Ellen's Thoughts

Hi, Everyone,

I have just come from Cotuit Beach, where it is totally gorgeous. I was there for a few hours and shall go back soon.

I celebrated my 65th birthday last Sunday and am trying to figure out what I should be doing professionally. Of course, health reform is my big interest, but I am also involved in all the benefits out there that can help people in this horrible economic environment.

There are so many: Social Security, Food Stamps, property taxes, phone and heat. It is truly unbelievable and people do not know what can help. So, I am trying to figure out how to get this information out to people.

And I am still fighting my Social Security case. Now I go to an Administrative Judge and hope to recover $10,816 from the Feds. It seems to me I should get that money - especially since the banks are getting billions. Time will tell.

And, I would like to get a comedy gig going. And I would like to write a book - but what about? So, I have a lot on my plate and it feels good.

So, that is it for Ellen Kagan on this terrific April 26, 2009.

I hope everybody who reads this blog is also having a great day.

Ellen

Ellen's Thoughts

Hi, Guys,

Well, it is Saturday and I am again at the library - the Centerville Library, where it is a glorious day. We are expecting a snowstorm, but time will only tell how much.

As I mentioned yesterday, I am planning my Social Security show for Monday. The Regional Director for Communications in N.E will be my guest and we shall be discussing how to deal with Social Security. If you do not know how, it is like being in the Twilight Zone - sort of like dealing with the health system.

Most important to know: If you are at least 62 and unemployed, you can collect SS benefits. Then when you get a job that pays more than $13,000, SS will suspend your benefits. You can also collect Unemployment at this time. Of course, when you are at full retirement age, you automatically collect benefits - but you must claim them, they do not just come to you.

This benefit is not publicized by SS. I learned the hard way - and I lost $25,000, which I am trying to claim. So, hopefully, my show will educate those of you out there who need the money - and who does not in these times.

I shall keep you posted and let you know how the show went.

Ellen

Ellen's thoughts

Hi, Everyone,

I am now sitting in the Sandwich Library, thinking about the Inauguration. It is going to be so fantastic!!! We are living in such exciting times!!!

It is beautiful on the Cape today - cold and sunny and clear. Tomorrow we should have a snowstorm, but that will be beautiful, too.

Is anyone out there having problems with their healthcare? Please let me know if you are - I shall discuss this on my show Your Health Care:Choice or Chance? Also, anyone having any trouble with Social Security?

I am doing a program on Monday about SS benefits. There is a lot most of us do not know. In fact, I got royally screwed myself when I did not know I could collect SS when I was unemployed and looking for a job at 62. I finally found out, but, in the meantime, I lost $25,000. I am trying to recover some of it, but to lose any is a true bummer.

This SS program is on public access tv but I shall be posting the audio on my website at www.tvyourhealthcare.org. Please let me know if you have any questions. No one should lose out on any benefits which they have contributed. After all, it is our money and if SS does not want to give us back our contributions, why should we contribute our hard-earned money?

Have a great Friday.

Ellen

Ellen's Thoughts for the Day

Hi, Everyone,

I am now sitting as usual in the great Centerville Library, totally excited about the Inauguration and totally exhausted already!!! It is going to be one of the most wonderful experiences ever. And I have such great faith in Obama - I know this country will come out of its funk and be restored to its greatness.

As you know, my great interest in health care and I do believe that the time for universal coverage has come. My goal is to do another call-in radio show to help people and to work with Tom Daschle in effecting reform.

Anyone else have these interests? If you want to learn more about me, log onto www.tvyourhealthcare.org and be in touch. It would be great to get acquainted.

Ellen

Ellen's Thoughts

Well, Guys,

I finally figured out how to blog!! Just go onto New Post!! Takes a lot of brains to figure this out.

Anyway, as I have said before - on January 6th - I am passionate about health reform and would love to work with Daschle in D.C. Anyone have any ideas? I have sent him my resume and information about myself and it would be a dream come true if he were interested.

I have three Masters Degrees: Education, Public Administration, and City Planning. Plus, I have been the Host/Producer of Your Health Care:Choice or Chance? since 1995 (www.tvyourhealthcare.org). This public access tv series teaches the public how to navigate the health system and anyone who is anyone has been a guest.

So, I hope you are all having a great day - it is pouring here on the Cape, where I live.

Ellen

Ellen's Thoughts

Hi,

I cannot seem to add to my blog today and I have so many thoughts. What is my problem, do you know?

I am getting so excited about going to the Inauguration. Is anyone else out there going? It is going to be so FANTASTIC!!!

Ellen