Legislative Update Week of February 2, 2004
As you know, the mission of TREA Senior Citizens League (TSCL) is to defend and protect the earned retirement benefits of its members. What you may not know is that monies from the Social Security, Medicare, and military retirement trust funds are being kept as a part of the Federal budget.

Deficits Put Social Security & Medicare in Doubt
The nation recently learned that we face the largest deficit in history.

Medicare and Social Security on Collision Course With Deficit (Press Release)
Alexandria, VA (September 29, 2003)--Americans may soon face painful Medicare and Social Security cuts, and higher payroll taxes, unless a soaring federal deficit can be brought under control, warns a national seniors organization.

Legislative Update Week of September 22, 2003
If you can’t keep track of all these numbers, just remember that they’re all big, and they’re all bad, said U.S. Comptroller General David Walker in reference to the current United States budget shortfalls and how much every man, woman, and child would owe in order to bring the budget into balance.

Legislative Update: Huge Increases in Medicare Costs May Be In Store
Private economists expect the government to end the year with a record $400 billion deficit.

Legislative Update: Big Deficits Spell Risk of Benefit Cuts and Higher Costs
The federal deficit is getting worse, and this is likely to spell bad news for seniors.

Legislative Update Week of April 14, 2003
As many of us are frantically finishing our federal tax returns, two news accounts in recent days tell a disturbing story regarding property taxes and seniors.

Tap Your Home for Income With a Reverse Mortgage
Record numbers of seniors are taking out loans to cover high health care costs.

TSCL Announces its Support for Military Retiree Health Care Legislation
TSCL has announced its support for bills recently introduced in the 108th Congress...

Is A Reverse Mortgage Right For You?
A weaker economyu, low COLAs, high health care and other costs are spurring seniors to take out loands.

To Buy—Or Not To Buy—Long-Term Care Insurance
Insurance ombudsman and author Benjamin Lipson warns that the rush to sell long-term care policies could harm consumers.

Legislative Update: Government Wasted $19 Billion in 2001
Congress was ignominiously unsuccessful in achieving either a Medicare prescription drug benefit or Notch Reform again in 2002.

You May Have A “Buried Treasure” In U.S. Savings Bonds
Remember those U.S. Savings Bonds you received every birthday, or bought for your kids and safely tucked away in the back drawer?

How Much Does It Cost to Die?
More Than $50,000 for the Average Senior, According to NCPA.

Nearly One in Four Seniors Skips Doses or Does Not Fill Prescriptions
Nearly one quarter of all seniors reports skipping doses of medicine or does not fill prescriptions because of costs.

Social Security Administration Misinforms Over a Million Low-Income and Older New Yorkers about Right to Assistance for Medicare Premiums
The Social Security Administration and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services have sent letters containing outdated information on savings program's asset qualifications...

Washington Weekly Legislative Update for Week Ending September 13, 2002
Congress took the opportunity to revisit legislation passed to respond to the disaster of a year ago; Conflict continued between fiscal conservatives seeking to hold the line on spending; The House Ways and Means Committee prepared to finalize legislation;

How Can I Find A Good Health Plan?
See our special section on Shopping for a Health Plan.

Washington Weekly Legislative Update for Week Ending September 6, 2002
Congress returned to the capital after brisk visits to their districts to find all the problems they had left in Washington remained.

Is Our Government Guilty of Questionable Accounting?
Politicians on Capitol Hill are busy investigating U.S. corporate accounting scandals.

Washington Weekly Legislative Update for Week ending July 12, 2002
The Feds continued to look into financial misdeeds by corporate America...; On the Senate side, the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee moved on several bills seeking to promote fairer drug pricing;

IRS Tax Tip 2002: Common Errors To Avoid
A simple mistake can cause problems with your tax return, which might lead to delays in processing your return and receiving your refund.

IRS Tax Tip 2002: What To Do If You Can't Pay Your Taxes
If this year's tax filing deadline will be a "pay" day for you and you cannot pay the full amount that you owe, you should still file your return by the due date and pay as much as you can.

IRS Tax Tip 2002: Options For Paying Your Taxes
If you do not pay your taxes when due, you may have to pay a failure-to-pay penalty.

IRS Tax Tip 2002: Extensions Of Time To File Your Tax Return
If you can't meet the April 15 deadline to file your tax return, you can get a four-month extension of time from the IRS.

Moving? Compare State Taxes
On a fixed income, the size of your tax bill can make a significant difference in your quality of life.

