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Bill Kadereit, pres

PRESIDENT'S

          FORUM

We are committed to keeping you informed about your retiree benefits, pension funds, medical and drug costs and the truth about Medical Advantage Plans. This column features a current topic on these issues. (click here for previous FORUM articles )

Steps to Better Medicare Choices

The new NRLN videos/podcasts feature Steps to Better Medicare Choices in Episode #4 and Episode #5. Episode #4 would have taken 35 minutes to watch so the contents were divided into two Episodes. Episode #4 covers collecting Medicare and Medicare enrollment information and Episode #5 uses the information in formats that may help make plan choices more easily understood.

To view the videos or listen to the podcasts dealing with the October 15 to December 7 Medicare Enrollment period, CLICK HERE.

The videos/podcasts focus on:

  • Finding Relevant Medicare Resources
  • Developing a Personal Healthcare Inventory
  • Comparing and Contrasting Original Medicare with a Medigap Plan G with Medicare Advantage
  • Collecting and Analyzing Alternatives
  • Conclusions and Suggestions

To assist you in collecting and analyzing Medicare and Medicare Advantage alternatives, posted in the center column of this home page are the steps to follow to gain information from www.medicare.gov to view, download and print information on premiums, deductibles, copays and coinsurance for plans available in your state and area.

If you have not viewed or listened to NRLN’s videos/podcast Episodes #2 and #3, I encourage you to view or listen to them to provide you greater insights into Medicare and Medicare Advantage. Click here to access the Episodes Library.

I want to thank those who sent in questions and suggestions to the NRLN about the content for Episodes #4 and #5 . Common issues like pre-existing conditions, how to choose among Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans available and many other questions were received. Issues are complex but I hope the examples used in my presentation will be valuable.

Remember, Seniors are Special!

Bill Kadereit, President
National Retiree Legislative Network

 

HOW YOU CAN HELP

  • SUBSCRIBE to receive periodic emails,
  • ACT on NRLN Action Alerts,
  • CONTRIBUTE to NRLN’s lobby effort, or
  • Make a tax-deductible DONATION to our American Retirees Education Foundation (AREF) research

 

If you did not receive an email with the NRLN President’s Forum message or an Action Alert posted on this home page, possibly you mistakenly “unsubscribed” on one of our emails or you have a new email address. You will no longer hear from us unless you “re-subscribe”. To "subscribe" or “re-subscribe”, click here.

 

report card NRLN Provides New “Report Card” Feature on Members of Congress

Do your Senators or Representative support bills that help retirees? Check it out here!

 

Adobe® Reader® is required to view some documents. Please download free copy by clicking here.

 

NRLN members are saving big with the Free Health Savings Rx Card℠

The NRLN has arranged to offer you a Health Savings Rx Card™, at NO COST, that offers you and your family savings on prescription drugs, plus vision and hearing services and products.Click here to access the Rx Savings Card℠ website.

 

PHARMA CONTRIBUTIONS TO CONGRESS

money How much did your U.S. Representatives and Senators take as campaign contributions from the Pharmaceutical and Health Products Industry for their recent election campaigns and the current 2019-20 one? Could this be a reason why bills to reduce the price of prescription drugs are not being passed? Click here to see data that the NRLN has compiled from OpenSecrets.Org, Center for Responsive Politics. All Senators and Representatives are now shown by state and amount for ease of reviewing your state's delegation.

 

amazon smile AmazonSmile Program to Benefit the American Retirees Education Program (AREF)

The NRLN board created the American Retiree Education Foundation (AREF) in 2014 as a 501(c)(3) tax-deductible, nonprofit education foundation to expand the research and educational reach of the NRLN and to enable NRLN to sharpen its focus as an organization lobbying for the passage of federal legislation and regulations that benefit retirees.

For example, the white paper on Protecting Pension Assets which is used to educate members of Congress on the need for legislation to prevent pension plan sponsors from using plan assets for non-pension expenses was funded by AREF.. Access the white paper here.

You can help fund the AREF without costing you anything extra when you make a purchase online from Amazon through its AmazonSmile program. Click here to learn more about AmazonSmile.

