Liz Weston: Social Security Fairness Act may help retired postal worker access wife’s benefits – OregonLive
Dear Liz: My husband has been working at the postal service for over 30 years and retired on pensions. He has not had enough years in the private sector to qualify for Social Security. We currently have the Social Security Equality Act, so is he entitled to receive my Social Security percentage? I know that […]
Liz Weston: Medicare recipient should spend down their HSA to avoid heir’s tax burden – OregonLive
Dear Liz: I use Medicare, but I also have a health savings account with a fair market value of over $9,000. Can I spend this on prescriptions, eye care, etc.? I hate wasting this money. My wife passed away and it sat there for a while. answer: You can't contribute to HSAs after using Medicare, […]
Health officials say Eugene medical chain, two Oregon insurers unreasonably raised costs – OregonLive
Oregon's health authorities called three medical institutions this week this week to unreasonably drive Oregon's medical expenses. In 2021, the upper limit of the annual expenditure growth rate of the healthcare organization was set to 3.4 % per person. This is a part of a regulated bidding that suppresses the rise in medical expenses. Oregon […]
Aetna drops Providence in Oregon from its health insurance network, leaving patients in limbo – OregonLive
Providence Health & Services in Oregon was removed from Aetna's health insurance network after the two sides failed to reach a new agreement by the end of 2024. Aetna's contract with nonprofit Catholic Health System and insurance giant Providence has expired on Dec. 31, it announced. This means patients of Providence hospitals, clinics, and doctors […]
Some recipients may get larger Social Security checks, even retroactively, but it’s not a done deal yet – OregonLive
Millions of Americans could see an increase in their Social Security benefits under a bill headed to President Joe Biden's desk, but critics say the bill would bankrupt the fund further. It warns that this will be done at the cost of forcing people to become more vulnerable. If signed by the president before the […]
Liz Weston: Thinking of gifting cash this holiday? You can give up to $18,000 without notifying IRS – OregonLive
dear liz: I am a 95-year-old widow. This year, I would like to give $5,000 to each of my three children who are in their 60s. What is tax? Who pays it? answer: Gifts are not taxable to the recipient, and the only givers who have to pay taxes are those who give away millions […]
Liz Weston: Medicare Part D plan caps out-of-pocket max at $2,000 beginning in 2025 – OregonLive
Dear Liz: In the past, we've discussed the pros and cons of Medicare Advantage plans and Original Medicare. I think there's one more thing I should mention to my readers. That means Part D prescription drug coverage is more expensive for people who choose Original Medicare. For example, if you need several Tier 3 or […]
Insurers cut Medicare Advantage plans in Oregon, leaving thousands to find new coverage – OregonLive
Thousands of Oregon seniors will lose health insurance after some Medicare Advantage insurers cut services in response to rising costs. Moda Health and Summit Health end Medicare Advantage Oregon's Regence Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna and Pacific Sauce also plan to remove some Advantage plans from their menus next year. In total, more than 12,000 […]
Medicare Guide 2025: Why enrollees should bring extra scrutiny to bear this open enrollment season – OregonLive
Jay Neal read the Annual Notice of Changes to Medicare Advantage Plans with mixed emotions. His plans became more expensive and had fewer benefits. Residents of Klamath County, Oregon, saw their monthly premiums increase from $20 to $35. This is a 75% increase. His dental allowance is reduced from $1,000 to $200 every six months, […]
Liz Weston: Social Security survivor benefits can start at age 60. But what happens if you remarry? – OregonLive
Dear Liz: My wife has been married for 15 years and is now 58, and I am 62. She is a military widow and was married to her previous husband for 17 years until his death. Since she married me, I don’t think she is eligible to receive a pension based on her deceased spouse’s […]