Retirement expert Bob Carlson’s research and knowledge on how to get the most out of healthcare options
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Headlines the last couple of months pointed to serious problems in long-term care insurance (LTCI). The Wall Street Journal blared: “Long-Term-Care Premiums Soar.” This shortly was followed by news that a major player in LTCI, MetLife, was stopping the sale of new policies. The first article detailed sharp proposed premium increases on existing policies by […]
The first major effects of last spring’s health care reform, we’ve said for some months, will be seen in Medicare Advantage plans. Other parts of Medicare also will feel early effects from the new law. The first changes are here, and it’s time to review them and consider the likely future changes. The Medicare Advantage […]
One of the many little-known facets of the new health care law is the CLASS program. This is intended to be a voluntary long-term care assistance program that will pay at least a minimum amount for participants to purchase community living assistance services and supports (CLASS). Participants will receive cash so they can hire home […]
Your tax return for this year will determine your Medicare premiums in two years, if you’ll be a Medicare participant then. Since 2007, as income rises Medicare Part B premiums rise. More people will pay the higher premiums each year under the Affordable Health Care Act of 2010. Through 2010, the incomes at which the […]
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It’s almost time to review your Medicare options. The time to make changes in some of your coverage is from Nov. 15 through the end of the year, so this is a good time to review all your Part B, C, D, and Medigap plan choices. You’ll be able to review your options before Nov. […]
The Medicare open season, officially called the Annual Coordinated Election Period, is coming up. From Nov. 15 – Dec. 31 those eligible for Medicare can enroll, disenroll, and switch Medicare plans. Following that is the General Enrollment Period from Jan. 1 – March 31 when anyone eligible for Medicare can enroll. Medicare fraud is around […]
Medicare Advantage members soon will feel direct effects from the new health care law. This fall they may need to shift their coverage, and they should begin preparing now. Medicare Advantage plans are run by private insurers. The insurers receive a fixed amount per member from Medicare, and the payment is higher than the cost […]

Many people in or near their silver years know they should own long-term care insurance, but there are several hurdles the policies haven’t cleared with them. Fortunately, there is a short cut solution to clearing most of these hurdles. There are several common reasons people don’t buy LTCI: Policies have a history of sharp premium […]
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