Labor economist Kathryn Anne Edwards proposes taxing companies (Uber, DoorDash, TaskRabbit) using gig workers to generate Social Security revenue: Gig companies currently avoid employer-side Social Security taxes by classifying workers as independent contractors instead of employees — Edwards: taxing employers would neutralize financial incentive to misclassify, encouraging hiring actual employees instead — would also align with Labor Department/state regulations designed to protect workers through minimum wage, overtime, child labor protections.

"Misclassification" problem ballooned since 2000s as self-employment tax hasn't changed since 1983: Workers hired as independent contractors instead of employees lose employer-side Social Security contributions (6.2%) — Treasury research shows most self-employment growth past 15+ years came through misclassified independent contractors, not genuine business startups — self-employed people lower taxable earnings through expenses to reduce tax burden, meaning Social Security doesn't receive real-time contributions.

Self-employed misclassification reduces retirement benefits — Edwards: gig workers end up with lower Social Security payments than expected given earnings: Social Security popular because it's fair ("you work, you pay; you employ, you pay"), but large "employ but don't pay" category undermines program — proposal not silver bullet solving 2032 trust fund depletion but makes Social Security "fit for 21st century" by closing misclassification loophole that's drained revenue for decades.

Spousal benefits allow eligible married retirees to receive up to 50% of primary spouse's primary insurance amount (monthly benefit at full retirement age): Three eligibility requirements: primary spouse currently receiving benefits, married at least 1 year, beneficiary age 62+ (or caring for child under 16 or disabled child) — divorced beneficiaries eligible if married 10+ years, not remarried, divorced 2+ years (can claim anytime if meet requirements, ex doesn't need to be claiming yet).

Early claiming spousal benefits penalized more heavily than standard benefits — reduces by 35% at age 62 vs. 30% for standard benefits; 25% reduction at 64 vs. 20%: Spousal benefit reduction 25/36 of 1% monthly for first 36 months (~8.33% annually) vs. 5/9 of 1% for standard benefits — unlike standard benefits, spousal benefits receive NO boost if delayed past full retirement age — claiming at FRA (67 for those born 1960+) provides full 50% spouse benefit.

Strategy worth considering for married retirees with shorter work histories — but claiming decision requires careful planning: Primary spouse must be receiving benefits for you to qualify for spousal benefit — divorced option provides flexibility for those meeting requirements — spousal benefit strategy can supplement lower-earning spouse's record, but permanent reduction if claimed early must be factored into lifetime benefit calculation.

Senator Angus King (I-VT) and Rep. Seth Magaziner (D-RI) pushing Stand Strong for Medicare Act to make fall-prevention equipment reimbursable under Medicare Part B: Proposed legislation would cover bath mats (~$11), grab bars, handrails, shower chairs, other home modifications — King: "Medicare will pay for broken hip, but they won't pay for grab bar in your shower" — commonsense approach shifts from treatment to prevention, aims to ease financial burdens on healthcare systems and taxpayers.

14 million older Americans experience falls annually — average fall costs $62,521 in inpatient settings: January 2026 Fall Prevention Foundation report: bath mats reduce fall risk 50%, durable rubber mats 70% — 2023 JAMA study showed safety programs saved study sites $22M over five years — 2024 Injury Prevention study: healthcare costs for falls $80B in 2020 (majority paid by Medicare), up from $50B in 2015.

King estimates $11 investment in prevention equipment could pay for itself in under a year for entire beneficiary population: If Medicare sends bath mats/grab bars to all beneficiaries, $100M+ annual fall costs would "drop significantly" — prevention approach more cost-effective than paying for fracture treatment, hospitalization, rehabilitation after falls — proposed legislation presented as "win-win" for beneficiaries and taxpayers.

Don’t want to wait and take the risk? Everyone is urged to make the $11 investment to prevent an extended hospital stay and recovery. You can get your $11 bath mat here.