Medicare Funds Should Not Be Used for $200 Rx Cards

President Trump’s administration is working on delivering to seniors before Election Day a $200 prescription drugs cash card financed with $8 billion from the Medicare Trust Fund. The Medicare Trust Fund, which had $194 billion in assets at the beginning of the year, is projected to be depleted by 2026. Paying for the Rx cards will strangle Medicare’s ability to make future payments for healthcare needs.

Click here to email the NRLN’s sample letter to President Trump to tell him it is a terrible idea to use $8 billion from the Medicare Trust Fund to provide seniors with $200 prescription drug cash cards.

 

LISTEN or WATCH OUR LATEST EPISODE POSTED 10/23PODCASTS

 

Collecting and Analyzing Medicare & Medicare Advantage Alternatives

Premiums, deductibles, copays and coinsurance information for Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans available in your state and area can be viewed, downloaded and printed at www.medicare.gov. Here are the steps to follow:

  • On the home page click “Log in/Create an Account”. If you have an account, click sign in, if not, create an account then log in.
  • Click Preview 2021 Plans, at bottom of box.
  • You will then have five choices, click one and enter your Zip Code and Next.
  • Select the County you live in and Next.
  • If you have a drug list it will appear, if not you can enter them now or later, then click Done Adding Drugs.
  • If you have a drug list, select a pharmacy (MA plans usually come with a Drug plan.) Then click Done at bottom far right corner.
  • Select a plan or plans and then click Plan Details in the blue box. Read, download.

 

Social Security Announces 1.3 Percent Benefit Increase for 2021

Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for Americans will increase 1.3 percent in 2021, the Social Security Administration announced on Tuesday, October 13.

The 1.3 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) will begin with benefits payable to more than 64 million Social Security beneficiaries in January 2021. Increased payments to more than 8 million SSI beneficiaries will begin on December 31, 2020. (Some people receive both Social Security and SSI benefits).

The Social Security Act ties the annual COLA to the increase in the Consumer Price Index as determined by the Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Some other adjustments that take effect in January of each year are based on the increase in average wages. Based on that increase, the maximum amount of earnings subject to the Social Security tax (taxable maximum) will increase to $142,800 from $137,700.

Social Security and SSI beneficiaries are normally notified by mail starting in early December about their new benefit amount. Most people who receive Social Security payments will be able to view their COLA notice online through their personal My Social Security account. People may create or access their My Social Security account online at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount.

Information about Medicare changes for 2021, when announced, will be available at www.medicare.gov. For Social Security beneficiaries receiving Medicare, Social Security will not be able to compute their new benefit amount until after the Medicare premium amounts for 2021 are announced. Final 2021 benefit amounts will be communicated to beneficiaries in December through the mailed COLA notice and My Social Security's Message Center.

The Social Security Act provides for how the COLA is calculated. To read more, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/cola.

 

CMS Priorities for Telehealth and COVID-19 Vaccine

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced on October 14th that it has added 11 new services to Medicare telehealth that Original Medicare Fee-For-Service will pay for during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The newly added services include certain neurostimulator analysis and programming services and cardiac and pulmonary rehab services. The additions mean that Medicare will pay for a total of 144 telehealth services. Your physician should have CMS approved codes for telehealth services.

CMS reported that between mid-March and mid-August 2020 over 12.1 million beneficiaries – over 36 percent – of people with Original Medicare Fee-For-Service have received a telemedicine service.

CMS is also providing additional support to state Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) agencies in their efforts to expand access to telehealth.

During a presentation at the October 13th HLTH 2020 Virtual Conference, CMS Administrator Seema Verma said CMS will make sure that a COVID-19 vaccine will be made available to seniors at no cost once a vaccine is approved. She said while it is important that seniors – who are in a high-risk category for COVID-19 – don't have any barriers to getting the vaccine, CMS is working to guarantee a free vaccine for Medicaid and private insurance members as well.

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READ THE LATEST ISSUES OF REVIEW AND FOCUS HERE

IN THE NEWS...

