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What to Know for Tuesday, June 23rd, 2026: |
1: Federal judge blocks Trump administration's database of Social Security numbers and citizenship status — ruled unlawful privacy violation |
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(Image Credit: Reuters) |
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Judge blocked centralized database combining SSNs with citizenship data per Trump's March 2025 election overhaul executive order: District Judge Sparkle Sooknanan ruled Trump administration "haphazardly combined and repurposed private information of millions of Americans, including citizenship data they knew to be unreliable" — SSA directed to create "State Citizenship List" from naturalization records and SAVE database (DHS program determining federal program eligibility) — executive order aimed to establish voter eligibility list and restrict mail-in ballots. Database violated Social Security Act, Privacy Act, Administrative Procedure Act by knowingly using inaccurate data: Judge wrote government "knowingly trampled on privacy rights of American citizens in manner that threatens sacred right to vote" — ruled efforts to establish database "unlawful" — 75-page ruling found federal government acted in bad faith combining sensitive citizenship data it knew "to be unreliable" for voter verification purposes. States actively using flawed database to remove U.S. citizens from voter rolls: States partnered with federal government to access database and "are actively removing United States citizens from voter rolls based on inaccurate information," according to ruling — League of Women Voters brought lawsuit, securing victory described as "critical win for voting rights" protecting "millions from baseless investigations and unlawful voter roll purges."
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➜ Read the full article from the Hill here. |
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2: Direct Express prepaid debit card transitioning from Comerica to Fifth Third Bank for 3.6 million SS recipients |
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(Image Credit: Getty Images) |
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Treasury selects Fifth Third Bank as new financial agent for Direct Express program, replacing Comerica: SSA announced major payment system change affecting 3.6 million Direct Express prepaid Debit Mastercard holders — new enrollments with Fifth Third began May 2026, existing customer transition starts summer 2026 or early 2027 — beneficiaries will be mailed new card and given advance notice before official switch — only affects Direct Express cardholders, not those with direct deposit into private bank accounts. Current Comerica cards remain functional until Fifth Third replacement arrives — no action needed from beneficiaries: Existing cardholders don't need to take action; current cards fully functional until new Fifth Third card arrives — both old and new cards accepted anywhere Debit Mastercard honored — SSA urging beneficiaries to verify contact information current so they don't miss transition communications. During transition, users must manage balances on separate mobile apps — old Comerica app continues working, new Direct Express app only for Fifth Third cards: Comerica cardholders should continue using existing mobile app during changeover — updated Direct Express app will only work with newly issued Fifth Third Bank cards — "one missed payment for someone on $994/month SSI isn't inconvenience, it's a crisis" — beneficiaries need awareness of app switching requirement.
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➜ Read the full article from Yahoo here. |
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3: Walmart and Sam's Club expand Medicare support for weight management coverage — free pharmacist consultations, educational materials nationwide |
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Walmart and Sam's Club launch nationwide initiative helping Medicare beneficiaries navigate new weight management prescription coverage: Program provides easy-to-understand educational materials on coverage pathways, one-on-one pharmacist consultations, healthcare navigation assistance, and digital health tools — addressing complexity seniors face understanding eligibility, coverage processes, provider documentation, pharmacy fulfillment — expanding support in nearly 5,000 locations including rural and medically underserved communities. Walmart's scale makes healthcare access point for 90% of U.S. population within 10 miles — critical for underserved areas: Walmart pharmacy network serves millions annually and represents frequent point of care in rural/underserved communities where healthcare information access limited — Sam's Club pharmacies ranked #1 in customer satisfaction among mass merchandisers for 10th consecutive year by J.D. Power — pharmacists provide personalized support helping members navigate medication, coverage, wellness questions. Support extends beyond coverage navigation to full weight management journey: Pharmacists guide customers on GLP-1 treatment options, nutrition, hydration, healthy habits — Walmart building on Better Care Services platform expansion offering nutrition resources, wellness products, same-day pharmacy delivery, vitamins/supplements, fitness equipment, healthcare services marketplace — Walmart/Sam's Club handling education/navigation only; eligibility, coverage decisions, treatment recommendations remain responsibility of government programs, health plans, providers, patients.
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➜ Read the full press release from Business Wire here. |
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Here’s What You Missed on YouTube: |
Check out our new YouTube videos for Tuesday, June 23rd. |
July 2026 Social Security: Your Payment Dates + Why Some Get Two Checks |
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July 2026 Social Security: Your Payment Dates + Why Some Get Two Checks |
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This newsletter is for information only. Always confirm your options directly with Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, or a qualified advisor before making big decisions about your benefits. |
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