Seniors and Social Security
“Social Security and Medicare are the most successful anti-poverty program in American history. Seniors deserve to retire with security and dignity – that’s why I am committed to protecting Social Security and Medicare benefits.”
– Rep. Adam Schiff
Adam is committed to ensuring the long-term financial solvency of both Social Security and Medicare, will work to expand Medicare benefits to cover dental, vision and hearing, and work to bring down prescription drug costs. And if you are having trouble dealing with the Social Security Administration or the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services on an issue related to your benefits, Adam’s office may be able to help. Visit his Social Security casework page here.
Protecting Social Security
Social Security is the most successful anti-poverty program in our nation's history and has helped millions of seniors achieve financial security in their golden years. For some, Social Security is a steady supplement to their pension plans and private investments. For many others, it is their only source of retirement income and a lifeline. In fact, 1-in-5 seniors in California are living at or below poverty and do not have enough income to meet their basic needs. It is critical we make a renewed investment in this program to support the growing population of older adults in our state for years to come.
Adam has joined his colleagues in Congress in speaking out against dangerous cuts to Social Security benefits for seniors and future generations. Adam is committed to protecting Social Security to ensure it continues to work for current and future generations.
Improving Medicare for Seniors
Adam has fought to protect Medicare benefits and improve the Medicare delivery system, which has provided excellent health care for seniors for decades. While it needs improvements, Adam sees Medicare as an example of a successful program that has allowed millions of seniors to live a dignified and healthy retirement. He remains committed to full implementation of the Affordable Care Act to ensure the Medicare program stays on a sustainable path. Adam also supports expanding Medicare to cover senior’s vision, dental and hearing health.
Adam believes we must work to address the increasing out-of-pocket costs that Medicare beneficiaries are facing, particularly when it comes to prescription medications. It is unfathomable to think Medicare enrollees are forced to choose between food on the table or paying for life-saving medications. That’s why Adam supports drug pricing reform efforts, including legislation to allow the government to negotiate drug prices and institute a cap on out-of-pocket spending for Medicare beneficiaries under Part D. Adam also supports legislation that would lower the eligibility age for enrollment under Medicare from 65 to 60 so that Americans that have paid into the Medicare program for their entire working lives are able to access their benefits sooner and to expand health care for all.
Fixing the General Pension Offset and Windfall Elimination Provision
The General Pension Offset and the Windfall Elimination Provision are provisions of the Social Security Act that negatively impact social security payments for thousands of Californians who have worked in public service. These two titles unfairly hurt individuals who have devoted much of their careers to public service – including millions of doctors, nurses, teachers, and other essential employees who have been working on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic. When these individuals retire, they find that their Social Security payments are often significantly less than expected because of the WEP and GPO. Adam has repeatedly supported the Social Security Fairness Act, which would eliminate both provisions and ensure that the nearly 2.3 million Americans who have dedicated their lives to public service are able to enjoy the retirement they deserve.
Additional Resources
Social Security Administration