The articles and opinion pieces below are for information and are not necessarily a reflection of the NRLN’s position on issues. The NRLN is nonpartisan and its positions on retirement issues are presented in its Legislative Agenda and white papers that can be accessed from the Legislative Agenda tab.

Opinion: No age limit to vote: Nursing home and all older Americans count
From Fernanda Heitor; The Hill ~ Oct 24, 2020

UnitedHealth Ships Flu Kits to Medicare Recipients
By Emma Goldberg; The New York Times ~ Oct 24, 2020

Here Are the Financial and Estate Documents You Should Keep, and How to Store Them
By Daisy Maxey; Barron’s ~ Oct 24, 2020

Some hospitals in crisis as US nears high for COVID-19 cases
By Rebecca Boone & David Crary; The Associated Press ~ Oct 23, 2020

Arguing to Undo the ACA. Harming Medicare. Do They Go Hand in Hand?
By Stephanie Stapleton; Kaiser Health News ~ Oct 23, 2020

FDA approves antiviral drug remdesivir as coronavirus treatment
By Cassidy Morrison; Washington Examiner ~ Oct 22, 2020

‘Distressing’ Third COVID Surge Leaves Hospitals, States Scrambling
Via KHN Morning Briefing; Kaiser Health News ~ Oct 22, 2020

OPINION: No relief from high drug prices in the near future
From Trudy Lieberman; Capital Journal ~ Oct 22, 2020

Even With ACA’s Fate in Flux, Open Enrollment Starts Soon. Here’s What’s New.
By Julie Appleby; Kaiser Health News ~ Oct 22, 2020

Opinion: New Labor Department rule puts 401(k)s at greater risk
By Fiona Reynolds; The Hill ~ Oct 22, 2020

Alex Azar: 'One or two' COVID-19 vaccines could be available by December
By Brian P. Dunleavy; United Press International ~ Oct 21, 2020

COVID-19 vaccine distribution — challenges and perhaps opportunities
From Julie Swann; The Hill ~ Oct 21, 2020

If You’re A Diabetic Medicare Beneficiary, Here’s What You Should Know About $35 Insulin
From Diane Omdahl; Forbes ~ Oct 20, 2020

Stimulus update: Pelosi says a deal could be near, but a vote may not come until after the election
By Lance Lambert & Anne Sraders; Fortune ~ Oct 21, 2020

Opinion: How to plan your estate during a pandemic
By Alessandra Malito; MarketWatch ~ Oct 21, 2020

Should I Raid My IRA To Pay Off A Mortgage?
From William Baldwin; Forbes ~ Oct 21, 2020

‘Strong Recommendation’ From CDC To Wear Masks On Planes, Trains, Buses
Via KHN Morning Briefing; Kaiser Health News ~ Oct 20, 2020

Healthcare, retirement security seen as top issues for older voters, lawmakers say
By Lillian Bautista; The Hill ~ Oct 20, 2020

Pelosi, Mnuchin inch closer to elusive coronavirus relief deal
By Gabriella Muñoz; Washington Times ~ Oct 20, 2020

No Vaccine Application From Pfizer Before The Election, CEO Says
Via KHN Morning Briefing; Kaiser Health News ~ Oct 19, 2020

CVS Hiring 15,000 In Anticipation Of Rising Flu And Covid-19 Cases In Coming Months
By Matt Perez; Forbes ~ Oct 19, 2020

CMS To Penalize Labs Taking More Than Two Days To Process COVID Tests
Via KHN Morning Briefing; Kaiser Health News ~ Oct 19, 2020

CVS, Walgreens make deal with Trump admin to quickly distribute COVID-19 vaccines to nursing homes
By Robert King; FierceHealthcare ~ Oct 16, 2020

Opinion: 7 Ways To Save On Medications In The Pandemic
From Erin Flynn Jay; Forbes ~ Oct 18, 2020

7 Changes to Social Security in 2021
By Sean Williams; The Motley Fool ~ Oct 18, 2020

Opinion: How To Pay Off Your Mortgage Using Pre-Tax Money
From Larry Light; Forbes ~ Oct 17, 2020

Opinion: If You’re On Medicare, Here’s What You Should Know About The Flu Shot
From Diane Omdahl; Forbes ~ Oct 13, 2020

