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Tim Mannello
Williamsport
Retired people often complain about others receiving "free stuff," from the government while they themselves live on free stuff from the government.
Many Social Security and Medicare beneficiaries receive significantly more from each of these two programs than they contributed over their lifetimes. According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), and the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), "the average Social Security and Medicare beneficiary receives approximately $348,480 more in Social Security and Medicare benefits than they pay in contributions over their lifetime." In instances where recipients get more than they contribute, they receive benefits based on need not prior contributions.
It gets a bit tiresome hearing people judge others' about accepting freebies while justifying their own dependence on public aid. One man's handout is not another man's entitlement. We helped our parents through our contributions to Social Security and Medicare. Now our kids are helping support us through theirs. There's no shame in that. Let it go.