Justin Sink and Jennifer Jacobs write for Bloomberg on an executive order just signed by President Biden that makes it much easier for people to collect Social Security and many other federal government benefits. People over 65 are likely to benefit most.
Today there are many programs to help Americans in need that are underused, such as the Medicare Savings Programs and Medicaid. Millions of people who qualify for these programs are not benefiting from them. Sometimes people don’t know about them. Other times people cannot overcome the hurdles needed to meet eligibility requirements.
The Biden administration wants to eliminate or reduce these hurdles. It is developing on online tool to simplify the process for claiming Social Security benefits. It is also developing an online tool that makes it easier for people with Medicare to save money on their drugs and health care.
In addition to these tools, the administration is developing other helpful tools for people in need. It is creating a single portal for service members to access benefits. And, it will create an online portal for people who have been affected by hurricanes, tornadoes and other natural disasters.
People with low incomes will have access to a new tool that makes it easier for them to prove eligibility for food and other benefits.
President Biden is focused in eliminating what he calls the “time tax.” This “tax” is the price people pay because of delays accessing benefits. There’s every reason for them not to have to wait, to get them immediately.
In addition, the Biden administration is focused on making it easier and faster to get through security at the airport. (Already, I can tell you firsthand that at Miami International airport you no longer need to show your boarding pass at security. Your driver’s license provides all the needed information.)
On top of all this, President Biden is pushing hard to have Congress pass the Build Back Better Act, which would expand the social safety net significantly, with an infusion of $1.75 trillion. It would reform the tax code, add new government programs and invest in projects to address climate change. Senator Joe Manchin has been resisting support of the legislation in its current form, holding up its passage.
Unfortunately, several programs designed to help Americans during the pandemic are about to expire, including a freeze on student loan payments and expanded child tax credits.
Here’s more from Just Care:
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