Shahab and Walter answer your questions about Social Security & Medicare --- and we troll the trolls! Is it time to scrap the payroll wage cap? Is Social Security really running out of money? And how do you switch from Medicare Advantage to traditional Medicare? We take on the trolls who claim that Democrats want these programs "to fail" ---- and that Social Security is "going broke" because of "fraud." Lots to answer --- and debunk. Let's get to it! NOTE: Please do not make any financial, medical, or health insurance decisions based on this show. Seek guidance from a financial or insurance professional, your State Health Insurance Program, or the appropriate federal agency.
We go behind the scenes of our new documentary film, "Social Security: 90 Years Strong." The story takes us from the 1930s, when Social Security was signed into law by FDR, to today --- when we are fighting to defend it from Trump & DOGE. Join director Walter Gottlieb, producer Melanie Reilly, and editor Marcie Robusto for a lively chat about the making of this landmark film! Plus --- some compelling clips from the documentary. It's a story that's earned the right to be told!
Do you want bots deciding what kind of health care you get? The Trump Administration is experimenting with using AI to determine whether patients in traditional Medicare can get the care they need. This is an attempt to make the traditional program more like Medicare Advantage --- a glorified HMO that gets between you and your doctor. Our health policy expert, Anne Montgomery, explains why this is such a bad idea for Medicare beneficiaries. Plus: members of the Kennedy family join members of Congress in calling for the resignation of HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.
In our Season 3 premiere, Congressman Brendan Boyle (D-PA) excoriates the Trump administration for gutting Medicaid, endangering Medicare, and monkeying with Social Security. Rep. Boyle says Trump is “too lazy to learn” how Social Security really works, allowing DOGE to run amok at the Social Security Administration. He also tells us that some 500,000 Pennsylvanians will lose health coverage because of Trump’s “Unfair, Ugly Bill.” Meanwhile, Medicare may see a huge, automatic cut because of the bill’s deficit-swelling tax cuts for the rich. Rep. Boyle, though not yet 50 years old, is one of the biggest champions for seniors in the U.S. House. Make sure to give him a listen!
Jon Bauman is best known for his 50s greaser character, Bowzer, from the band Sha Na Na and tv show of the same name. In addition to his career as an entertainer, Jon is an outspoken advocate for Social Security and Medicare! In this episode of the podcast, he tells us how we can save Americans' earned benefits during the Trump/Musk regime. We also hear how Bowzer went from Doo Wop revivalist to seniors' activist. If you're wondering if Jon also will sing for us... well... you can bet your rama-lama-ding-dong, Daddy-O! Originally released March 4, 2025.
The Trump administration is starting to do to Medicare and Medicaid what it's been doing to Social Security. Plus, Republicans in Congress want to cut nearly $1 trillion from Medicaid to pay for tax cuts for the rich. Medicare Rights Center President Fred Riccardi tells us it's a time to be concerned for the future of these programs --- and take action to defend them. He also has reservations about tv's Dr. Oz taking the helm of the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
In this special episode, host Walter Gottlieb and digital media manager Shahab Shokouhi answer your questions & school the trolls from our Facebook page. Questions include: Will Social Security still be there for me? How much money is in the trust fund? And when will people formerly limited by WEP & GPO get their checks? We also answer the Facebook trolls who insist we are "commie Democrats spreading lies." Fun times!
Martin O'Malley warns Americans that their Social Security benefits are threatened by Trump & Musk's interference at the Social Security Administration, the agency he led under President Biden. The former commissioner says that Elon Musk wants to "destroy" Social Security and that the world's richest man "believes older and disabled beneficiaries are a waste." Using a phony hunt for 'fraud' as a cover, the Trump administration is sytematically dismantling SSA and undoing the customer service improvements O'Malley instituted. Americans need to wake up to the potential disruption of their earned benefits, says O'Malley, in this riveting and revealing interview.
Laura Haltzel resigned from the Social Security Administration (SSA) at the end of February. In this exclusive on-the-record interview, she speaks out against Trump/Musk/DOGE abuses at SSA from an insider's eyewitness view. She says that "Mayhem is the M.O." of the new administration --- and that employees and the public are being hurt. She believes that Musk's real agenda is to cut Social Security in a back-door way, while pretending to hunt for "fraud." She says actual fraud in Social Security is .01% of all benefits paid. In this episode, Laura takes a brave public stance as someone who was at SSA when Musk & DOGE took over. "This is too big. It's too important. I didn't dedicate 27 years of my career to Social Security to watch it dismantled."
Ann Crittenden was a correspondent for the New York Times in the late 70s and early 80s. She left the paper to care for her newborn son --- and later become an advocate for the millions of Americans who stay at home to care for kids, elderly parents, or other relatives in need. Author of the 2001 best-seller, "The Price of Motherhood," Ann says it's finally time that our society placed more value on caregiving --- and caregivers! She also reflects back on her time at the "Newspaper of Record," aka "The Grey Lady," including putting a member of Congress in jail and the perks of being a Times correspondent.
