Title: Here's the Net Worth of the Average Retiree (How Do You Compare?)
Article Snip: "...When calculating your net worth, remember that it includes more than just the cash in your bank account.
Your home, pensions, investments, car, and other real estate play a major role in making up your net worth, including intangible objects like trademarks or patents. ..."
Article Snip: "...In a study by The Hartford Center for Mature Market Excellence and the MIT AgeLab, 59% of homeowners aged 50 and older reported that home maintenance has become more challenging for them over time. And that percentage rose to 69% for those ages 70 and older.
Moving to a retirement community could help alleviate the burden of home maintenance. You may find that..."
Title: Your Medicare Costs Are Set to Soar: What to Expect Over the Next Decade
Article Snip: "Medicare beneficiaries will face higher premiums, deductibles and surcharges starting in 2026...The 2025 Medicare Trustees Report projects a steady increase in Medicare Part B premiums and IRMAA surcharges over the next nine years. The projections are based on expected rises in healthcare costs, particularly for outpatient hospital services and physician-administered drugs. It's crucial for retirees and those approaching retirement to understand these projections for proper financial planning. ..."
Reference: www.kiplinger.comTitle: Study: Aspirin cuts colorectal cancer recurrence in half
Article Snip: "...The study included more than 3,500 patients with colon and rectal cancer from dozens of hospitals in Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Finland. Patients whose tumors showed a specific genetic mutation in the PIK3CA signaling pathway. The mutation, according to Medical Xpress, was found in approximately 40% of patients. Those patients were randomly chosen to receive either 160 mg of aspirin daily or a placebo for three years after surgery. ...For patients with the genetic mutation in PIK3, the risk of recurrence was reduced by 55% in those who received aspirin compared with the placebo group."
Reference: www.newsnationnow.comTitle: Plan Annual Notice of Change (ANOC)
Article Snip: "...What is it?
If you're in a Medicare plan, your plan will send you a "Plan Annual Notice of Change" (ANOC) each fall. The ANOC includes any changes in coverage, costs, and more that will be effective in January.
When should I get it?
September
Who sends it?
Your plan
What should I do if I get this notice?
Review any changes to decide whether the plan will continue to meet your needs in the next year.
If you don't get this important document, contact your plan.
..."
Title: Don’t ignore this upcoming Medicare update — it could be the most important message of the year
Article Snip: "...The Annual Notice of Change — sometimes called by its “ANOC” acronym — lays out how your costs and coverage will be different next year in your drug (Medicare Part D) or Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan, which is the alternative to original Medicare sold by health insurers. If you assume the 2026 plan will be identical to your 2025 plan, you’ll be wrong. ..."
Reference: www.marketwatch.comTitle: RSA completes construction on new statehouse with company busted for illegal immigrant labor
Article Snip: "Retirement Systems of Alabama CEO David Bronner still does not like President Donald Trump. ...He took particular issue with Trump's illegal immigration policy ...Bronner's remarks come as his operation is completing construction on a much-anticipated replacement for the Alabama Statehouse. However, one of the primary contractors under contract with RSA was the subject of an illegal immigration raid earlier this year. ..."
Reference: 1819news.comTitle: Heard of the ‘chill pill’? Meet Propranolol, the nerve-calmer everyone’s talking about
Article Snip: "...Let’s talk about the buzzy little heart med that’s making waves as the “Chill Pill.” Propranolol isn’t new, it’s a classic beta blocker, around since the 1960s and originally meant for heart issues, but lately, it's become the darling of anyone needing nerves to chill… fast. ..."
Reference: timesofindia.indiatimes.comTitle: UnitedHealth sees 78% of members in high-rated Medicare plans
Article Snip: "...The estimate of memberships in 4-star or higher-rated Medicare Advantage plans, which cover Americans aged 65 years or older, is consistent with the company's expectations and in line with historical performance, UnitedHealth said. ..."
Reference: www.reuters.comTitle: More Americans aging into retirement are still paying down mortgages
Article Snip: "The number of so-called cost-burdened older adults is at an all-time high. That means they are spending 30% or more of their income on housing, utilities, taxes and insurance. ...The mortgage debt story mirrors the broader trend toward more older adults entering retirement in debt. Debt repayments can hike financial stress and vulnerability, especially for those of modest means. The struggle to cover debts leaves them with less money for essentials like food, health and home maintenance — let alone fun. ..."
