Saturday, December 21, 2024

SSA.gov | How do I sign up for Medicare?

Title: How do I sign up for Medicare?

Article Snip: "...If you already get Social Security benefits, you do not need to sign up for Medicare. We will automatically enroll you in Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) when you become eligible. We will mail you the information a few months before you become eligible.

Because you must pay a premium for Part B coverage, you can turn it down. However, if you decide to sign up for Part B later, your coverage can be delayed and you may have to pay a late enrollment penalty for as long as you have Part B coverage. Residents of Puerto Rico or foreign countries will NOT automatically receive Part B. They must elect this benefit.

If you don’t get Social Security benefits and are not ready to apply for them yet, you should sign up for Medicare three months before your 65th birthday. The easiest way to apply for Medicare is by using our online application or you can make an appointment by calling us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

For more information read our Medicare publication.

...
"

Reference: ssa.gov
How do I sign up for Medicare?






Tuesday, December 17, 2024

How a Decades Old Loophole Lets Billionaires Avoid Medicare Taxes

Title: How a Decades Old Loophole Lets Billionaires Avoid Medicare Taxes

Article Snip: "Most working Americans have to pay Medicare taxes, but some of the richest figures on Wall Street have found a way to opt out, a ProPublica investigation found. ...It’s so automatic for many workers that they may not even realize it takes a bite out of every paycheck. In theory, everyone is required to contribute to the country’s health insurance program for seniors, no matter how poor or rich, from cashiers to CEOs. Not on Wall Street. There, some of the most powerful people in finance found a way to opt out. The trove of tax records...these maneuvers by the rich hasten Medicare’s future crisis."

Reference: www.propublica.org
Wealthy vs. Working Class, Medicare Taxes for You But Not The Wealthy, Loopholes for the Wealthy But Not You, Destruction of the Social Security Retiree,






Thursday, December 12, 2024

Are you having trouble signing in with login.gov?

Title: Are you having trouble signing in with login.gov?

Article Snip: "...Forgot your login.gov password? Locked out of your account? We’ll help you resolve account access issues. ...
How to sign in to Login.gov
Forgot your password
Issues with face or touch unlock
"

Reference: www.login.gov
login.gov issues






Health | Scientists identify ultra-processed foods that fuel colon cancer and healthy alternatives that may offset the damage

Title: Scientists identify ultra-processed foods that fuel colon cancer and healthy alternatives that may offset the damage

Article Snip: "...Previous evidence has linked increased inflammation to diets high in processed food, such as chips, sausages, packaged desserts, and refined carbs. ..."Our bodies are designed to actively resolve inflammation through bioactive lipid compounds derived from the healthy fats, like avocados, that we consume." ..."

Reference: www.businessinsider.com
Colon Cancer,Health,Cancer Prevention,






Wednesday, December 11, 2024

Health | Risks and Complications of Breast Implants

Title: Risks and Complications of Breast Implants

Article Snip: "...The FDA has updated the Risks and Complications of Breast Implants, clarifying information about Implant Removal and adding ultrasound as an acceptable alternative imaging for screening for rupture for asymptomatic patients to Silicone Gel-Filled Implant Rupture. The FDA also added a new subsection entitled, Reports of Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC), Various Lymphomas other than BIA-ALCL, and Mesenchymal Tumors, including Sarcoma. ..."

Reference:www.fda.gov
Food and Drug Administration (FDA),Breast Implants (Risks and Complications),






Health | I’m a doctor — here are 4 simple ways to lower your risk of dementia

Title: I’m a doctor — here are 4 simple ways to lower your risk of dementia

Article Snip: "...All of our brains inevitably shrink with age — a change that is most accelerated and profound in the nearly 7 million Americans currently living with dementia. While there isn’t a way to reverse this loss in brain volume, we can potentially curb it by prioritizing our mental and physical health.

Dr. Arjun Masurkar, a cognitive neurologist and dementia specialist at NYU Langone Health, shared with us four major ways to maintain a healthy mind as we age. ...
"

Reference: nypost.com
Health,Dementia prevention/delay,






Tuesday, December 10, 2024

Medicare Log In | Sign In or Create a Medicare Account

Title: Medicare Log In | Sign In or Create a Medicare Account

Article Snip: "...Your secure Medicare account lets you access your information anytime. ...To get started, you'll need your red, white, and blue Medicare card. I don't have a Medicare card If you don't have your Medicare card, you can get your Medicare Number by logging in to your Social Security account. If you need more help, you can call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048. My Social Security Account"

Reference: www.medicare.gov
Medicare Log In, Sign In or Create a Medicare Account,






When can I sign up for Medicare? Get My Medicare Sign Up Date

Title: When can I sign up for Medicare?

