Consumers turn to advisors for answers on Social Security

Source: InsuranceNewsNet

RSSA's Thomas Drapala was featured in a recent article. He spoke at the NAIFA Apex conference, stressing the importance of Social Security expertise. Nearly all Americans will claim benefits, but without guidance, clients may leave money on the table—or switch advisors. Read the story.

4 Ways a Lower Social Security Age Might Help You — and 4 Ways It Might Not

Source: GoBankingRates

Martha Shedden speaks with writer Tina Nazerian and she explains that while some may want to collect retirement benefits before age 67, discussions about lowering the retirement age are rare. Read the story.

I’m an Economist: Here’s What the 2025 Social Security COLA Should Be To Keep Up With Inflation

Source: Yahoo

Martha Shedden shares her insight with a journalist on whether or not the CPI-W is a good metric to use when measuring inflation for Social Security purposes. Shedden says, the CPI-W is an “unrealistic representation of what retirees spend money on.” Read the story.

4 Reasons to Take Social Security Benefits Early

Source: BottomLineInc.

RSSA President & Co-Founder, Martha Shedden contributes a story to BottomLineInc. She writes about four potential reasons to claim benefits early. Read the story.

Question: I am a widow, my husband was on disability when he died (at age 55 years old). What am I eligible to do at age 62? May I collect my benefit and not collect survivor benefits until 70?

Martha's response: At age 60 you are eligible for survivor benefits and at age 62 you will be eligible for retirement benefits. Which benefit you collect first or second, depends on the amounts of each at the age you collect. Survivor benefits increase every month of delaying from age 60 to full retirement age (between 66 and 67). Retirement benefits increase every month of delaying from age 60 to age 70. The good news is that you can start by collecting the smaller of the two and later switch to the higher one. You may benefit from a Social Security income planning analysis with an RSSA...Read the full response.

Ask Martha your own question.

A Medicare Insurance Advisor‘s Insights Into Avoiding Penalties And Pitfalls 

In this archived episode of Social Security: Answers from the Experts, Martha Shedden sits down with John Norce and they talk all things Medicare as John shares his extensive knowledge about the program and gives out lots of information about the major questions people have. John Norce is the founder of Medicare Portal, an insurance agency specializing in the education and enrollment of individuals into Medicare. 

Listen to the episode or watch the recording on YouTube.

When is Medicare Open Enrollment? Medicare’s open enrollment period is October 15 through December 7.

What is Medicare Open Enrollment? Medicare health and drug plans can change annually in areas like cost, coverage, and provider or pharmacy networks. During the open enrollment period between October 15 and December 7, Medicare recipients can adjust their plans for the upcoming year to better suit their needs.

How can people determine if they need to change plans? Medicare recipients should review materials like the “Evidence of Coverage” (EOC) and “Annual Notice of Change” (ANOC) sent by their plans. If the plans are changing, they should ensure the new terms meet their needs for the following year. If their current plan still meets their needs and is being offered, no action is required.

Learn more about Medicare open enrollment.