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Name:	4691 -	Reply
Subject:	55 and over
Date:	8/21/2011 12:12:40 PM

Can someone explain why all the proposed solutions to Social Security and Medicare only require sacrifice by those under 55? For example, what's the difference between telling someone that is 55 today that they must work until 70 vs. telling someone that is 45. Both are employed today. Both could work longer.

Name:	Talullahhound -	Reply
Subject:	55 and over
Date:	8/21/2011 2:44:59 PM

I think it is because being 45 gives you ten additional years to plan and adjust for working longer for a smaller retirement. In the long run, I think it will affect everyone that is currently working today and you'll see everyone working longer. I assume by your asking this question, you are 45 or under.

Name:	GoneFishin -	Reply
Subject:	55 and over
Date:	8/21/2011 11:28:15 PM

I sense 55 was used rather than 45 so they can use the savings to reduce the debt sooner. I have a feeling as changes are made and people have to work to 70 you see an increase in those who apply for disabilty as they approach 65.

Name:	Barneget -	Reply
Subject:	55 and over
Date:	8/22/2011 7:48:36 AM

The disability pot has been boiling for a few years. This weeks news is the SS disability program, along with all of the other government outreach programs, is unsustainable. Redefining disabilities, expanding qualifiers, and unrelenting outreach have all brought it to the brink. Now, to fix it, the administration is requesting an additional 4 billion dollars for fraud detection and prevention, with a forecast savings of 12 billion dollars over the next 10 years. In the real world, off campus and outside the beltway, that would be a marginal ROI, but in the shadows, we will never know if our monies were spent wisely. Why, in the real world, the author of the proposal would neglect to attach his or her name to it. Yet, in the shadows, it becomes a proud moment when a mere 4 billion today can possibly reduce expenses by less than 3x that much over TEN YEARS. My calculator won't do billions so I am using my fingers and the rate of return is something less than the growth in baseline spending. I should put my calculator aside and be down on one knee offering thanks that our government agencies continue to be populated by our best and brightest.

Name:	MartiniMan -	Reply
Subject:	55 and over
Date:	8/22/2011 8:17:40 AM

I wouldn't call it sacrifice for those under 55, I would call it a great opportunity to get out of the SS system. I can tell you for certain that if you have been even reasonably responsible in planning for your own retirement you will never see a dime of what you had taken from you at the point of a gun under FICA. I would love to partially opt out of SS and take a portion of that money and invest it myself. I would be incredibly depressed if they dropped it to 45. I will never see a dime of SS and it sickens me to keep flushing my money down the toilet.

Name:	4691 -	Reply
Subject:	55 and over
Date:	8/22/2011 12:43:07 PM

Yes, one of my concerns is that SS will continue as-is with respect to contributions (mine plus employer), but that becoming a recipient upon retirement will be "means tested" and "needs based". For means testing to reduce the number down to a sustainable payout, the "too much means" may be far less than most think. The people that set money aside for retirement will be shafted.

Name:	MartiniMan -	Reply
Subject:	55 and over
Date:	8/22/2011 12:48:50 PM

That is a done deal. The system is broke and cannot afford anyone that has been responsible and sacrificed to save for retirement regardless of what politicians tell you today. They lie. That's why I would take any change that lets me keep even a portion of FICA. We are starting at worst case and anything will be better.

Name:	Barneget -	Reply
Subject:	55 and over
Date:	8/22/2011 2:27:54 PM

You are spot on with the system is broke, and broken, and best case we collect something. 13% of every payroll dollar over the last 20 years, 11 percent in the years prior, and zilch to show for it. Could some of the issue be tied to the SS disability programs? In the early 90's, 4.7% of payments were for disability. Fast forward to 2009, and 15.1% of the payments were for SSE and disability. I struggle with ciphering, but wonder if the non retirement payouts had flatlined as a percentage over the 20 years, just how much healthier the retirement program would be? Would the retirement program be considered sound for the 67ers beyond 2037? Maybe beyond 2047? Maybe even until I celebrate cent anni in 2057? Is it possible that oblamacare is a cure for the broken SS program? Drug shortages, doctor shortages, hospitals closing, each will lead to an otherwise earlier exit for those that contributed for 45+ years, relieving the government of it's promise. But the kids taught to "act crazy" will still be bringing up to $800/month to their parent until their 18th birthday.

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