Reply #19: Of course we really do not know exactly what the

[Big Blue Marble]

implications of these cuts would be. Whatever they end up being, my real concern is that they will be only the first whack.

Medicare and Social Security are already somewhat means-tested, So a precedent is in place.

SS: If your income in addition to SS is greater than 25K (32K married filing jointly) 85% of SS is taxed at your marginal rate.
So you could be returning over one-third of your check right now. This clearly hits some middle class beneficiaries now.

Medicare: Singles with income of 85k or couples with income of 170K pay additional premiums depending on their income.
https://questions.medicare.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/2306/~/2011-part-b-premium-amounts-for-persons-with-higher-income-levels">Link

As you can see, the increases are significant for high income folks. And that is now, what the future brings for all of us clouded
with deep uncertainty and far too little clarity.


The President used a lot of vague language on Friday, calling changes to these programs modifications.

This was one quote that struck me hard:

"but we sure hope you don’t just balance the budget on the backs of seniors"

So they are planning to balance the budget on our backs in trade for some crumb from the Republicans not a good sign at all.