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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 )

NRLN’s Pension Recoupment Proposal in House Bill

The leaders of the House Ways and Means committee have introduced a bipartisan bill that includes a pension recoupment provision which represents three years of effort by the National Retiree Legislative Network.

Ways and Means Committee Chairman Richard E. Neal (MA-01) and Ranking Member Kevin Brady (TX-08) have introduced the Securing a Strong Retirement Act of 2020. Included in the bill is Section 301 which is the direct result of the NRLN’s work to protect retirees’ pension benefits. The legislative language states:

Section 301, Recovery of retirement plan overpayments. Sometimes retirees mistakenly receive more money than they are owed under their retirement plans. These mistakes cause problems when they occur over time, and plan fiduciaries later seek to recover the overpayments from unsuspecting retirees. When an overpayment has lasted for years, plans often compel retirees to repay the amount of the overpayment, plus interest, which can be substantial. Even small overpayment amounts can create a hardship for a retiree living on a fixed income. The legislation would allow retirement plan fiduciaries the latitude to decide not to recoup overpayments that were mistakenly made to retirees. If plan fiduciaries choose to recoup overpayments, limitations and protections apply to safeguard innocent retirees. This protects both the benefits of future retirees and the benefits of current retirees. In addition, rollovers of the overpayments would remain valid, which is another important protection for participants.

It is uncertain whether the Securing a Strong Retirement Act of 2020 bill will be passed in the House during the final weeks of the 116th Congress. If not, the NRLN expects that Chairman Neal and Ranking Member Brady will re-introduce the bill in the 117th Congress which begins January 3, 2021.

Gaining the pension recoupment provision in the bill is a “case study” of the NRLN’s work that took place. The effort began on September 10 -12, 2018 when leaders of the NRLN, retiree associations and chapters had 50 appointments in offices of Senators and Representatives on Capitol Hill as part of the NRLN’s fly-in to Washington, DC. One of the issues advocated in those meetings was the NRLN’s proposal to protect pension recipients when pension plan sponsors find a calculation error and force retirees to pay back thousands of dollars and suffer a large cut in benefits as well. (It was advocated again at fly-ins on February 25 - 27, 2019 and February 24 - 26, 2020)

Most of the time in Washington, DC, a partnership with other groups is required to get legislation introduced, or at least communication with other groups to gain their assurance they will not oppose what you are advocating. The NRLN worked both sides.

There were months and months of negotiations and compromises with retirement and employer groups. The NRLN moved away from its initial position of very small fiduciary adjustments to pension plan actuarial calculations to avoid pension recoupment to the language that is now in the bill which is also a strong protection for retirees.

Through dozens of meetings and phone calls Alyson Parker, NRLN Executive Director, Jay Kuhnie, President, National Chrysler Retirement Organization and NRLN Board Member, and I never gave up hope that our efforts would eventually result in pension recoupment language in a bill. Jay was deeply committed to the effort because a number of NCRO members had suffered pension recoupment and paid back thousands of dollars to the Chrysler/Fiat pension plan.

I should note there are other provisions in the Securing a Strong Retirement Act of 2020 that are similar to the proposals in the NRLN’s Whitepaper on Universal Retirement Accounts to enhance retirement security that was widely circulated on Capitol Hill and advocated at a fly-in. For example:

  • Promote savings earlier for retirement by enrolling employees automatically in their company’s 401(k) plan, when a new plan is created;
  • Create a new financial incentive for small businesses to offer retirement plans;
  • Increase and modernize the existing federal tax credit for contributions to a retirement plan or IRA (the Saver’s Credit).

As we approach Thanksgiving, the NRLN, its members and all retirees have one more thing to be thankful for with the introduction of the Securing a Strong Retirement Act of 2020. Click here if you wish to read all sections of the bill.

Bill Kadereit, President
National Retiree Legislative Network

 

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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.

 

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!

 

LISTEN or WATCH OUR LATEST EPISODE POSTED 11/08PODCASTS

 

Thanksgiving

A Time to Appreciate What We Have

The Peanuts comic strip continues to be published in many newspapers although its creator, Charles Schultz, passed away in 2000. Among Mr. Schultz’s “words of wisdom” is: “The smile on my face doesn’t mean life is perfect. It means I appreciate what I have and what I have been blessed with. I choose to be happy.”

I think these words are appropriate for Thanksgiving 2020 in this year of COVID-19, fires in the west, hurricanes in the South, riots in several cities and a contested presidential election. Smile, if we can, while enduring all of this and count the blessings we have during this unique American holiday.

