I am sure there is either more to the story or some inaccuracies. Either way taxes suck.If SS is their only income, I find it impossible to have that tax responsibility (I’m no accountant or tax expert).
However, it may be an unpopular opinion but Not Dying Young does not earn you free money (boomer participation trophy). If McDonalds wants to give old folks free coffee that is their business. But equal under the law means just that. And I don't want to hear whiny "fixed income" arguments. Most everyone is effectively on a fixed income. SSI recipients get COLAs. Try walking into your boss's office and saying "Hey, my RE taxes went up $2,500, can i get a raise?".