Oct 18 Why this Social Security boost is no boon for lower earners By Philip Moeller Millions of people receiving Social Security and Medicare will suffer next year from financial indigestion. Here's why. Continue reading
Oct 13 Social Security benefits to rise by 2 percent in 2018 By Stephen Ohlemacher, Associated Press WASHINGTON — Millions of Social Security recipients and other retirees will get a 2 percent increase in benefits next year. It’s the largest increase since 2012 but comes to only $25 a month for the average beneficiary. The Social Security… Continue reading
Oct 04 I’m 66 and I just lost my job. How do we maximize our Social Security? By Philip Moeller A reader needs to apply for Social Security benefits right now after losing his job at full retirement age. But what if he finds a new job?… Continue reading
Sep 20 Does Medicare make sense for seniors with employer health coverage? By Philip Moeller In the past, I usually told employees turning 65 that they did not have to get Medicare and could simply keep their employer plans. My thinking has changed. Continue reading
Sep 13 Standard Medigap plans are learning some new tricks By Philip Moeller If you are considering a certain Medigap letter plan, don’t assume that all such plans will offer the same features. Continue reading
Aug 30 Health care watchdog sends urgent alert on potential nursing home abuse By Philip Moeller The government’s health care watchdog office has issued an early alert in advance of its upcoming formal report on egregious abuses of patients at skilled nursing facilities. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General says… Continue reading
Aug 23 How do I get the Medicare coverage I want with the lowest out-of-pocket cost? By Philip Moeller If your overall objective here is to get the coverage you want with the lowest annual out-of-pocket expense, you can use Medicare's own online tools to get a good idea of available Part D drug plans and Medigap supplement plans. Continue reading
Aug 09 Social Security says I owe money for Medicare coverage I didn’t get. How do I appeal? By Philip Moeller A cautionary tale about how even the most straightforward Medicare applications can turn into nightmares. Continue reading
Aug 03 Watch 4:46 Tax reform is the next big GOP push. Here’s what to expect By PBS News Hour Republican leaders are starting to make decisions on how they will approach tax reform, an issue that's equally important as health care to Republicans, and one that's arguably even tougher to solve. Lisa Desjardins sits down with Judy Woodruff to… Continue watching
Aug 02 The fight over Obamacare is over — for now. What does that mean for seniors? By Philip Moeller Republicans are far from finished when it comes to trying to honor their seven-year-old pledge to do away with the Affordable Care Act. Continue reading