Max Sawicky wrote:
> (snip)
> The existing
> seniors, particularly those in the program now, will not
> be much affected, if at all. (An exception is if they
> monkey with the COLA adjustments.) This presents an obvious
> problem, in that the senior groups are looked to as an
> important viewpoint on the question and their present
> members are not so much in the line of fire.
>
There is on the table a proposal to hike the retirement age to 70 or more. This would engage the AARP because corporate America is eeking these middle class people with good paying jobs out of those jobs (replacing them with younger, cheaper workers). The near elderly approaching retirement age are increasingly concerned as to whether they will have a job until age 65, much less until 70. Lets not forget that Social Security eligibility is linked to Medicare eligibility. When the near elderely do lose their jobs in these close-to-retirement years having to pay for health care out of their own pockets at exhorbitant rates is taking up every bit of savings - if they can continue to pay for it themselves at all. So upping the retirement age not only "saves" Social Security, it makes a dent in Medicare spending - a wet dream for the roll back forces.
Marta Russell