Retirees Being Destroyed | Social Security's 2026 Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) Is Shaping Up to Be a Lose-Lose Scenario for Retirees

Title: Social Security's 2026 Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) Is Shaping Up to Be a Lose-Lose Scenario for Retirees

Article 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 ...

"

Reference: www.fool.com

---

---

Millions of Medicare beneficiaries are facing a rude awakening

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.com
Medicare, Part D,

---

---

I’m a Retirement Planner: 5 Best Money Tips for Supplementing Social Security

Title: 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? ..."

Reference: www.gobankingrates.com
Supplementing Social Security, Social Security,

---

---

Where do older folks meet other people?

Title: Where do older folks meet other people?

Article Snip: "...A Reddit discussion on where older people meet others..."

Reference: www.reddit.com
Where do older folks meet other people?, Motorcycling, Church, Senior singles, Senior Centers, Online Senior Dating/Meeting, Bars, YMCA, Gym, College, Botanical Gardens, Dancing, Sports, Friends, Family, Museums, Hobbies, Shooting Ranges, Smiling, Craft Stores, eHarmony, Match.com, SilverSingles, OurTime, Cook Me Biscuits and Gravy, Make eye contact, Loyalty, Honesty, Art Workshops, Doing What You Like To Do, Enjoy Being Single, Volunteer, Bingo, Make the First Move,

---

---

Prenups and Retirement Planning: Saying "I Do" In Later Life

Title: 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.com
Prenups and Retirement Planning

---

---

Tariff Stimulus Checks Coming? New Proposal Seeks Tax Rebates for U.S. Workers

Title: 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, "

Reference: www.kiplinger.com
Tariff Rebate Checks PROPOSAL, American Worker Rebate Act, Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.),

---

---

UnitedHealth dropping some Medicare Advantage plans, impacting 600K

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."

Reference: www.newsnationnow.com
Medicare Advantage, UnitedHealth,

---

---

Social Security Administration backtracks on decision to end paper checks, reports say

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. ..."

Reference: www.yahoo.com
Social Security Administration to Continue Paper Checks,

---

---

Health | Ozzy Osbourne's rare form of Parkinson's sparks questions about lifestyle factors

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.com
PRKN-2 , Early-onset Parkinson’s disease, Parkinson's Disease,

---

---

UnitedHealth says it is cooperating with DOJ investigation into Medicare billing practices

Title: 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.com
Justice Department criminal and civil investigation (UnitedHealth Group),UnitedHealth,Medicare, Medicare billing Practices,

---

---

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

---

---

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,

---

---

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),

---

---

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]

---

---

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 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. ..."

Reference: www.americancruiselines.com

---

---

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,

---

---

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)

'...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)

---

---

Does the Big, Beautiful Bill End Taxes on Social Security? NO! It Provides a Heavily Reduced Solution

Note From The Federal Retirement News:
Firstly, we feel Mr. Trump and his administration is doing a great job. However, he, his administration, as well as conservative-leaning media is manipulating and in some cases outright lying, stating that The Big, Beautiful Bill 'ends taxes on Social Security' which it absolutely does not. It offers an increase in the Standard Deduction that will help seniors, yet is also only temporary. With that being said, it only goes to prove, you cannot trust everything you read or hear from ANY side of politics. You, as an individual must take the time to research ALL THINGS. Additionally, do not just regurgitate what you hear or read. If you do, you will only make a fool of yourself to those that do educate themselves appropriately. Don't be sheep!

Title: Does the Big, Beautiful Bill End Taxes on Social Security? NO! It Provides a Heavily Reduced Solution

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.
..."

Reference: AI Overview From Google Search via federalretirementnews.blogspot.com
Does the Big Beautiful Bill End Taxes on Social Security? NO! It Provides a Heavily Reduced Solution,

---

---

Medicare Premiums 2026: Projected IRMAA Brackets and Surcharges for Parts B and D

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.com
Medicare Premiums 2026: Projected IRMAA Brackets and Surcharges for Parts B and D

---

---