This Thanksgiving, due to a COVID-19 third wave, there will be much less travel and fewer gatherings with family members and friends. Whatever your plans are for the holiday, take precautions and do your best to be protected from this menacing virus. Maybe we should consider Zooming our way to family get-togethers this year.

During our Thanksgiving prayer let us pray for the souls of those who have died during this pandemic and be thankful for the doctors and nurses who have saved the lives of tens of thousands with the coronavirus and the scientists who are working to provide a vaccine to protect us from it.

Let us pray for an end to violence in our country, for the safety of our peace officers and our members of the U.S. Military. May our newly elected members of Congress and incumbents work with the President to do what is best for all Americans.

Have a peaceful and safe Thanksgiving.

Bill Kadereit, President
National Retiree Legislative Network

 

Medicare Premium, Deductibles and Coinsurance Costs for 2021

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced on Friday, November 6th, the 2021 premiums, deductibles and coinsurance amounts for Medicare Part B and Part A .

Medicare Part B covers physician services, outpatient hospital services, certain home health services, durable medical equipment, and certain other medical and health services not covered by Medicare Part A.

The standard monthly premium for Medicare Part B enrollees will be $148.50 for 2021, an increase of $3.90 from $144.60 in 2020. The annual deductible for all Medicare Part B beneficiaries will be $203 in 2021, an increase of $5 from the annual deductible of $198 in 2020.

Since 2007, a beneficiary’s Part B monthly premium is based on income. These income-related monthly adjustment amounts affect roughly seven percent of people with Medicare Part B.

Medicare Part A covers inpatient hospital, skilled nursing facility, and some home health care services. About 99 percent of Medicare beneficiaries do not have a Part A premium since they have at least 40 quarters of Medicare-covered employment.

The Medicare Part A inpatient hospital deductible that beneficiaries will pay when admitted to the hospital will be $1,484 in 2021, an increase of $76 from $1,408 in 2020. The Part A inpatient hospital deductible covers beneficiaries’ share of costs for the first 60 days of Medicare-covered inpatient hospital care in a benefit period. In 2021, beneficiaries must pay a coinsurance amount of $371 per day for the 61st through 90th day of a hospitalization ($352 in 2020) in a benefit period and $742 per day for lifetime reserve days ($704 in 2020). For beneficiaries in skilled nursing facilities, the daily coinsurance for days 21 through 100 of extended care services in a benefit period will be $185.50 in 2021 ($176.00 in 2020).

For more information about Medicare Part A and Part B go to the CMS newsroom at: https://www.cms.gov/newsroom .

 

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.
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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.

3 Social Security Rules That Are Downright Unfair
By Maurie Backman; The Motley Fool ~ Nov 26, 2020

CDC To Announce Shorter Quarantine Time
Via KHN Morning Briefing; Kaiser Health News ~ Nov 25, 2020

First Vaccine Dispatch Of 6.4M Doses To Be Sent To States As Soon As FDA OKs
Via KHN Morning Briefing; Kaiser Health News ~ Nov 25, 2020

Hospitals can care for Medicare patients at home in pandemic
By Linda A. Johnson; The Associated Press ~ Nov 25, 2020

Got Questions About The Medicare Giveback Benefit? Here Are Some Answers
From Diane Omdahl; Forbes ~ Nov 24, 2020

Amazon Pharmacy empowers consumers
From Ge Bai, Thomas Cordeiro & Shivaram Rajgopal; The Hill ~ Nov 24, 2020

Precision Medicine is Coming. What That Means for Patients and Investors.
By Lauren R. Rublin; Barron’s ~ Nov 24, 2020

First Vaccine Could Be Administered In US As Early As Dec. 11
Via KHN Morning Briefing; Kaiser Health News ~ Nov 23, 2020

Majority of seniors have been targeted by a Social Security scam in the past three months. Here’s how to protect yourself
By Lorie Konish; CNBC ~ Nov 23, 2020

Rumors on social media suggest taxes are going up next year—here’s what you need to know
By Alicia Adamczyk; CNBC ~ Nov 23, 2020

Make list price the touchstone for drug pricing across the supply chain
By Robin Feldman, STATnews – Nov – 29 2020

Now the U.S. Has Lots of Ventilators, but Too Few Specialists to Operate Them
By Andrew Jacobs; The New York Times ~ Nov 22, 2020

Americans pay more for prescription drugs than anyone else. Can Amazon Pharmacy change that?
By Andrew Keshner & Elisabeth Buchwald; MarketWatch ~ Nov 22, 2020

5 year-end strategies to save on your 2020 taxes
By Darla Mercado, CFP®; CNBC ~ Nov 22, 2020

