Social Security should only go to those who NEED it

[DisneyBamaFan]

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Gee - I wonder why she declined such a lovely "invitation".. Nothing like emotional blackmail.. "Mom, you can move in with me - BUT - only if you - blah, blah, blah.."

Darn right she would rather have her independence - as most elderly people do.. Losing ones independence is the worst part of getting old - aside from poor health.. I'm just about speechless that you would even say such a thing to your mother.. Unless she isn't of sound mind, you have absolutely no business whatsoever telling her what she "should" or "shouldn't" do.. Wow!!

I gave her an option that was going to cost me a huge amount of money for the betterment of my country and this is what you come up with? Right. My mother took it as I meant it and actually cried at my generosity. She would live MUCH more comfortably with me, but I will not take in the nephew with her unless he agrees to go to college. He will not, knowing what both he and my mother have to gain, and knowing that my mother will not leave him alone (even though he is 21 and healthy). And she can't take care of him without the SS check. In essence, her SS checks go to him. That is sad.

He is using her, and I will not allow him to use me or my wife and children. That was my decision. And I also cried when I made it. But such is life.

I dn't really care whether or not you approve of my decision. I should not have posted it to begin with...

 

[ntsammy5]

LOL - you are joking right? I decide nothing for my mother. I just give her options, and love...

No joke, you claimed she wasn't doing what was best for America which implies you know what is best for America. I say you don't.

 

[delilah]

As one who has earned the maximum taxable amount for social security ever since I started working, I am quite certain I am entitled pay back for all the money I have put into social security. If we are only going to give social security to those who "need" it, I think that people like me shouldn't have to pay into it. Really. I could use the extra $10,000 per year I pay for that program to stuff my mattress with, and wish I had the $250,000 or so I've paid in my working life so far. I will need to eat, too, after I get too old to work my 50+ hour work week, and if I get the $1,000 per month or so that Social Security estimates I will receive (which, incidentally is less than my MIL gets, who never worked a day in her life), I feel it is well deserved. If I retire at the 70 years or so, it would take me 20 years to get back the money I have already paid into the program! That's 90 years old, and my parents only lived to 64 and 68 years old!

 

[DisneyMomOK]

I gave her an option that was going to cost me a huge amount of money for the betterment of my country and this is what you come up with? Right. My mother took it as I meant it and actually cried at my generosity. She would live MUCH more comfortably with me, but I will not take in the nephew with her unless he agrees to go to college. He will not, knowing what both he and my mother have to gain, and knowing that my mother will not leave him alone (even though he is 21 and healthy). And she can't take care of him without the SS check. In essence, her SS checks go to him. That is sad.

He is using her, and I will not allow him to use me or my wife and children. That was my decision. And I also cried when I made it. But such is life.

I dn't really care whether or not you approve of my decision. I should not have posted it to begin with...

As a Mom (but with a couple of college kids), I think that was very generous to offer your mother the option of living with you and your family. Too often, children either ignore their parents or the parent just assumes the child wants them there and invites him or her self into their child's life. I would love for my Mother to live with us, but she refuses to part with her house.

 

[DisneyBamaFan]

No joke, you claimed she wasn't doing what was best for America which implies you know what is best for America. I say you don't.

I never claimed to have all the answers, but my mother allowing herself to be used by her grandson, my nephew, is wrong. Knowing that her SS checks go to pay for this 21 year old's 2 new cars is wrong, wouldn't you say? If she were using to money to pay her own bills, I would feel differently, but she goes further into debt every year to take care of this kid.

Do I know what is best for America? I wish that I did. But I do know what is wrong with America...

 

[pls5286]

How should Medicare decide what treatments or medications to pay for. Those of us on Part D medicare already have to choose from certain medications on the formulary as it is. I had to jump thru hoops to get a certain medication that lowers Intracrainial Pressure approved. It was a pain. I am facing more brain surgery in the upcoming weeks. And as you previously suggested, this burden should fall on my family....How could they afford this. This will be a big enough financial burden as it is for all of us as they will be taking care of my two children while I am in the hospital and I will be recovering from surgery at their house until I am able to return to my home. I could not imagine not having SSD to help me as it is. I have been disabled for six yrs...since the age of 26 and had not adequately been able to plan for my retirement at that age, as I had only been working since the age of 21 at my job at the time.

 

[des1954]

Okay, so what about the $$ WE are paying in now (those of us who have 25 or more years before they retire)? Everyone says Soc Security will be depleted by then so the people in our generation who will really need it will get zilch. Or, maybe then they will implement some sort of qualifying criteria?

They were saying that when I entered the work-force in 1972. The first generation to actually receive SS without paying into it was my grandmother's. She died in 1976 at age 86. Mind you, she worked as a nurse all her life, but mandatory SS witholding was never done during her working career, yet she did receive a meager check.

