medicare
Ask Rusty – About Medicare and Social Security
Dear Rusty: I know that when a person turns 65 he or she must enroll in Medicare. I have been informed that the charge for this would be deducted from the Social Security benefit, if it has been claimed. Otherwise,…
What If I Sign Up for Medicare Before Social Security?
Maurie Backman notes that signing up for Social Security before Medicare matters little as far as the mechanics of it all. Age 62 is currently the most popular age to file for Social Security, even though seniors have between ages 62 and 70…
The Unnoticed Trillion Dollar Budget Gap
In the 1980s critics of overspending pointed to record deficits (averaging $167 billion a year then) and were often met with replies from supply-siders—“Don’t worry about federal deficits. They’re big enough of take care of themselves.” President Reagan even uttered…
Turning 65 in 2019– Here’s your “Need to Know”
Dan Caplinger’s piece here states the most important thing about turning 65 is that you become eligible for Medicare, the first opportunity for most people to gain eligibility for this important healthcare program. But, unless you’re already getting Social Security, signing up for…
Signing Up for Medicare & Social Security at the Same Time. Should you?
The answer to whether one should sign up for Social Security and Medicare together at age 65 is a hard, “it depends.” Medicare Part B premiums can be deducted from Social Security benefits, and that ease and peace of mind…
Maximizing your Medicare and Social Security benefits
Lee Barney’s piece details some concepts to keep in mind in making two of the most important financial decisions of one’s lifetime– when to take Social Security and Medicare. In a nutshell, one should strive for 35 years of income…
Medicare “homebound requirement” for Home Health Benefits Addressed in S. 3545
Last week, the Home Health Payment Innovation Act — S. 3545–was introduced with an objective of amending the Social Security Act to “loosen” the homebound stipulations governing the eligibility for home health care benefits for Medicare Advantage participants. HOme Health Care…
Take Medicare at 65 but maybe wait on Social Security
Maurie Backman of The Motley Fool answers the important question about whether one should take Social Security benefits at the same time as signing up for Medicare with an, “it depends.” Unless working and covered by an employer’s health care plan,…
Warnings about cuts to Social Security and Medicare need to be taken seriously
Social Security is running a deficit this year by paying more to beneficiaries than is collected from worker payroll taxes. This is projected to continue until 2034, when all past reserves will be exhausted. Medicare reaches insolvency even sooner, in 2026. Both…
FACT: Social Security and Medicare are NOT stronger now than a year ago
President Trump routinely states that his administration is making Medicare and Social Security stronger. But is that so? The Social Security Trustees report the trust fund will be exhausted in 2034 and benefits would have to be cut over 20%…