The Fiscal Cliff: What Deal Would You Cut?

Massachusetts Democrats in Congress want to avoid cuts in benefits as part of any deal, but proposals such as raising the eligibility age for Medicare are still on the table. What would you do?

As Congress negotiates a deal to avoid the so-called "fiscal cliff" on Jan. 1, Massachusetts' congressional representatives have voiced their opposition to any cuts in benefits such as Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, the Boston Globe reports.  However, there are proposals still on the table that would change those benefit programs, including linking Social Security benefits to a more conservative inflation index that would slightly reduce annual increases, or raising the eligibility age for Medicare from 65 to 67. The Globe reported that while the Bay State's legislators were united against changes to Social Security, there's some wiggle room on Medicare. Rep. Ed Markey opposes raising the Medicare eligibility age; Rep. Michael …

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Patch Facts

5 Things You Need to Know Today: July 25

All week-long Patch Passport will be your guide as you become a tourist in West Roxbury. Whether you're new to the neighborhood or want to explore the city you've loved for years, we're here to show you what there is to see.

"Five Things You Need to Know Today" is a Patch column that provides readers with essential, daily information at a glance. Check back later for more, and let us know what you think of the five things in the comments section.

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West Roxbury Forum on the Medicare and Social Security Debate

Ethos Agewell West Roxbury and Massachusetts Senior Action Council sponsoring forum on the Medicare and Social Security debate on July 26th.

How often do you hear about the future of Social Security and Medicare? Learn more about the future of the programs from Ethos Agewell West Roxbury and Massachusetts Senior Action Council personnel. The two organizations are sponsoring a forum on the Medicare and Social Security debate on July 26. The event will start at noon and go until 2 p.m. with a light lunch being served at the Elks Hall. You are welcome to bring a friend and hear the facts. Feel free to just sit and listen or participate in the discussion.  Please RSVP to Janice Williams of AgeWell West Roxbury at 617-477-6616. The event is also being sponsored by State Rep. Ed Coppinger, D-West Roxbury, and State Sen. Mike Rush, D-Boston. 

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