Feb 01 Should we raise the retirement age for Social Security and Medicare? By Philip Moeller Leading Republicans already have included such proposals in their evolving legislative packages. Journalist Philip Moeller looks at how the proposals would affect retirees. Continue reading
Jan 25 Column: Why is my Medicare Part B premium more than my husband’s? By Philip Moeller Why are Medicare Part B premiums different for a married couple if they have identical Medicare insurance plans? Journalist Phil Moeller explains. Continue reading
Jan 18 Care provider directories wrong nearly half the time in Medicare Advantage plan lists By Philip Moeller Most Medicare Advantage plans either prevent people from using providers not in their networks or charge them higher rates for out-of-network care. It’s thus very important that people review a plan’s network directory before enrolling in a plan. But what… Continue reading
Jan 10 Column: Social Security will reduce paper statements in 2017. Here’s why it shouldn’t By Philip Moeller The Social Security Administration just announced it would curtail sending paper statements to many people in order to save money. This is as bad an idea now as it was the last time the agency did this several years ago. Continue reading
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
Jan 02 5 things to know about the incoming Republican Congress By Donna Cassata, Associated Press On Tuesday at noon, members of the 115th Congress will be sworn in, with an emboldened GOP intent on unraveling eight years of President Barack Obama's Democratic agenda. 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 28 Growing number of Americans are retiring outside the U.S. By MARIA ZAMUDIO, for the Associated Press Just under 400,000 American retirees are now living abroad, according to the Social Security Administration. 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