Jan 04 My meds are cheap. Do I really need a Medicare Part D drug plan? By Philip Moeller In an effort to avoid Medicare's high-income surcharge, a Medicare beneficiary considers skipping a Part D drug plan. Should he? Journalist Phil Moeller has the answer in his weekly column, "Ask Phil."… Continue reading
Dec 28 I’m retiring abroad. What Medicare plan should I get? By Philip Moeller What should people who are eligible for Medicare do when they are going to be living outside the U.S. for an extended period?… Continue reading
Dec 21 Column: What can we do to protect Medicare and Social Security? By Philip Moeller "What about all of that money that we put into these programs during our working lives?" asks one reader. Continue reading
Dec 14 Column: Social Security needs to be reformed, not have its funding cut By Philip Moeller There is ample room for disagreement over how to reform Social Security. There should be no disagreement over adequately funding the agency to do its appointed job. Continue reading
Dec 08 How plans to repeal the Affordable Care Act could affect Medicare By Philip Moeller There continue to be loud drumbeats from Congressional Republican leaders that they will repeal the Affordable Care Act and also consider significant changes to Medicare and Medicaid. Continue reading
Nov 23 Column: Under a President Trump, Medicare reforms are a matter of when, not if By Philip Moeller Donald Trump's victory has put our entire health care system in play, if not up for grabs. Will Trump and a Republican Congress follow through on pledges to end the Affordable Care Act? How might ACA changes affect Medicare?… Continue reading
Nov 18 The surprising news about 2017 Medicare premiums and deductibles you may have missed By Philip Moeller Last week, as the shock and awe over Donald Trump's election victory continued to consume us, Medicare announced roughly 10 percent increases in 2017 rates for many Part B premiums and the program’s annual deductible. This is a very big… Continue reading
Nov 16 Column: Who’s paying the true cost of Medicare By Philip Moeller There is a myth that consumers have completely paid for their Medicare. Yet, our payroll taxes come nowhere close to paying for program expenses. Continue reading
Nov 02 Here’s how to find the Medicare Part D drug plan right for you By Philip Moeller For 2017 plans, active shopping may yield the greatest benefits in Medicare Part D prescription drug plans. Continue reading
Oct 26 Column: Questionable Social Security and Medicare policies put seniors in a bind By Philip Moeller Social Security announced last week that its annual cost of living adjustment would be a paltry three-tenths of 1 percent in 2017. This small increase is not only unfair to Social Security recipients, but will also trigger an absolute mess… Continue reading