Article Snip: "...Get My Medicare Sign Up Date. Answer a few questions here to find out

These questions don’t apply if you have End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). ...
"



Reference: www.medicare.gov
When can I sign up for Medicare?






Compare Original Medicare & Medicare Advantage

Title: Compare Original Medicare & Medicare Advantage

Article Snip: "...Consider these things when deciding between Original Medicare and a Medicare Advantage Plan for your health coverage..."

Reference: www.medicare.gov
Compare Original Medicare & Medicare Advantage






Get Started With Medicare | Your Medicare Card

Title: Get Started With Medicare | Your Medicare Card

Article Snip: "... Your card has a Medicare Number that’s unique to you — it’s not your Social Security Number. This helps protect your identity.

The card shows:

You have Medicare Part A (listed as HOSPITAL), Part B (listed as MEDICAL), or both.

The date your coverage begins.

Once you’re signed up for Medicare, we’ll mail you your Medicare card in your welcome packet. You can also log into (or create) your secure Medicare account to print your official Medicare card. ...
"



Reference: www.medicare.gov






Apply for Medicare Part D Extra Help program

Title: Apply for Medicare Part D Extra Help program

Article Snip: "...Medicare Part D provides drug coverage. The Extra Help program helps with the cost of your prescription drugs, like deductibles and copays. You can apply for Extra Help any time before or after you enroll in Part D. ..."

Reference: www.ssa.gov
Medicare Part D Extra Help program






Monday, December 9, 2024

Sports Record | Juan Soto agrees to largest and longest contract in Major League Baseball history

Title: Juan Soto Agrees to Record $765M, 15-Year Contract With Mets

Article Snip: "...Star outfielder Juan Soto and the New York Mets have agreed to a record $765 million, 15-year contract, a person familiar with the deal told The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the agreement, first reported by the New York Post, was subject to a successful physical. Soto's deal is the largest and longest in Major League Baseball history, topping Shohei Ohtani..."

Reference: www.newsmax.com






No, Fighting Wasteful Scams Isn’t ‘Cutting’ Medicare

Title: No, Fighting Wasteful Scams Isn’t ‘Cutting’ Medicare

Article Snip: "...The Medicare program does pay these Medicare Advantage plans targeted toward veterans slightly less, ostensibly to reflect the fact that veterans receive many health services from the VA. But the Journal examined one Humana plan for veterans that received 22 percent less than other Medicare Advantage plans in a given area, but whose participants had 38 percent fewer days in the hospital, and 63 percent fewer doctor visits and surgeries. In other words, even though Humana received less than other Medicare Advantage plans, it was still paid too much — which probably explains why Humana and other insurers are creating these plans targeted at veterans in the first place. ..."

Reference: thefederalist.com
Veterans vs. Medicare, Humana, Medicare Advantage plans,






Wednesday, November 27, 2024

Social Security Announces 2.5 Percent Benefit Increase for 2025

Title: Social Security Announces 2.5 Percent Benefit Increase for 2025

Article Snip: "...Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments for more than 72.5 million Americans will increase 2.5 percent in 2025, the Social Security Administration announced today. On average, Social Security retirement benefits will increase by about $50 per month starting in January. ...Over the last decade the COLA increase has averaged about 2.6 percent."

Reference: www.ssa.gov
Lower Than Average COLA increase, How is inflation so high but COLA is below average, Bankrupting of Social Security Recipients,






Tuesday, November 26, 2024

The ABCs of health care | Here are some terms to know this open season

Title: The ABCs of health care | Here are some terms to know this open season

Article Snip: "...To help USPS employees navigate their way through this year’s open season benefits enrollment period, here are some important definitions for sometimes confusing health insurance terminology: ..."

Reference: news.usps.com
ABCs of health care






Sunday, November 24, 2024

What’s the difference between an HMO and a PPO?

Title: What’s the difference between an HMO and a PPO?

Article Snip: "...The Postal Service wants employees to understand the four types of health plans available during this year’s open season.

