Miami Mayor Francis Suarez weighed in on the mayoral campaign that Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani is seeking to win up the East Coast, arguing the GOP should optimize a media strategy to combat his surge. Suarez, the Republican mayor of one of Florida’s largest cities, warned during an interview that under Mamdani, New York City
Michigan lawmakers on Friday broke a monthslong stalemate to pass a sweeping state budget. “Senate Democrats worked across the aisle to get the job done and deliver another responsible budget that boosts public education, invests in our aging roads, and protects access to healthcare, all while mitigating the worst effects of the devastating federal cuts,”
A watchdog group filed a complaint this week against the Trump administration for putting banners on federal websites blaming Democrats for the government shutdown. Public Citizen accused the Small Business Administration and Department of Housing and Urban Development of being in “blatant violation” of the Hatch Act, which limits “electioneering” and certain other political activities
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) is holding a press conference with Republican leaders on the second day of the government shutdown. The briefing is set to start at 10 a.m. POLITICAL VIOLENCE ON THE RISE IN THE US: A TIMELINE OF KEY INCIDENTS House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA), Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-MN), and GOP Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain (R-MI)
The White House issued a proposal on Wednesday promising leading universities special treatment if they agree to comply with several terms from the Trump administration. Washington sent letters outlining the “Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education” to nine schools. If they agree to sign the 10-point compact, the universities could be given priority for
Hamas revealed Tuesday it is holding internal discussions examining President Donald Trump’s proposal to end the war in Gaza as it faces international pressure to commit to the peace deal. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu endorsed the 20-point plan unveiled Monday, which would bring an end to hostilities between his country and Hamas terrorists who
Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE) on Monday accused War Secretary Pete Hegseth of throttling controversial Ukrainian military action against Russia that the congressman said is backed by President Donald Trump. “The White House authorized long-range Ukrainian strikes into Russia,” Bacon wrote in a post to X. “But, the Pentagon routinely blocks. Who is the Commander in
EXCLUSIVE — Rep. Byron Donalds’s (R-FL) campaign for Florida governor received a boost on Monday with the endorsements of law enforcement leaders across the Sunshine State. Over a dozen sheriffs backed Donalds, one of two Republicans who have announced bids to succeed Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL). Donalds received one of his first high-profile endorsements in
In the spirit of the season, the Washington Examiner has identified 12 issues we believe will shape and influence 2025 and beyond. The incoming Trump administration has made the fight against illegal immigration and the use of tariffs its flagship policy items. The U.S. will also possibly undergo a health revolution, while very real questions need to be answered on everything from social security reform to the military to the changing landscape of the energy sector. Part Three is on Social Security.
Retirees make up a larger proportion of citizens than ever before after birth rates sank to historic lows over the past few years, hitting below the replacement rate that is needed to sustain the United States’s population.
Nearly 73 million people across the country now receive Social Security Administration benefits as part of a vast federal social safety net program.
There are a few changes coming to Social Security in 2025, regardless of President-elect Donald Trump’s actions during his second term. Here’s a rundown of four shifts you can prepare for ahead of the holidays, largely due to inflation and wage trends.
BUSINESS-UNION DIVIDE A ‘TOUGH STRADDLE’ FOR TRUMP AHEAD OF SECOND TERM
The cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) is one of the biggest changes slated to come to Social Security next year.
“The COLA is tied to inflationary changes, so as the rate of inflation decreases, so does the COLA,” Kevin Thompson, a finance expert, told Newsweek. “This will be the lowest increase in the COLA since 2021 when the increase was 1.3 percent.”
In Jan. 2025, Social Security recipients will see a 2.5% raise in their payments, adding around $48 per month for the average filer and an estimated $39 per month for the typical worker with eligible disabilities.
The COLA has increased by an average of 2.6% annually over the past decade, although last year’s COLA increase was calculated to be 3.4%.
WHICH ITEMS WOULD BE AFFECTED BY TRUMP’S PROPOSED TARIFFS ON CANADA AND MEXICO
Social Security beneficiaries typically have their Medicare Part B premium deducted directly from their monthly payment if they are enrolled in the federal health insurance program.
Medicare is a federal health insurance program for citizens 65 years or older. It also covers eligible beneficiaries younger than 65 with certain health conditions. An estimated 56.1 million people across the country received Medicare Part B in 2019.
Beginning in 2025, Social Security beneficiaries on the Medicare B plan will start to see $10.30 more a month deducted from their monthly payment.
