medicare
Are you moving?
Are you thinking of moving? Even if it is just across town or another state, you need to let Social Security and Medicare know when and your new address so there will be no misunderstanding. The Savvy Senior columnists outlines…
Turning 65 this year, you need to start planning
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the U.S. population is approaching a landmark sometimes called Peak 65, or silver tsunami, when more than 12,000 people will start turning 65 each day, hitting an estimated total of 4 million for the…
About Medicare Advantage Plans
No doubt about it – many seniors have selected “Medicare Advantage” as their preferred type of healthcare plan. Essentially, Medicare Advantage replaces the federal government’s “original Medicare” with healthcare coverage from a private insurance company. Medicare Advantage plans usually offer…
Hard fact: Social Security must be reformed
To listen to candidates for federal office these days, one would get the impression that just leaving Social Security alone is a viable path forward. But it’s not, according to this sobering assessment by a Congressman speaking at a South…
Ask Rusty – Veteran Uncertain About Social Security and Healthcare Coverage
Dear Rusty: I’m not sure what I should sign up for in terms of Social Security: I am 64 and I am still employed full time and intend to stay employed until age 70. I am retired from the Navy…
Are you stuck in your Medicare Advantage plan?
Seems like Medicare Advantage plans are all the rage these days, with their low or no additional premiums, and with coverage exceeding that provided by “original Medicare” and usually exceeding coverage offered in many Medicare Supplement plans. Fact is, the…
A guide to covering LTC expenses
Seniors aged 65 have a nearly 70 percent chance of requiring long-term care services in the future. Of the 3.9 million Americans receiving care in a skilled nursing facility, 78 percent received long-term care for 100 days or more. Unfortunately,…
Enrollment in Medicare Advantage
A recent report shows Medicare Advantage enrollment has increased by almost 2 million beneficiaries in 2023. Currently, 33 million individuals of the 65.9 million Medicare-eligible beneficiaries are members of a Medicare Advantage health plan. Victoria Bailey reports on the Medicare…
Ask Rusty – About Medicare’s Dreaded “IRMAA” Provision
Dear Rusty: My wife is on Medicare and receiving Social Security benefits each month. We built a house and used money from our investments to pay for it. We knew we would pay taxes on that withdrawal, but my wife…
Struggling financially? Here’s how to get help with your Medicare costs
Medicare is not free. Even if you qualify for premium-free Medicare Part A (inpatient hospitalization coverage), there are still copays and deductibles involved. And Medicare Part B (coverage for outpatient healthcare services) always carries a monthly premium ($174.70 for 2024),…