The plan types are...
"

Reference: news.usps.com






Thursday, November 21, 2024

Here’s How Much Grocery Prices Have Increased for Retirees in Every State

Title: Here’s How Much Grocery Prices Have Increased for Retirees in Every State

Article Snip: "...GOBankingRates reviewed the 2013 and 2023 cost-of-living index for groceries to find the average national grocery expenditure cost for retired individuals. The Bureau of Labor Statistics CPI Inflation Calculator was then used...Alabama Grocery cost for 65+ in 2023 (using 2023 $): $7,830.20"

Reference: yahoo.com






Monday, November 18, 2024

Social Security Fairness Act Passes U.S. House, Heads for Senate Approval

Social Security Fairness Act Passes U.S. House, Heads for Senate Approval

Snippet of Article: "...The answer now lies in the U.S. Senate. On Tuesday, the Social Security Fairness Act (H.R. 82), which would repeal both the WEP and GPO that reduce or even eliminate Social Security benefits for millions of workers..."

Source: www.texasaft.org




Sunday, November 17, 2024

Everything You Can Try if You Can’t Hear Dialog in Movies and Shows

Title: Everything You Can Try if You Can’t Hear Dialog in Movies and Shows

Article Snip: "...Tweak these settings and stop missing out on what’s being said. ..."

Reference: www.wired.com
Health,Hearing,Tips for Retirement,






Wednesday, November 6, 2024

America Wins | Donald Trump wins 2024 presidential election, defying the odds again

Title: Donald Trump wins 2024 presidential election, defying the odds again

Article Snip: "Trump, 78, was on course for an Electoral College landslide over Vice President Kamala Harris after he reversed his 2020 losses in the crucial states of Georgia, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. ...“We’re going to help our country heal,” Trump added, “and it needs help very badly. We’re going to fix our borders … fix everything about our country.” ..."

Reference: nypost.com
The Party of Unity Wins (Republicans),Trump Wins, America Wins, Retirees Win with Trump, Popular Vote Win, Electoral College Winner (2024),






Tuesday, November 5, 2024

Wallethub | Best & Worst Places for Veterans to Live

Wallethub | Best & Worst Places for Veterans to Live

Title:

Article Snip: "...veteran homelessness is still a big problem, and there are over 33,000 homeless veterans. Some states offer better conditions for those who have served our country, though. To help military veterans find the best places in which to settle down, WalletHub compared the 100 largest U.S. cities across 19 key indicators of livability, affordability and veteran-friendliness. They range from the share of military skill-related jobs to veteran income growth to the availability of VA health facilities. ..."

Reference: wallethub.com






Trump Has the Best Plan of Action for Retirees | Eliminate taxes on Social Security benefits, Lower Taxes ...

Title: Donald Trump presidency could have pros and cons for retirees, according to financial observers.

Article Snip: "...

    Eliminate taxes on Social Security benefits
    Encourage lower interest rates
    Extend the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017
...
"

Reference: usnews.com
Trump Agenda,Trump is Best for Retired Americans, Retirees and the Positive Trump Agenda,






Monday, November 4, 2024

Amazon One Medical Healthcare Service (Prime Members Only)

Title: Amazon One Medical Healthcare Service

Article Snip: "...Taking care of your health has never been easier. Get 24/7 virtual care for common conditions with One Medical..."

Reference: health.amazon.com
Amazon One Medical Healthcare Service






Thursday, October 31, 2024

Get the New 'Medicare & You' Handbook for 2025 (PDF)

Title: Get the New 'Medicare & You' Handbook for 2025

Article Snip: "six ways Medicare will change next year, according to this official Medicare guide. ...The Medicare handbook has many formats

There are multiple formats of the "Medicare & You" handbook available for download. Whether English is your second language or if you suffer from impaired vision — you should be able to find one to suit your needs.

A large print edition can be found here, you can access an audio version here and you can download copies in e-book or Mobi formats here. A braille edition can be requested by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) and you can also make the request online through your Medicare.gov account. ...
"



Reference: www.kiplinger.com
'Medicare & You' Handbook for 2025






Monday, October 28, 2024

Trump Offers More Help 'Action' for Americans | Trump unveils new tax break for family caregivers at Madison Square Garden rally

Title: Donald Trump unveils new tax break for family caregivers at Madison Square Garden rally

Article Snip: "...Former President Donald Trump revealed a new tax break policy aimed at family caregivers at the start of his address to a packed Madison Square Garden Sunday night.