That’s because Medicare Part B premiums will increase from $174.70 per month to $185 per month.
Although the premium increase will be somewhat offset by COLA adjustments, it’s still a change beneficiaries should be tracking.
WHAT TRUMP’S ECONOMIC PICKS COULD FORETELL FOR SECOND ADMINISTRATION
“I would also remind seniors that Medicare premiums that mandatorily come out of Social Security have been growing at a rate of 7.42 percent for Part B and 6.73 percent on Part D,” Joseph Patrick Roop, the president of Belmont Capital Advisors told Newsweek. “This is a large driving factor why many times the revised income goes down on Social Security even after a small COLA.”
Workers are affected by a federal policy called the earnings test limit, which may temporarily reduce their social security benefits until they reach full retirement age.
In 2024, the earnings test limit for those for those who will not reach FRA until a later year was $22,320. In 2025, the earnings test limit will increase to $23,400, and beneficiaries who have not reached FRA will have $1 withheld from their Social Security payment for every $2 in work income.
That means the beneficiaries making above $23,400 a year will be able to keep over $1,000 more of their money annually starting in 2025 before they face benefit reductions.
More people paying into Social Security will have to pay a tax on the program in 2025.
That’s because the maximum taxable earnings limit, which is the highest income subject to Social Security tax, is set to increase.
In 2024, the Social Security tax limit was $168,600, meaning people who earned more than that amount were not required to pay the tax. The tax limit in 2023 was $160,200.
In 2025, the maximum taxable earnings limit is rising to $176,100. Any current worker earning up to this amount will be required to pay the Social Security tax of 6.2% on their income each for both employees and employers.
Trump pledged to stay far away from making cuts to Social Security on the campaign trail this year.
However, experts warn reforms are needed as the federal program faces a looming crisis.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
Social Security faces a $3.5 trillion shortfall over the next decade, according to the Tax Foundation.
“Fear not about Social Security going away. That’s not going to happen,” said Stephen Goss, chief actuary at the Social Security Administration, during a panel discussion in October. “The challenge is for Congress to come up with ways to either bring down the scheduled benefits, raise the tax revenue coming in, or some combination of the two, which they have always done in the entire history of this program.”
2024-12-27 13:00:00, http://s.wordpress.com/mshots/v1/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fin_focus%2F3256937%2Fmajor-changes-coming-to-social-security-regardless-trump-presence%2F?w=600&h=450, In the spirit of the season, the Washington Examiner has identified 12 issues we believe will shape and influence 2025 and beyond. The incoming Trump administration has made the fight against illegal immigration and the use of tariffs its flagship policy items. The U.S. will also possibly undergo a health revolution, while very real questions need to be answered on everything from social security,
In the spirit of the season, the Washington Examiner has identified 12 issues we believe will shape and influence 2025 and beyond. The incoming Trump administration has made the fight against illegal immigration and the use of tariffs its flagship policy items. The U.S. will also possibly undergo a health revolution, while very real questions need to be answered on everything from social security reform to the military to the changing landscape of the energy sector. Part Three is on Social Security.
Retirees make up a larger proportion of citizens than ever before after birth rates sank to historic lows over the past few years, hitting below the replacement rate that is needed to sustain the United States’s population.
Nearly 73 million people across the country now receive Social Security Administration benefits as part of a vast federal social safety net program.
There are a few changes coming to Social Security in 2025, regardless of President-elect Donald Trump’s actions during his second term. Here’s a rundown of four shifts you can prepare for ahead of the holidays, largely due to inflation and wage trends.
BUSINESS-UNION DIVIDE A ‘TOUGH STRADDLE’ FOR TRUMP AHEAD OF SECOND TERM
The cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) is one of the biggest changes slated to come to Social Security next year.
“The COLA is tied to inflationary changes, so as the rate of inflation decreases, so does the COLA,” Kevin Thompson, a finance expert, told Newsweek. “This will be the lowest increase in the COLA since 2021 when the increase was 1.3 percent.”
In Jan. 2025, Social Security recipients will see a 2.5% raise in their payments, adding around $48 per month for the average filer and an estimated $39 per month for the typical worker with eligible disabilities.
The COLA has increased by an average of 2.6% annually over the past decade, although last year’s COLA increase was calculated to be 3.4%.
WHICH ITEMS WOULD BE AFFECTED BY TRUMP’S PROPOSED TARIFFS ON CANADA AND MEXICO
Social Security beneficiaries typically have their Medicare Part B premium deducted directly from their monthly payment if they are enrolled in the federal health insurance program.
