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U.S. Senate candidates calling for change, differing on how to do it
The four Republican candidates vying to be Nebraska’s next U.S. senator agree on one thing: Medicare and Social Security are going bust on their current path. The question is what to do about it. In a sign of the issue’s political sensitivity,…
Social Security Is Important to African Americans
Social Security is neutral with respect to race or ethnicity – individuals with identical earnings histories are treated the same in terms of benefits. This Fact Sheet is provided by the Social Security Administration to highlight how African Americans benefit…
Looking for a Mother’s Day gift? Consider Social Security’s Extra Help
Mother’s Day is Sunday. It’s always nice to give Mom a card, flowers or candy, but this year, people all over the country are helping their moms save an estimated $4,000 annually on the cost of Medicare prescription drugs. You…
Applying for Disability? The Guidelines for CFS Have Changed
The new CFS disability ruling differs from Social Security Administration’s 1999-2p ruling in that the International Consensus Criteria for ME, published 2011, and Canadian Consensus Criteria for CFS, published 2003, were adopted along with the CDC’s CFS criteria. If you…
Average long-term disability absence down slightly
The average length of time away from work due to long-term disability has decreased by 3 percent since 2008, with breast cancer patients showing the highest return-to-work rates. Cancer continues to be the leading cause of long-term disability claims (16 percent),…
Major retirement savings mistakes — by millennials
Unfortunately 401(k) plan participants in their 20s and 30s are making a number of mistakes with their savings and investments — and what seem like small mistakes when you’re young can have big consequences later in life. The first big mistake…
Medicare rate will increase 2% in 2015, boosting skilled nursing facility reimbursements
Medicare would increase skilled nursing facility reimbursements by $750 million in 2015 under an updated payment rate proposed Thursday. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services pegs each year’s payment rate to the SNF market basket, which represents the costs…
How much should you save for your retirement?
It’s not that Americans don’t want to save. In a Gallup poll taken in April 2014, Americans reported that they “enjoy” saving more than they do spending by a margin of 62 percent to 34 percent. That ratio of saving…
Fewer Will Rely on 401(k) in Retirement Than Pre-Recession
Prior to the Great Recession, most Americans planned to rely on a 401(k), IRA, Keogh, or other retirement savings account when they retire. Today, 48% of Americans say they would rely on a 401(k) account in retirement — a percentage…
Feds may expand Medicare risk data access
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) wants to get more use out of the data Medicare Advantage insurers are sending in for the Medicare Advantage risk-adjustment program. CMS — the parent of the Center for Consumer Information & Insurance…