“I’m announcing a new policy today that I will support a tax credit for family caregivers who take care of a parent or a loved one...
"

Reference:nypost.com
Taxes,Trump Agenda, Tax break for family caregivers (Trump), Caregiver Tax Help (Trump),






Retired Americans Suffering on Social Security Income (SSI) During Four Years of Democrat Rule Want Trump To Help Them

Title: I’m a Retiree: 5 Reasons I Believe Voting for Trump Is What’s Best for Social Security

Article Snip: "...According to Drew, Trump comes across as the more credible candidate because she believes he follows through on his promises. “I personally trust Trump because he does what he says he will do; he will stop the taxation of Social Security..."

Reference: finance.yahoo.com
Trump is Best for Retired Americans, SSI Taxes, Social Security,






Saturday, October 26, 2024

Mapped: Retirement-Age Adults (65 and Older) Still Working By State

Title: Mapped: Retirement-Age Workers by U.S. State

Article Snip: "...More and more older adults in the U.S. are choosing to continue to work well into their retirement years.
br> Overall growth in the 65 and older population, higher cost of living, and various social factors have led to a growing share of older adults in the American workforce.

This map shows the percentage of U.S. adults 65 and older who are still working by state using figures from a LendingTree analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data....
"

Reference: www.visualcapitalist.com
Retirement-Age Adults (65 and Older) Still Working By State






Friday, October 25, 2024

Medicare coverage will change in 2025. Some boomers are already struggling to keep up with their medical bills.

Title: Medicare coverage will change in 2025. Some boomers are already struggling to keep up with their medical bills.

Article Snip: "...Many insurers are making significant changes in 2025. Deductibles and prescription drug costs will become more expensive for some Medicare recipients — and it could impact whether older Americans can afford healthcare. ..."

Reference: www.businessinsider.com
Medicare, 2025,






Bold Promise by Trump | Trump Says He Will Cut Energy Bills In ‘Half’ and End Damaging Sanctuary Cities

Title: Trump Says He Will Cut Energy Bills In ‘Half’ During Fox News Town Hall

Article Snip: "...“I’m making this pledge here,” Trump said. “But I have made it a couple of days before,” Trump teased. “Your energy bill, which is a very big bill, will be down 50 percent starting one year from Jan. 20.”...“We’re going to end all sanctuary cities in the United States, and we’re going to go back to normalcy,” Trump responded. “And we’re going to have law and order."

Reference: thefederalist.com
Jan. 2026 Your Energy Bill Will Be Cut in Half Under Trump, Trump Agenda,

Note: On this date (10/25/2024; 7:18 AM Central), Crude Oil WTI (NYM $/bbl) opened at $70.79






Monday, October 21, 2024

Thanks to Harris and Biden, The American Dream is Gone for Retirees and the Lower-Income Middle Class

Title: Achieving the American Dream has never been more expensive — and hefty price tag increased by $1M in just a year

Article Snip: "...The price of the American Dream now stands at $4.4 million — a mind-boggling $1 million more than what it cost just a year ago and $1 million more than what most individuals earn in a lifetime, according to Investopedia. ..."

Reference: finance.yahoo.com
The American Dream Has Been Stolen by Harris and Biden, Inflation, Destruction of Social Security,Destruction of the Working Class,






Compare the costs of Medigap plans in your area

Title: Compare the costs of Medigap plans in your area

Article Snip: "...In Original Medicare, you generally pay some of the costs for approved services. Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) is extra insurance you can buy from a private company to help pay your out-of-pocket costs that Original Medicare doesn’t cover...."

Reference: www.medicare.gov
Original Medicare, Compare the costs of Medigap plans in your area,






Saturday, October 19, 2024

Why do doctors not like Medicare Advantage plans?

Title: Why do doctors not like Medicare Advantage plans?

Article Snip: "...Many doctors and healthcare physicians don't like Medicare Advantage plans due to coverage restrictions, limited networking, and overpayment rates, which cause increasing difficulties for patients. Since pre-authorization and referral requirements often impede patients' needs, doctors refuse to accept these plans. ..."

Reference: silveredgeadvisors.com
Why do doctors not like Medicare Advantage plans?






What is Medicare Part B and why do I need it?

Title: What is Medicare Part B and why do I need it?

Article Snip: "...Part B helps cover medically necessary services like doctors' services, outpatient care, and other medical services that Part A doesn't cover. Part B also covers many preventive services. Part B coverage is your choice. However, you need to have Part B if you want to buy Part A. ..."

