any deal, but proposals such as raising the eligibility age for Medicare are still on the table. What would you do?

As Congress negotiates a deal to avoid the so-called "fiscal cliff" on Jan. 1, Massachusetts' congressional representatives have voiced their opposition to any cuts in benefits such as Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, the Boston Globe reports. However, there are proposals still on the table that would change those benefit programs, including linking Social Security benefits to a more conservative inflation index that would slightly reduce annual increases, or raising the eligibility age for Medicare from 65 to 67. The Globe reported that while the Bay State's legislators were united against changes to Social Security, there's some wiggle room on Medicare. Rep. Ed Markey opposes raising the Medicare eligibility age; Rep. Michael …

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Letters to the Editor

LETTER: Supreme Court Made the Right Call

It's time all Americans have access to affordable, quality health care, says Arlington resident Lucy Kissel.

The following is a Letter to the Editor from Arlington resident Lucy Kissel. Thank you for Thursday’s article about the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the Affordable Care Act, Mr. McGonigle. In response to the question you pose at the end of your article ("What do YOU think? Are you surprised by today's decision? Angry? Relieved?"), I believe SCOTUS made the right decision, and I am grateful for it. It’s time all Americans have access to affordable, quality health care. That the GOP continues to be intent on a repeal is a matter of concern. Let’s get off this hamster wheel. It’s been two years since the act passed, as you note, but the decision to care for our seniors and our chronically ill remains politicized. I hope that our …

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AARP to Hold Community Conversation in Arlington Thursday

The event is free, but pre-registration is required.

The following is a press release from the AARP, Massachusetts. It has been lightly edited. On Thursday, April 26, from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., AARP Massachusetts invites local residents to share their experience and opinions about Medicare and Social Security during a “You’ve Earned a Say” Community Conversation at the Arlington Senior Center. With “You’ve Earned a Say,” AARP is taking the debate about the future of Medicare and Social Security out from behind closed doors in Washington D.C. and into communities across the country, so Americans can have a voice. There is no cost to participate in this event, but pre-registration is required; call 781-316-3421 to reserve your seat today. The “You’ve Earned a Say” conversation in Arlington will …

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