Explainer: When will COVID-19 vaccines be generally available in the United States?
By Carl O’Donnell &, Michael Erman; Reuters ~ Oct 16, 2020

Unlikely Trump Can Deliver Seniors Promised $200 Drug Discounts By Election, If At All
Via KHN Morning Briefing; Kaiser Health News ~ Oct 16, 2020

What Is the Most Popular Medicare Supplement Plan?
Via “Home Media”; MarketWatch ~ Oct 16, 2020

Trump Says He'd Go Over $1.8 Trillion on Stimulus, Blames Pelosi
Newsmax ~ Oct 15, 2020

House lawmakers to propose emergency 3% Social Security cost-of-living adjustment
By Lorie Konish; CNBC ~ Oct 15, 2020

CMS: Seniors Will Get COVID Vaccine For Free
Via KHN Morning Briefing; Kaiser Health News ~ Oct 15, 2020

3 Covid-19 Trials Have Been Paused for Safety. That’s a Good Thing.
By Carl Zimmer; The New York Times ~ Oct 14, 2020

Top Democrats call for watchdog to review Trump Medicare drug cards
By Nathaniel Weixel; The Hill ~ Oct 13, 2020

Another ‘skinny’ coronavirus relief bill on tap in Senate
By David Lerman; Reuters ~ Oct 13, 2020

Long Lines, Fake Drop Boxes, Delayed Ballots: Early Voting Challenges Grow
Via KHN Morning Briefing; Kaiser Health News ~ Oct 13, 2020

Opinion: If You’re On Medicare, Here’s What You Should Know About The Flu Shot
From Diane Omdahl; Forbes ~ Oct 13, 2020

‘Unexplained Illness’ Halts Testing Of Johnson & Johnson’s Vaccine
Via KHN Morning Briefing; Kaiser Health News ~ Oct 13, 2020

Pelosi stays firm on coronavirus relief as a few Democrats urge compromise
By Lindsey McPherson; Roll Call ~ Oct 15, 2020

Social Security cost-of-living adjustment will be 1.3% in 2021
By Lorie Konish; CNBC ~ Oct 13, 2020

Relief bill hitting voters before election is unlikely, experts say
By Jay Heflin; Washington Examiner ~ Oct 12, 2020

Lawmakers have been discussing second $1,200 stimulus checks for 5 months. Why those payments are still uncertain
By Lorie Konish; CNBC ~ Oct 12, 2020

Thousands of Bay Area seniors left scrambling as financial woes strike Medicare Advantage plan
By Emily DeRuy, The Mercury News, Oct 11, 2020

Dementia Care for a Parent Can Be Costlier Than You’d Think. For Women, Especially.
By Jessica Hall; Barron’s ~ Oct 11, 2020

Opinion: The biggest risk to Social Security is inaction for 4 more years on the looming funding crisis
By Brenton Smith, MarketWatch – Oct 9, 2020

Senate Republicans rip new White House coronavirus proposal
By Jordain Carney; The Hill ~ Oct 10, 2020

Can Trump Really Speed Approval of Covid Treatments?
By Robert P. Baird; The New York Times ~ Oct 10, 2020

White House ups offer in virus aid before talks with Pelosi
By Andrew Taylor & Bruce Schreiner; The Associated Press ~ Oct 09, 2020

Opinion: Will There Be Social Security In The Future?
From David Kudla; Forbes ~ Oct 09, 2020

Regeneron Applies For Emergency FDA Approval Of Antibody Cocktail Given To Trump
Via KHN Morning Briefing; Kaiser Health News ~ Oct 08, 2020

Trump Administration Scrambles To Get Prescription Drug Cash Cards To Seniors Before Election Day
By Daniel Cassady; Forbes ~ Oct 08, 2020

Opinion: With new drug pricing order, Trump flirts with socialized medicine
From Merrill Matthews; The Hill ~ Oct 08, 2020

Health care rates for 2021 stable, but 2022 may bring challenges
By Lauren Clason; Roll Call ~ Oct 08, 2020