Reference: www.marketplace.orgTitle: Nearly half of people with diabetes don’t know they have it, new study finds
Article Snip: "...When was the last time you had your blood sugar checked? It might be worth looking into, a new study says.
Forty-four percent of people age 15 and older living with diabetes are undiagnosed...“Diagnosing diabetes early is important because it allows for timely management to prevent or delay long-term complications such as heart disease, kidney failure, nerve damage, and vision loss,” said Rita Kalyani, chief scientific and medical officer at the American Diabetes Association. She was not involved in the study."
Title: MSU study: What obituaries reveal about a life well-lived
Article Snip: "...What constitutes a life well-lived? A new Michigan State University-led study is turning to a common cultural artifact to find out: the obituary.
In the study, published in the journal the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, or PNAS, researchers from MSU, Boston College and Arizona State University analyzed 38 million obituaries from the U.S. spanning 30 years to examine what values people are most remembered for, how cultural events and time change how people are remembered, and how legacy reflections reinforce societal expectations of a life well-lived based on demographics. ..."
MORE READING: The desire to be remembered: A review and analysis of legacy motivations and behaviors.
Title: Dementia risk slashed with one common health intervention, study finds
Article Snip: "..Adults who wore hearing devices had 61% lower risk for incident all-cause dementia compared to untreated hearing loss. ..."
Reference: www.foxnews.comTitle: Retired Federal Employee ExFed T-Shirt
Title: Should you get original Medicare or an Advantage plan? Here’s what to know
Article Snip: "...Traditional Medicare, also known as original Medicare, covers inpatient care in hospitals, skilled nursing facilities care, hospice care and home health care, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. It also covers services from doctors, outpatient care, “durable medical equipment” such as wheelchairs and walkers, as well as preventive services such as screenings, an annual wellness visit and certain vaccines...."
Reference: www.miamiherald.comTitle: Does Medicare Part B Cover the Seasonal Flu Shot?
Article Snip: "...Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers the seasonal flu shot (or vaccine) once per flu season. ..."
Reference: www.medicare.govTitle: Flu season is coming, so when should you get a shot?
Article Snip: "...When is the best time to get vaccinated?
Influenza typically peaks in February in the U.S. The best months to get a flu shot are September, October and November. According to Cleveland Clinic, getting vaccinated during any of those months will allow your body to build up protective antibodies as flu season starts.
Will the flu shot be available around the country?
Yes, pharmacy chains like Walgreens and CVS Pharmacy have already begun offering flu shots for this year, along with grocers like Walmart and Kroger who offer them at their clinics.
Flu shots are covered by most health insurance plans. Some clinics across the country may offer the shot to people regardless of if they are insured or not.
You can also use the CDC’s flu vaccine finder to find a location near you to get your flu shot. ...Flu shots are covered by most health insurance plans. Some clinics across the country may offer the shot to people regardless of if they are insured or not.
"
Title: Cracker Barrel stock turns higher as Trump weighs in on logo furor
Article Snip: "...To distance the company from its rustic identity and appeal to a wider demographic, Cracker Barrel (NASDAQ:CBRL) embarked on a rebranding campaign, eliminating “old country store” and redesigning its logo to a more streamlined aesthetic that was roundly criticized by loyal customers...The idea was to celebrate the diversity of all our guests with a logo that represented our continued passion for pleasing people of all races, colors, and genders ..."
Reference: seekingalpha.comMore Reading: Uncle Herschel is back — but Cracker Barrel still has bigger problems to fix
Title: Mediterranean Diet Cuts Dementia-Linked Metabolites By 35% in APOE4 Carriers
Article Snip: "...Patients with 2 copies of the APOE4 gene—a major risk factor for Alzheimer disease (AD)—who ate a Mediterranean diet lowered their risk of dementia by 35%, according to study findings published in Nature Medicine...."
Reference: www.pharmacytimes.comArticle Snip: "...This gap highlights a harsh truth: many Americans are falling short of the savings needed to support a comfortable retirement. While Northwestern Mutual research suggests the average person believes they'll need around $1.26 million to retire comfortably, Fidelity reports the average 401(k) balance among those 70 and up is just $250,000. And according to Federal Reserve data, only 3.2% of all retirees have $1 million or more saved.
This is simply not enough for many seniors..."
