(Encore Episode) Tom Harkin Pulls No Punches
You Earned This: The Social Security & Medicare Podcast!
Release Date: 08/07/2025
Trump's Aborted Assault on Social Security Disability Insurance & The Meager 2026 COLA
You Earned This: The Social Security & Medicare Podcast!
The Trump administration wanted to make it harder for older workers to qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), but backed down under public pressure. Kathleen Romig of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities says this mean-spirited policy would have stripped coverage from 1.5 million disabled workers over 10 years. She also explains why the 2026 Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) comes up short. (Note: This episode was recorded & posted shortly before the Trump administration abruptly withdrew the restrictive new SSDI rules.)
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Assessing 2025 Elections & Looking Ahead to 2026 with Political Director Luke Warren
You Earned This: The Social Security & Medicare Podcast!
They say not to pay too much attention to off-year elections. But our political director, Luke Warren, says that 2025 might have been different. He tells us what last week's results portend for 2026. Luke also explains what we look for when our PAC endorses candidates for Congress. Hint: It has something to do with an unflinching committment to Social Security & Medicare that does not involve benefit cuts. To see which candidates we support, visit www.ncpssm.org/pac!
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Senator Ron Wyden: Trump Leaves People "In the Dust"
You Earned This: The Social Security & Medicare Podcast!
Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) tells us that Trump and congressional Republicans are leaving people of modest means "in the dust" --- by jacking up health insurance costs while showering the wealthy with huge tax cuts. He's also worried about the future Medicare, as the disadvantages of Medicare Advantage become increasingly apparent and the Trump administration meddles with traditional Medicare in disturbing ways. Don't miss our visit with one of the most fervent advocates for Americans' health care in the U.S. Senate.
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The Amazing Disappearing Pension & Why Union Members Rely on Social Security
You Earned This: The Social Security & Medicare Podcast!
Pensions are quickly becoming a thing of the past, to the point where union members rely on Social Security like everyone else. The Alliance for Retired Americans advocates for the retirement security of all working people, including millions of union members. Executive Director Rich Fiesta says that everyone has a stake in preserving Social Security... at a time when the most anti-union administration in recent history is trying to undermine it.
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Exciting, New Developments in the Fight Against Alzheimer's
You Earned This: The Social Security & Medicare Podcast!
What can you do to reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer's? And where are we with early detection and treatment? Dr. Heather Snyder of the Alzheimer's Association is here with news of exciting breakthroughs in the fight against a disease that afflicts 1 in 9 Americans. She tells us about the blood test for early detection of Alzheimer's... and about treatment and prevention, including how lifestyle changes may help protect against cognitive decline! A must-listen for anyone who is concerned about Alzheimer's.
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The Stories We Tell Ourselves as We Age & Other Insights on Growing Older
You Earned This: The Social Security & Medicare Podcast!
Dr. Erlene Rosowsky is a clinical psychologist at Harvard specializing in the field of aging --- or "geropsychology." Her research and writings spring from a deep sense of empathy for seniors and their families. Today, she offers expert advice about aging --- including "the stories we tell ourselves" and the importance of humor. "Dr. R" also has plenty to say about ageism and forming friendships later in life. A must-listen for seniors --- and their loved ones! Check out her blog, "The Older Self," at
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Answering Your Questions & Trolling the Trolls!
You Earned This: The Social Security & Medicare Podcast!
Shahab and Walter answer your questions about Social Security & Medicare --- and we troll the trolls! Is it time to scrap the payroll wage cap? Is Social Security really running out of money? And how do you switch from Medicare Advantage to traditional Medicare? We take on the trolls who claim that Democrats want these programs "to fail" ---- and that Social Security is "going broke" because of "fraud." Lots to answer --- and debunk. Let's get to it! NOTE: Please do not make any financial, medical, or health insurance decisions based on this show. Seek guidance from a financial or...
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Social Security: 90 Years Strong --- Behind the Scenes of our New Documentary!
You Earned This: The Social Security & Medicare Podcast!
We go behind the scenes of our new documentary film, "Social Security: 90 Years Strong." The story takes us from the 1930s, when Social Security was signed into law by FDR, to today --- when we are fighting to defend it from Trump & DOGE. Join director Walter Gottlieb, producer Melanie Reilly, and editor Marcie Robusto for a lively chat about the making of this landmark film! Plus --- some compelling clips from the documentary. It's a story that's earned the right to be told!
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For Bot's Sake, Keep AI Out of Medicare!
You Earned This: The Social Security & Medicare Podcast!
Do you want bots deciding what kind of health care you get? The Trump Administration is experimenting with using AI to determine whether patients in traditional Medicare can get the care they need. This is an attempt to make the traditional program more like Medicare Advantage --- a glorified HMO that gets between you and your doctor. Our health policy expert, Anne Montgomery, explains why this is such a bad idea for Medicare beneficiaries. Plus: members of the Kennedy family join members of Congress in calling for the resignation of HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.
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Rep. Brendan Boyle: Trump Too Lazy To Learn How Social Security Works (Season 3 Premiere!)
You Earned This: The Social Security & Medicare Podcast!
In our Season 3 premiere, Congressman Brendan Boyle (D-PA) excoriates the Trump administration for gutting Medicaid, endangering Medicare, and monkeying with Social Security. Rep. Boyle says Trump is “too lazy to learn” how Social Security really works, allowing DOGE to run amok at the Social Security Administration. He also tells us that some 500,000 Pennsylvanians will lose health coverage because of Trump’s “Unfair, Ugly Bill.” Meanwhile, Medicare may see a huge, automatic cut because of the bill’s deficit-swelling tax cuts for the rich. Rep. Boyle, though not yet 50 years...
info_outlineTom Harkin is very concerned about the future of Social Security. In this episode, the former U.S. Senator and one-time presidential candidate says seniors and their advocates must go on OFFENSE to protect the program from Donald Trump & DOGE. Otherwise, he says, they will "terminate Social Security as we know it." The Senator also sees nefarious motives behind DOGE's getting access to Americans' sensitive personal data. "They want the data on you and your kids and families so they can control you in the future," Harkin warns. He also shares stories from his 1992 presidential run, including the time he worked on a lobster boat in New England --- and the time he left the campaign trail to interrogate his teenage daughter's first date!