Stimulus update: McConnell and Schumer discuss averting a shutdown and economic aid
By Lance Lambert & Anne Sraders; Fortune ~ Nov 20, 2020

Opinion: Prioritizing COVID relief: How to break the stalemate
From Nicholas Sargen; The Hill ~ Nov 21, 2020

Trump makes late-term bid to lower prescription drug costs
By Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar; The Associated Press ~ Nov 20, 2020

FDA approves first COVID-19 test kit for home use
By Shubham Kalia; Reuters ~ Nov 20, 2020

Pfizer Applies for Emergency F.D.A. Approval for Covid-19 Vaccine
By Noah Weiland & Katie Thomas; The New York Times ~ Nov 20, 2020

Don’t Travel, Limit Thanksgiving Gatherings, CDC Cautions Americans
Via KHN Morning Briefing; Kaiser Health News ~ Nov 20, 2020

Medicare and Medicaid will cover COVID-19 vaccine costs, CMS says
By “Home Media”; MarketWatch ~ Nov 19, 2020

Surprise Federal Drug Rule Directs Insurers to Reveal What They Pay for Prescription Drugs
By Harris Meyer; Kaiser Health News ~ Nov 19, 2020

IRS races to get remaining stimulus checks to low-income households
By Naomi Jagoda; The Hill ~ Nov 18, 2020

Nearly 30 Million Baby Boomers Forced Into Unwanted Retirement
From Jack Kelly; Forbes ~ Nov 19, 2020

FDA authorizes first COVID-19 test that gives results at home
By Aris Folley; The Hill ~ Nov 17, 2020

HHS Secretary Azar: Coronavirus Vaccine Distribution Could Start In Weeks
By Elana Lyn Gross; Forbes ~ Nov 18, 2020

The Final Results Are In: Pfizer Vaccine Is 95% Effective
Via KHN Morning Briefing; Kaiser Health News ~ Nov 18, 2020

Trump Moves Ahead With ‘Most Favored Nation’ Medicare Drug Plan
Via KHN Morning Briefing; Kaiser Health News ~ Nov 18, 2020

Amazon opens online pharmacy, shaking up another industry
By Joseph Pisani & Tom Murphy; The Associated Press ~ Nov 17, 2020

CEO of biotech group says lawsuits are on the table to stop Trump drug proposal
By Peter Sullivan; The Hill ~ Nov 17, 2020

Regeneron says Roche successfully tested manufacture of COVID-19 drug used on Trump
By Carl O’Donnell & Axel Threlfall; Reuters ~ Nov 17, 2020

Arbitration, Not Rate-Setting, Is The Answer To Surprise Billing
From Ike Brannon; Forbes ~ Nov 17, 2020

With Two Effective Vaccines, Approval And Delivery Plans Next To Be Tested
Via KHN Morning Briefing; Kaiser Health News ~ Nov 17, 2020

HealthCare.gov Gets Off to a Fast Start
By Allison Bell; ThinkAdvisor ~ Nov 17, 2020

Many Medicare-Related Costs Go Up For 2021
From Diane Omdahl; Forbes ~ Nov 17, 2020

Trump officials preparing to move forward with major step to lower Medicare drug prices
By Peter Sullivan; The Hill ~ Nov 16, 2020

AHIP: Price gouging gets worse for out-of-network COVID-19 tests
By Robert King; FierceHealthcare ~ Nov 16, 2020

20M Americans Could Get Vaccine Next Month, Warp Speed Chief Says
Via KHN Morning Briefing; Kaiser Health News ~ Nov 16, 2020

Early Data Show Moderna’s Coronavirus Vaccine Is 94.5% Effective
By Denise Grady; The New York Times ~ Nov 16, 2020

Red States’ Case Against ACA Hinges on Whether They Were Actually Harmed by the Law
By Phil Galewitz; Kaiser Health News ~ Nov 16, 2020

Opinion: It's time for a grand agreement on Social Security
From Douglas Carr; The Hill ~ Nov 16, 2020

Doctors Are Calling It Quits Under Stress of the Pandemic
By Reed Abelson; The New York Times ~ Nov 15, 2020

Power-of-Attorney Abuse Can Drain Your Retirement Savings. Choose One Wisely.
By Neal Templin; Barron’s ~ Nov 15, 2020

Here’s what to watch for if a Medigap policy is part of your Medicare coverage
By Sarah O’Brien; CNBC ~ Nov 14, 2020

Remarkable Vaccine Results Leave a Lot of Questions Unanswered
By James Paton & Robert Langreth; Bloomberg Businessweek ~ Nov 14, 2020

