2008 Woodie Awards
SectionsLetter: Social security needs our help, get active now
Issue date: 10/9/07 Section: Opinion
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There has been a tragic story in Missouri that has not been told because of its complicated nature and because human nature prevents us from thinking "it couldn't happen to us."
The Social Security program is considered sacred by the majority of citizens from both parties because people from all classes and backgrounds pay into the program and in return we expect to get something back when we retire or become disabled. It is not considered welfare but rather a pension and insurance program.
Everybody pays into the Social Security system and everyone expects to get their fair share back. We see it on our pay stubs as the 15.3% FICA tax in which the employee pays half and the employer pays half. The three parts of the program are Social Security, Social Security Disability Insurance, and Medicare.
We are expected to pay into the system with the expectation that at the least we will have a safety net for when we retire or become disabled.
Unfortunately, in Missouri that safety net is broken. In 2005, Governor Blunt and the Republican controlled legislature cut Medicaid causing many people to lose their health care, lose many necessary services even if covered, and were forced to pay huge a "Spend-Down" in order to keep their necessary health care.
The people who have to pay the spend-down or left unable to afford the most basic necessities in life because they have no money left over.
The 2005 cuts have hurt in many ways, but what I think has been the most devastating and unfair consequence of the cuts is the hardship of the "Spend-Down" to people with disabilities.
People have seen stories about the 2005 Medicaid cuts in the media and may think the cuts were morally wrong but may overlook the connection the cuts may have to them.
If you are a working person, you think you will have a basic pension from Social Security when you retire and also think you will be able to use your SSDI pension if God forbid you become disabled.
The Social Security program is considered sacred by the majority of citizens from both parties because people from all classes and backgrounds pay into the program and in return we expect to get something back when we retire or become disabled. It is not considered welfare but rather a pension and insurance program.
Everybody pays into the Social Security system and everyone expects to get their fair share back. We see it on our pay stubs as the 15.3% FICA tax in which the employee pays half and the employer pays half. The three parts of the program are Social Security, Social Security Disability Insurance, and Medicare.
We are expected to pay into the system with the expectation that at the least we will have a safety net for when we retire or become disabled.
Unfortunately, in Missouri that safety net is broken. In 2005, Governor Blunt and the Republican controlled legislature cut Medicaid causing many people to lose their health care, lose many necessary services even if covered, and were forced to pay huge a "Spend-Down" in order to keep their necessary health care.
The people who have to pay the spend-down or left unable to afford the most basic necessities in life because they have no money left over.
The 2005 cuts have hurt in many ways, but what I think has been the most devastating and unfair consequence of the cuts is the hardship of the "Spend-Down" to people with disabilities.
People have seen stories about the 2005 Medicaid cuts in the media and may think the cuts were morally wrong but may overlook the connection the cuts may have to them.
If you are a working person, you think you will have a basic pension from Social Security when you retire and also think you will be able to use your SSDI pension if God forbid you become disabled.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
John
posted 10/09/07 @ 3:41 PM NA
The average person pays $70,000 into Social Security over their lifetime, and receives $50,000 back.
Doesn't sound like a very good deal to me.
So, with $20,000 skimmed off the top from every employee, how is it possible that Social Security is going bankrupt?
Oh, yeah, I forgot. (Continued…)
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