Article Snip: "AI Overview
Yes, health care is included in the CPI-W (Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers), but it does not directly track 20%+ increases in total insurance premiums. The CPI measures only the
out-of-pocket portion of premiums, and its health insurance component tracks insurers' retained earnings (overhead/profit) rather than the full premium cost.
Why CPI-W Doesn't Surge with Premium Hikes:
Retained Earnings Focus: The CPI-W calculates the cost of insurance based on premiums minus claims paid (what the insurer keeps). If premiums go up 20% but insurer claims payouts also increase, the measured retained earnings—and thus the CPI—might only show a small increase or even a decrease.
Lagging Data: The health insurance CPI is heavily lagged, often reflecting insurer margins from one or two years prior.
Out-of-Pocket Focus: The index largely ignores premiums paid by employers (the majority of worker coverage).
Utilization Normalization: Pandemic-era fluctuations showed that when people went back to the doctor (normalizing care), the insurance index dropped, despite premium increases.
Consequently, while consumers feel the brunt of higher premiums immediately, the Bureau of Labor Statistics CPI Health Care component may not show it until much later, or at all. "
Thursday, March 19, 2026
The Government Sham to Rape the Elderly Relating to CPI-W While Enriching Corporations
Tuesday, March 17, 2026
Fed’s March Meeting Could Offer Early Clues on 2027 Social Security COLA
Title: Fed’s March Meeting Could Offer Early Clues on 2027 Social Security COLA
Article Snip: "...Millions of Americans who rely on Social Security are closely watching the Federal Reserve’s policy meeting on March 18. The discussion on inflation and interest rates could provide early signals about cost-of-living adjustments (COLA). However, the central bank does not determine benefit increases.
The annual COLA is judged by the inflation data later in the year. But people can gauge what it may be through the Federal Reserve’s signals. ..."
Monday, March 16, 2026
Advertisement for Book on Amazon | The Seven Surprises of Federal Retirement: Your Guide to Overcoming the Panic, Stress and Anxiety of Federal Retirement
If you're feeling unsure and frustrated, you're not alone. Elizabeth Inman knows exactly what you're going through – as a fellow FERS retiree, she's been there herself.
After 24 years of federal service, Elizabeth retired through the Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS), but found herself unprepared for the decisions..."
Reference: Amazon
Do You Believe You Can't Retire? You Need to Read This
Title: Do You Believe You Can't Retire? You Need to Read This
Article Snip: "...Americans often delay or redefine retirement not because they enjoy working more, but because they have a lack of clarity and confidence in their financial plan. Here's how..."
Reference: www.kiplinger.comHealth Watch | Can taking a daily multivitamin slow down aging? Here's what a new study found
Title: Can taking a daily multivitamin slow down aging? Here's what a new study found
Article Snip: "...For years now, experts have been saying that multivitamins that contain A, C, D, E and B, along with minerals like zinc, selenium and calcium had little evidence to support its use. Now researchers are changing their tune.
"Multivitamins aren't really magic pills, but they may be a simple way to support healthy aging," he said. ...The trial involved nearly 1,000 older adults taking Centrum Silver." Reference: abc7.com
Thursday, March 12, 2026
Brianna Chickenfry issues harsh warning to Ozempic users: ‘You’re all gonna die’
Title: Brianna Chickenfry issues harsh warning to Ozempic users: ‘You’re all gonna die’
Article Snip: "...“No tea, no shade, no hate, just some field research,” the influencer, 26, began in a Tuesday TikTok video. “Every single bitch I know is on Ozempic. People that do not need Ozempic. It’s like if I did Ozempic. Could I lose a couple? Surely. Do I need Ozempic? No!”
LaPaglia had an urgent warning for those who use the drug without cause: “You’re gonna die. You’re all gonna die.”
Ozempic is a GLP-1 injection used to treat Type 2 diabetes. However, it is widely prescribed for weight loss. ..."
