Oregon Retirees - Council 75

Social Security benefits are a crucial source of income for many retirees, and recent changes to the program have underscored the importance of maximizing those benefits. The most significant change in recent years is the increase in full retirement age, which means that workers must wait longer to receive their full retirement benefits. Additionally, changes to the formula used to calculate benefits have made it more challenging for some individuals to receive maximum benefits.  Strategies for maximizing benefits may include delaying retirement, taking advantage of spousal benefits, and being strategic about when to start claiming benefits. However, navigating these changes can be challenging, and individuals may benefit from seeking guidance from financial professionals or using online resources to help them make informed decisions.  To maximize your Social Security benefits, it is essential to understand how they are calculated and how your retirement age affects your benef...

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...

  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...

  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 exp...

  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 Me...