Q & A
I have been enrolled in the same Medicare prescription drug plan for three years now, but my pharmacist told me I should look for a new plan during the open enrollment period that would fit my needs a little better. What’s the easiest way to do this?
Answer: Because all Medicare prescription drug plans can change their coverage and costs each calendar year, the only way to ensure you’re getting the best coverage at the lowest cost is to compare your Part D plan against the competition during…
I will turn 65 next month but am employed with excellent insurance and a prescription service. I do not plan on retiring for several more years. Therefore, I don’t see a need to take Part B at this time. If I do not sign up now, will I be penalized when I retire and require the prescription portion of Medicare?
Answer: You won’t be penalized if you enroll in Part B during the eight-month period that begins the first full month after you retire. Source: http://blogs.federaltimes.com, October 17, 2013
Are air traffic controllers who are forced to retire under mandatory retirement rules eligible to collect unemployment in New York state?
Answer: You’d have to check with your state employment office. However, as a rule, no one who is receiving a retirement annuity is eligible for unemployment benefits. Source: http://blogs.federaltimes.com, October 17, 2013
My sister retired six years ago under CSRS with 32 years of service. Four months after her retirement, she had a brain tumor and brain surgery to remove it. As a result of this surgery, she has little or no short-term memory and her long-term memory is jumbled. I just found out she was not converted to a CSRS disability retirement. Can this be done now? Should it be done now? She retired at age 55 and is now 61.
Answer: No, she can’t be converted from a regular retirement to disability retirement. Fortunately, it doesn’t make a difference. Because of her age and service, the benefit she’d receive would be the same. Source: http://blogs.federaltimes.com, October 16, 2013
How do WEP and Government Pension Offset Affect Social Security Payments?
Answer: Even though a worker has paid into the Social Security system, he or she may not be eligible for the full amount of anticipated benefits upon retirement.Social Security Administration rules that govern who is entitled to benefits, and how much…
Is Medicare Advantage the same as Medigap?
Answer: No, and mixing up the two can cause big problems. This is probably the most common question I get from people about Medicare. And it’s especially common now, with Medicare open enrollment starting today and running through December 7. The…
Can I join the Air Force Reserve and still receive disability pay?
Answer: Yes, providing you are otherwise qualified. As long as you can pass the entrance physical exam, you qualify medically for the Air Force Reserve. Just remember, you will not draw both Reserve Pay and Disability pay on the days you…
When life partners should marry to benefit from Social Security
Situation: Like many boomers, my “life” partner and I chose not to get married, preferring to keep our finances separate. Twenty years in, at ages 61 and 60, we are wondering if we should reconsider tying the knot due to Social…
If I am approved for Social Security Disability, will my children get benefits?
Answer: Under certain circumstances Social Security will provide benefits to your children if you become disabled. Social Security considers biological children, adopted children, or dependent stepchildren to be children of the disabled individual. Read more… Source: http://www.mountaineagle.com, October 14, 2013 Notice:…
If I am approved for Social Security Disability, how much back pay will I get?
Answer: Because the Social Security Administration takes so long to process disability claims, most people who are approved for disability are owed back payments. In addition, if you are approved for Social Security disability benefits (SSDI), you can get retroactive payments from…