Tuesday, March 10, 2026
OPM | Essential Forms for Retirees Relating to Beneficiaries for FEGLI, CSRS, FERS, TSP
NOTE: This site attempts to provide you with up-to-date information,links and forms. However, we strongly urge you to go directly to OPM online or through the mail to make sure you get the most recent information, links and forms. This will also provide you with the best security options.
Title: OPM | Essential Forms for Retirees Relating to Beneficiaries for FEGLI, CSRS, FERS, TSP
As we retire, we should update our beneficiaries. While you are in the retirement process you are given the opportunity to make these updates. Although some do not do so for many reasons and as we retire and get caught up in adjusting to a new life, we sometimes either procrastinate in taking these important actions ...or simply forget. If you are reading this, you are already exhibiting the intelligence and interest to take these actions. As you read this, it is the perfect time to take action and/or download the forms necessary to do so.
- Here are the forms:
- CSRS Retirement System: Use SF 2808 (Designation of Beneficiary).
- FERS Retirement System: Use SF 3102 (Designation of Beneficiary) to designate who receives your retirement contributions if no survivor annuity is payable.
- FEGLI Life Insurance: Use SF 2823 (Designation of Beneficiary).
- Thrift Savings Plan (TSP): Use Form TSP-3. ... Read OPM Thrift Savings Plan Order of Precedence
Sunday, March 8, 2026
Most Overlooked Part Of Retirement Has Nothing To Do With Money
Title: Most Overlooked Part Of Retirement Has Nothing To Do With Money
Article Snip: "...Too often, people approach retirement focused on what they want to escape: stress, long hours, their work commute, and meetings that could have been emails. What gets far less attention, however, is what they are moving toward. It is best to be retiring to something and not solely from something. ..."
Reference: www.forbes.comGardening in Retirement Grows in Popularity
Title: Gardening in Retirement Grows in Popularity
Tuesday, March 3, 2026
Medicare Advantage (Part C) vs. Medigap Plan G (Original Medicare)
Title: Medicare Advantage (Part C) vs. Medigap Plan G (Original Medicare)
For most people, Medigap Plan G (Also known as Medicare Supplement Plan G, Medicare Plan G, or Original Medicare ) typically covers more expenses in the long run, particularly if you develop significant health issues. While Medicare Advantage (Also known as Medicare Part C) can be cheaper if you stay healthy, it carries higher financial risk during a medical crisis.
Cost Profiles Over Time
Medigap Plan G: "Pay More Now, Less Later"
Upfront Cost: You pay a higher monthly premium (typically $100–$200+).
Long-Term Benefit: Once you meet the annual Part B deductible ($283 in 2026), Plan G covers 100% of all other Medicare-approved medical costs.
Predictability: Your maximum annual medical spending (excluding premiums and drugs) is effectively capped at the $283 deductible.
Medicare Advantage: "Pay Less Now, More Later"
Upfront Cost: Many plans have $0 premiums.
Long-Term Risk: You pay copays for every doctor visit, test, and hospital stay.
Financial Cap: Plans have a "safety net" Maximum Out-of-Pocket (MOOP) limit, which can be as high as $9,250 per year (in 2026) for in-network care.
The "Sick Scenario" Comparison
If you face a serious illness like cancer requiring chemotherapy:
With Plan G: You pay your $283 deductible and the plan covers the rest of your 20% coinsurance.
With Advantage: You could pay 20% of each treatment out of pocket until you hit your plan's $9,250 limit.
The Long-Term Lock-In
The biggest long-term risk with Medicare Advantage is the difficulty of switching back.
In most states, if you choose Advantage now and want to switch to Plan G in five years because you get sick, insurance companies can use medical underwriting to deny you coverage or charge much higher rates.
For this reason, many experts recommend starting with Plan G while you are first eligible and healthy.
Government is imposing strict new limits on Medicare Advantage Plan coverage for 2026
Title: Government is imposing strict new limits on Medicare Advantage Plan coverage for 2026
Article Snip: "...Retirees on Medicare Advantage Plans should be aware that the government is cracking down on the kinds of supplemental benefits that their insurance will pay for.
