House Republican leader John Boehner made news last week when he stated that changes to Social Security are necessary and should include raising the retirement age to 70.  Currently, people can choose to collect a lower Social Security amount at 62. If they wait until they are 66, they get their “full” Social Security check for the rest of their lives.

Boehner also suggested that Social Security should be means tested, meaning people with substantial other income might not be allowed to collect their Social Security benefits because they don’t need it – even though they paid taxes into the system over their working lifetime.

Boehner told the editors of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, “We’re all living a lot longer than anyone ever expected…..I think that raising the retirement age — going out 20 years, so you’re not affecting anyone close to retirement — and eventually getting the retirement age to 70 is a step that needs to be taken”.

Boehner said Social Security would be at the top of his list for changes if Republicans retake the House and he becomes Speaker of the House.  He also said Republicans, if they are in the majority,  will  repeal the health care reforms that have been legislated by Democrats and President Obama.