Mar 18 Senate, House GOP differ on savings approach to Medicare By Andrew Taylor, Associated Press WASHINGTON — Senate Republicans are putting down a marker with their budget blueprint, one day after the House GOP unveiled a 10-year plan that boosts the military, makes deep cuts in social programs and targets President Barack Obama's laws on… Continue reading
Mar 11 I can get my Social Security abroad, so why not my Medicare? By Philip Moeller If health care costs are lower in other countries, wouldn't Medicare save money by allowing beneficiaries to receive medical care overseas? Making Sen$e Medicare columnist Phil Moeller gets lots of questions from retirees hoping to receive Medicare abroad the same… Continue reading
Mar 09 Your relationship means nothing to Social Security unless you're married By Laurence Kotlikoff Marriage is the only way to validate a relationship before the Social Security Administration. Even if a couple has raised children together and one partner dies, Social Security does not consider the other partner eligible for the late partner's widow(er)'s… Continue reading
Mar 04 Why are my health insurance premiums going up and up? By Philip Moeller A reader's insurance agent says that everyone's premiums are going up. But the reader wonders if he could be spending less. Making Sen$e Medicare Maven Phil Moeller tells him what to look for. Continue reading
Mar 01 Dysfunction in Congress not limited to homeland security fight By Andrew Taylor, Associated Press Congress' dysfunction isn't limited to the struggle to keep a Cabinet department running without interruption. Continue reading
Feb 25 When your doctor is in-network one year and out the next By Philip Moeller Insurers are often under competitive pressure to change network providers from year-to-year. But those changes can catch customers, especially of Medicare Advantage plans, off guard. Continue reading
Feb 19 Q&A: How do you pay for long-term care? By Bonnie Lawrence, Family Caregiver Alliance Long-term care in the U.S. is confusing, there is no doubt about it, and trying to sort through the elements and options can be stressful. But there are some resources to help. Here’s a selection of frequently asked questions that… Continue reading
Feb 18 Look out for Medicare drug plans' bait-and-switch pricing tactics By Philip Moeller Many Medicare drug plans – both Part D and plans that are part of Medicare Advantage policies – offer very low premiums to get you in the door. But they have ways of shifting the costs back on to Medicare… Continue reading
Feb 11 Anthem hack is only tip of the iceberg for Medicare customers By Philip Moeller Making Sen$e Medicare Maven Philip Moeller weighs in on the Anthem hack, warning readers about subsequent online fraud efforts trying to convince Anthem customers to turn over more personal information. Continue reading
Feb 04 What's the most important cost to consider when picking a health plan? By Philip Moeller Don't make a health coverage decision with long-term consequences based on short-term conditions and costs, advises Making Sen$e Medicare Maven Phil Moeller. Continue reading