That being said - my DH & I did save & plan for retirement & hoped to fully retire in about 5 years without having to rely on SS for income. Well....all of us know what happened to IRA's & 401K's these past two years. I'll be lucky if my IRA gets back up to the originally invested amount over the next five years - let alone gain back what it had earned.

Can you do both SS & welfare???

 

[golfgal]

What if the insurance companies go bankrupt? Something you have paid into for years and years hoping for a return for your family to help them. Then when it comes time they say "too bad so sad"

Actually, insurance companies are required by law to have reserve accounts to pay any potential claims. While they could be "bankrupty" the reserve funds are still there to pay claims and would then be managed by the state for that company. If a company's reserves drop below a certain level they have to stop selling new policies until their reserve level gets back to whatever level. Technically if you are a policy owner there is really no fear of ever not getting paid out--yes, it could happen but that is why you don't buy insurance from an internet quote and go with a reputable company.

I don't agree that it's a welfare program. Why? Because you have to work and qualify for it. People who earn more receive more -- not a whole lot more, maybe, but some.

I agree that there are big problems with the administration of the program, and that today's longer life expectancy is one of the big issues . . . however, denying benefits to those people who've paid in the most and who have been the most successful is not a sensible way to fix the problems.

I agree as well. How is it even CLOSE to welfare if you pay 15% of your salary into the program with each paycheck. Welfare is getting something for nothing, Social Security is not.

I am 33 y/o and on disability. I have had 3 brain operations and 4 strokes. I also have 2 children and am a single mom. My kids also collect on my SSD and have to just so I can make ends meet every month. I am on Mecdicare, and the cost of it is taken from my disability check every month. My kids however, are uninsured. I make too much money for them to be on medicaid, and too little money for them to be on peach care, our state low income, but paid for insurance and there is no way I can afford private insurance on them. I was let go from my job right before my last brain operation and had no choice but to file for SSD. If the program wasn't out there, my kids and I would be homeless. I barely make ends meet each month, but I do manage. I don't want to drain the system, but please tell me, what else am I to do. I will soon be having another operation, as my lasts test results showed my shunt not working again. If you point me in the right direction, I will quit draining the system.

Just a rude question but if you can't afford health insurance on your kids, how can you afford a cruise?

 

[pls5286]

That is an old ticker...we went on a family vacation last year. I have no vacations planned. We went on a cruise last october and I have not changed my signature.

When I say family...I mean my parents and my sister and her husband. I only paid for spending money.

 

[GeorgeG]

In what way are you entitled?

Because it was my investment for over forty years, not very different than someone's 401K or other savings, and it was mandatory. How would you feel if when it came time to draw from your 401K, or any other savings, the government decided you didn't need it and gave it to someone else?

Trust me on this... nobody is going to live comfortably on Social Security alone. It's a nice supplement to other savings and pensions. Contrary to what many politicians would like us to believe, Social Security is a government mandated savings plan and is funded by working individuals and their employers for the contributing individual. I don't care if I have billions of dollars, you have no right to give my savings to somebody else.

So, I'm retired and you're still working and probably making more than I am. How much of your paycheck are you going to give me?

 

[tinatark]

I am 33 y/o and on disability. I have had 3 brain operations and 4 strokes. I also have 2 children and am a single mom. My kids also collect on my SSD and have to just so I can make ends meet every month. I am on Mecdicare, and the cost of it is taken from my disability check every month. My kids however, are uninsured. I make too much money for them to be on medicaid, and too little money for them to be on peach care, our state low income, but paid for insurance and there is no way I can afford private insurance on them. I was let go from my job right before my last brain operation and had no choice but to file for SSD. If the program wasn't out there, my kids and I would be homeless. I barely make ends meet each month, but I do manage. I don't want to drain the system, but please tell me, what else am I to do. I will soon be having another operation, as my lasts test results showed my shunt not working again. If you point me in the right direction, I will quit draining the system.

You are an example of what SSD is about - a worker, paying into the system, with catastrophic illness. I hope your health improves, as I am sure you would rather be working than "draining the system" as some seem to think.

You should check into Peach Care again - if your income is below $41k you can get it for your kids. Payment is income based, but it's $70/mo maximum for 2 children.

http://www.peachcare.org/FaqView.aspx?displayFaqId=104

 

[golfgal]

That is an old ticker...we went on a family vacation last year. I have no vacations planned. We went on a cruise last october and I have not changed my signature.

When I say family...I mean my parents and my sister and her husband. I only paid for spending money.

Fair enough

How should Medicare decide what treatments or medications to pay for. Those of us on Part D medicare already have to choose from certain medications on the formulary as it is. I had to jump thru hoops to get a certain medication that lowers Intracrainial Pressure approved. It was a pain. I am facing more brain surgery in the upcoming weeks. And as you previously suggested, this burden should fall on my family....How could they afford this. This will be a big enough financial burden as it is for all of us as they will be taking care of my two children while I am in the hospital and I will be recovering from surgery at their house until I am able to return to my home. I could not imagine not having SSD to help me as it is. I have been disabled for six yrs...since the age of 26 and had not adequately been able to plan for my retirement at that age, as I had only been working since the age of 21 at my job at the time.

