Social Security and Medicare are by far the biggest contributors to our national debt. The federal government spent $1.6 ...

When medical costs are rising rapidly, Medicare consumes a larger portion of Social Security benefits each year. Recipients of Social Security will experience that in a big way in 2026. Social ...

An increasingly likely partial shutdown could impact a number of federal services.

In 2026, Social Security benefits get a 2.8% COLA increase, but a 9.7% hike in Medicare Part B premiums may leave many ...

Medicare benefits continue during the federal shutdown, but it could be more difficult to get questions answered. JJ Gouin/Getty While Social Security and Medicare benefits continue to be paid during ...

Experts too easily forget that “government spending” is a benign way of describing central planning of precious resources.

Medicare is funded through mandatory spending, keeping it safe from government shutdowns. The Medicare enrollment process begins with the Social Security Administration. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) ...

As a result of the U.S. government shutting down on Oct. 1, 2025, certain federal employees will work without pay, while others will be temporarily furloughed. In the past, these workers have ...

My Medicare starts Nov. 1, and I received my first bill, due on Oct. 25, about a week ago. This bill is for three months, from Nov. 1 to Jan. 31, and it's over $550. I currently have more than $12,000 ...

Almost a year ago, I wrote a CounterPunch article on how the social security cost of living increase was eroded by higher charges for Medicare coverage. That is again happening in 2026 as reported in ...

Let’s discuss how to apply online, along with a few problems we are discovering in helping others apply for Medicare at ...

Social Security and Medicare benefits continue to be paid despite shutdown. SSA field offices stay open with reduced staff, services and longer waits. Annual COLA announcement delayed; beneficiaries ...