A question mark drawn in white chalk on a blackboard.

Social Security Q&A Part 17

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

Wills vs. Trusts: Part 1 of 8

Previously posted in 2014. By Christine Steinmetz, J.D., Hotline Attorney The Legal Hotline for Michigan Seniors receives many calls each week regarding estate planning documents. Clients often call with questions regarding wills and trusts and what are the differences between the two. Many clients have heard of these documents, yet they are confused as to what each document can do for them. Wills and trusts … Continue reading Wills vs. Trusts: Part 1 of 8

Join a Global Day of Giving This #GivingTuesday

Denise Keiser, Fund Development Specialist Now that you’ve given thanks and found great deals during the universally celebrated shopping days of #BlackFriday and #CyberMonday, it’s time to turn your attention to giving back. Tomorrow we celebrate #GivingTuesday, a global day of giving powered by social media. It’s one of the best ways to get involved in your community and your favorite charities. On Tuesday, November 27, 2018, donors, … Continue reading Join a Global Day of Giving This #GivingTuesday

The hands of two people sitting at a desk, one person is holding a pen over a form on a clipboard.

Social Security and Medicare, Working Side by Side

By Vonda Vantil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Medicare is the federal health insurance program for people who are 65 or older and certain younger people with disabilities. It is also for people with End-Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a transplant, sometimes called ESRD). The different parts of Medicare help cover specific services. Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) helps pay for … Continue reading Social Security and Medicare, Working Side by Side

(Mid-America Pension Rights Project): Worried about a missing pension or 401(k)? Here’s where you can get help

Via Detroit Free Press By Susan Tompor Randy Sigley, 63, who grew up in West Virginia, remembers that jobs were hard to come by in the mid-1970s so he headed to Ohio to work in a factory making concrete pipe. He got that job about a year out of high school and made sure to hold onto it at least 10 years because he always heard that he’d … Continue reading (Mid-America Pension Rights Project): Worried about a missing pension or 401(k)? Here’s where you can get help

(Mid-America Pension Rights Project): State to monitor underfunded Midland pension

Via Midland Daily News By John Kennett An underfunded pension plan has forced the City of Midland to take corrective action with the state. The City of Midland has three defined-benefit retirement plans. Two of those, the Retiree Health Care and Public Act 345, Fire Fighters and Police Officers Retirement Act, are in good shape according to state officials. But, the third, the Municipal Employees’ … Continue reading (Mid-America Pension Rights Project): State to monitor underfunded Midland pension

A question mark drawn in white chalk on a blackboard.

Social Security Q&A Part 16

By: Vonda VanTil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Question: Can I refuse to give my Social Security number to a private business? Answer: Yes, you can refuse to disclose your Social Security number, and you should be careful about giving out your number. But, be aware, the person requesting your number can refuse services if you don’t give it. Businesses, banks, schools, private agencies, etc., … Continue reading Social Security Q&A Part 16

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Seasonal Work Can Empower You

By Vonda Vantil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Soon after school begins in the fall, many businesses begin advertising for seasonal workers. It’s a good way for people to make some extra income during the busy holiday season or ease back into working. The diversity of jobs appeals to many people. Each year, companies also hire for seasonal work-from-home positions. These jobs include: customer service, … Continue reading Seasonal Work Can Empower You

(Mid-America Pension Rights Project): Retirement Withdrawal Strategies: Which Should You Use?

Via NerdWallet By Andrea Coombes It’d be nice if saving for retirement was all we had to do. Turns out, we also need to decide on the best way to pull out our savings once we retire. Luckily, smart people have come up with a variety of tactics to stretch our savings for the long haul. Read on to review some of the most popular … Continue reading (Mid-America Pension Rights Project): Retirement Withdrawal Strategies: Which Should You Use?

(Mid-America Pension Rights Project): IRS Raises 401(k), IRA Contribution Limits for 2019

Via ThinkAdvisor By Marlene Satter The IRS has announced in Notice 2018-83 new cost-of-living adjustments that affect dollar limitations for defined contribution plans and other retirement-related items for tax year 2019. Those contributing to 401(k), 403(b), most 457 plans and the federal government’s Thrift Savings Plan will be able to boost their contribution from $18,500 to $19,000. IRA contributions, not raised since 2013, will now be $6,000, … Continue reading (Mid-America Pension Rights Project): IRS Raises 401(k), IRA Contribution Limits for 2019