Opinion: Trump, Pelosi, And McConnell Are All Failing Multiemployer Pensions - And The Rest Of Us
From Elizabeth Bauer; Forbes ~ Oct 08, 2020

Opinion: Managing retirement funds means prioritizing their growth, not social activism
From Ellen R. Wald; The Hill ~ Oct 08, 2020

Workers With Health Insurance Face Rising Out-of-Pocket Costs
By Reed Abelson; The New York Times ~ Oct 08, 2020

FDA Sets Stringent Vaccine Approval Standards After White House Reverses Its Block
Via KHN Morning Briefing; Kaiser Health News ~ Oct 07, 2020

Opinion: Double-dippers drive up drug costs
From Grace-Marie Turner, The Hill ~ Oct 07, 2020

Opinion: The COLA increase for next year doesn’t look good
By Paul Brandus; MarketWatch ~ Oct 07, 2020

Trump halts COVID-19 relief talks until after election
By Aamer Madhani & Andrew Taylor; The Associated Press ~ Oct 06, 2020

Walmart Must Turn Over Files on Alleged Opioid Mishandling
By Jef Feeley; Bloomberg ~ Oct 06, 2020

Opinion: Your Medicare Plan’s Annual Notice Of Changes: Have You Read It?
From Diane Omdahl; Forbes ~ Oct 06, 2020

Walmart’s Health Plans Launch In Time For Medicare Open Enrollment
By Bruce Japsen; Forbes ~ Oct 06, 2020

Supreme Court wary of letting states regulate prescription drug 'middlemen'
By Richard Wolf; USA Today ~ Oct 06, 2020

Your guide to the tricky tax rules of retirement
By Kerry Hannon; MarketWatch ~ Oct 05, 2020

Old Drug Turned ‘Cash Cow’ as Company Pumped Price to $40K a Vial, Emails Show
By Michael McAuliff, Kaiser Health News – Oct. 2, 2020

Opinion: Health Insurers Lay Groundwork For Biden And ‘Medicare Advantage At 60’
From Bruce Japsen; Forbes ~ Oct 04, 2020

Some Insurers End Pandemic Waivers of Fees and Deductibles for Telehealth
By Reed Abelson; The New York Times ~ Oct 03, 2020

Care At The Counter: Technology And Policy Are Empowering Pharmacists
From Seth Joseph; Forbes ~ Oct 01, 2020

Pelosi rejects Trump's $1.6 trillion COVID relief offer; thousands of airline workers furloughed
By Gabriella Muñoz & Dave Boyer; Washington Times ~ Oct 01, 2020

Mnuchin Makes $1.6T Counteroffer In Last-Ditch Stimulus Push With Pelosi
Via KHN Morning Briefing; Kaiser Health News ~ Oct 01, 2020

High drug prices driven by profits, House panel report finds
By Michael McAuliff; NBC News ~ Sep 30, 2020

Key Day In Stimulus Talks As Democrats Await GOP Proposal
Via KHN Morning Briefing; Kaiser Health News ~ Sep 30, 2020

Opinion: Four Steps Seniors Can Take When Considering Downsizing
From Rayan Rafay; Forbes ~ Sep 29, 2020

Cyberattack hobbles major hospital chain’s US facilities
By Frank Bajak & Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar; The Associated Press ~ Sep 29, 2020

Congress may cap Medicare Part B premium spike for 2021
By Sarah O’Brien; CNBC ~ Sep 29, 2020

Low Interest Rates Are Worsening Retirement Prospects Worldwide
By Suzanne Woolley; Bloomberg ~ Sep 29, 2020

Can Trump Deliver On Promise Of $200 Drug Cards To Medicare Beneficiaries?
Via KHN Morning Briefing; Kaiser Health News ~ Sep 28, 2020

Poll finds support for independent arbiters resolving 'surprise' medical bills
By Jonathan Easley; The Hill ~ Sep 28, 2020

Trump announces plan to distribute 100M rapid COVID-19 tests to states
By Jessie Hellmann; The Hill ~ Sep 28, 2020

Opinion: Industry Voices—Surprise! There's a better fix for surprise bills
From Sally C. Pipes; FierceHealthcare ~ Sep 28, 2020

