Rich Fiesta, Executive Director of the Alliance for Retired Americans, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss a controversial Social Security disability rule, ongoing proposals to raise the retirement age and details about the Medicare open enrollment period.
Fiesta began by discussing the Trump administration’s recent attempt to modify Social Security disability rules, which would have required applicants to be older to qualify for disability benefits, potentially affecting up to 1.5 million Americans. Thanks to pushback from advocacy groups and members of Congress, the administration reversed course on this proposal. Fiesta said this successful outcome demonstrated the effectiveness of organized activism and the Alliance’s commitment to defending the interests of older Americans.
Fiesta then focused on the ongoing discussions in Congress regarding the raising of the Social Security full retirement age. Currently, those born in 1960 or later must reach 67 to receive full benefits, but some lawmakers are proposing to increase this age to 69 or 70. Fiesta called these proposals “insane,” emphasizing that each additional year represents a significant cut in lifetime benefits. He advocated for fundamental reform, citing legislation from U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders and U.S. Rep. John Larson that would expand, rather than reduce, Social Security.
Finally, Fiesta discussed the intricacies of the Medicare open enrollment period, set to close on Dec. 7. He explained that while Social Security recipients will receive a 2.8 percent cost-of-living adjustment in 2026, a substantial portion of that increase will be offset by higher Medicare Part B premiums. He encouraged listeners to research their options carefully, particularly when weighing traditional Medicare against Medicare Advantage plans. Resources such as the local Area Agency on Aging, 1-800-MEDICARE and Medicare.gov were recommended to help retirees make informed choices during this critical period.
For more from Fiesta, listen to the full episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast above.