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 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 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
Jun 06 What do non-married couples need to know about getting Medicare? By Philip Moeller The right to the spousal exemption from getting Medicare does not apply to non-married couples. Continue reading
May 16 I am about to get divorced. What do I need to know about Social Security benefits? By Philip Moeller To be entitled to this large a benefit, you must wait until your own full retirement age to claim it. If you are strapped for funds and simply cannot wait, do this. Continue reading
May 06 Watch 11:57 How work requirements for social security programs impact people in need By Sam Weber, Connie Kargbo President Donald Trump signed an executive order last month pushing certain work requirements for access to social security programs like Medicaid. But lawmakers in Maine, which requires individuals work at least 20 hours a week to qualify for more than… Continue watching
May 02 I work and collect Social Security. Can I boost my benefits? Social Security bases your benefits on your highest 35 years of wage earnings. The effect of any single year’s higher earnings will be modest. Continue reading