Aug 08 Opinion: The link between more seniors filing for bankruptcy and the unraveling social safety net By Philip Moeller Even as current support programs fall short of meeting retiree needs, Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid spending for older Americans is projected to take an ever-larger bite of total federal spending. Continue reading
Aug 01 Why families need to pay close attention to these revised nursing home ratings By Philip Moeller New ratings now reflect staffing levels based on objective payroll records and not on nursing homes’ self-assessment of staffing adequacy. Continue reading
Jul 25 Help! Constant care for my mom has created financial turmoil By Philip Moeller This problem perfectly explains why new Medicare rules to allow coverage of non-medical expenses are so important. Continue reading
Jul 20 Democrats wrestle with election-year message on health care By Alan Fram, Associated Press The bigger problem for Democrats is that two messages — fundamentally reshaping the nation's health care system versus defending Obama's popular law — divide the party as it tries grabbing control of Congress in this fall's elections. Continue reading
Jul 18 How do Medigap plans work? Here’s a tutorial By Philip Moeller A new report from the Kaiser Family Foundation offers a helpful look at these plans. Continue reading
Jul 12 What happens to your Social Security payments when one spouse dies By Philip Moeller When Social Security was created, family benefits did not drop off sharply when one spouse died because few women were in the workforce. But with the first baby boomers now age 72, the volume of very difficult survivor situations will… Continue reading
Jul 05 When should you file for Social Security if you have a young child? By Philip Moeller Realistically, money earned today is worth more than money earned in the future, writes Philip Moeller. Continue reading
Jun 29 My husband needs at-home health services. Where do I start? By Philip Moeller Medicare does cover at-home care services if they are prescribed by a physician or other licensed caregiver, but does not cover so-called custodial care. Continue reading
Jun 20 Column: This plan to add broad non-medical benefits to Medicare Advantage is a big deal. Here’s why By Philip Moeller Beginning next year, Medicare Advantage plans will be permitted for the first time to broadly cover non-medical expenses that can help Medicare enrollees improve their health. Continue reading
Jun 13 I live overseas but need surgery in the U.S. How do I make sure Medicare covers me? By Philip Moeller If you live abroad and have Medicare, here's what you'd need to qualify to use it. Continue reading