Obamacare Returns as Galvanizing Issue After Ginsburg Death, Barrett Nomination
By Abby Goodnough; The New York Times ~ Sep 27, 2020

Trump’s drug card plan sows confusion – even within administration
By Rachel Roubein & Susannah Luthi; Politico ~ Sep 25, 2020

Trump Administration To Allow Importation Of Prescription Drugs
Via KHN Morning Briefing; Kaiser Health News ~ Sep 25, 2020

Opinion: 4 Questions You Should Ask Your Prospective Financial Planner
From David Kudla; Forbes ~ Sep 25, 2020

Opinion: Will You Be Financially Secure When You Are 100?
From Sara Zeff Geber; Forbes ~ Sep 25, 2020

Congress and Trump to restart stimulus negotiations as $300 unemployment benefit expires
By Lance Lambert; Fortune ~ Sep 24, 2020

Opinion: Is it flu or COVID-19? Health experts warn it’s hard to tell the difference
Via “Crystal Run Healthcare”; USA Today ~ Sep 24, 2020

FDA Takes Actions to Help Lower U.S. Prescription Drug Prices
U. S. Food & Drug Administration – Press Release ~ Sep 24, 2020

Trump signs executive orders on preexisting condition protections, surprise billing
By Paige Minemyer; FierceHealthcare ~ Sep 24, 2020

Health Agency Heads Field Heated Questions On Vaccines, Independence Of Scientists
Via KHN Morning Briefing; Kaiser Health News ~ Sep 24, 2020

Opinion: The ongoing collapse of US health care
From Dr. Deane Waldman; The Hill ~ Sep 24, 2020

Retirees May Be Permanently Hurt By Trump Temporary Payroll Tax Deferral, House Panel Hears
From Ted Knutson; Forbes ~ Sep 24, 2020

Trump to give Medicare beneficiaries checks to pay for medicines
By Brittany De Lea; Fox Business ~ Sep 24, 2020

Social Security missteps could push millions of elderly Americans into poverty
By Paul Brandus; MarketWatch ~ Sep 24, 2020

Single-dose vaccine tested as US experts say no corners cut
By Lauran Neergaard & Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar; The Associated Press ~ Sep 23, 2020

Johnson & Johnson’s Vaccine Advances, Sparking Optimism in Race
By Carl Zimmer & Katie Thomas; The New York Times ~ Sep 23, 2020

FDA Proposes Harder-To-Clear Guidelines For Emergency Vaccine Approval
Via KHN Morning Briefing; Kaiser Health News ~ Sep 23, 2020

It's time to upgrade benefits
From Rep. Suzan DelBene (D-Wash.); The Hill ~ Sep 23, 2020

It’s Not Just Insulin: Lawmakers Focus on Price of One Drug, While Others Rise Too
By Rachana Pradhan; Kaiser Health News ~ Sep 22, 2020

Another CDC Reversal: Agency Takes Back Info On How COVID Spreads In Air
Via KHN Morning Briefing; Kaiser Health News ~ Sep 22, 2020

Supreme Court fight could derail chances for second stimulus check and extended unemployment benefits
By Lance Lambert; Fortune ~ Sep 21, 2020

Opinion: Social Security, Medicare, prescription drug prices—Aging in America panel weighs in on election topics
Via Bob Blancato; MarketWatch ~ Sep 22, 2020

Too much or too little sleep may increase dementia risk
By Brian P. Dunleavy; United Press International ~ Sep 21, 2020

Signs of an ‘October Vaccine Surprise’ Alarm Career Scientists
By Liz Szabo & JoNel Aleccia; Kaiser Health News ~ Sep 21, 2020

Obamacare In Greater Judicial Jeopardy After Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s Death
Via KHN Morning Briefing; Kaiser Health News ~ Sep 21, 2020

Opinion: Prescription Drug And Healthcare Costs Are Rising
From Sai Balasubramanian, J.D. ; Forbes ~ Sep 21, 2020

Opinion: Medicare Won't Cover Cost of Coronavirus Vaccine
By Eric Volkman; The Motley Fool ~ Sep 21, 2020

