AARP Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy and Engagement Officer Nancy LeaMond issued the following statement related to comments about changes at the Social Security Administration (SSA).
The acting head of the Social Security Administration (SSA) on Feb. 19 sought to reassure older Americans that payments will continue as usual and that Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) staff have limited access to its systems, amid growing concerns over service disruptions and the privacy of beneficiaries’ personal data.
Older Americans depend on services provided by the Social Security Administration, whether it be over the phone, online, or face-to-face at local field offices.
The names of the first 10 Medicare drugs whose prices the federal government will negotiate directly with manufacturers were released Aug. 29. Popular but pricey blood thinners, diabetes medications, cancer treatments make historic list.
One way to protect yourself from identity thieves is by opting into two-factor authentication. This means that to log in to a given site, you enter your password, and then are prompted to enter an authentication code. You either receive the code via text, phone, or email, or you use an app that generates the code. Once you enter that code, you are able to log in. This additional layer of security is meant to protect you in case a criminal has your login information. But like other protections, scammers have found a way around it.
Winter is upon us and with temperatures plummeting in many areas, keeping the heat on is critical — a fact that criminals try to take advantage of. They impersonate utility companies, threatening to cut off service if an immediate payment isn’t made. The goal of these crooks is to create a sense of urgency so the target acts quickly to pay the alleged past-due balance.