A $0 monthly premium should be a clue Are there really any advantages to Medicare Advantage plans? Over 50% of retirees on Medicare have assigned their benefits to a private, for-profit health insurance company. I can assure you, these 32 million people have no idea what they’ve signed up for. But they think a zero-dollar monthly premium is a great advantage. But is a … [Read more...] about Is a Medicare Advantage Plan Right for You?
Social Security
2024 Medicare Part B Premiums Jump 5.9%
Adjust your monthly cash flow for higher Part B premiums and IRMAA On October 12, 2023, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced the rates for the 2024 Medicare Part B premiums. They also issued associated income-related monthly adjustment amounts—better known as IRMAA—for Medicare Parts B and D. And an assortment of other costs, copays, and … [Read more...] about 2024 Medicare Part B Premiums Jump 5.9%
Estimating Your Medicare Costs
Healthcare costs in retirement go way beyond “Medicare” Medicare. Medicare. What the heck? How can a program designed specifically to help our oldest Americans be so incredibly difficult to use? Why are there so many pieces and parts? What's with Medicare not covering all healthcare costs retiree need? And what drives those high Medicare costs? In short, how is it that … [Read more...] about Estimating Your Medicare Costs
The HSA-Medicare Connection (part 1)
When to stop HSA contributions before starting Medicare at 65 Have you been trying to figure out when to stop your contributions to an HSA? And why the rules are so hard to figure out? Not to mention, all the different information out there? What is going on? It’s important to realize there is a highly misunderstood HSA-Medicare connection. The rules are messy and … [Read more...] about The HSA-Medicare Connection (part 1)
Social Security is NOT Going Bankrupt (Again)
Around noon on Friday, March 30th, I was giving a presentation for the Financial Planning Association of New England. It was on one of my favorite topics: Social Security. The first question I asked the audience was “When is Social Security going bankrupt?” Most people said around 2034. That’s what pretty much everyone thinks. The problem is that’s not the answer. Social … [Read more...] about Social Security is NOT Going Bankrupt (Again)