Medicare is a federal health insurance program for citizens 65 years or older. It also covers eligible beneficiaries younger than 65 with certain health conditions. An estimated 56.1 million people across the country received Medicare Part B in 2019.
Beginning in 2025, Social Security beneficiaries on the Medicare B plan will start to see $10.30 more a month deducted from their monthly payment.
That’s because Medicare Part B premiums will increase from $174.70 per month to $185 per month.
Although the premium increase will be somewhat offset by COLA adjustments, it’s still a change beneficiaries should be tracking.
WHAT TRUMP’S ECONOMIC PICKS COULD FORETELL FOR SECOND ADMINISTRATION
“I would also remind seniors that Medicare premiums that mandatorily come out of Social Security have been growing at a rate of 7.42 percent for Part B and 6.73 percent on Part D,” Joseph Patrick Roop, the president of Belmont Capital Advisors told Newsweek. “This is a large driving factor why many times the revised income goes down on Social Security even after a small COLA.”
Workers are affected by a federal policy called the earnings test limit, which may temporarily reduce their social security benefits until they reach full retirement age.
In 2024, the earnings test limit for those for those who will not reach FRA until a later year was $22,320. In 2025, the earnings test limit will increase to $23,400, and beneficiaries who have not reached FRA will have $1 withheld from their Social Security payment for every $2 in work income.
That means the beneficiaries making above $23,400 a year will be able to keep over $1,000 more of their money annually starting in 2025 before they face benefit reductions.
More people paying into Social Security will have to pay a tax on the program in 2025.
That’s because the maximum taxable earnings limit, which is the highest income subject to Social Security tax, is set to increase.
In 2024, the Social Security tax limit was $168,600, meaning people who earned more than that amount were not required to pay the tax. The tax limit in 2023 was $160,200.
In 2025, the maximum taxable earnings limit is rising to $176,100. Any current worker earning up to this amount will be required to pay the Social Security tax of 6.2% on their income each for both employees and employers.
Trump pledged to stay far away from making cuts to Social Security on the campaign trail this year.
However, experts warn reforms are needed as the federal program faces a looming crisis.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
Social Security faces a $3.5 trillion shortfall over the next decade, according to the Tax Foundation.
“Fear not about Social Security going away. That’s not going to happen,” said Stephen Goss, chief actuary at the Social Security Administration, during a panel discussion in October. “The challenge is for Congress to come up with ways to either bring down the scheduled benefits, raise the tax revenue coming in, or some combination of the two, which they have always done in the entire history of this program.”
, In the spirit of the season, the Washington Examiner has identified 12 issues we believe will shape and influence 2025 and beyond. The incoming Trump administration has made the fight against illegal immigration and the use of tariffs its flagship policy items. The U.S. will also possibly undergo a health revolution, while very real questions need to be answered on everything from social security reform to the military to the changing landscape of the energy sector. Part Three is on Social Security . Retirees make up a larger proportion of citizens than ever before after birth rates sank to historic lows over the past few years, hitting below the replacement rate that is needed to sustain the United States’s population. Nearly 73 million people across the country now receive Social Security Administration benefits as part of a vast federal social safety net program. There are a few changes coming to Social Security in 2025, regardless of President-elect Donald Trump’s actions during his second term. Here’s a rundown of four shifts you can prepare for ahead of the holidays, largely due to inflation and wage trends. BUSINESS-UNION DIVIDE A ‘TOUGH STRADDLE’ FOR TRUMP AHEAD OF SECOND TERM COLA Adjustments The cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) is one of the biggest changes slated to come to Social Security next year. “The COLA is tied to inflationary changes, so as the rate of inflation decreases, so does the COLA,” Kevin Thompson, a finance expert, told Newsweek . “This will be the lowest increase in the COLA since 2021 when the increase was 1.3 percent.” In Jan. 2025, Social Security recipients will see a 2.5% raise in their payments, adding around $48 per month for the average filer and an estimated $39 per month for the typical worker with eligible disabilities. The COLA has increased by an average of 2.6% annually over the past decade, although last year’s COLA increase was calculated to be 3.4%. WHICH ITEMS WOULD BE AFFECTED BY TRUMP’S PROPOSED TARIFFS ON CANADA AND MEXICO Increases in Medicare B premiums Social Security beneficiaries typically have their Medicare Part B premium deducted directly from their monthly payment if they are enrolled in the federal health