Apr 22 Medicare and Social Security stay on unsustainable financial paths, reports show By Philip Moeller Mostly unchanged from last year's report, the outlook for Social Security improved slightly. Its solvency was extended to 2035 due to significant changes in the program’s disability insurance fund. Continue reading
Apr 17 Column: Will I be penalized for not getting Medicare at 65? It depends By Philip Moeller If you are employed and have employer group health insurance, you did not need to get Medicare when you turned 65, columnist Phil Moeller explains. Continue reading
Apr 11 Column: Drug companies try shifting blame for high prices under lawmakers’ scrutiny By Philip Moeller Rising insulin prices are once again shining an uncomfortable spotlight on drug-company CEOs, who have been dutifully taking a public pounding before congressional committees. Continue reading
Apr 11 Watch 6:06 The financial, political and psychological implications of tax reform The deadline for filing your taxes is right around the corner, on Monday, April 15. This is the first year that fully incorporates major updates to the tax code signed into law by President Trump in 2017. Amid the changes,… Continue watching
Apr 11 How natural disasters can increase inequality By Gretchen Frazee A report from the Urban Institute shows that low-income Americans experience the biggest drop in their credit scores following “medium-sized” disasters. Continue reading
Apr 05 Why cars and produce are taking a hit from Trump’s latest border moves By Gretchen Frazee Trump has backed off threats to close the U.S.-Mexico border immediately, but the uncertainty spurred by his rhetoric and actions have already taken a toll. Continue reading
Apr 05 Why wages are still lagging despite strong job growth By Gretchen Frazee The U.S. economy added 196,000 jobs in March, and the unemployment rate held steady at 3.8 percent. Still, wages only ticked up slightly. Continue reading
Apr 04 Watch 7:53 Seriously ill children often resist treatment. Can offering simple rewards change that? By Paul Solman Few scenarios are harder to witness than the suffering of a seriously ill child. For kids with life-threatening diseases, survival often requires procedures that are painful and scary. But a Washington nonprofit is encouraging kids to be active in their… Continue watching
Apr 03 How this Medicare loophole can lead to surprise medical bills By Philip Moeller Patients look to hospital staff to take care of them and help them get better, not to expose them to additional health and financial problems. Continue reading
Apr 02 Could this House bill close the pay gap between women and men? By Gretchen Frazee Women who work full-time on average make about 81 percent of what men make, taking into account the fact that women tend to work less overtime and have lower-paying jobs. Continue reading