When withdrawing funds from individual retirement accounts, Roth IRAs and other such accounts, retirees may encounter inconveniences, taxes and penalties. However, proper planning may reduce or even eliminate such costs. There are techniques that retirees should use to withdraw funds…
Category: Public Benefits
How to deal with an early retirement that was not planned
Although most people plan to work until they reach their full retirement age of 66, or 67 if you were born after 1942, some workers find themselves without work at an age when it is challenging to find another job,…
Choosing between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage
Deciding what type of health insurance to get can be a daunting task for seniors. Medicare is highly regarded and very popular, but Medicare Advantage differs in ways that could be advantageous to some. Original Medicare includes Medicare Part A…
How to appeal a Medicare denial
If you were denied coverage or payment by Medicare, you have the option of filing an appeal. The denial must be from Medicare, your Medicare Prescription Drug Plan or your Medicare health plan. It is within your right to file…
Continuing Care Retirement Communities Offer One Option for Retirees
There are many living options available for seniors, and continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) have become one of the most attractive. Many retirees consider such communities because they typically provide a range of services in one location, including independent living,…
Elder advocacy group urges Congress to help seniors in 2014
The National Council on Aging (NCOA) recently released a list of five recommendations for Congress to help American seniors in 2014. 1. Strengthen the Older Americans Act (OAA). The OAA provides funding for critical services for seniors living independently at…
Parents and Private Organizations Bridge Funding Gap for Playgrounds for Special-Needs Children
Children with special needs and their advocates have made significant progress in their efforts to ensure that all children are afforded the opportunity to learn and thrive regardless of their abilities. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 was…
Following DOMA Ruling, Social Security Administration Begins Processing Applications for Same-Sex Couples
The recent Supreme Court ruling striking down a portion of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) will have widespread effects on many federal programs. It may take quite some time for the ruling to be fully implemented into law. But…
Establishing Your Correct Medicare Premium
A recent Wall Street Journal article discussed Medicare Part B premiums for higher-income beneficiaries. Medicare Part B covers doctor visits and outpatient services, and the basic Part B premium is $96.40 per month in 2009. Higher-income Medicare beneficiaries have had to pay…