Mary Johnson, Prominent Social Security Analyst, Announces Retirement

Mary Johnson, the long-tenured Social Security and Medicare policy analyst at the Senior Citizens League whose work has helped to illuminate the effects of inflation and entitlement program policy changes on vulnerable retirees, will retire March 15.

Johnson announced her decision alongside the release of an analysis showing that millions of Social Security beneficiaries are facing an “inflation rollercoaster” in 2024. At the same time, Johnson warns, many may be learning that they owe taxes on their Social Security benefits for the first time, putting additional strain on cash-strapped older Americans.

Given the substantial cost-of-living adjustments enjoyed in recent years, the number of Social Security recipients reporting that they paid federal income tax on their benefits for the first time is climbing, according to the latest survey by the Senior Citizens League. During the 2023 tax season, for example, 23% of survey participants who received Social Security for three years or more said they paid tax for the first time.

“Soon, it will be time for me to take my advice and learn how well it works in real life,” Johnson jokes. “Becoming a spokesperson for the Senior Citizens League has been among my favorite duties. I love hearing your questions and working with each of you.”

Most of all, Johnson says, she appreciates the confidence the media and the public — “and the fact checkers” — have placed in her analysis, advice and estimates.