Ask the Advisor: Government "Enronomics"? The Social Security Trust Fund
The shameful theft of funds from the Social Security Trust Fund is more egregious than the abuse at Enron. Why hasn't TSCL filed a class action lawsuit on behalf of the nations' seniors against the perpetrators of this scam, our federal government?

IRS Tax Tip 2002: Need Last-Minute Tax Help? Don't Panic
If you're trying to beat the tax deadline, the IRS says there are several options for last-minute help.

IRS Tax Tip 2002: Where To File Your Return
Once you complete your 2001 federal tax return, you can either file it electronically or mail it to the IRS.

IRS Tax Tip 2002: How To Prepare Your Tax Return For Mailing
Your tax return is complete and ready to be mailed. Now what?

IRS Tax Tip 2002: Ten Ways To Avoid Problems At Tax Time
Looking for ways to avoid the last-minute rush for doing your taxes?

IRS Tax Tip 2002: Tax Changes For Business Owners
At tax time, many business owners want to make sure they are aware of the latest changes that could affect their taxes.

IRS Tax Tip 2002: Taxable Or Nontaxable?
Generally, most income you receive is taxable... But there are some areas where certain types of income are partially taxed or not taxed at all.

IRS Tax Tip 2002: Early Distributions From Retirement Plans
An early distribution from an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) or a qualified retirement plan need not be a "taxing" experience...

IRS Tax Tip 2002: Gambling Income and Expenses
With more and more gambling establishments, the IRS reminds people that they must report all gambling winnings as income on their tax return.

New Rule May Lock You in to Health Plan
A new rule makes it more difficult to change health plans this year.

Ask the Advisor: Are You a "Forgotten Widow"?

IRS Tax Tip 2002: Deductible Taxes
Did you know that you may be able to deduct certain taxes on your federal income tax return?

IRS Tax Tip 2002: Charitable Contributions
The Internal Revenue Services advises that when preparing to file your 2001 federal tax return, don't forget your contributions to charitable organizations.

IRS Tax Tip 2002: Gift Giving
If you give any one person gifts valued at more than $10,000 in 2001, it is necessary to report the total gift to the Internal Revenue Service.

IRS Tax Tip 2002: Do You Have A Deductible Home Office?
Whether you are self-employed or an employee, if you use a portion of your home for business purposes, you may be able to take a home office deduction, according to the IRS.

IRS Tax Tip 2002: IRA Contributions Can Be Made Until Tax Filing Deadline
If you haven't put any money into an Individual Retirement Arrangement (IRA) for tax year 2001, or if you've put in less than the maximum allowed, you still have time, according to the IRS.

IRS Tax Tip 2002: Don't Be Taken In By Tax Scams
The IRS reminds taxpayers not to fall victim to a variety of tax scams.

A Budget For Social Insecurity
Remember the promise to "Save Social Security First?"

Budget Reversal Leads to Deficits
Federal budget deficits are back. Last year, the CBO projected a surplus of $313 billion for 2002 and now projects a deficit of $21 billion.

IRS Tax Tip 2002: Tax Assistance For Individuals With Disabilities And The Hearing-Impaired
Are you unable to complete your federal income tax return because of a physical disability or hearing impairment?

IRS Tax Tip 2002: Notices-What To Do
It's a moment any taxpayer dreads. A letter arrives from the IRS-and it's not a refund check.

IRS Tax Tip 2002: Don't Overlook Home Mortgage Points
Did you buy or build a new home in 2001? Many new homeowners don't know that they can deduct points paid on home mortgage loans.

IRS Tax Tip 2002: Coverdell Education Savings Accounts Can Make Education Costs Less Taxing
The Coverdell Education Savings Account is an incentive to help parents and students save for education.

IRS Tax Tip 2002: Free Help From The IRS
Sometimes you just need a little help preparing your federal tax return.

IRS Tax Tip 2002: Taxability Of Social Security Benefits
The IRS says that whether your Social Security benefits are taxable depends on your total income and marital status.

IRS Tax Tip 2002: Alternative Minimum Tax
Before mailing your federal income tax return, check to make sure you aren't subject to the alternative minimum tax (AMT).

IRS Tax Tip 2002: Holocaust Survivors May Exclude Restitution Payments From
Holocaust survivors, their heirs or estates will receive the full benefit of any restitution payment made by governments or industry.

IRS Tax Tip 2002: Changing Your Address? Notify The IRS
Have you changed your home or business address? If so, you may want to notify the IRS to ensure that you receive any refunds or correspondence.

IRS Tax Tip 2002: Volunteer Income Tax Assistance
Are you puzzled by the tax law and which credits and deductions you can take? If so, then why not take advantage of the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program or the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) Program, both of which offer free tax help.