Reference: www.medicare.gov
Medicare Part B






Friday, October 11, 2024

Important: Lock Your Social Security Number Now! | Official U.S. Government E-verify Social Security Number Lock

everify Social Security Lock | Protect Yourself From The Foreign Invasion

Snippet of Article: "...Self Lock is the unique feature that lets you protect your identity in E-Verify and Self Check by placing a "lock" in E-Verify on your Social Security number (SSN). This helps prevent anyone else from using your SSN for an E-Verify case. If an employer enters your locked SSN in E-Verify to confirm employment authorization, it will result in an E-Verify Tentative Nonconfirmation (mismatch). With Self Lock, you are always in control...How to Use Self Lock

To access Self Lock, you must be logged in to your myE-Verify account.

To lock your SSN, you must select and answer three challenge questions. Select questions you can easily answer, because you will need to answer them again to verify your identity if you receive an E-Verify Tentative Nonconfirmation (mismatch) due to Self Lock.

If you are about to start a new job with an E-Verify employer, you should log into your account and unlock your SSN."

Source: www.e-verify.gov

www.e-verify.gov, myE-Verify account, Official U.S. Government E-verify Social Security Number Lock,




Friday, September 27, 2024

The US is mailing Americans free COVID tests again. Here’s how to get them

Title: The US is mailing Americans free COVID tests again. Here’s how to get them

Article Snip: "...reopened the program on Thursday, allowing any household to order up to four at-home COVID nasal swab kits through the website, covidtests.gov. The tests will begin shipping, via the United States Postal Service, as soon as next week. ..."

Reference: www.dailybreeze.com
free COVID tests






Saturday, September 21, 2024

Social Security COLA 2025: Retirees Should Be Prepared for Bad News and More Bad News

Title: Social Security COLA 2025: Retirees Should Be Prepared for Bad News and More Bad News

Article Snip: "...The Bureau of Labor Statistics will release September's CPI-W information in early October, and the SSA is expected to announce the COLA based on that data later in the month. Until then, we won't know exactly what the adjustment will look like. However, some experts are already making predictions, based on inflation data so far this year. Analysts at advocacy group The Senior Citizens League, for example, estimated in mid-September that the 2025 COLA will be 2.5%...."

Reference: www.fool.com
Destruction of Retirees,






Thursday, September 19, 2024

Trump promises to halt taxes on Social Security; cites 'inflation nightmare' for seniors

Title: Trump promises to halt taxes on Social Security; cites 'inflation nightmare' for seniors

Article Snip: "..."To help seniors on fixed incomes who are suffering the ravages of Comrade Kamala Harris' inflation nightmare — I'm promising NO TAX on SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS!" he wrote on X. ..."

Reference: www.foxbusiness.com
Social Security Taxes, Trump promises to halt taxes on Social Security,






Thursday, September 12, 2024

Spanberger, Graves File Discharge Petition for Social Security Fairness Act, Push to Force U.S. House Vote on Bipartisan Bill to Eliminate WEP & GPO

Title: Spanberger, Graves File Discharge Petition for Social Security Fairness Act, Push to Force U.S. House Vote on Bipartisan Bill to Eliminate WEP & GPO

Article Snip: "...U.S. Representatives Abigail Spanberger (D-VA-07) and Garret Graves (R-LA-06) today officially filed a discharge petition and are building support to force a vote in the U.S. House of Representatives on their bipartisan legislation to eliminate the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO).

Spanberger and Graves filed a discharge petition to force a vote on the U.S. House floor on their bipartisan Social Security Fairness Act. The legislation would eliminate both the WEP and the GPO, two provisions added to the Social Security Act in 1983 that unfairly reduce or eliminate Social Security benefits for millions of Americans who have devoted much of their careers to public service — including federal employees...
"

Reference: spanberger.house.gov
Windfall Elimination Provision,






Tuesday, September 10, 2024

Did you know FSAs can help pay for these items?

Title: Did you know FSAs can help pay for these items?

Article Snip: "The special spending accounts cover the costs of many products and services...A dependent care FSA can be used for child care, before- and after-school care and day care.

The IRS determines which expenses can be reimbursed by an FSA.

The FSAFEDS website has a complete list of products and services that are eligible for reimbursement under an FSA. ...