Top U.S. Health Officials Tiptoe Around Trump’s Vaccine Timeline
By James Gorman; The New York Times ~ Sep 20, 2020

Opinion: Congress should include practical, easy improvements to Social Security programs in next CR
From David Weaver; The Hill ~ Sep 19, 2020

Study: Private insurers pay 2 1/2 times what Medicare does for hospital services
By Brian P. Dunleavy; United Press International ~ Sep 18, 2020

Fewer Americans say they would take a COVID-19 vaccine compared to four months ago
By Jessie Hellmann; The Hill ~ Sep 18, 2020

White House Abandoned HHS Plan To Mail Masks To Every American In April
Via KHN Morning Briefing; Kaiser Health News ~ Sep 18, 2020

A Pandemic Upshot: Seniors Are Having Second Thoughts About Where to Live
By Judith Graham; Kaiser Health News ~ Sep 18, 2020

Opinion: How To Spend Less In Retirement: Fewer Lattes Or The Big Cut?
From Richard Eisenberg; Forbes ~ Sep 18, 2020

Trump says feds poised to start distributing coronavirus vaccine next month
By Seth McLaughlin & Tom Howell Jr.: The Washington Times ~ Sep 16, 2020

Trump Surprises GOP Lawmakers With Call For Larger Stimulus Bill
Via KHN Morning Briefing; Kaiser Health News ~ Sep 17, 2020

Column: There’s A New Tax Form - With Some Changes - For Freelancers & Gig Workers
From Kelly Phillips Erb; Forbes ~ Sep 16, 2020

Opinion: Long-term care insurance: There’s no good alternative
From Howard Gold; MarketWatch ~ Sep 16, 2020

A Second Stimulus Check May Be in the Cards After All
By Maurie Backman; The Motley Fool ~ Sep 16, 2020

For 401(k) and IRA Holders, Sept. 30 Is Key Deadline for Beneficiary Designations
By Daisy Maxey; Barron’s ~ Sep 16, 2020

Trump order on drug prices faces long road to finish line
By Peter Sullivan; The Hill ~ Sep 14, 2020

Bipartisan Group Tries To Break Up Stimulus Logjam With $1.5T Proposal
Via KHN Morning Briefing; Kaiser Health News ~ Sep 15, 2020

With No Legal Guardrails for Patients, Ambulances Drive Surprise Medical Billing
By Laura Ungar; Kaiser Health News ~ Sep 14, 2020

Trump’s New Executive Order Could Cut How Much Medicare Pays For Drugs
Via KHN Morning Briefing; Kaiser Health News ~ Sep 14, 2020

Multiemployer plans get tiny reprieve in latest PBGC report
By Hazel Bradford; Pensions & Investments ~ Sep 14, 2020

Pfizer CEO: Chances 'quite' good will know by October if vaccine works
By Daniel Uria; United Press International ~ Sep 13, 2020

Trump says he has signed new executive order to lower drug prices
By Doina Chiacu; Reuters ~ Sep 13, 2020

Fauci Urges Americans To ‘Hunker Down’ To Fight Virus In The Fall
Via KHN Morning Briefing; Kaiser Health News ~ Sep 11, 2020

Commentary: Retirement Plans Need to Keep Their Promises. We Make Sure They Do.
From Jeanne Klinefelter Wilson; Barron’s ~ Sep 11, 2020

Dem report: Postal Service changes delay prescription drugs
By Matthew Daly & Anthony Izaguirre; The Associated Press ~ Ep 109, 2020

Opinion: More executive orders will not make medicines cheaper
From Raymond J. March; The Hill ~ Sep 10, 2020

Vaccine Safety Will Not Be Undercut By Politics, Administration Experts Pledge
Via KHN Morning Briefing; Kaiser Health News ~ Sep 10, 2020

Virus bill blocked in Senate as prospects dim for new relief
By Andrew Taylor; The Associated Press ~ Sep 10, 2020

Rival Vaccine Makers Band Together For Safety Pledge
Via KHN Morning Briefing; Kaiser Health News ~ Sep 08, 2020

