Wednesday, July 23, 2025

Why More Seniors Are Seeking Therapy in Secret

Title: 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 ...
"

Reference: www.savingadvice.com






Wednesday, July 16, 2025

Social Security 2026 COLA estimated at 2.7%, but much of it will go to Medicare Part B

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.com
Uncle Sam Will Get His COLA Increase at the Expense of Your COLA (2026), Destruction of Retirees,Projections for 2026 COLA,Medicare Part B premiums,2026,






Tuesday, July 15, 2025

Social Security Watch | What is the average monthly benefit for a retired worker? (Jan. 2025)

Title: 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.gov
Social Security Watch, Social Security Average Monthly Benefit for Retired Worker (Jan. 2025),






Monday, July 14, 2025

USPS® In-Person Identity Proofing (When identity cannot be verified online for access to USPS services or services provided by participating federal agencies)

Article 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. ..."


Source: usps.com

[tag] USPS® In-Person Identity Proofing (When identity cannot be verified online for access to USPS services or services provided by participating federal agencies), [/tag]






Saturday, July 12, 2025

American Cruise Lines | Patriot Class Coastal Ships

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 cafĂ© 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. ...
"

Reference: www.americancruiselines.com






Monday, July 7, 2025

Who pays in what order if I have Medicare "Part A" and "Part B" and "Part G" and "FEP Blue Focus"

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. ...
"

Reference: The Federal Retirement News and Reference Source
Coordinating benefits between 1) Medicare 2) Medigap Plan G and 3) FEP Blue Focus,






Thursday, July 3, 2025

House passes Big Beautiful Bill Act, sending it to Trump after bruising struggle

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
The GOP-led House passed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act,Trump Wins,Trump Agenda,






$6,000 bonus deduction for older adults among key provisions ($2,000 for a single filer, $1,600 per qualifying spouse in a couple)

$6,000 bonus deduction for older adults among key provisions ($2,000 for a single filer, $1,600 per qualifying spouse in a couple)


'...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. ...'


Reference: www.aarp.org
Tags: $6000 bonus deduction for older adults among key provisions ($2000 for a single filer $1600 per qualifying spouse in a couple)