Title: How to Plan for Aging in Place: Five Key Factors
Article Snip: "...Almost no one wants to live in a nursing home. But staying in your home as you grow older is more complicated than you may think. We ask the experts for advice. ..."
Reference: www.kiplinger.comTitle: FBI warns seniors about billion-dollar scam draining retirement funds, expert says AI driving it
Article Snip: "FBI warns three-phase scheme uses tech support, bank and government impostors to target elderly victims...In the first phase, a tech support impostor will contact victims through text, phone call or email, then direct them to download a program allowing the scammer remote access to their computer. ..."
Reference: www.foxnews.comTitle: Eating This Vegetable Could Lower Your Dementia Risk, According to Dietitians
Article Snip: "...While no single food can protect your brain on its own, dietitians agree that leafy greens like spinach deserve a spot on your plate.
Here’s why dietitians say spinach is the standout vegetable to help reduce your risk of dementia. ..."
Title: We Asked A BBQ Pitmaster How To Actually Grill The Perfect Chicken Breast
Article Snip: "...Shoults, owner of Bear Creek Smokehouse and Marshall Mercantile, told us the key to perfect chicken is prep. "Never skip marinating your chicken; the longer it soaks, the juicier and more tender the chicken will be -- it will be dripping with flavor," he explained. Of course, even after marinating, there's more to grilling chicken to perfection. "Try to..."
Reference: www.aol.comTitle: The Emotional Side of Retiring: Six Steps to Help You Move On
Article Snip: "...Getting mentally ready for retirement can be tough. The loss of your work identity, daily connections, and sense of purpose can make the transition difficult. Here are six steps to help you adjust. ..."
Reference: www.kiplinger.comTitle: Turmoil In Medicare Advantage Plans Continues
Article Snip: "... major sponsors of Advantage plans reported that their costs were higher than expected because of higher use of medical services and increased claims by plan members. CVS Health, Aetna and UnitedHealth Group announced disappointing earnings and saw their stock prices decline.
CMS also made tweaks to the regulations that resulted in lower payments or no payments to Advantage plan sponsors for some medical services.
Those factors did cause significant changes in Advantage plans for 2025. There were 6.6% fewer Medicare Advantage plans with prescription drug coverage available in 2025 than in 2024. UnitedHealth Group offered 5.4% fewer plans while Humana reduced its offerings by 2.5%. ..."
Title: Cracker Barrel lovers can check out new menu, logo
Article Snip: "The southern "country" style restaurant-store chain is introducing a new logo, and launching a new menu...The moves come amid Cracker Barrel's larger rebranding project, including remodeled restaurants. ...an aim to attract younger crowds ..."A swing and a miss. We eat here for a reason. I get what you tried. I don't want bright and open. I want grandma's house back."
More sarcstically, one user wrote: "Ok, I see what y'all did. Nice work. Now, undo it all and put it back like it was.""
Title: CVS Caremark ordered to pay $290M after Medicare fraud scheme exposed by former Aetna whistleblower
Article Snip: "...Philadelphia court triples damages after finding pharmacy benefit manager overcharged Medicare by $95M...A federal judge has ordered CVS Health’s pharmacy benefit manager, Caremark, to pay nearly $290 million after a whistleblower accused the business of overcharging Medicare on prescription drugs more than a decade ago.
Sarah Behnke, a former Aetna actuary, alleged Caremark defrauded Medicare Part D by causing false drug cost reports to be submitted in 2013 and 2014."
Title: Living on a Cruise Ship in Retirement: A Brilliant Hack or a Costly Mistake?
Article Snip: "...Forget images of Florida condos and Arizona golf courses—some retirees are trading traditional retirement for a permanent life at sea. But before you start packing your bags for shuffleboard, endless buffets, and permanent ocean views, you'll need to assess the financial reality of a cruise ship retirement. ..."
Reference: www.investopedia.comTitle: How Much the Average Upper-Class Retiree Spends Monthly at Age 70
Article Snip: "...Here’s a look at how much this demographic tends to spend in retirement, using data from the BLS, Fidelity, the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis and Corebridge Financial. ..."
Reference: finance.yahoo.comTitle: I Asked ChatGPT If Retirees Can Live on Social Security Alone — Here’s What It Said
Article Snip: "...Social Security was never intended to cover the entire cost of living in retirement, but in some situations, there are those who can make it work. Here’s what ChatGPT had to say about what Social Security covers, if it’s enough, and who is living on this income alone. ..."
