Social Security and Medicare Podcasts

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Social Security Facts and Figures

Social Security is the primary source of retirement income for Americans according to the Social Security Administration’s Fast Facts & Figures About Social Security, 2011. Highlights from the report include other sources of retirement income, average benefits for men and for women, and the percentages paid out for retirement, survivor or disability benefits. This issue also includes articles on direct deposit and a summary of recommendations in the deficit commission report for reforming and preserving these programs.
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Social Security and Medicare Trustees Release the 2011 Reports

The Social Security and Medicare boards of trustees issued their annual reports that forecast long-range deficits in both programs. This podcast reviews the findings and discusses some approaches under consideration for addressing the shortfall in these programs.
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Changes to Social Security and Medicare in 2011 affect employers as well as participants

Several major changes to the Social Security and Medicare programs will affect employers as well as employees and participants in 2011. This podcast summarizes some of these changes, which include a Social Security tax holiday, changes to Medicare annual enrollment periods and the Part D prescription program, and improvements in preventive medical benefits.
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2011 Social Security and Medicare Figures

For the second consecutive year, about 53 million Social Security beneficiaries will not receive a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for monthly benefits payable in 2011. The new year will bring many changes to the Medicare program. This newsletter contains handy tables comparing the 2011 Social Security and Medicare figures to 2010.
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Social Security and Medicare trustees see long-range stability despite tough choices ahead

Annual reports by the boards of trustees for the Social Security and Medicare trust funds forecast long-range stability, despite predictions that program costs will exceed tax revenues for the first time in 2010 and 2011. This newsletter reviews the reports and discusses some approaches under consideration for shoring up the foundation of these programs.
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How does the health care reform legislation impact Medicare?

One of the hottest questions being asked now is “How does the health care reform legislation impact Medicare?” Discover the primary changes that will affect the Medicare program in the coming months and years.
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How work affects Social Security benefits

One of the most frequently asked questions about Social Security is: “How much can I earn and still receive benefits?” Find answers on how the earnings limitation affects Social Security benefits depending on age. Tables included cover Full Retirement Age for workers, spouses, and surviving spouses and Who Receives Benefits.
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Social Security Facts and Figures

Social Security is the primary source of retirement income for Americans according to the Social Security Administration’s Fast Facts & Figures About Social Security, 2009. Highlights from the report include other sources of retirement income, average benefits for men and for women, and percentage paid out in retirement, survivor or disability benefits. Other tables show updated Social Security index factors, taxable earnings base and average wages.
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2010 Social Security and Medicare Figures

For the first time in history, about 56 million Social Security beneficiaries will not receive a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for monthly benefits payable in 2010. This newsletter contains handy tables comparing the 2010 Social Security and Medicare figures to 2009. Other tables show the updated formulas and monthly benefits at age 62.
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Annual Social Security and Medicare Trustees’ Reports

Annual reports from the Social Security and Medicare Board of Trustees show a decrease in the stability of these programs. This podcast explains the reports' importance and provides a look at some proposals for fixing Social Security and Medicare.
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Applying the Social Security earnings limit test to retirees' special payments

When do special payments Social Security recipients receive from an employer affect the retirement earnings limit test? This podcast discusses assumptions SSA makes about employer payments to retirees, the types of employer payments excluded from the retirement earnings limit test and other types of exclusions that may affect retirees.
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Social Security announces 2009 increases

The Social Security Administration has announced all automatic adjustments of program amounts for 2009.
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CMS releases 2009 Medicare premiums and deductibles

Medicare beneficiaries are subject to various cost-sharing requirements – including monthly premiums, deductibles and daily coinsurance amounts for certain benefits – that are adjusted annually based on Medicare rules. Also explained are the four parts of the Medicare program and changes in Medicare premiums and deductibles for 2009.
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Social Security changes and future strategies

As baby boomers approach retirement age and life expectancies increase, many parties worry that Social Security won’t be enough to provide for a secure future. This podcast reviews legal changes that let retirees work while collecting benefits, and answers some frequently asked questions about what the future may hold for the Social Security program.
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