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So if you follow the logic of having to pay for the sins of others, I've had to pay Medicare taxes and will have to pay premiums to cover the costs of other people's health care. People who get sick because they don't take care of themselves and and get diabetes, high blood pressure, metabolic syndrome, chronic fatigue syndrome, high cholesterol, etc.
I don't really have a quarrel with your larger argument, though it's complicated. But I did want to point out that you've got all these conditions listed, and they don't always correlate with taking care of one's self or not. High cholesterol can be genetic, for instance.
But, most specifically, chronic fatigue syndrome. Myalgic Encephalomyelitis has nothing to do with taking care of one's self or not, and anyone can get it, and every now & then CFS is mentioned in the context of the 'unproductive,' or welfare, or disability, or some such. It's a horribly serious condition that is going to be more broadly understood in the near future. "CFS" is a term that's been an umbrella for issues like misdiagnosed depression, and other people who might incorporate, say, a little less personal responsibility.
If the complaint is that anyone who gets any condition sparks ire because of how health care costs are passed on to all, that's one argument. If it's directed at presumably preventable diseases with some lifestyle adjustments...chronic fatigue syndrome should not be on that list, in that context.
I started getting Social Security last month. I just got a nasty little letter telling me that I will be required to pay more for Medicare because I made too much money in the past. This was one thing I didn't anticipate to be frank and it is rather annoying that I am required to pay more for exactly the same service because I have been successful. Dollar wise it is not a lot of money but as a percentage of what I pay for Medicare it is a huge increase. The government just cannot get enough of punishing the successful. I guess I am just getting the privilege of paying for the unproductive. My rant for the day.
A point that perhaps at this point should be raised. We contribute to Medicare all of our lives based on our incomes. So for years you and I have both been contributing more to Medicare than most of our fellow Americans. Is there something that just hit you now? Have you really been making more than most? Social Security Taxable Wage Base Increasing in 2015 | The Payroll Company
Quote:
For 2015, the FICA tax rate for both employers and employees is 7.65% (6.2% for OASDI and 1.45% for Medicare). For 2015, an employer must withhold:
(a) 6.2% Social Security tax on the first $118,500 of employee wages (maximum tax is $7,347; i.e., 6.20% × $118,500), plus
(b) 1.45% Medicare tax on the first $200,000 of employee wages, plus
(c) 2.35% Medicare tax (regular 1.45% Medicare tax + 0.9% additional Medicare tax) on all employee wages in excess of $200,000.
If you really are paying at the higher rate now, whats different, we have been for years and folks making 30K were paying a lot less and receiving the same Medicare in retirement as everyone else. What happened recently to make you react to a letter.
I don't really have a quarrel with your larger argument, though it's complicated. But I did want to point out that you've got all these conditions listed, and they don't always correlate with taking care of one's self or not. High cholesterol can be genetic, for instance.
But, most specifically, chronic fatigue syndrome. Myalgic Encephalomyelitis has nothing to do with taking care of one's self or not, and anyone can get it, and every now & then CFS is mentioned in the context of the 'unproductive,' or welfare, or disability, or some such. It's a horribly serious condition that is going to be more broadly understood in the near future. "CFS" is a term that's been an umbrella for issues like misdiagnosed depression, and other people who might incorporate, say, a little less personal responsibility.
If the complaint is that anyone who gets any condition sparks ire because of how health care costs are passed on to all, that's one argument. If it's directed at presumably preventable diseases with some lifestyle adjustments...chronic fatigue syndrome should not be on that list, in that context.
Wholeheartedly agree. You can add Fibromyagia to the list. Many of these diseases of unknown cause can be treated but not cured. They are also known as invisible diseases because the person may appear completely healthy... but you don't see them on their bad days when they can't do anything or can't even leave the house.
This has absolutely nothing to do with Obamacare. The tiered system of Medicare Part B premiums based on income has been in place for many years, long before Congress passed the Obamacare legislation. You should be embarrassed to be spouting such nonsense.
It most certainly does.
There has never been a premium increase of this magnitude. This (in addition to having the program sliced and diced) is how Obama is getting seniors (exempt from the ACA) to pay for Obamacare. It's pure redistribution. There is NO justification, either, for beneficiaries in any insurance plan to pay more because they make more. What's next? An assets test?
If anyone should be embarrassed, it's you--for justifying the draconian picking of seniors' pockets, and attempting to obscure why it's being done.
There has never been a premium increase of this magnitude.
Not true.
In 2016, the standard premium will increase 16%, from 104.90 to 121.80.
There were larger increases in 1984 (20%), 1989 (29%), and 2005 (17%).
Also, 2014 and 2015 are the only 2 consecutive years in history for which there was no increase. There are many periods for which the % rate increase over 3 consecutive years is greater than for 2014-2015-2016.
I started getting Social Security last month. I just got a nasty little letter telling me that I will be required to pay more for Medicare because I made too much money in the past. This was one thing I didn't anticipate to be frank and it is rather annoying that I am required to pay more for exactly the same service because I have been successful. Dollar wise it is not a lot of money but as a percentage of what I pay for Medicare it is a huge increase. The government just cannot get enough of punishing the successful. I guess I am just getting the privilege of paying for the unproductive. My rant for the day.
You can appeal. look for life changing events. For example if you retired so your income will be under the limits this year you can appeal and will win.
Not true.
In 2016, the standard premium will increase 16%, from 104.90 to 121.80.
There were larger increases in 1984 (20%), 1989 (29%), and 2005 (17%).
Also, 2014 and 2015 are the only 2 consecutive years in history for which there was no increase. There are many periods for which the % rate increase over 3 consecutive years is greater than for 2014-2015-2016.
A point that perhaps at this point should be raised. We contribute to Medicare all of our lives based on our incomes. So for years you and I have both been contributing more to Medicare than most of our fellow Americans. Is there something that just hit you now? Have you really been making more than most? Social Security Taxable Wage Base Increasing in 2015 | The Payroll Company
If you really are paying at the higher rate now, whats different, we have been for years and folks making 30K were paying a lot less and receiving the same Medicare in retirement as everyone else. What happened recently to make you react to a letter.
Yes, we've been paying more, and I accepted that, figured I was lucky that Social Security limited out. But, once you retire to continue to make you pay more because of what you've made in the past is adding insult to injury. It was like getting a letter saying, Dear Citizen we're happy to let you know that even though you have retired you will continue to have the privilege of supporting those less fortunate than yourself even though you earned every nickel you've got and never received one penny from the Government. Just pissed me off.
You can appeal. look for life changing events. For example if you retired so your income will be under the limits this year you can appeal and will win.
I won't be under the limit this year. Maybe next, depending on how I manage my money. I'm not going to forego income just to avoid being penalized, it's just the principle.
There has never been a premium increase of this magnitude. This (in addition to having the program sliced and diced) is how Obama is getting seniors (exempt from the ACA) to pay for Obamacare. It's pure redistribution. There is NO justification, either, for beneficiaries in any insurance plan to pay more because they make more. What's next? An assets test?
If anyone should be embarrassed, it's you--for justifying the draconian picking of seniors' pockets, and attempting to obscure why it's being done.
Where is it a given that the government "owes" us Medicare?
Did you read biscuitmom's facts, post #50?
Do you mind that your taxes are subsidizing the fat cat corporations?
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