Reference: finance.yahoo.comTitle: Social Security COLA 2026: How Much Will Payments Increase Next Year?
Article Snip: "A key gauge for inflation — the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (known as the CPI-W) — rose by 2.5 percent in July, compared with one year ago, according to Aug. 12 data from the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). ...A CPI-W of 2.5 percent for July suggests that Social Security recipients may see a modest bump in their Social Security payments starting in January 2026. “We’re likely to see a relatively historically normal COLA, maybe in the range of..."
Reference: www.aarp.orgTitle: What’s the average Social Security payment for August 2025? Plus: Changes for 2026
Article Snip: "...As of August 2025, the average monthly Social Security retirement benefit is $1,953.96, or about $23,450 per year, according to the Social Security Administration (SSA). But your actual payout can be higher or lower depending on when you claim and how much you earned.
Here’s a breakdown of average Social Security benefits by age and gender..."
Title: How Much Is Joe Biden’s Monthly Social Security Check?
Article Snip: "... Joe Biden has released his annual tax returns since 1998. His 2024 return is not released yet, but his 2023 joint federal tax return, with his wife Dr. Jill Biden, states that he received $42,842 in Social Security income. That works out to approximately $3,570 per month.
His wife received $21,412 in Social Security for the year of 2023. That works out to about $1,784 per month. The fact that this amount is almost exactly half of Joe Biden’s suggests that she is likely drawing spousal benefits since those are capped at 50%, according to the Social Security Administration. ..."
Title: Four Tax Changes Those Over 65 and Retirees Should Watch in 2025
Article Snip: "...This year brings key tax changes that could affect your retirement taxes and income. ..."
Reference: www.kiplinger.comTitle: Affordable dental insurance for CHAMPVA beneficiaries
Article Snip: "Covered dental care for qualified spouses & children...CHAMPVA doesn’t cover dental care costs unless that care is part of a treatment plan for a covered non-dental medical condition. VADIP helps fill that gap by offering CHAMPVA beneficiaries discounted private dental insurance. ..."
Reference: va.govTitle: How to Break Free From the 'One More Year' Trap and Actually Retire
Article Snip: "Despite having more than enough money to retire, some people simply cannot leave their jobs. ...Maybe you’ve saved plenty of money for a happy retirement. But, for any number of reasons — sense of identity, purpose, or social connection — you just can’t say goodbye to the office. For some, work can offer structure and status that retirement might not replace. For others, it’s about staying mentally sharp, avoiding boredom, or having a deep attachment to the job. Financial security doesn’t always address these emotional or psychological needs.
According to the Pew Research Center, while 66.9% of people aged 65 to 74 have left the workforce, only 17.1% of people aged 55 to 64 are retired. ..."
Article Snip: "...Life expectancy in the US hovers around 78.4 years — there’s a special group of people who surpass this mark with flying colors. The retirees, known as “SuperAgers,” exhibit the memory and cognitive abilities of people in middle age.
A new report out of Northwestern University reveals unique traits of SuperAger brains that appear to shield them from dementia. ..."
Title: CEO warns America faces generational workforce crisis as boomers reach retirement
Article Snip: "CEO advises skipping college for skilled trades as workforce ages out ...U.S. Census Bureau data indicates that the U.S. population is older today than it’s ever been, and the number of Americans aged 65 and older is projected to increase from 58 million in 2022 to 82 million by 2050. ..."
Reference: www.foxbusiness.comTitle: Five Super Foods for Your Heart | Every heart-healthy diet should include these foods
Article Snip: "...Blueberries
This "powerhouse" tops the list, says Kathleen Zelman, MPH, RD/LD, WebMD's director of nutrition.
And Lisa Hark, PhD, RD, says, "Blueberries are not only delicious but are also rich in antioxidants. ..."
Title: US plans to test Medicare, Medicaid coverage for weight-loss drugs, Washington Post reports
Article Snip: "...The Trump administration is considering a five-year pilot program to cover weight-loss drugs under Medicare and Medicaid, the Washington Post reported on Friday, citing documents from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The documents outline plans that would allow the government insurance programs to cover Novo Nordisk's ..."