insurance program. Medicare is a federal health insurance program for citizens 65 years or older. It also covers eligible beneficiaries younger than 65 with certain health conditions. An estimated 56.1 million people across the country received Medicare Part B in 2019. Beginning in 2025, Social Security beneficiaries on the Medicare B plan will start to see $10.30 more a month deducted from their monthly payment. That’s because Medicare Part B premiums will increase from $174.70 per month to $185 per month. Although the premium increase will be somewhat offset by COLA adjustments, it’s still a change beneficiaries should be tracking. WHAT TRUMP’S ECONOMIC PICKS COULD FORETELL FOR SECOND ADMINISTRATION “I would also remind seniors that Medicare premiums that mandatorily come out of Social Security have been growing at a rate of 7.42 percent for Part B and 6.73 percent on Part D,” Joseph Patrick Roop, the president of Belmont Capital Advisors told Newsweek. “This is a large driving factor why many times the revised income goes down on Social Security even after a small COLA.” Earnings test adjustment Workers are affected by a federal policy called the earnings test limit, which may temporarily reduce their social security benefits until they reach full retirement age. In 2024, the earnings test limit for those for those who will not reach FRA until a later year was $22,320. In 2025, the earnings test limit will increase to $23,400, and beneficiaries who have not reached FRA will have $1 withheld from their Social Security payment for every $2 in work income. That means the beneficiaries making above $23,400 a year will be able to keep over $1,000 more of their money annually starting in 2025 before they face benefit reductions. Tax increases More people paying into Social Security will have to pay a tax on the program in 2025. That’s because the maximum taxable earnings limit, which is the highest income subject to Social Security tax, is set to increase. In 2024, the Social Security tax limit was $168,600, meaning people who earned more than that amount were not required to pay the tax. The tax limit in 2023 was $160,200. In 2025, the maximum taxable earnings limit is rising to $176,100. Any current worker earning up to this amount will be required to pay the Social Security tax of 6.2% on their income each for both employees and employers. What’s next? Trump pledged to stay far away from making cuts to Social Security on the campaign trail this year. However, experts warn reforms are needed as the federal program faces a looming crisis. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER Social Security faces a $3.5 trillion shortfall over the next decade, according to the Tax Foundation. “Fear not about Social Security going away. That’s not going to happen,” said Stephen Goss, chief actuary at the Social Security Administration, during a panel discussion in October. “The challenge is for Congress to come up with ways to either bring down the scheduled benefits, raise the tax revenue coming in, or some combination of the two, which they have always done in the entire history of this program.”, , , https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/donald-trump-social-security-tax.webp, Washington Examiner, Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/cropped-favicon-32×32.png, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/feed/, Emily Hallas,
Medicare’s $2,000 cap on what beneficiaries pay out-of-pocket for prescription drugs covered by the health insurance program will begin on Jan. 1.
The price cap will apply to drugs under Medicare Part D. With roughly 53 million people across the country on this plan in 2024, the cap is projected to lower costs for many of those enrolled.
“If your out-of-pocket spending on covered drugs reaches $2,000 (including certain payments made on your behalf, like through the Extra Help program), you’ll automatically get ‘catastrophic coverage.’ That means you won’t have to pay out-of-pocket for covered Part D drugs for the rest of the calendar year,” Medicare announced.
The nonprofit organization AARP has projected that 3.2 million Americans will save money on prescription medications in 2025.
Medicare is a federal health insurance program for citizens 65 years or older that also covers eligible beneficiaries younger than 65 with certain health conditions. Medicare Part D is an outpatient prescription drug benefit for people with Medicare “provided through private plans that contract with the federal government,” according to KFF.
The changes to Medicare’s prescription drug cap were set in motion by the Biden administration’s 2022 Inflation Reduction Act.
Many lawmakers have expressed concern the IRA’s policy change has caused insurers to hike the drug plan premiums for millions of Medicare beneficiaries to fill the gap in what patients used to pay. Premiums for many Medicare Part D plans increased in 2024, ahead of the drug cap changes.
Republicans have criticized President Joe Biden for subsequently giving health insurers an extra $15 per member a month to offset premium spikes just months before the 2024 presidential election.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
Biden’s subsidies to health insurers will cost an estimated $5 billion next year.
