Oregon Retirees - Council 75

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Myths About Social Security and Medicare

Social Security and Medicare are two essential programs in the United States that provide financial and healthcare benefits to millions of Americans. However, there are many misconceptions about these programs that can lead to confusion and misunderstandings. In this blog post, we will debunk some of the most common myths about Social Security and Medicare. Myth #1: Social Security is going bankrupt soon This is a widespread myth, but it is not entirely accurate. The truth is that the Social Security Trust Fund is projected to run out of money in 2034, according to the Social Security Administration (SSA). However, even if the Trust Fund were to run out of money, Social Security benefits would not disappear altogether. Instead, the SSA would still be able to pay out approximately 76% of scheduled benefits from ongoing payroll taxes. To ensure the long-term sustainability of Social Security, lawmakers need to make adjustments to the program. This may involve increasing the payro

Medicare Advantage vs. Original Medicare: Which is Right for You?

When it comes to choosing a Medicare plan, the decision between Medicare Advantage and Original Medicare can be confusing. Both plans offer benefits, but the way they work and what they cover can be very different. Here's what you need to know to make an informed decision. Original Medicare Original Medicare is a government-run health insurance program for those 65 years of age and older, and for those under 65 with certain disabilities or chronic conditions. It has two parts: Part A and Part B. Part A covers hospital stays, hospice care, and skilled nursing facility care. Part B covers doctor's visits, outpatient services, and preventive care. You can also add a prescription drug plan (Part D) to Original Medicare. With Original Medicare, you can see any doctor or specialist who accepts Medicare. You'll pay a monthly premium for Part B, and you may have to pay deductibles and coinsurance for some services. Medicare Advantage Medicare Advantage, also known a

Is Social Security At Risk?

Republicans in congress are proposing changes to social security that could affect the lives of virtually every person living in the US, whether you are currently working and paying into social security or you are retired and an enjoying your hard earned benefits. The program could be under attack in several ways. Social Security is a critical part of the retirement plans of millions of Americans. The program provides a source of income to retired individuals, disabled workers, and the dependents of deceased workers. However, the future of Social Security is uncertain, and changes to the program could affect your retirement. In this blog post, we will explore some potential changes to Social Security and how they could impact your retirement. One potential change to Social Security is an increase in the retirement age. Currently, the full retirement age (FRA) is 66 for those born between 1943 and 1954, and it gradually increases to 67 for those born in 1960 or later. Some experts

What Is Medicare Part D?

Medicare Part D is a prescription drug program offered by the United States government through the Medicare program. This program provides prescription drug coverage to beneficiaries enrolled in Medicare who have either Part A or Part B. Medicare Part D was established by the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 and became effective on January 1, 2006. The Medicare Part D program is administered by private insurance companies that have contracted with Medicare. These insurance companies are known as Part D sponsors. Each Part D sponsor offers a variety of plans with different premiums, deductibles, copayments, and formularies (lists of covered drugs). Beneficiaries can choose the plan that best suits their needs. Medicare Part D plans are offered in two ways: as a stand-alone prescription drug plan (PDP) or as part of a Medicare Advantage plan (MA-PD). Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurance companies that contract with Medica

Is It OK To Miss Work?

When I was working, pretty much everyone over the age of 50 talked incessantly about their pending retirement. It got to the point where I would cut people off and ask them to stop talking about it. It's one thing to be not fully in the present and anticipate the future. It means a certain loss of focus and appreciation on the moment that we have, and by missing that moment we lose the opportunity to ever experience it again. The future holds other moments but, if we keep looking past them, our life becomes a stream of discontent. I know that we all do this to some degree at some times in our lives. But the focus on retirement for so many people seemed to border on the obsessive. To look forward to not working seems to be the ultimate American dream. And to express doubts about the benefits of not working, the joys it will bring, seems a sort of betrayal to the promise of America that we grew up with. I've always seen our culture as a weird hybrid between a relentless Calvinis

How To Apply For Social Security

If you are approaching retirement age, you should know your rights and have thought through your options before you sign up to collect your hard earned social security benefit. A great way to learn about social security benefits is to access the federal government ’s social security website. The first page is titled “ Learn .” On it you can find information about: How retirement benefits work How to plan for retirement Determining your eligibility for social security Verifying your earnings history Estimating your expected benefit Determining at what age to start collecting your benefit The second section of the website describes how to apply for benefits. Topics include: Information you need to gather before you apply How to apply How far in advance you may apply Applying online Applying at a local office Applying by phone How to check you application status after you have applied How to appeal a decision How to withdraw your application The final section of the website is on manag