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A Novel Way to Look at the Economic Impact of Social Security
When most folks think about Social Security benefits, they tend to equate these dollars as supporting retirees and their dependents in their “golden years.” While that’s certainly true, Social Security has a much broader impact on the U.S. economy than…
The Cost of Delaying Social Security Reform
The Social Security trustees have been sounding the alarm for decades. The program’s tax revenue has been insufficient to fully fund benefit payments since 2011, requiring reliance on other income streams (income tax on benefits and interest on reserves) to…
Examining Three Key Social Security Reform Ideas
As the clock continues to wind down toward the full depletion of Social Security’s financial reserves, interest is growing in discussions about the inevitability of structural changes to avert insolvency. Recent controversy surrounding the 2026 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) is evidence…
Are you earning enough work credits to qualify for Social Security?
You must work for at least 10 years to earn the 40 credits you need to qualify for Social Security benefits. Each year, the amount you need to earn tends to increase. It is driven by the national average wage…
Is it worth delaying your Social Security benefits until age 70?
Age 70 is when you receive your maximum Social Security benefit. You become eligible as early as 62, but did you realize your Social Security benefit grows 76% between ages 62 and 70? If you are in good health, still…
The 2026 Medicare Advantage changes
Enrollment in Medicare Advantage, the private plan alternative to traditional Medicare, has increased steadily over the past two decades, with more than half of eligible beneficiaries enrolled in Medicare Advantage since 2023. Medicare Advantage typically offers lower premiums compared to…
Medicare will cover weight-loss drugs
Medicare will cover weight-loss drugs under a new deal with drugmakers Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk. Approximately 10 percent of Medicare enrollees who meet certain medical criteria, such as a diagnosis of obesity or related health conditions, will be eligible…
How the shutdown has impacted SSA
How is Social Security being impacted by the longest government shutdown in history? First, there are no widespread closures or disruptions to services. There were at least three offices around the nation that were closed, but for reasons not related…
Social Security changes for 2026
It’s that time of year again when the Social Security Administration announces the program changes for 2026. What are those changes? Among those changes is that Social Security recipients will receive a 2.8 percent increase in 2026. Stefon Walters, writing…
Are Medicare Advantage extras worth $86 billion?
Medicare Advantage plans, as part of their appeal to Medicare recipients, offer “extra” or ancillary benefits, including dental, vision, and hearing, which are not covered by original Medicare. Some plans, not all, have the SilverSneakers program, which is reimbursed by…