Opinion: Medicare cuts to seniors in nursing homes during COVID-19 is unfathomable
From Cynthia Morton; The Hill ~ Nov 14, 2020

Drugs For Multiple Sclerosis And OCD Studied As Possible COVID Treatments
Via KHN Morning Briefing; Kaiser Health News ~ Nov 13, 2020

When Medicare Choices Get ‘Pretty Crazy,’ Many Seniors Avert Their Eyes
By Mark Miller; The New York Times ~ Nov 13, 2020

Medicare Will Pay For COVID Antibody Treatments, CMS Announces
Via KHN Morning Briefing; Kaiser Health News ~ Nov 12, 2020

Top Democrat: Congress could pass retirement bill as soon as this year
By Naomi Jagoda; The Hill ~ Nov 12, 2020

Exclusive: Europe to pay less than U.S. for Pfizer vaccine under initial deal - source
By Francesco Guarascio; Reuters ~ Nov 11, 2020

Extreme Cold Pfizer Vaccine Requires Will Make Broad Distribution Tough
Via KHN Morning Briefing; Kaiser Health News ~ Nov 11, 2020

Some hospitals are running out of health care workers. Here's what could happen next
By Holly Yan; CNN ~ Nov 11, 2020

Supreme Court Justices Signal That ACA May Survive Latest Challenge
Via KHN Morning Briefing; Kaiser Health News ~ Nov 11, 2020

Still Waiting On A Stimulus Check? Act Quickly To Get It This Year
From Jennifer Barrett; Forbes ~ Nov 11, 2020

HHS Secretary Alex Azar Predicts There Will Be Enough Covid-19 Vaccine Doses For All Americans By Spring
By Elana Lyn Gross; Forbes ~ Nov 10, 2020

First Antibody Treatment Gets FDA Emergency Approval
Via KHN Morning Briefing; Kaiser Health News ~ Nov 10, 2020

‘Obamacare’ likely to survive, high court arguments indicate
By Mark Sherman; The Associated Press ~ Nov 10, 2020

Pfizer Says Vaccine Is More Than 90% Effective In Latest Trials
Via KHN Morning Briefing; Kaiser Health News ~ Nov 09, 2020

What to Know as ACA Heads to Supreme Court — Again
By Julie Rovner; Kaiser Health News ~ Nov 09, 2020

Forget Medicare for All — even a public option will be tough to pass
By Susannah Luthi; Politico ~ Nov 08, 2020

SEC Whistleblowers Say 401ks And Pensions Are Cheated Out Of Billions In Mutual Fund Payments
From Edward Siedle; Forbes ~ Nov 07, 2020

Opinion: What now for Joe Biden's presidency and healthcare
By Susan Morse; Healthcare Finance ~ Nov 07, 2020

Opinion: Here’s what a President Joe Biden would mean for Americans’ retirement savings
By Alessandra Malito; MarketWatch ~ Nov 07, 2020

AstraZeneca to deliver vaccine trial data by year’s end
By Danica Kirka; The Associated Press ~ Nov 05, 2020

Vaccine Rollout Guidelines: Put All Health Care Workers First, CDC Says
Via KHN Morning Briefing; Kaiser Health News ~ Nov 06, 2020

Election scrambles prospects for next COVID-19 relief bill
By Niv Elis; The Hill ~ Nov 06, 2020

This New Rule From The Labor Dept. May Have Just Saved Your Retirement
From Chris Carosa; Forbes ~ Nov 06, 2020

Medicare Part B Premiums To Rise 2.7% In 2021, With Premiums For Highest-Income Couples Topping $12,000 A Year
From Ashlea Ebeling; Forbes ~ Nov 06, 2020

The election isn't over but Wall Street is already celebrating. Here's why
By Matt Egan; CNN Business ~ Nov 05, 2020

We Need To Do It’: McConnell Wants COVID-Relief Bill By End Of The Year
Via KHN Morning Briefing; Kaiser Health News ~ Nov 05, 2020

UPDATED Coronavirus tracker: Fitbit partners with DOD to develop wearable that detects COVID-19
By “Healthcare Staff”; FierceHealthcare ~ Nov 05, 2020

On Medicare? Check Out Some Important Points About In- And Out-Of-Network Pharmacies
From Diane Omdahl; Forbes ~ Nov 05, 2020

A New Item on Your Medical Bill: The ‘Covid’ Fee
By Sarah Kliff & Jessica Silver-Greenberg; The New York Times ~ Nov 05, 2020

Opinion: This is what your Social Security check will look like next year — and why
From Mark Hulbert; MarketWatch ~ Nov 05, 2020

