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You guys are right on all counts. First, the $250 is a pittance. Second, it is designed to keep people quiet and give the illusion that something is being done. I would add that it is also wasteful because it goes to ALL Social Security beneficiaries, many of whom don't need it. Such a thing should be means-tested. Soc. Sec. already has our adjusted gross income on file in order to determine the amount of the Medicare Part B premium we pay. It is interesting how many seniors posting on AARP were absolutely livid that the Senate voted down the second $250 a month or so ago. I see this as proof of two things: that the symbolic value really matters to a lot of people and that those who are struggling to survive on Soc. Sec. alone view things in a different light, i.e., whether $250 means anything depends on your perspective.
Escort Rider, I agree it's a small amount, but very important to some.
The $250 payment goes only to people who have the optional Medicare Part D insurance for prescription drugs *and* have hit the so-called doughnut hole, which I believe means they have spent $4,550 out of pocket on drugs this year. It does not go to all Social Security beneficiaries.
Yes, Riverbird, I know you are correct about the Part D business which is part of the just passed legislation, but I was referring to the $250 stimulus for seniors which was voted down by the Senate about a month before that (which would have gone to all who are on Social Security), and to the $250 stimulus which was actually distributed in 2009 (I got mine in May, 2009). I think those were wasteful to the extent they went to people who didn't need them. Sorry I didn't make myself clear, and thank you for the clarification.
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