Money

Medicare is not free; there are premiums and deductibles. If you don't qualify for Medicaid and can't afford a Medigap policy, you may be able to get help paying for the costs of Medicare. ...

It’s never too early to start planning for your retirement. Set a goal, make a plan, and save automatically. People with a plan are twice as likely to save successfully. Pledge to save for America Saves Week at www.americasavesweek.org.  ...

All long-term care costs rose sharply in 2020, but assisted living facility costs increased the most, according to an annual Cost of Care Survey. The across-the-board rises were due, in part, to increased costs brought about by the coronavirus pandemic.  ...

Whether retirement is coming soon or still seems far in the distance, now is a great time to ask questions you may have about Social Security. Brandon P. Smith is a Social Security public affairs specialist with Cleveland's Social Security Administration office who will answer your questions in an upcoming video interview with Boomer editor Marie Elium. Post your questions below through February 20! ...

Let's make tax time a little easier. If you live in the United States and you need a replacement form SSA-1099 or SSA-1042S, simply go online and get an instant, printable replacement form using your personal my Social Security account at ssa.gov/myaccount. A replacement SSA-1099 or SSA-1042S is available for the previous tax year. ...

Sponsored Content Provided by Ohio Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP)

Ohio Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) provides information and counseling related to Medicare fraud, errors and abuse. Learn how to protect your medical and personal identity. We provide virtual presentations to groups of all sizes.

You can also join us on the Ohio SMP app. Look for the FREE download on the Apple App Store or Google Play.

If you suspect Medicare fraud or are interested in a virtual presentation, contact Ohio SMP. Call 1-800-488-6070 or go to proseniors.org/ohio-smp.

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Interest rates are at an all-time low. They have been ridiculously low for the past year and economists are not expecting them to increase anytime soon. Low interest rates have brought buyers into the real estate market, some of them first-time buyers. ...

Determining whether you need long-term care insurance depends, in part, on your financial situation. The cost of a long-term care insurance policy varies considerably, depending on your age when you purchase the policy, the benefit period, and the level of benefits, among other things, but the premiums can be expensive. ...