"

Reference: usps.com
FSA, List of products and services that are eligible for reimbursement under an FSA,






Monday, September 9, 2024

Health | 'Night Owls' More Likely to Develop Type 2 Diabetes

Title: 'Night Owls' More Likely to Develop Type 2 Diabetes

Article Snip: "...Folks who like to stay up late are nearly 50% more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes than those who go to bed earlier, a new study finds.

However, it’s not just because they have an unhealthy lifestyle, according to findings presented...

night owls might be able to improve their health by altering the timing of meals, van der Velde said.
"

Reference: www.newsmax.com
Type 2 Diabetes, Night Owls,Health,






Tuesday, September 3, 2024

Health | This metabolic brain boost revives memory in Alzheimer’s mice

Title: This metabolic brain boost revives memory in Alzheimer’s mice

Article Snip: "...The finding, published in the journal Science, suggests that it may eventually be possible to reverse some symptoms of Alzheimer’s in people, using drugs that boost brain metabolism. ..."

Reference: www.npr.org
Health,Alzheimers,






Friday, August 30, 2024

If You Hate America, Do Nothing Kamala Harris is Your Gang Loving, Pro-Illegal, America Hating Next President to Rep Your Values

Title: Armed Gangs of Illegal Aliens Taking Over Aurora, CO Apartment Buildings - and Nothing Is Being Done

Article Snip: "...In Aurora, Colorado, armed criminal gangs are taking over apartment buildings. The gangs are charging rent on the apartments they have seized; they are selling drugs and, according to accounts from displaced residences, engaged in sex trafficking. And the local authorities seem unable, or unwilling, to do anything about it. ... Potential gang activity was caught on surveillance camera in a Colorado apartment building after what one former resident calls "no accountability" kept law enforcement from assisting."

Reference: redstate.com
Armed Gangs Take Over America With Kamala 'Do Nothing' Harris Turning a Biased-Blind Eye to Garner Votes of Illegals,Destruction of America,






Sunday, August 25, 2024

Here is the true value of having a fully paid-off home in America — especially when you're heading into retirement

Title: Here is the true value of having a fully paid-off home in America — especially when you're heading into retirement

Article Snip: "...analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data, Bloomberg found the number of Americans in this category jumped between 2012 and 2022 by 5 percentage points to just shy of 40%. Moreover, Bloomberg reports that more than half of these owners have reached retirement age. So if you’re fortunate enough to be mortgage-free and headed towards retirement, chances are you have a lot going for you financially. For starters, the worth of your home, should you choose to sell it, represents 100% equity. ..."

Reference: moneywise.com






National Public Data Hack Exposes Millions: Essential Steps to Safeguard Your Identity and Combat Fraud

Title: National Public Data Hack Exposes Millions: Essential Steps to Safeguard Your Identity and Combat Fraud

Article Snip: "...The recent massive data breach at National Public Data (NPD), a background check company, has potentially compromised the personal information of millions, if not billions, of individuals, including their Social Security numbers, dates of birth, phone numbers, current and past addresses, the names of siblings and parents, and other information. The hacker responsible for the compromise claims the stolen files include 2.7 billion records. ..."

Reference: www.foley.com
Social Security Number Breach, Safeguard Your Identity,Identity Theft,






Thursday, August 22, 2024

Social Security COLA Increase for 2025 Could Be the Lowest in Four Years

Title: Social Security COLA Increase for 2025 Could Be the Lowest in Four Years

Article Snip: "...Don’t expect a substantial cost of living amount (COLA) increase in your Social Security checks in 2025. The latest estimates put the COLA at 2.6%, according to the non-profit Senior Citizens League, down from 2.7% in July and 3.2% last year. The drop reflects the easing of inflationary pressures. ... While a lower inflation rate should lead to a smaller increase in prices, it does nothing to lower current prices for groceries, utilities or housing that many are struggling to meet. Changes to the COLA are based on the CPI-W, which is a measure of price changes for a selection of goods and services ..."

Reference: www.kiplinger.com






7 Statin Alternatives You Can Take to Help Lower Your Cholesterol - goodrx

Title: 7 Statin Alternatives You Can Take to Help Lower Your Cholesterol

Article Snip: "...Statins, such as atorvastatin (Lipitor), are first-choice medications for treating high cholesterol. But they’re not the right medication for everybody.