Bogus Auto Repair Charges
My car died at a busy intersection. I was towed to a local gas station because when my neighbor had a problem they installed an alternator and it worked well.

It's Official! Guaranteed Payout Scams
I received this official-looking local post card from the "Canadian International Office A.S.A.P.A.

Worked At Home, but No Big Bucks
I must have passed that sign on the telephone pole over a dozen times. Never once did I give it a second look.

Missing Social Security Numbers
When I received my last annual statement from the Social Security Administration (SSA) I noticed a few numbers missing.

Donation Due?
I received an invoice from a charitable organization that my payment is due for the contribution I owed.

Long-Term Care Premiums Vary Widely; Policies Too Complex - Confusion Stunts Potential Market Development for Insurance Industry
Consumers seeking to buy long-term care insurance are faced with inexplicably large variations in premiums and a multitude of complexities regarding when and how payments are made...

Prescription Drug Costs Boost Medigap Premiums Dramatically
The soaring cost of prescription drugs dramatically boosted premiums for Medicare supplement insurance (Medigap) policies from 1998 to 2000...

Expert Advice for Surviving an IRS Audit
The Internal Revenue Service recently announced that it would perform special random checks of approximately 50,000 tax returns filed this year.

Payroll Tax on Stock Options
New rules apply to incentive stock options (ISOs).

Use Health Care Costs to Shrink Your Tax Bill
Good records of all your deductible health care costs can help you shrink your tax bill.

IRS Tax Tip 2002: Selling Your Home
If you sold your main home, you may be able to exclude up to $250,000 of gain ($500,000 for married taxpayers filing jointly) from your federal tax return, according to the IRS.

IRS Tax Tip 2002: Roth IRAs
Confused about whether you can contribute to a Roth IRA? The IRS suggests checking these simple rules

IRS Tax Tip 2002: Capital Gains And Losses
Almost everything you own and use for personal purposes, pleasure or investment is a capital asset.

IRS Tax Tip 2002: Education Credits Can Help At Tax Time
Are you footing the costs of higher education for yourself or your family? The IRS says that education tax credits can help offset those costs.

IRS Tax Tip 2002: Tips And Taxes
Do you work at a hair salon, barber shop, casino, golf course, hotel or restaurant or drive a taxicab? The tip income you receive as an employee from those services is taxable income, advises the IRS.

IRS Tax Tip 2002: What To Do If You Haven't Received A Form
If you received certain types of income, you may receive a Form 1099 for use with your federal tax return. You should receive these forms from the payer by early February

IRS Tax Tip 2002: What To Do If You Haven't Received A Form W-2
You should receive a Form W-2, "Wage and Tax Statement," no later than January 31, 2002, from each employer you worked for to use in preparing your federal tax return.

IRS Tax Tip 2002: Alimony Payments Have Tax Implications
When the end of matrimony leads to the start of alimony, how does it affect your taxes?

Working After Starting Social Security?
Part 1:Be Sure to Calculate Your Bottom Line First; Part 2:How Excess Earnings Can Subject Your Benefits to Tax; Part 3:Compare Net Income; Part 4:When Less is More

Scam Alert- Overdue Account Scam
Recently I received three phone calls from someone who had the wrong number-mine. Each time the person identified herself saying she was calling from a major credit card company concerning my "overdue account."

TSCL Member Benefit Alert: Protect Yourself From Telephone Scam With Caller ID
That innocent-sounding telemarketing call could be a potentially dangerous scam. Protect yourself and your finances with Caller ID! As a TREA Senior Citizen's League member, you receive a 10%-20% discount

What To Do If You Become A Victim Of Identity Theft
Print out this checklist and keep handy: TransUnion, one of the nation's three credit reporting companies, offers the following useful checklist if you discover that Social Security Identity Theft or credit card fraud has occurred.

Report Credit Card & Other Finance Fraud
TransUnion's web site offers the following list of phone numbers. Print out and keep handy.

Check Your Credit Report To Protect Yourself From Identity Theft
To protect yourself from identity theft, order and check your credit report at least once a year. There are three major credit reporting companies (credit bureaus) and

Can I Deduct Long-term Care Expenses On My Income Tax?
My wife has Alzheimer's disease...May I deduct the expense on my income tax?

IRS Tax Tip 2002: Tax Materials And Assistance In Spanish Ayuda en Español
If you need federal tax information in Spanish, you can find it in the form of recorded tax topics, free tax publications and toll-free telephone assistance from the Internal Revenue Service.

