Do you think your Medicare income-related premium is wrong?

By Vonda Van Til, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Social Security cares about accuracy and we want you to get the exact benefit amount you deserve. Changes in the law affect how we calculate monthly Medicare Part B (medical insurance) and Medicare prescription drug coverage premiums. Medicare Part B provides coverage for physician services, outpatient hospital services, certain home health services, durable medical equipment, and … Continue reading Do you think your Medicare income-related premium is wrong?

(Mid-America Pension Rights Project): Annuity Use Is Expanding, But Knowledge Is Limited, Advisor Says

Via Financial Advisor By Karen Demasters Annuities are becoming mainstream even though knowledge about them among investors is still limited, said Len Hayduchok, president of Dedicated Financial Services and Dedicated Senior Advisors in Trenton, N.J. “Annuities used to be a limited product with only a small market penetration, but the addition of riders for income, death benefits and long-term-care benefits to provide clients more value … Continue reading (Mid-America Pension Rights Project): Annuity Use Is Expanding, But Knowledge Is Limited, Advisor Says

(Mid-America Pension Rights Project): The Mega Backdoor Roth IRA and Other Ways to Maximize a 401(k)

Via ThinkAdvisor By Jamie Hopkins The most popular workplace-sponsored retirement plan is far and away the 401(k) — a plan that can be both simple and complex at the same time. For some of your clients, it functions as a tax-deductible way to save for retirement. Others might see its intricacies as a way to maximize lifetime wealth, boost investments and minimize taxes. One such … Continue reading (Mid-America Pension Rights Project): The Mega Backdoor Roth IRA and Other Ways to Maximize a 401(k)

(Mid-America Pension Rights Project): Managing Inflation Risk in Retirement

Via Kiplinger.com By Kelly Lavigne, J.D. While there are many potential risks to consider when planning for retirement, one that is often overlooked is inflation. Most people factor in inflation when planning how much they will need when they reach retirement. But inflation does not stop the day you retire. In fact, your budget on the day you retire could look very different five, 10 … Continue reading (Mid-America Pension Rights Project): Managing Inflation Risk in Retirement

How Does a Medicaid Spend-down Work?

By Grace DeRose-Wilson, Screening and Integration Coordinator at Elder Law of Michigan Health insurance is complicated, and Medicaid is no exception. I have helped many older adults apply for Medicaid, and I have talked with many individuals who have Medicaid with a Spend-down. As with most health insurance and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) benefits, there are many other regulations and exceptions that … Continue reading How Does a Medicaid Spend-down Work?

Michigan Association of Foster Grandparent and Senior Companion Programs

By Betsy Smith, Network Shareholder and Partner Manager at Elder Law of Michigan Since 1978, across the state of Michigan, senior citizens over the age of 55 have been participating in the Michigan Association Foster Grandparent or Senior Companion Programs (MAFG/SCP). The MAFG/SCP has a goal to assist senior citizens in living an active, healthy life by volunteering and making a positive impact on their … Continue reading Michigan Association of Foster Grandparent and Senior Companion Programs

Seniors Alone During the Holidays

By Pam Canty, Intake and Screening Integration Coordinator at Elder Law of Michigan The holiday season is the time of year when people are busy shopping, going to dinner, partying, visiting relatives, and preparing meals. However, there is a population of people who are very much alone or lonely: seniors. Often seniors are alone not by choice but due to circumstances that are out of their control. … Continue reading Seniors Alone During the Holidays

Fun and Affordable Fitness for Those with Limited Mobility

By Abigail Haller, Screening Integration Coordinator at Elder Law of Michigan Exercising the heart comes with many health benefits. One major benefit, according to Johns Hopkins research, includes the improvement of the heart muscle’s ability to pull oxygen from the blood. The ability to pull more oxygen from the blood allows the heart to stop pumping as hard and reduces stress on the heart muscles. Managing … Continue reading Fun and Affordable Fitness for Those with Limited Mobility

Need to change your name on your Social Security card?

By Vonda Vantil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist If you’re changing your name, it’s important to let Social Security know so we can update the information we maintain, send you an updated Social Security card, and ultimately ensure we pay you accurate benefits when you retire or become disabled. To get a corrected Social Security card, you will need to provide documents proving your legal … Continue reading Need to change your name on your Social Security card?

Social Security Expands Public Hours at Offices Nationwide

By Vonda Van Til, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Starting on January 8, 2020, Social Security offices nationwide will be open to the public on Wednesday afternoons, Andrew Saul, Commissioner of Social Security, announced.   This change restores Wednesday public service hours that were last in place in late 2012.  “I don’t want someone to come to our office at 2:30 on a Wednesday only to … Continue reading Social Security Expands Public Hours at Offices Nationwide