Anyone who was receiving coverage for these services through their plan will now need to make alternative arrangements for paying the costs, including potentially paying for any expenses out of their retirement plans.
The change demonstrates a broader truth about Medicare Advantage ..."
Monday, February 23, 2026
As Rate Cuts Loom, Retirees Rethink Income Strategy
Title: As Rate Cuts Loom, Retirees Rethink Income Strategy
Article Snip: "...How anticipated rate changes could affect retirement income strategies, confidence levels, and investment decisions..."
Reference:www.lifehealth.comMore Retirees Are Carrying Debt Than You Might Think—And It’s Not Just Mortgages
Title: More Retirees Are Carrying Debt Than You Might Think—And It’s Not Just Mortgages
Article Snip: "...Of respondents who identified as retired, 57% had debt in 2022, the most recent year available. The median balance..."
Reference: www.investopedia.comThursday, February 19, 2026
Retirees’ Health Care Costs Far Outpace Social Security COLA
Title: Retirees’ Health Care Costs Far Outpace Social Security COLA
Article Snip: "...Two recent reports spell out how rising health care costs are impacting retirees and employers...."
Reference: www.planadviser.comTuesday, February 17, 2026
I’m a personal trainer who works with seniors — these are the 4 exercises I wish everyone would do before they turn 60
Article Snip: "...I’m a firm believer that you can always start an exercise regimen, no matter your age or current physical ability. That being said, there are some aspects to getting in shape that become more difficult as you get older.
Some of the common challenges that seniors face, like ..."
Diet and routine stool tests could help predict IBD flares, large study suggests
Title: Diet and routine stool tests could help predict IBD flares, large study suggests
Article Snip: "...Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) describes a group of chronic, long-term conditions involving inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, primarily comprising Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. The prevalence of IBD is rising, and current estimates suggest it affects between 2.4 and 3.1 million people in the United States. ..."
Reference: www.aol.comSaturday, February 14, 2026
We Were Wrong About Fasting, Massive Review Shows
Title: We Were Wrong About Fasting, Massive Review Shows
Article Snip: "...we conducted a meta-analysis, a "study of studies", looking at all the available experimental research that compared people's cognitive performance when they were fasting versus when they were fed. ..."
Reference: www.sciencealert.comTuesday, February 10, 2026
The average US worker has less than $1,000 saved for retirement
Title: The average US worker has less than $1,000 saved for retirement
Article Snip: "...The rule of thumb is that people should have retirement savings equal to one year of their annual income by age 30. By the age of 60, people should have eight times their income socked away for their golden years...."
Reference: kstp.comMonday, February 9, 2026
‘Take the vaccine, please,' a top U.S. health official says in an appeal as measles cases rise
Title: ‘Take the vaccine, please,' a top U.S. health official says in an appeal as measles cases rise
Article Snip: "“Take the vaccine, please,” said Dr. Mehmet Oz, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services administrator whose boss has raised suspicion about the safety and importance of vaccines. “We have a solution for our problem.”...“Not all illnesses are equally dangerous and not all people are equally susceptible to those illnesses,” he told CNN’s “State of the Union.” “But measles is one you should get your vaccine.”
An outbreak in South Carolina in the hundreds has surpassed..."
Friday, February 6, 2026
Your Adult Kids Are Doing Fine. Is It Time To Spend Some of Their Inheritance?
Title: Your Adult Kids Are Doing Fine. Is It Time To Spend Some of Their Inheritance?
Article Snip: "...Hey baby boomers, your kids are doing a good job saving for their own retirements and amassing their own wealth. Which may have you thinking: do they even need an inheritance?
Sure, they aren't going to turn it down, but you may be wondering whether it’s worthwhile to spread that wealth a little differently — maybe even back to yourself.
But should you? Here’s how to know, and what you can do with it instead. ..."

