Carrie Writes
Social Security
Carrie Barrepski

For the first time in thirty years, Social Security recipients will not receive
a cost of living increase in January 2010. The lack of the increase will affect
senior citizens and people with disabilities. Fifty million people who are either
retired or disabled receive Social Security, with an average monthly payment of
$1153.

By law, the cost of living adjustment is calculated according to the
amount of inflation in the economy. Last year, higher energy costs led to a 5.8%
cost of living adjustment in January 2009. Although this was the largest cost of
living increase since 1982, the negative inflation that the nation experienced this
year due to lower consumer prices is operating to deprive Social Security
recipients of a cost of living increase this coming January. President Obama is
calling for possible stimulus checks in the amount of $250 for Social Security
recipients. It is said that the President is open to funding this stimulus through
borrowing the money if necessary.

Social Security recipients are also facing issues with Medicare as well. More than
thirty two million people pay Medicare Part B premiums, which will
remain at the same level, although Medicare Part D prescription premiums will
rise. Many people have criticized this increase in the Medicare Part D premium
because the health care costs rise faster than consumer prices affecting inflation,
which is further worsened by the fact that the elderly and disabled spend a
disproportionate amount of their income on health care costs. In addition, senior
citizens are facing declining home values and stock portfolios.

However, in my opinion, a stimulus check of $250 is not adequate since the
payment will not provide benefit for the whole year. Even though consumer
prices have gone down, the elderly and disabled are still forced to pinch their
dollars to purchase necessary items ranging from groceries to gas. I also feel
that everybody should be able to afford health care since there is no price on
your health.