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Are you retirement ready? What you need to consider
 

[October 27, 2011]  (ARA) - The idea of retirement is both exciting and daunting. After leaving the workforce, you'll have the opportunity to pursue dreams that you have envisioned for your retirement. But you'll need to have the financial wherewithal to fund those dreams and cover your day-to-day living expenses.

It is clear from everything we read in the news that many Americans likely aren't saving enough. While many people might rely on Social Security to help cover their costs during retirement, it may not be enough and those who want to live a full life in their later years should focus now on saving more. (Click here for the rest of the story)

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Some tricks can be horrifying to your SSN record

[October 27, 2011]  You’ll probably be passing out treats to costumed hobgoblins and ghosts in your neighborhood this Halloween night. But be cautious that you’re not tricked by a different kind of trickster looking for a handout, such as your personal information.

You should always safeguard your personal information such as date of birth, mother’s maiden name, and your Social Security number. Why? Because it’s that type of information identity thieves are after. (Click here for the rest of the story)

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Nothing to fear at Social Security's website 

[October 27, 2011]  Different people have different fears, and often Halloween seems to be a time to talk about them. Children may be afraid of monsters in the closet or creatures lurking beneath the bed. Teenagers may fear not fitting in with the popular crowd. (Click here for the rest of the story)

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Seasons aren't the only things that change

[October 27, 2011]  Many people enjoy watching the changing seasons, and in many parts of the country we find ourselves at that time of the year when the shifting from one season to another seems most enjoyable. In many parts of the country, the lush green foliage gradually fades to an autumn rainbow of yellow-orange-red-brown. Cool air brings light jackets out of closets. Pumpkins and decorative corn begin to appear on porches and doorsteps. (Click here for the rest of the story)

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New dates for Medicare open enrollment this year

[October 27, 2011]  WASHINGTON (AP) -- Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius is reminding seniors and their families that the open enrollment period is moving up this year for Medicare Advantage and prescription drug plans. (Click here for the rest of the story)

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Hunting for a prescription drug plan is no game

[October 27, 2011]  It’s that time of year again. 

“Open season” is right around the corner for the Medicare Part D prescription drug plan. Hunting down the best plan for you is no game. Newly eligible Medicare beneficiaries, and current beneficiaries who are considering changes to their Medicare Part D plan, should mark their calendars for October 15. The “open season” will run from October 15 to December 7. (Click here for the rest of the story)

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Good nutrition important for eye health as you age

[October 27, 2011]  (ARA) - Poor vision has many causes and treatments, and as you grow older, you will likely experience some type of vision loss or reduction in visual performance.

For older adults, bright lights, glare while driving at night and even blindness can dramatically affect quality of life, but the treatment isn't just glasses or a stronger prescription - it's also nutrition and supplementation. (Click here for the rest of the story)

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100 disability conditions fast-tracked by Social Security 

[October 27, 2011]  Here’s some important news if you’re applying for Social Security disability benefits for yourself or a loved one.  There are 100 conditions which qualify for an expedited process known as Compassionate Allowances.

Compassionate Allowances, which began in December 2007, are a way to quickly identify diseases and other medical conditions that, by definition, meet Social Security’s standards for disability benefits. (Click here for the rest of the story)

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Caring for Mom and Dad: cost-effective tips to create an accessible bathroom

[October 27, 2011]  (ARA) - Many boomers caring for their aging parents don't realize that their bathroom is the most important room in the house.

Remodeling a bathroom for an elderly parent can make life not only safer, but also more enjoyable, improving comfort and personal dignity. Temporary fixes like plastic bathtub seats and toilet frames with elevated seats can be rickety, but even worse, they can be depressing and demoralizing. (Click here for the rest of the story)

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Good nutrition important for eye health as you age

[October 27, 2011]  (ARA) - Poor vision has many causes and treatments, and as you grow older, you will likely experience some type of vision loss or reduction in visual performance.

For older adults, bright lights, glare while driving at night and even blindness can dramatically affect quality of life, but the treatment isn't just glasses or a stronger prescription - it's also nutrition and supplementation. (Click here for the rest of the story)

More Sept. questions and answers from Social Security

[October 27, 2011]  DISABILITY  Question: How does Social Security decide if I am disabled?

Answer:
If you are an adult, you must be unable to work for a year or more because of a medical condition or combination of medical impairments. Overall, we use a five-step evaluation process to decide whether you are disabled. The process considers any current work activity you are doing. It also considers your medical condition and how it affects your ability to work. To be found disabled: (Click here for the rest of the story)

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For caregivers: Dollars and sense about Medicare

[October 27, 2011]  (ARA) - Taking on the role of caregiver for an aging, disabled or seriously ill loved one can be emotionally challenging - and financially baffling. You want to ensure your loved one receives the best medical care available, yet hold down expenses at the same time. And if the person you care for has Medicare, you'll want to make sure you know how to best use it to help with medical expenses. (click here for the rest of the story)

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September questions and answers from Social Security

[October 27, 2011]  GENERAL
Question:

I received a notice from Social Security recently. It said my name and Social Security number do not match Social Security’s records. What should I do?

Answer:

It’s critical that your name and Social Security number, as shown on your Social Security card, match your employer’s payroll records and your W-2 form. If they don’t, here is what you need to do: (Click here for the rest of the story)

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Good doctor-patient communication can lead to better management of rheumatoid arthritis

[October 27, 2011]  (ARA) - For patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis (RA), pain is a part of life. Nearly 70 percent of people being treated for RA, experience pain, stiffness or fatigue on a daily basis. However, many patients don't realize that better communication with their rheumatologist could lead to improved care. (Click here for the rest of the story)

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socialsecurity.gov delivers

[October 27, 2011]  Would you like to stay informed when there are changes to the Social Security website?  More than one million people currently receive updates when we make changes to the pages they’re most interested in. Now you can too. 

You can subscribe to receive free email updates with the click of a button.  Just visit www.socialsecurity.gov/govdelivery, or look for the red envelope icon on your favorite Social Security web pages. (click here for the rest of the story)

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Archived articles

Archived articles