Q: I recently received a notice from Social Security that says I’ve been overpaid because I earned more than the allowable amount. I started benefits at age 62 after losing my job. I finally found a new one and I’ve b ...
Category: Issues
Ask The Advisor: July/August 2019
What Can Be Done to Address Social Security Cuts Experienced by Teachers? Q: A friend of mine who retired after 30 years of teaching recently learned that she will not be getting a Social Security widow’s benefit bas ...
Benefit Bulletin: July/August 2019
Rick Delaney, Chairman of the Board Proposal Would Make it Harder To Qualify For Medicare Savings Programs The Trump Administration has proposed a change that would make it harder for older adults with low incomes ...
How the Government Measures Inflation Can Mean Bad News For Your COLA
Mary Johnson, editor When it comes to the Social Security cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) many, if not most, of you say that you feel the government is cooking the inflation data. The COLA seldom seems to reflect ...
Three Family Members On Medicare Each With High Drug Costs
Out-of-pocket spending on prescription drugs was the fastest rising expense of retirees from 2000 to 2019, according to a recent study of retiree costs by TSCL. While the annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) increase ...
Social Security Benefits Lose 33% of Buying Power
Between October of 2018, and January 2019, consumer prices fell according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. On January 1, 2019, Social Security beneficiaries received a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) of 2.8 ...
H.R. 2787, CPI for Seniors Act
If adopted, H.R. 2787 would mandate the monthly formulation and publication of a consumer price index specifically for senior citizens for the purpose of establishing an accurate Social Security COLA for beneficiaries. ...
What Happens to Medicare Part B Premiums When There’s a Very Low COLA
Inflation data through April suggests that the annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2020 could be very low, perhaps 1.2%. Even though Social Security recipients received the highest COLA since 2012 this year —2.8 ...
Feds Shut Down $1.2 Billion Medicare Scheme — Finally
By Mary Johnson, editor For years I’ve been getting the same unwanted robo call. “Hello seniors!” a voice bellows. “Stand by to learn how you can receive a free back brace covered by Medicare.” This call is a sca ...
Specialty Drugs Under Medicare Part D Nearly Two Times Higher Than Under Medicaid
Prices charged for the category of drugs known as “specialty medications” are exploding so quickly that they’re now a key source of concern for both consumers and Congress. Specialty drugs include those used to treat ca ...