[MsDemeanor]

I would create a 'necessities' index. That index wouldn't have things like new or used car prices or clothing. People on a fixed income aren't buying cars every year, and certainly not new ones, and there are any number of alternatives to purchasing new clothing at retail price. The index would be comprised of only those items that impact the majority of people on a fixed income - health care, transportation (gas and public transit), utilities, and food. Pretty much everything else folks can figure out a way around or do without, but health care, food on the table, heat coming out of the furnace, and being able to get around seem like the necessary basics.

Since health care costs are critical to you, I assume that you vote a democratic ticket and are lobbying your representatives for universal health care.