Reference: www.reuters.comArticle Snip: "For most retired Americans, Social Security is more than just a monthly check. It represents a financial foundation that helps them make ends meet. ...CPI-W, shelter and medical care services inflation respectively hit 3.8% and 3.4% on a trailing-12-month basis, ended June 2025. As long as the prevailing rate of inflation for these two critical spending categories remains higher than the COLA beneficiaries receive, the purchasing power of a Social Security dollar seems destined to decline.
But this is just one of two ways retirees appear set to lose in 2026.
In addition to key expense categories rising at a brisk pace, the Medicare Part B premium is projected to soar ...
"
Title: Millions of Medicare beneficiaries are facing a rude awakening
Article Snip: "...For the first time in the program’s history, CMS rejected some standalone Part D plan bids, citing “unacceptable, significant increases in cost sharing or reductions in benefits.” The agency also extended its emergency Premium Stabilization Demonstration, which caps how much monthly premiums can rise, though the cap will increase to $50 in 2026 from $35 in 2025. ..."
Reference: www.thestreet.comTitle: I’m a Retirement Planner: 5 Best Money Tips for Supplementing Social Security
Article Snip: "...Retiring comfortably often means getting creative with your income sources. If you’re counting on Social Security, for many retirees that alone is not enough income to live on.
But how does one go about supplementing Social Security? ..."
Title: Where do older folks meet other people?
Article Snip: "...A Reddit discussion on where older people meet others..."
Reference: www.reddit.comTitle: Prenups and Retirement Planning: Saying "I Do" In Later Life
Article Snip: "...Prenups aren't a traditional part of retirement planning, but for the growing number of over-65s getting remarried, they're an essential financial tool. ..."
Reference: www.kiplinger.comTitle: Tariff Stimulus Checks Coming? New Proposal Seeks Tax Rebates for U.S. Workers
Article Snip: "...A new GOP bill proposes to send $600 in tariff rebate checks to eligible taxpayers. Is there a catch?...(tax rebates), funded through revenue collected from President Donald Trump’s tariffs on imported goods.
That is the promise behind the American Worker Rebate Act, introduced in 2025 by Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) and seemingly backed by Trump. ...Trump has also chimed in, saying,
Title: UnitedHealth dropping some Medicare Advantage plans, impacting 600K
Article Snip: "...the decision to exit certain Medicare Advantage plans during a second-quarter earnings call Tuesday, noting it would primarily affect members in “less managed products such as PPO offerings.”
Medicare Advantage plans are private health insurance plans approved by Medicare that provide an alternative way for people to receive their Medicare benefits. In 2024, more than half (54%) of eligible Medicare beneficiaries, about 32.8 million people, were enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. ...Insurers have seen a rise in expensive emergency room visits, and UnitedHealth leaders said that doctors are billing for more tests and services during those visits than they anticipated.
Insurance companies are also dealing with growing prescription drug costs, especially from expensive treatments for cancer and obesity, as well as gene therapy, The Associated Press noted."
Title: Social Security Administration backtracks on decision to end paper checks, reports say
Article Snip: "...The Social Security Administration will continue to send some paper checks to beneficiaries of the retirement program, reversing its recently announced plan to move all social security payments to electronic deposits beginning in the fall, according to media reports and Sen. Elizabeth Warren.
... SSA Commissioner Frank Bisignano agreed to continue to issuing paper checks for those who are unable to receive payments otherwise. ..."
Title: Ozzy Osbourne's rare form of Parkinson's sparks questions about lifestyle factors
Article Snip: "Combination of genetic variant and environmental factors may have contributed to disease progression, expert says...He and wife Sharon Osbourne revealed the rock star’s diagnosis of PRKN-2, a genetic condition typically defined as early-onset Parkinson’s disease that evolves more slowly. ..."
Reference: www.foxnews.comTitle: UnitedHealth says it is cooperating with DOJ investigation into Medicare billing practices
Article Snip: "...UnitedHealth Group revealed it is facing a Justice Department criminal and civil investigation over its Medicare billing practices, adding to a string of setbacks for a company that owns America’s largest and most powerful private insurer. ...DOJ interviewed several doctors about UnitedHealth’s practices and whether they felt pressured to submit claims for certain conditions that bolstered payments from the Medicare Advantage program to the company. ..."
Reference: www.cnbc.comTitle: Why More Seniors Are Seeking Therapy in Secret
Article Snip: "...Older adults face unique life transitions that younger generations rarely consider. The move from a structured work life to retirement, the loss of social circles, and the decline of physical health can all take a significant toll on mental health.
