W.Va. officials say Social Security increase not enough
CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- After the Social Security Administration announced recipients will receive a 1.7 percent increase in their benefits next year, the state director of AARP said the way the cost-of-living adjustment is determined needs to be re-evaluated.
"We think even this modest increase is going to help," said Gaylene Miller. "But much of it is going to be consumed by health care and prescription costs."
Those costs aren't considered when determining the cost-of-living increase for Social Security, according to Miller.
"The kinds of thing they include ... aren't necessarily the kinds of things folks over the age of 65 are consuming on a regular basis. For example, the cost of prescription drugs is not included. The cost of utilities is not included," Miller said.
http://www.wvgazette.com/News/201210160211