“One of [Biden’s] signature domestic achievements is set to cause a significant spike in Medicare premiums for millions of Americans just ahead of the Nov. election,” Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) posted on X in August. “Now, his admin is preparing to dole out billions of dollars to private insurance companies…”
2024-12-26 22:36:00, http://s.wordpress.com/mshots/v1/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fpolicy%2Fhealthcare%2F3270458%2Fmedicare-prescription-drug-cap-take-effect-jan-1%2F?w=600&h=450, Medicare’s $2,000 cap on what beneficiaries pay out-of-pocket for prescription drugs covered by the health insurance program will begin on Jan. 1. The price cap will apply to drugs under Medicare Part D. With roughly 53 million people across the country on this plan in 2024, the cap is projected to lower costs for many,
Medicare’s $2,000 cap on what beneficiaries pay out-of-pocket for prescription drugs covered by the health insurance program will begin on Jan. 1.
The price cap will apply to drugs under Medicare Part D. With roughly 53 million people across the country on this plan in 2024, the cap is projected to lower costs for many of those enrolled.
“If your out-of-pocket spending on covered drugs reaches $2,000 (including certain payments made on your behalf, like through the Extra Help program), you’ll automatically get ‘catastrophic coverage.’ That means you won’t have to pay out-of-pocket for covered Part D drugs for the rest of the calendar year,” Medicare announced.
The nonprofit organization AARP has projected that 3.2 million Americans will save money on prescription medications in 2025.
Medicare is a federal health insurance program for citizens 65 years or older that also covers eligible beneficiaries younger than 65 with certain health conditions. Medicare Part D is an outpatient prescription drug benefit for people with Medicare “provided through private plans that contract with the federal government,” according to KFF.
The changes to Medicare’s prescription drug cap were set in motion by the Biden administration’s 2022 Inflation Reduction Act.
Many lawmakers have expressed concern the IRA’s policy change has caused insurers to hike the drug plan premiums for millions of Medicare beneficiaries to fill the gap in what patients used to pay. Premiums for many Medicare Part D plans increased in 2024, ahead of the drug cap changes.
Republicans have criticized President Joe Biden for subsequently giving health insurers an extra $15 per member a month to offset premium spikes just months before the 2024 presidential election.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
Biden’s subsidies to health insurers will cost an estimated $5 billion next year.
“One of [Biden’s] signature domestic achievements is set to cause a significant spike in Medicare premiums for millions of Americans just ahead of the Nov. election,” Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) posted on X in August. “Now, his admin is preparing to dole out billions of dollars to private insurance companies…”
, Medicare’s $2,000 cap on what beneficiaries pay out-of-pocket for prescription drugs covered by the health insurance program will begin on Jan. 1. The price cap will apply to drugs under Medicare Part D. With roughly 53 million people across the country on this plan in 2024, the cap is projected to lower costs for many of those enrolled. “If your out-of-pocket spending on covered drugs reaches $2,000 (including certain payments made on your behalf, like through the Extra Help program), you’ll automatically get ‘catastrophic coverage.’ That means you won’t have to pay out-of-pocket for covered Part D drugs for the rest of the calendar year,” Medicare announced. The nonprofit organization AARP has projected that 3.2 million Americans will save money on prescription medications in 2025. Medicare is a federal health insurance program for citizens 65 years or older that also covers eligible beneficiaries younger than 65 with certain health conditions. Medicare Part D is an outpatient prescription drug benefit for people with Medicare “provided through private plans that contract with the federal government,” according to KFF. The changes to Medicare’s prescription drug cap were set in motion by the Biden administration’s 2022 Inflation Reduction Act. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi surrounded by House Democrats, signs the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 during a bill enrollment ceremony on Capitol Hill in Washington, Aug. 12, 2022. (AP Photo/Mariam Zuhaib, File) Many lawmakers have expressed concern the IRA’s policy change has caused insurers to hike the drug plan premiums for millions of Medicare beneficiaries to fill the gap in what patients used to pay. Premiums for many Medicare Part D plans increased in 2024, ahead of the drug cap changes. Republicans have criticized President Joe Biden for subsequently giving health insurers an extra $15 per member a month to offset premium spikes just months before the 2024 presidential election. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER Biden’s subsidies to health insurers will cost an estimated $5 billion next year. “One of [Biden’s] signature domestic achievements is set to cause a significant spike in Medicare premiums for millions of Americans just ahead of the Nov. election,” Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) posted on X in August. “Now, his admin is preparing to dole out billions of dollars to private insurance companies…”, , , https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/AP23362503579584-1024×589.jpg, Washington Examiner, Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/cropped-favicon-32×32.png, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/feed/, Emily Hallas,
