Looks as though seniors living on Social Security will again be disregarded for 2018. The much anticipated two percent raise in benefits will again precisely match an increase in their monthly Medicare Part B insurance premium. Three of the last four years saw a very minimal benefit increase, with each annual increase exactly matching the added premium for Medicare Part B. Recipients will continue to struggle along at the same spendable income level as they did in 2015, 2016, 2017 and now throughout 2018.
Is there any wonder why those struggling on fixed incomes see the county’s double-digit property tax increases problematic? Certainly, the 2017 11.1 percent and the 2018 17.5 percent property tax levies (a 30.5 percent compounded increase) have left some seniors making serious life choices.
Would you experience any financial angst without a raise in four years?
Bob LaMettry
Grand Marais
Leave a Reply