There's another angle to this travesty that I find exasperating: The objective stated is that the administration wants to reduce government spending. (Obviously, raising the debt ceiling $5 trillion isn't a good indicator of that), but ... when the federal government stops paying for something like Medicaid or SNAP, the costs don't magically disappear, they just transfer to someone else, either the states, schools, hospital emergency rooms, and/or the individual, which may be far less cost-efficient. So, in many cases, their 'savings' are actually overall cost increases.
Between the knowing what's coming and the not knowing what's coming, some days I feel mentally exhausted and discouraged about "aging gracefully." Not ready to let the bad guys win, though.
It's stressful to find the right balance between paying attention and not allowing the bad news to trigger our nervous systems. But you are so right: Letting the bad guys win is not an option.
Good stuff, Don.
There's another angle to this travesty that I find exasperating: The objective stated is that the administration wants to reduce government spending. (Obviously, raising the debt ceiling $5 trillion isn't a good indicator of that), but ... when the federal government stops paying for something like Medicaid or SNAP, the costs don't magically disappear, they just transfer to someone else, either the states, schools, hospital emergency rooms, and/or the individual, which may be far less cost-efficient. So, in many cases, their 'savings' are actually overall cost increases.
Very true, Brian. Also, denying preventive care racks up big expenses in emergency care and hospitalization farther down the line.
Between the knowing what's coming and the not knowing what's coming, some days I feel mentally exhausted and discouraged about "aging gracefully." Not ready to let the bad guys win, though.
It's stressful to find the right balance between paying attention and not allowing the bad news to trigger our nervous systems. But you are so right: Letting the bad guys win is not an option.
Thanks for such a good summary. So cynical and conniving of them to keep the discounts only until 2028--but not surprising.
Thanks, Miriam.
Honestly, I thought I would lose my HUGE ACA tax credit this year, so I’m slightly relieved in my own circumstance. Thanks for breaking this down.
I don’t feel old at 62, but I am exhausted.
Leslie, it's not you. We're ALL exhausted. But that was the idea.
Ghastly. I'm worried about the funding my niece gets from MediCal for taking care of her mother (my sister) at home.
We will all be affected, one way or another.
This is such an excellent, concise summary of some very complex issues. I sent it to my financial advisor! Thanks, Don.
Thank you, Kathleen!