Tom Harkin is very concerned about the future of Social Security. In this episode, the former U.S. Senator and one-time presidential candidate says seniors and their advocates must go on OFFENSE to protect the program from Donald Trump & Elon Musk. Otherwise, he says, they will "terminate Social Security as we know it." The Senator also sees nefarious motives behind Musk's getting access to Americans' sensitive personal data. "He wants the data on you and your kids and families so he can control you in the future," Harkin warns. He also shares stories from his 1992 presidential run, including the time he worked on a lobster boat in New England --- and the time he left the campaign trail to interrogate his teenage daughter's first date!
Jon Bauman is best known for his 50s greaser character, Bowzer, from the band Sha Na Na and tv show of the same name. In addition to his career as an entertainer, Jon is an outspoken advocate for Social Security and Medicare! In this episode of the podcast, he tells us how we can save Americans' earned benefits during the Trump/Musk regime. We also hear how Bowzer went from Doo Wop revivalist to seniors' activist. If you're wondering if Jon also will sing for us... well... you can bet your rama-lama-ding-dong, Daddy-O!
Rep. Maxwell Frost is the first Gen Z member of Congress. Now in his second term, Congressman Frost is helping lead the resistance to Trump and Musk's efforts to interfere with crucial federal programs --- including Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. Rep. Frost joins us with some solid advice on how to push back... without going crazy!
A new survey released by the National Institute on Retirement Security (NIRS) confirms that majorities of Americans across party lines support Social Security --- and do not want to see benefits cut. In fact, most people are willing to pay more into Social Security to strengthen it for the future. On this episode, NIRS research director Tyler Bond tells us that while policymakers in Washington are seriously divided, the public is largely united on the issue of Social Security.
Elon Musk and his DOGE squad wants access to personal data and payment systems for Medicare and Medicaid --- among other crucial federal programs. Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) says we can't let the richest man in the world and his wrecking crew interfere with our retirement & health security. Plus... a flashback to 2017 and update on Franklin & Eleanor Roosevelt's namesakes.
Medicare Advantage (MA) boasts about its extra dental, vision, and hearing coverage. But a new study says that MA patients do not access these types of care any more often than traditional Medicare beneficiaries do, while paying about the same in out-of-pocket costs. Meanwhile, the government pays private MA insurers MORE per patient than for traditional Medicare. The study's author, Dr. Lisa Simon of Mass General Brigham, tells us what's really going on here... in this episode of the podcast.
We shouldn't fear older age, but embrace it, says AARP's chief public policy expert, Dr. Debra Whitman. In her new book, she writes that life after 50 can be fulfilling and rewarding. But for everyone to age more securely, we must defeat ageism --- which costs our country socially and financially! In this episode, Dr. Whitman shares helpful insights for aging Americans and their loved ones from the recently published,"The Second Fifty: Answers to the 7 Big Questions of Midlife & Beyond." The bottom line: there is much to look forward to in Act Two of life!
Here's a holiday gift for our listeners --- a sampler of some of the best episodes of 2024! Featuring VIP guests Jim Roosevelt (grandson of FDR), Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, Rep. John Larson, and Bill Arnone (former aide to RFK, Sr.) Plus top experts with insights & helpful advice for seniors & their families on Social Security, Medicare, Aging, and Prescription Drug Costs! Don't miss this year-end wrap, because "You Earned This!" See you in 2025! Here's a full list of guests in this highlights episode: Jim Roosevelt (Grandson of FDR: vice-chair, NCPSSM advisory board) Anne Montgomery (NCPSSM senior health expert) Kathleen Romig (Center on Budget & Policy Priorities) Dr. S. Jay Olshanksy (University of Illinois, Chicago) Stacy Sanders (U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services) Rep. John Larson (D-CT), Ranking member, U.S. House Social Security Subcommittee Hazel Law (Families USA) Bill Arnone (Former aide to RFK, Sr. Retired CEO of NASI) Max Richtman (NCPSSM President & CEO) Judy Stein (Founder, Center for Medicare Advocacy) Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) Michael Hiltzik (Columnist, Los Angeles Times) Kathryn Edwards (Author, Young People's Guide to Social Security) Tracy Gronniger (Justice in Aging) Jeff Cruz (American Federation of Government Employees) David Tatel (Retired federal appeals court judge, Author of "Vision: A Memoir of Blindess and Justice") END OF LIST
Judge David S. Tatel is a senior with an inspiring story to tell. He was the first blind judge to sit on a federal appeals court --- the powerful U.S. Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit. In this episode, Judge Tatel renders opinions on the direction of the Supreme Court, the personal growth that can come with aging, and the life-changing experience of working with his seeing-eye dog, Vixen! His new memoir, "Vision," has been called "charming, wise, and completely engaging" --- and is available at bookstores & online.
The political right has never liked Social Security, because it is a successful federal program that helps everyday Americans achieve financial security. But anti-Social Security propaganda has recently spiked --- with help from Trump's billionaire crony, Elon Musk. Our government relations director Dan Adcock helps us separate right-wing lies from facts in this episode of the podcast!