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Solutions for Social Security’s Financial Woes
To politicians, Social Security is viewed as a “third rail,” with most not willing to even discuss the modifications which will inevitably be needed to restored the program to financial solvency (“third rail” refers to the electrical power source for…
Your Medicare Open Enrollment Checklist
Medicare’s annual “Open Enrollment Period” is just around the corner, starting on October 15th and running through December 7th. “Open Enrollment” is the time that you can change various aspects of your healthcare coverage, which are limited to this annual…
Retirement Advice from an Expert
Dave Ramsey is one of America’s most famous financial gurus, dispensing retirement advice via his books, podcasts, and other media outlets. He’s not without his critics but, largely, even his critics acknowledge that he provides sound advice on retirement matters.…
New Social Security Online Account is Easier to Use
In a continuing effort to provide enhanced online services, the Social Security Administration has announced that they have updated the “my Social Security” account homepage to facilitate access to your personal Social Security information. The new format makes it easier…
Coming Soon: Medicare’s Annual “Open Enrollment” Period!
It’s coming up fast: Medicare’s annual “Open Enrollment Period” which starts each year on October 15th and runs through December 7th. This is the time when American seniors can enroll in or change a stand-alone Medicare Part D Prescription Drug…
Saving Millions Won’t Solve a Trillion Dollar Problem
In this intriguing Morningstar article from Dow Jones, the Federal budget deficit is discussed in very realistic terms, while evaluating the more recent efforts to “eliminate waste and fraud” by the much maligned Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The basis…
Social Security Will No Longer Mail Paper Checks
This article proclaims it’s “the end of an era,” and it definitely is. Social Security has been mailing monthly payments to beneficiaries since the late 1930s. Of course, for many years, Social Security has also been requiring new recipients to…
Sometimes you need to take your Social Security at 62
You constantly hear about strategies for maximizing your Social Security benefits, but it is not always your best option. When to take your Social Security benefit is a personal decision only you can make, depending on your personal circumstances. …
Are You Eligible for a Spousal Benefit?
Even if you never worked, if you are married or were married at least 10 years, you could qualify for benefits based on your spouse’s record. You can get a spousal benefit equal to 50% of your spouse’s full retirement…
Can Medicare deny services?
Can Medicare deny someone services if they are not financially needy? The answer is no, since Medicare is not a needs-based program. Medicare has specific eligibility rules for certain medical services, as mentioned on The Elder Law Answers website, such…