"With the economic struggles we're facing, many American seniors are even more worried about how they will cover their medical expenses.  That is why it is so urgent that we take action to lower the cost of the prescription drugs that many senior citizens depend on every day." - Senator David Vitter (LA)

Dear member, This is the February, 2009 issue of "The Social Security & Medicare Advisor," published by The Senior Citizens League. I hope you enjoy this edition and welcome your comments.   Mary Johnson, Editor 2009 Seniors Survey Hundreds Have Responded: Tell Us What You Think! We need your input on issues of concern to you.  Your feedback provides invaluable information that we can share with Members of Congress and use to help us provide you with better services.  The results help us craft the TSCL legislative agenda and represent your interests on Capitol Hill.  Thank you for your help! Protecting Your Social Security Q&A: Seniors need a bailout, too! What is the status of the COLA legislation? Q&A: Will my benefits be reduced when I go back to work? Path to citizenship for illegal immigrants this year? Getting the Social Security Benefits You Deserve Notch Bulletin: Can divorced spouses receive Notch benefits? Over 12,000 seniors have signed the Notch Fairness Petition. Have you?  Help us continue to fight for your retirement benefits! Making MediCare Affordable Auditors say the government is failing on a bailout oversight. What does that mean for you? Drug plans are charging a lot more for a lot less this year. Medicare Part D's Out-of-Pocket Costs: How you can slow hitting the gap. Sign the Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Protest Petition TSCL Member Benefits Congressional Corner: "Helping Seniors With Healthcare Costs" by Senator David Vitter (LA) Contact Your Senators & Member of Congress and see how they stand on seniors' issues Renew your Seniors League membership now! Legislative Update: Keep the Social Security Trust Fund safe! Read the latest weekly Legislative Updates "The Social Security & Medicare Advisor" is published by The Senior Exchange, Inc. for the Senior Citizens League. The Senior Exchange is a communications and publication company which provides books, pamphlets, monographs, newsletters, and other information sources and products of special concern to America's senior citizens and retirees. We strive to ensure the information in this newsletter is accurate, but because our reports are based in part on what others have written, we cannot guarantee it and encourage you to confirm information when necessary. Any part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying or otherwise, provided that full credit is given, in writing, to "The Social Security & Medicare Advisor," PO Box 144, Burke, VA 22009, This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Frequently Asked Questions about this Newsletter: You may also read the full articles on our website Sign up to receive "The Advisor" free via email Change your name or postal mailing address with TSCL Send a comment Review past newsletter issues To forward this newsletter to a friend via e-mail, use the forward button on your e-mail window. You may print this newsletter if you have a printer by clicking the Print button on your e-mail window.