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Flawed Medicare Advantage payment methodologies
The Medicare Advantage Quality Bonus Program (QBP) is a payment incentive for Medicare Advantage (MA) plans that score 4 stars or higher on CMS’s five‑star quality rating system. However, the intention of paying more for higher quality is reasonable; it…
Retirement security has become an issue for many Americans
Americans’ growing concern about their future retirement while trying to deal with the higher living costs and the emergence of AI’s impact on the workforce. According to Thrivent, a financial services firm, almost half of the survey respondents are skeptical…
Even waiting a short time to apply can make a huge difference to your checks.
You can start Social Security as early as 62, but your benefit will be permanently reduced. Waiting until FRA gives you the full amount, and delaying until 70 can significantly increase your monthly payment. Let’s make it clear: there is…
You would want to avoid these common misconceptions
Social Security plays a critical role in retirement planning for many Americans. Social Security benefits serve as a stable, guaranteed income source that can be essential for maintaining a basic standard of living. Unfortunately, this important decision, if you get…
Retiring unexpectedly can impact your retirement plans
According to the recent report from TIAA Institute, “Americans are retiring sooner than they expected and most retirees wish they had done a better job saving.” These findings confirm similar findings from two recent reports from the Employee Benefit Research…
Is there a need for another Social Security commission?
In response to the latest Social Security Trust Fund report, members of Congress have put forward at least two bills to create a commission to come up with a proposal to “save” Social Security. This is not the first time…
More ways to lower the cost of medical care in retirement
One of the most reported expenses in retirement is the cost of healthcare. Fidelity says a 65-year-old retiring this year can expect to spend an average of $185,500 on health expenses through retirement. However, according to the actuarial and consulting…
Actions needed to reduce improper payment and fraud risks
Each year, the Office of Management and Budget identifies programs considered high priority for improper payments. In 2025, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Community Care program and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) Medicare Advantage program are…
When men and women start claiming Social Security
You can start Social Security as early as 62, but your benefit will be permanently reduced. Waiting until FRA gives you the full amount, and delaying until 70 can significantly increase your monthly payment. According to information from the Social…
What are the typical 401(k) fees?
Do you have a 401(k) plan? If so, are you aware of fees associated with your 401(k) plan? Although the fees are small, even small amounts add up in the end. Mary Cunningham, reporting for CBS News, explains how 401(k)…