However, admitting the need for therapy can be difficult for seniors due to deeply ingrained beliefs about self-reliance. ...One of the leading reasons seniors turn to therapy is loneliness. According to studies, social isolation among older adults has reached alarming levels ..."
Title: Social Security 2026 COLA estimated at 2.7%, but much of it will go to Medicare Part B
Article Snip: "...A cost-of-living adjustment, or COLA, is meant to help Americans keep up with inflation so they can maintain their standard of living year to year. But the hikes are falling short, especially when Medicare premiums, alone, are rising at a faster clip, seniors say. That happened in 2025 and is set to do so again next year. ...Medicare Part B costs are rising several times faster than its average rate of increase in recent years. ..."
Reference: www.usatoday.comTitle: Social Security Watch | What is the average monthly benefit for a retired worker? (Jan. 2025)
Article Snip: "...The estimated average amount changes monthly. For example, the estimated average monthly Social Security retirement benefit for January 2025 is $1,976. ..."
Reference: www.ssa.govArticle Title: USPS® In-Person Identity Proofing
Snippet of Article: "...USPS® offers "In-Person Proofing" (IPP) for individuals registering to obtain access to USPS services or services provided by participating federal agencies. IPP allows registrants to securely verify their identities in-person when their identity cannot be verified online. ..."
Title: American Cruise Lines | Patriot Class Coastal Ships
Article Snip: "...American Cruise Lines is pleased to unveil our new Patriot Class of ships, launching in 2025 and 2026. While adhering to the same high standards as the rest of our fleet, this new class will have some remarkable features designed to further elevate your cruising experience. Built with a traditional bow shape and deeper draft, the new ships will have enhanced coastwise capabilities for journeys along the Eastern Seaboard, promising a comfortable cruising experience even in varying sea conditions.
Accommodating just 130 guests, across 69 staterooms and 5 decks, the Patriot Class ensures an exclusive and personalized journey. Like our other ships, this setting fosters a sense of community and connection among guests and allows our crew to provide the highest level of service. Each ship will showcase elegant interior design and spacious 100% private balcony accommodations, including a range of large standard staterooms, suites, and singles. The 4th deck will offer suite accommodations ranging from 420 to 620 square feet, extraordinary for ships of this size.
Guests can look forward to a variety of distinctive lounges, including an expansive Chesapeake Lounge for evening entertainment on the first deck and the Horizon Lounge located on the bow of the third deck, the perfect place to start your day with a cup coffee. But the most stunning new feature of the Patriot Class ships will be the reimagined Sky Lounge. The entire deckhouse on the fifth deck of the ship will be dedicated to the new lounge space, providing unprecedented panoramas from every seat. The top deck also includes a Sky Walk track that wraps around the perimeter of the ship providing stunning 360° views, comfortable lounge chairs that invite relaxation, and a casual café for a delightful al fresco dining option.
Experience the Patriot Class for yourself on our exciting itineraries from New England to the Florida Gulf Coast. ..."
Title: Who pays in what order if I have Medicare "Part A" and "Part B" and "Part G" and "FEP Blue Focus"
An AI Overview: "...In your situation, where you have Original Medicare (Parts A and B), a Medicare Supplement Plan G (Medigap Plan G), and FEP Blue Focus (Federal Employee Program), the coordination of benefits would typically work as follows:
Medicare Part A and Part B (Original Medicare): Medicare, specifically Parts A and B, is typically considered your primary coverage when you are retired. This means that when you receive covered healthcare services, your doctor will first submit the claim to Medicare. Medicare will then pay its approved amount for the service.
Medicare Supplement Plan G (Medigap Plan G): After Medicare pays its share, Medigap Plan G will step in as the secondary payer. Medigap plans are designed to help cover some of the out-of-pocket costs left by Original Medicare, such as coinsurance, copayments, and deductibles. Plan G is a popular Medigap plan that covers everything that Medicare Part A and B cover at 100%, except for the Part B deductible.
FEP Blue Focus: FEP Blue Focus would typically be the tertiary payer, meaning it pays third after Medicare and your Medigap Plan G have paid their portions. FEP Blue Focus coordinates with Medicare and can offer additional benefits not covered by Medicare alone.