AstraZeneca’s Vaccine Trial Paused After Suspected Adverse Reaction
Via KHN Morning Briefing; Kaiser Health News ~ Sep 09, 2020

Health Care Issues Heat Up On Campaign Trail
Via KHN Morning Briefing; Kaiser Health News ~ Sep 09, 2020

Congress Still At Odds Over Limited Stimulus Bill
Via KHN Morning Briefing; Kaiser Health News ~ Sep 09, 2020

Opinion: Trump’s idea on changing Social Security funding has the potential to break an impasse on much-needed reforms
By Andrew G. Biggs; MarketWatch ~ Sep 09, 2020

Opinion: GOP: “Skinny” Stimulus Package Options
From Jim Wang; Forbes ~ Sep 08, 2020

Senate to vote Thursday on GOP coronavirus bill
By Jordain Carney; The Hill ~ Sep 08, 2020

Medicare Out-of-Pocket Costs You Should Expect to Pay
By Emily Brandon; US News & World Report ~ Sep 08, 2020

Opinion: What has COVID-19 done to our retirement savings?
From Angela Antonelli; MarketWatch ~ Sep 08, 2020

Very, Very Low Chance’: Top Vaccine Adviser Downplays Chance Of Early Approval
Via KHN Morning Briefing; Kaiser Health News ~ Sep 04, 2020

Need Cash? Read This Before You Take an Early Roth IRA Withdrawal During the Pandemic.
By Bill Bischoff; Barron’s ~ Sep 07, 2020

Mnuchin: GOP, Pelosi to agree on continuing resolution to avoid shutdown, as stimulus talks stall
By Ronn Blitzer; Fox News ~ Sep 06, 2020

Local pharmacies can reduce the dual risks of COVID19 and influenza this fall
From Jonathan H. Watanabe & Jan D. Hirsch; The Hill ~ Sep 05, 2020

Azar Says Election Timing Plays No Role In Vaccine Decisions
Via KHN Morning Briefing; Kaiser Health News ~ Sep 04, 2020

Opinion: 60% Of Americans Say Government Making Pandemic Worse. Here’s How We Restore Trust In Government & Science
From Bill Frist; Forbes ~ Sep 04, 2020

Bold Action Needed to Save Medicare, Says MedPAC Commissioner
By Joyce Frieden; MedPage Today ~ Sep 04, 2020

COVID-19 vaccine could come in late October; White House says no pressure on timing
By Manojna Maddipatla & Lisa Lambert; Reuters ~ Sep 03, 2020

CMS unveils redesigned Medicare provider comparison website for consumers
By Maria Castellucci; Modern Healthcare ~ Sep 03, 2020

U.S. Pulls $62 Million in Funding From World Health Organization
By Adam Kredo; The Washington Free Beacon ~ Sep 03, 2020

Deficit to triple to $3.3 trillion: Congressional Budget Office
By Jay Heflin; Washington Examiner ~ Sep 02, 2020

US To Go It Alone On COVID Vaccine, Spurns WHO-Led Global Consortium
Via KHN Morning Briefing; Kaiser Health News ~ Sep 02, 2020

Health officials worry nation not ready for COVID-19 vaccine
By Liz Szabo; The Associated Press ~ Sep 02, 2020

Opinion: Social Security trust fund to run out by 2031: CBO
By Niv Elis; The Hill ~ Sep 02, 2020

House Oversight Democrats to subpoena AbbVie in drug pricing probe
By Nathaniel Weixel; The Hill ~ Sep 01, 2020

Pharma Lobby Disputes Trump’s Claim That Drug Companies Are Negotiating
By Anna Edney & Justin Sink; Bloomberg ~ Sep 01, 2020

Trump says he will meet with drugmakers this week over pricing
By Diane Bartz, Jeff Mason & Carl O'Donnell; Reuters ~ Sep 01, 2020

Senate Republicans May Offer New Stimulus Bill Soon, Mnuchin Says
Via KHN Morning Briefing; Kaiser Health News ~ Sep 01, 2020

You May Be Claiming Social Security Wrong. Here Are Some Policy Proposals That Could Fix That.
By Reshma Kapadia; Barron’s ~ Sep 01, 2020