It isn't just Medicare that you have to worry about formulary drugs--all insurance companies have these now. It is a pain. Our kids' allergy meds go in and out of formulary every other year or so .

 

[pls5286]

You are an example of what SSD is about - a worker, paying into the system, with catastrophic illness. I hope your health improves, as I am sure you would rather be working than "draining the system" as some seem to think.

You should check into Peach Care again - if your income is below $41k you can get it for your kids. Payment is income based, but it's $70/mo maximum for 2 children.

http://www.peachcare.org/FaqView.aspx?displayFaqId=104

I was recently denied by peachcare saying I make too little money telling me to apply for medicaid. When I applied for medicaid, I was denied, saying I made too much money. I fall into the gray area. I am currently looking into the indegent healthcare clinic we have in a neighboring county for my kids where a former co-worker works and hoping we can come up with something.

 

[DisneyBamaFan]

...So, I'm retired and you're still working and probably making more than I am. How much of your paycheck are you going to give me?

Is this meant to be a real question?

 

[golfgal]

I was recently denied by peachcare saying I make too little money telling me to apply for medicaid. When I applied for medicaid, I was denied, saying I made too much money. I fall into the gray area. I am currently looking into the indegent healthcare clinic we have in a neighboring county for my kids where a former co-worker works and hoping we can come up with something.

Have you looked into private plans for the kids at all? They may not be as expensive as you think. Is PeachCare your state plan? Did you go back to Peachtree after Medicaid denied you? It's kind of silly that one says you make too little and the next says you make too much--one of them should cover you. I am surprised that they don't have a plan for the kids. I know in MN ALL kids can get some kind of medical plan, either the state plan or Medicaid at least.

 

[pls5286]

Have you looked into private plans for the kids at all? They may not be as expensive as you think. Is PeachCare your state plan? Did you go back to Peachtree after Medicaid denied you? It's kind of silly that one says you make too little and the next says you make too much--one of them should cover you. I am surprised that they don't have a plan for the kids. I know in MN ALL kids can get some kind of medical plan, either the state plan or Medicaid at least.

I have not reapplied for Peach since the first of the year and I was turned down for Medicaid. I am going to reapply and try again. I am terrified if something happens to one of the kids. I have looked into private insurance and it would run over a hundred dollars a month per kid. It is just not an option. It is hard enough to make ends meet as it is.

 

[golfgal]

I have not reapplied for Peach since the first of the year and I was turned down for Medicaid. I am going to reapply and try again. I am terrified if something happens to one of the kids. I have looked into private insurance and it would run over a hundred dollars a month per kid. It is just not an option. It is hard enough to make ends meet as it is.

Does your state or county have medical assistance funds available if needed? I know in our area our county has funds to pay medical expenses for those that don't have insurance in cases like yours. Check with your medical clinic too, they might have some dr's that will do pro bono work for kids as well. I know that a couple times/year in our area all of the dentists have a week where they only treat kids without dental insurance for no fee. Maybe there is something like that in your area.

What about their Dad? Is that an option-getting them on any insurance he might have?

 

[pls5286]

Does your state or county have medical assistance funds available if needed? I know in our area our county has funds to pay medical expenses for those that don't have insurance in cases like yours. Check with your medical clinic too, they might have some dr's that will do pro bono work for kids as well. I know that a couple times/year in our area all of the dentists have a week where they only treat kids without dental insurance for no fee. Maybe there is something like that in your area.

What about their Dad? Is that an option-getting them on any insurance he might have?

My son's dad is totally out of the picture. Both fathers are court ordered to have insurance on the kids, but don't. I do get a small amount of Child Support out of their dad's and don't want to push my luck. My physican has said if something happens to just bring them in and we will get the kids taken care of (I was a paramedic for 10 yrs so I know this dr well) As far as dental care, I do have my son in braces and manage 1 trip to the dentist a yr. We do have an indigent care trust fund here in GA. As far as dentists seeing kids that are indigent, I don't know.

 

[wall*e2008]

That is an old ticker...we went on a family vacation last year. I have no vacations planned. We went on a cruise last october and I have not changed my signature.

When I say family...I mean my parents and my sister and her husband. I only paid for spending money.

But your ticker says UNTIL not SINCE.

 

[wall*e2008]

I have not reapplied for Peach since the first of the year and I was turned down for Medicaid. I am going to reapply and try again. I am terrified if something happens to one of the kids. I have looked into private insurance and it would run over a hundred dollars a month per kid. It is just not an option. It is hard enough to make ends meet as it is.

Why can't the kids get their insurance from their father's insurance policy? All the kids I know whose parents divorce must be covered by the father's insurance.

I see your post two about this that says the boys dads (not sure if they are the same dad or different) are suppose to carry the insurance. Get in contact with your state to get them to enforce the agreement. How could you lose your support by enforcing the insurance requirement?