Along with a heart-healthy diet and regular exercise, statin alternatives such as ezetimibe (Zetia) can be taken with or without statins to help you meet your cholesterol goals. Other options include fibrates like gemfibrozil (Lopid), ATP citrate lyase (ACL) inhibitors like bempedoic acid (Nexletol), and more.

Natural and over-the-counter medications, like fish oil supplements, may also help ...

"

Reference: www.goodrx.com






Are Statins Dangerous? Statin side effects: Weigh the benefits and risks - Mayo

Title: Statin side effects: Weigh the benefits and risks - Mayo

Article Snip: "...While statins are highly effective and safe for most people, they have been linked to muscle pain, digestive problems and mental fuzziness in some people. Rarely, they may cause liver damage. If you think you're experiencing side effects from taking statins, don't just stop taking the pills. ...Statins are effective at lowering cholesterol and protecting against a heart attack and stroke, although they may lead to side effects for some people. ... If you think you're experiencing side effects from taking statins, don't just stop taking the pills. Talk to your health care team to see if a change in how much medicine you take or even a different type of medicine might be helpful."

Reference: www.mayoclinic.org






NAACP is a Registered Lobbyist for Pharmaceutical Giant Novo Nordisk (Lobbying for Ozempic and Wegovy)

Title: Wegovy works. But here's what happens if you can't afford to keep taking the drug

Article Snip: "...insurance coverage is very spotty. Medicare does not cover Wegovy or other weight loss drugs, and many insurers follow Medicare's lead. Increasingly, there's pressure to change this. As STAT reported last week, the Moffitt Cancer Center in Florida is lobbying for legislation that would allow Medicare to pay for obesity drugs, citing the link between obesity and cancer risk. The NAACP is also registered to lobby on this issue. ..."

Reference: www.npr.org






Health Watch | Drugmaker Novo Nordisk Ozempic and Wegovy Maker Courts Black Leaders to get Medicare's Federal Funding Favor

Title:

Article Snip: "...Pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk has turned to influential Black Americans in pursuit of what would be a lucrative victory: having Medicare cover a new class of weight loss drugs, including the company's highly sought Wegovy, which can cost patients more than $1,000 a month. During a conference of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation last fall — a jampacked gathering featuring prominent Black lawmakers and President Joe Biden — Novo Nordisk sponsored a..."

Reference: www.npr.org
Novo Nordisk is trying to reverse a 20-year-old ban on coverage of drugs used for weight loss under Medicare, Dangerous Drugs, How Many Drugs Does Your Drug-Pusher Doctor Have You On Now, Duping Americans for Profit, Congressional Black Caucus (Primarily Democrat lawmakers on Capitol Hill),






Health Watch | Up to 1 in 20 new users of Ozempic and other GLP-1s may develop stomach paralysis

Title: Ozempic and Stomach Paralysis - WebMD

Article Snip: "...While the slowing down of the digestive system is necessary for Ozempic and these other drugs to work, if it slows down too much, you can get a serious problem: stomach paralysis. What Is Stomach Paralysis? When food enters a healthy stomach that’s working as it should, the stomach...Here’s what to look out for:"

Reference: www.webmd.com/






Monday, August 19, 2024

Social Security | Why It’s Important to Tell Us About Changes When You Get Social Security Benefits

Title: Social Security | Why It’s Important to Tell Us About Changes When You Get Social Security Benefits

Article Snip: "...If you receive Social Security, you can help to make sure we pay you the right benefit each month. You can do that by telling us about relationship or other life changes that could affect your eligibility for retirement, survivors, or disability benefits – or your benefit amount. You and your family may miss out..."

Reference: ssa.gov






Saturday, August 10, 2024

Seven Lessons for New Retirees

Title: Seven Lessons for New Retirees

Article Snip: "...The former editor of Kiplinger Personal Finance shares key financial takeaways from his first year of retirement. ..."

Reference: www.kiplinger.com






Thursday, August 8, 2024

Huntsville, Alabama | This Alabama city might be 'South's best-kept secret destination'

Title: This Alabama city might be 'South's best-kept secret destination'

Article Snip: "... One Alabama city is getting some love from Forbes.com for being possibly “The South’s Best-Kept Secret Destination,” and it’s a lot farther from the beach than you might guess.

The new article at Forbes.com depicts Huntsville as a “charming Southern city [that] doesn’t usually top travel lists” but says “that’s part of what makes it so fascinating.” ...

"

Reference: www.al.com
The South’s Best-Kept Secret Destination,