Simplified Order of Payment:
Medicare Part A and Part B
Medicare Supplement Plan G
FEP Blue Focus
Important Considerations:
Active vs. Retired: The primary payer might differ depending on whether you are an active federal employee or retired. If you are still working, FEP is typically your primary coverage, but when you retire, Medicare generally becomes primary.
Show both ID cards: Always present both your Medicare and FEP member ID cards to your healthcare provider to ensure that your claims are processed correctly.
By coordinating benefits between Medicare, your Medigap Plan G, and FEP Blue Focus, you can maximize your coverage and minimize your out-of-pocket costs. ..."
Title: House passes Big Beautiful Bill Act, sending it to Trump after bruising struggle
Article Snip: "The GOP-led House passed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act... House Speaker Mike Johnson griped that he was “not happy with what the Senate did to our product.” ..."
Reference: nypost.com'...Americans ages 65 and older can claim an extra standard deduction ($2,000 for a single filer, $1,600 per qualifying spouse in a couple) on top of the standard deduction available to all taxpayers who don’t itemize. The reconciliation bill adds a 65-plus bonus deduction of $6,000, through the 2028 tax year. Join AARP’s Fight to Protect Older Americans. Unlike the standard deduction, older taxpayers can take this bonus deduction whether they itemize or not. ...'
Article Snip: "...AI Overview
No, the "Big, Beautiful Bill" does not eliminate taxes on Social Security benefits entirely, but it does include a temporary $4,000 increase to the standard deduction for those 65 and older. While this deduction may help offset some taxes on Social Security for some individuals, it falls short of President Trump's campaign promise to eliminate all taxes on Social Security benefits.
Here's a more detailed explanation:
Trump's Promise:
During the 2024 election, President Trump pledged to eliminate all income taxes on Social Security benefits.
The Bill's Provision:
The "One, Big, Beautiful Bill" (H.R. 1) includes a temporary $4,000 increase to the standard deduction for those 65 and older.
Impact of the Deduction:
This deduction would be in effect from 2025 to 2028 and could help reduce the tax burden on Social Security income for some, but it doesn't eliminate it completely.
Cost of Elimination:
Eliminating taxes on Social Security benefits entirely would be significantly more costly than the proposed $4,000 deduction.
Other Provisions:
The bill also includes provisions to make expiring tax cuts permanent, potentially impacting the overall tax burden for some seniors.
..."
Title: Medicare Premiums 2026: Projected IRMAA Brackets and Surcharges for Parts B and D
Article Snip: "...Will you have to pay the monthly Medicare premium surcharge next year? It depends. ...The IRMAA applies to all Medicare beneficiaries whose earnings are high enough to make them eligible, even those on Medicare Advantage. Additionally, if you have a Medicare Advantage plan that includes prescription drug coverage, the Part D IRMAA also applies. The IRMAA is calculated on a sliding scale with five income brackets, topping out at $500,000 and $750,000 for individual and joint filing, respectively. These figures change annually with inflation. IRMAA calculations have a two-year lag time. Whether you pay an IRMAA in a given year depends on your tax returns from two years ago."
Reference: www.kiplinger.comTitle: FERS Retirees Receiving the Special Retirement Supplement Annuity Must Report 2024 Earnings
Article Snip: "...Social Security is one of the three components of the FERS retirement. When a FERS employee retires before age 62 under the immediate retirement rules, the FERS employee will receive the first of lifetime FERS monthly annuity checks one or two months after the day the employee retires. The following table summarizes the several types of immediate retirement. ..."
Reference: stwserve.comTitle: Co-signing for a mortgage: The process, risks, and alternatives
Article Snip: "...A loan co-signer is someone who guarantees the debt of a primary borrower. The co-signer effectively takes responsibility for paying the home loan if the primary borrower doesn’t make payments or defaults.
However, being a co-signer does not mean gaining partial ownership of the property. This person is taking on all of the financial responsibility of the loan without receiving any rights to the home. ..."
Title: Nationwide finds Medicare myth on long-term care could cost Americans dearly
Article Snip: "...Based on its 2025 Nationwide Retirement Institute Long-Term Care survey, the insurance giant found 58% of adults believe Medicare will cover long-term care costs, despite the program offering only limited, short-term assistance. ...At-home care is a preferred option for many: 77% of respondents said they would rather age in place. But that may be easier said than done. More than four in 10 believe their current home is unsafe or inaccessible for older age, and nearly half say making the necessary retrofits to their residence would be unaffordable."
Reference: www.investmentnews.com