Latest News
New Tools Curb Medicare Fraud, But Problems Persist
Despite some improvement and fraud-fighting tools used by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the country is still losing as much as $90 billion annually to Medicare fraud, according to Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL), the chairman of the Senate Special Committee…
Expect Longer Waits for Social Security Disability Hearings This Year, Allsup Reports
The amount of time people with disabilities will wait for a Social Security hearing this year is expected to go over 400 days, a number not seen since fiscal year 2010, according to Allsup. The company, based in Belleville, Ill., has…
Retirement Planning: The Social Security question
If you’re counting on Social Security to provide a secure retirement, think again. Social Security benefits only account for less than half of today’s retirees’ income. Longer life expectancies and the aging of the population will put an increasing burden…
Social Security Creates Center for Section 504 Compliance
The Social Security Administration recently announced the creation of the new Center for Section 504 Compliance. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities, and requires the federal government to provide individuals with meaningful access…
Are you financially ready to retire?
Millions and millions of Americans are moving closer to retirement each year, awaiting that joyous day when they can leave work behind and enjoy the carefree life. No time clock, no bosses and certainly a lot less stress. At the same…
Medicare to Pay for Physical Therapy, Nursing Care and Other Services for Beneficiaries with Chronic Diseases
n January, Medicare officials updated the agency’s policy manual so that the program will now pay for physical therapy, nursing care and other services for beneficiaries with chronic diseases like Alzheimer’s disease in order to maintain their condition and prevent…
Column: Tips on maximizing Social Security
Social Security is often one of the most overlooked aspects of proper retirement income planning. Here are some specific rules to keep in mind as you start factoring your Social Security benefits into your retirement planning. You contribute 6.2 percent of…
VA Disability Claims Backlog Drops by 44 Percent
One year after the backlog of pending disability compensation claims peaked at over 611,000 in March 2013, the Department of Veterans Affairs has reduced that number by approximately 44 percent to 344,000 claims — a reduction of more than 267,000…
Delaying Social Security: What an Investment!
A lot of people claim their Social Security benefits at the earliest possible age of 62. Social Security Administration data which I’ve worked with showed that 50% of beneficiaries in 2004 had done this. Though I don’t know what that…
How the Rich (and Poor) Avoid Paying Income Taxes
Tax reform has become a hot-button issue in Congress and among taxpayers as discussion continues about whether the wealthy pay their fair share. But the issue is much deeper than a brewing controversy between the haves and have-nots. An examination…