Summer Recess – A Time to Speak Out

It’s the summer recess for members of Congress, a chance for them to go back home and take some deserving time off, but also a chance for them to communicate directly with their constituents - you and me. Early in our country’s history members of Congress went back to their homes to plant and harvest crops and to take care of their property, which usually took them away for 3 or 4 months. I always thought this was a tradition that should be continued . . . it would reduce the number of bills, regulations, and rules that lawmakers could burden us with. Having said that, I do empathize with those in Washington that represent us. The complex society that we live in and the polarization that exists must make it an arduous job where there is a tidal wave of negative influence at every turn. Trying to keep up with the nuance of each issue, working to discern the impact of proposed legislation while weaving in the political implications of a yes or no vote can be tough. Each lawmaker must do this while maintaining a great attitude. I, for one, don’t understand why anyone would run for public office but I respect them for the work they do. I may not agree with some, but I do respect their work.

So, what is the best thing we can do while the lawmakers are back home? We need to speak out! We need to tell them how we think they did, by celebrating what we think they did right and reminding them of the things that we think they did wrong. A lot happened this year. In fact, many believe the changes across government—both at home and abroad—were greater than what we usually see early in a new administration.

As usual, I’ll focus on the things that influence our healthcare, but I’ll also include some of the financial effects since they have a big impact on our ability to pay for that care. As I review the different issues, I think about how this change will affect you now and in the future. The One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) will probably have the biggest impact on our healthcare going forward. You can find a more detailed analysis of this bill in an earlier blog. As you review, consider what you'd want your elected officials to understand about how these changes impact you and your family.

Tariffs – All of the financial whiplash caused by tariffs has been difficult to follow, let alone decipher how they will effect on our lives. The most direct impact on our healthcare are tariffs that would be levied against medicines that are manufactured overseas and the raw materials for those medicines. President Trump just settled on a 15% tariff with the EU with not much clarity on how that would affect our medicines. We’ll just have to wait and see.

Taxes – The continuation of the tax reductions that were passed in the first Trump Administration will help many of us. A new tax reduction on our social security will put more money in our pocket to help us pay for treatments or even to pay for preventive measures that will keep us healthy for a longer time (see the blog on health span).

Cuts to Medicaid – Probably the most controversial part of the OBBB were the cuts to Medicaid. It is the part of the bill that garnered the most attention and seemed to be the most difficult for lawmakers to approve. These cuts will affect the most vulnerable among us. While waste, fraud and abuse are absolutely a problem, many feel there are better ways to attack the problem.

Positive changes – There were some positive parts of the OBBB. The ORPHAN Cures Act was passed, an outcome that we actively lobbied for and a win for those who are hoping for new medicines for rare diseases. There was an expansion of the Health Savings Account that will let us use this tax reducing account even after we register for Medicare.

These are all topics that you can talk about with the lawmakers in your state and district. With the August recess many of those who represent you in Washington take the opportunity to hold town hall meetings. It seems that those have become somewhat raucous lately and I hope that the meetings stay civil because these have always been a great way to tell your lawmakers how you feel. It isn’t quite as open if they revert to online meetings and there is something important about physically being at a town meeting. Here’s some hints about talking at a town hall or communicating in any form with your lawmaker.

Be courteous, be concise, be brief. I always try to start and end with a positive, something that I thought the lawmaker did right. Give constructive feedback on why you thought something they did was not best for you or your loved ones. Always thank them for giving you the chance to speak and to tell them that you will relay their response to your “many” friends who are also constituents.

Each of you may have your own opinion about these changes, now’s your chance to be heard. Even though many of these changes are now law, implementation is key. The devil is in the details and your lawmakers can have an impact on how these laws are put into operation. It’s an ideal time for seniors to speak out.

Best, Thair