Blog

• Social Security Phone Service Changes Will Create Unnecessary Burdens

  May 30, 2025: The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)’s Social Security phone service restrictions will make it harder for seniors to access customer service support, according to new data from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. The Social Secur...Read more >

• Drug Industry Quietly Funds “Patient Advocacy” Groups to Fight Medicare Drug Price Negotiations

  May 23, 2025: A new investigation by Patients for Affordable Drugs (P4AD) has uncovered a troubling tactic used by the pharmaceutical industry to protect profits and keep drug prices high: secretly funding so-called “patient advocacy” groups. The report pro...Read more >

• CBO Warns: New House Budget Proposal Could Slash Medicare by $490 Billion

  May 23, 2025: A new report from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has sounded the alarm: the budget recently passed by the U.S. House of Representatives could result in nearly $500 billion in automatic Medicare cuts over the next ten years. The ...Read more >

• House Passes One Big, Brutal Budget Bill — Seniors’ Health and Security at Risk

  May 23, 2025: In the early hours of Thursday morning, House Republicans narrowly passed their budget proposal, the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (H.R. 1), by a vote of 215-214. The legislation now moves to the Senate for consideration. The vote was deeply di...Read more >

• KFF Health News: How Trump Aims To Slash Federal Support for Research, Public Health, and Medicaid

  May 20, 2025: Health care has proved a vulnerable target for the firehose of cuts and policy changes President Donald Trump ordered in the name of reducing waste and improving efficiency. But most of the impact isn’t as tangible as, say, higher egg prices at the...Read more >

• KFF Health News: Trump’s DOJ Accuses Medicare Advantage Insurers of Paying ‘Kickbacks’ for Primo Customers

  May 19, 2025: When people call large insurance brokerages seeking free assistance in choosing Medicare Advantage plans, they’re often offered assurances such as this one from eHealth: “Your benefit advisors will find plans that match your needs — no matter t...Read more >

• States in the Midwest and the South Are Most Vulnerable to Social Security Cuts

  May 16, 2025: Any disruption or cuts to Social Security benefits will hurt Americans who live in Southern and Midwestern states the most, according to a new report from the Economic Policy Institute. The report reinforced the importance of Social Security to the U...Read more >

• KFF Health News: Honey, Sweetie, Dearie – The Perils of Elderspeak

  May 09, 2025: A prime example of elderspeak: Cindy Smith was visiting her father in his assisted living apartment in Roseville, California. An aide who was trying to induce him to do something —  Smith no longer remembers exactly what — said, “Let me help y...Read more >

• Alliance Marks Older Americans Month

  May 09, 2025: Thursday, May 1 was the first day of Older Americans Month. Historically, this month commemorates older Americans and provides an opportunity for us to reflect on their contributions. It can also be a time to reflect on the consequences of ageism....Read more >

• Senate Confirms Frank Bisignano as SSA Commissioner Despite Controversy Over His DOGE Connections, Lack of Relevant Experience

  May 09, 2025: The Senate confirmed Frank Bisignano to head the Social Security Administration (SSA) along party lines on Tuesday, with a 53-47 vote. His term – set to expire in January 2031 – coincides with a tumultuous period for the agency, as Elon Musk and...Read more >