Threat of crackdown on U.S. insurers fades as political 'Blue Wave' sputters
By Suzanne Barlyn & Alwyn Scott; Reuters ~ Nov 04, 2020

A Biden Win and Republican Senate Might Lead to Gridlock on Health Issues
By Julie Rovner; Kaiser Health News ~ Nov 04, 2020

4 Potential Social Security Changes to Watch
By Robin Hartill, CFP; The Motley Fool ~ Nov 04, 2020

Insurance lobby criticizes CMS proposal on Medicare coverage for devices
By Carly Behm; Becker’s ASC Review ~ Nov 03, 2020

Open Enrollment Is On—Here’s A Medicare Plan Finder Update
From Diane Omdahl; Forbes ~ Nov 03, 2020

Stimulus update: How the election will shape the next aid package
By Lance Lambert & Anne Sraders; Fortune ~ Nov 03, 2020

As Trump, Biden face off, could drug pricing reforms await? Experts are split, but pharma is watching closely
By Eric Sagonowsky; FiercePharma ~ Nov 02, 2020

Medicare Fines Half of Hospitals for Readmitting Too Many Patients
By Jordan Rau; Kaiser Health News ~ Nov 02, 2020

Opinion: America heads closer to medical price transparency with new rule
From Robert Moffit; The Hill ~ Nov 02, 2020

Yes, Obamacare Enrollment Is Now Open Amid Future Uncertainty
Via KHN Morning Briefing; Kaiser Health News ~ Nov 02, 2020

White House says medical insurance price transparency rule finalized
By Tim Ahmann; Reuters ~ Oct 29, 2020

It’s a grim cut off’: Washington abandoned a stimulus deal, so much of America’s temporary financial safety net will expire
By Andrew Keshner, Jacob Passy, Jillian Berman, Elisabeth Buchwald & Leslie Albrecht; MarketWatch ~ Nov 01, 2020

The Surveys Say: Americans Feel Anxious About Their Retirement Savings Amid Pandemic
By Nick Fortuna; Barron’s ~ Oct 31, 2020

Why State Mask Stockpiling Orders Are Hurting Nursing Homes, Small Providers
By Lauren Weber, KHN News – Oct 30, 2020

McConnell says Congress will take up stimulus package at start of 2021
By Alexander Bolton, The Hill – Oct 30 2020

Plan For Retirement With These Important Steps
By Ande Frazier, Forbes – Oct 29, 2020

Avoid These Common Medicare Open Enrollment Mistakes This Fall
By Danielle Kunkle Roberts, Forbes – Oct 28, 2020

Trump administration agrees to purchase $375 million of Lilly coronavirus antibody drug
By Nathaniel Weixel; The Hill ~ Oct 28, 2020

Hospitalizations Prove Surge Is ‘Real,’ Testing Czar Says In Foil To Trump
Via KHN Morning Briefing; Kaiser Health News ~ Oct 28, 2020

Opinion: The scepter of pension failures haunts this election
From Karen Friedman; The Hill ~ Oct 28, 2020

Social Security Seemed Like a Future Problem. The Virus Changed That.
By Tara Siegel Bernard; The New York Times ~ Oct 28, 2020

Eli Lilly strikes optimistic tone on COVID-19 therapy after trial failure
By Ankur Banerjee, Carl O’Donnell; Reuters ~ Oct 27, 2020

Pfizer C.E.O. All but Rules Out Vaccine Before Election Day
By Katie Thomas; The New York Times ~ Oct 27, 2020

Report: Covid-19 Vaccine Will Be Covered By Medicaid, Medicare
By Robert Hart; Forbes ~ Oct 27, 2020

Stimulus update: As Senate adjourns, hopes for a pre-election stimulus agreement evaporate
By Anne Sraders & Lee Clifford; Fortune ~ Oct 27, 2020

Trump Health Advisers — Past And Present — Urge National Mask Mandate
Via KHN Morning Briefing; Kaiser Health News ~ Oct 26, 2020

IRS gives federal beneficiaries more time to register for stimulus payments for children
By Naomi Jagoda; The Hill ~ Oct 26, 2020

Opinion: IRS Releases 2021 Tax Rates, Standard Deduction Amounts And More
From Kelly Phillips Erb; Forbes ~ Oct 26, 2020

Here are tips from financial advisors for getting your Medicare coverage right
By Sarah O’Brien; CNBC ~ Oct 23, 2020

Opinion: Six Ways Tax Rates Go Up For Retirees
From William Baldwin; Forbes ~ Oct 25, 2020

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