By: Vonda VanTil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Question: Is it true I can save about $4,900 per year if I qualify for Social Security’s Extra Help with the Medicare prescription drug program? Answer: Yes. If your income and resources meet the requirements, you can save nearly $4,900 in prescription costs each year. Resource limits for 2018 are $14,100 (or $28,150 if you are married … Continue reading Social Security Q&A Part 20
By: Vonda VanTil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Question: Can I delay my retirement benefits and receive benefits as a spouse only? How does that work? Answer: It depends on your date of birth. If you were born on or before 01/01/1954 and your spouse is receiving Social Security benefits, you can apply for retirement benefits on your spouse’s record as long as you are … Continue reading Social Security Q&A Part 19
By Vonda Vantil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist If you have higher income, the law requires an upward adjustment to your monthly Medicare Part B (medical insurance) and Medicare prescription drug coverage premiums. But, if your income has gone down, you may use form SSA-44 to request a reduction in your Medicare income-related monthly adjustment amount. Medicare Part B helps pay for your doctors’ services … Continue reading Medicare: Rules for Those with Higher Income
By Vonda Vantil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Sometimes it’s confusing to know who to contact and for what. Social Security and Medicare offer related services, so people aren’t always certain who does what. This “cheat sheet” can help. Contact Social Security to: See if you’re eligible for Medicare; Create a my Social Security account to do things like request a replacement Medicare card and … Continue reading Who to Contact: Social Security or Medicare
By Vonda Vantil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Tax season is approaching, and Social Security has made replacing your annual Benefit Statement, also known as the SSA-1099 or the SSA-1042S, even easier. Now you can get a copy of your 1099 anytime and anywhere you want using our online services. A Social Security 1099 is a tax form Social Security mails each year in January … Continue reading Get Your Social Security Benefit Statement (SSA-1099)
By Vonda Vantil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Paying out of pocket for prescription drugs can be a burden that many households can’t afford. The Extra Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Costs program was designed to help people in getting the vital medicine they need to live healthy and productive lives. Anyone who has Medicare can get Medicare prescription drug coverage. Some people with … Continue reading Extra Help with Medicare and Prescription Drug Costs
By: Vonda VanTil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Question: I am receiving Social Security retirement benefits and I recently went back to work. Do I have to pay Social Security (FICA) taxes on my income? Answer: Yes. By law, your employer must withhold FICA taxes from your paycheck. Although you are retired, you do receive credit for those new earnings. Each year Social Security automatically … Continue reading Social Security Q&A Part 18
By Vonda Vantil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Medicare is our country’s health insurance program for people age 65 or older. Certain people younger than age 65 can qualify for Medicare, too, including those with disabilities and those who have permanent kidney failure. If you’re a Medicare beneficiary who has been informed that you must pay more for your Medicare Part B or Medicare prescription … Continue reading Do you think your income-related Medicare premium is incorrect?
By: Vonda VanTil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Question: I have diabetes and I have to take insulin. Is my insulin covered by Medicare? Answer: Medicare Part B does not cover insulin unless use of an insulin pump is medically necessary. However, certain Medicare Part D prescription drug plans may cover insulin and certain supplies used to inject insulin, like syringes. For more information, please … Continue reading Social Security Q&A Part 17
By Vonda Vantil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Social Security plays an especially important role in providing economic security for women. In the 21st century, more women work, pay Social Security taxes, and earn credit toward monthly retirement income than at any other time in our nation’s history. But, women face greater economic challenges in retirement. Women: tend to live longer than men. A woman … Continue reading Why Social Security Retirement is Important to Women