IRS Tax Tip 2002: Taxpayer Rights A Priority For IRS
The law requires the IRS to protect taxpayer rights, and in its day-to-day operations, the IRS and its employees make taxpayer rights a top priority.

IRS Tax Tip 2002: E-File Helps Refunds, Payments
Are you one of the almost 100 million taxpayers who will receive a refund this year?

IRS Tax Tip 2002: Publication 17 - One Stop For Tax Help
Facing a lot of different tax questions this year? IRS experts have pulled together an overview of common tax issues in one convenient place - Publication 17, "Your Federal Income Tax."

IRS Tax Tip 2002: IRS Has Free Publications On Every Topic You Need
From aardvark to zyzzyva, the IRS has a publication that covers it - free for the asking.

IRS Tax Tip 2002: Point And Click Your Way To A Trouble-free Tax Season
Need a tax form? Have a question about changes to tax law? Want to find the nearest IRS taxpayer assistance center?

TSCL Explores Expanded Areas of Legislative Activity
Action on Social Security, Medicare and Notch reform resumes with new budget challenges this year.

Senior Tax Tips 2002
Ugh! Tax time! To help you prepare your taxes here are some tax tips from the IRS.

Dear Leonard: My Credit Card Number Was Stolen!
I just retired from federal service and to celebrate, I treated myself to a new computer with all the bells and whistles.

Dear Leonard: Nigerian Scam
I received an e-mail from someone who claimed to be a Nigerian national.

Dear Leonard: No Rack No Crumb Tray No Return!
I bought a toaster-over in a small appliance store for my daughter's anniversary.

Dear Leonard: Scam 'Recovery Room' Operations
I admit it. I was scammed with my eyes wide open.

Dear Leonard: Chance to Win A Huge Lottery?
Two months ago, I received a telephone call asking me to be a part of a group of five to purchase an Australian lottery ticket for a total of $25.

Dear Leonard: My Identity Was Stolen!
Tell your readers, don't hang their purse on the back of a chair when they dine in a restaurant.

Dear Leonard: Opportunity to Meet Men?
I usually never buy any product over the phone.

Dear Leonard: Tragedy Con Artists
Even though at times we have difficulty making ends meet, my two children and I voted to forego Christmas presents this year and give to our heroic firefighters and police victims fund for those lost in the terrible terrorist attacks.

IRS Tax Tip 2002-Record Keeping
You can avoid headaches at tax time by keeping track of your receipts and other records throughout the year, the IRS advises.

IRS Tax Tip 2002-Which Form - 1040, 1040A, or 1040EZ?
If you are filing a federal income tax return on paper, use the simplest form you can, the IRS advises.

IRS Tax Tip 2002-Should I Itemize?
Whether to itemize deductions on your tax return depends on how much you spent on certain expenses last year.

IRS Tax Tip 2002-What Is Your Filing Status?
Your filing status on your federal tax return is a category that identifies you based on your marital and family situation.

IRS Tax Tips 2002—Who Must File a Tax Return?
There are some instances when you may not be required to file a federal income tax return.

Medicare Premium Amounts for 2002
No, that's not a mistake in the Medicare premium deduction to your Social Security benefits.

Dear Leonard: “Friend” Withdrew My Savings
As we age, we look to cement past casual friendships into closer relationships. Oftentimes our children have moved to far away states or cities not in close proximity to our homes.

Dear Leonard: Hoping to Win, Mom Buys Bags of Junk Jewelry
Have you any background or scam information on a junk jewelry/sweepstakes company out of Boca Raton, Florida by the name of Seta?

Dear Leonard: Sweepstakes Wants My Phone Number
In the classic sense I am not elderly, but I received a post card from a group called NMPC which states they are urgently trying to contact me.

Improper Payments May Be Costing You
Medicare Part B premiums are increasing to $54 per month for 2002. Medicare expenditures increased about 10% for the government fiscal year that ended September 30, 2001

Medicare Resources To Help You Find Better Health Care
Do you understand your coverage options or costs associated with Medicare, Medigap, or Medicare+Choice?

Important Cost Information Missing From Medicare Materials
October 29, 2001 -- About 536,000 Medicare HMO members are losing their health plans December 31st.

Vets Owed Lifetime Medical Care-Contact Info
Q: I would like to request more information. In the May 2001 issue of The Social Security and Medicare Advisor, I saw an article titled

Dear Leonard: Credit Card Scam
A short time ago, I received a notice in the mail advising that my credit card was being debited for health supplements merchandise, and that I would have to reject the offer before a certain date, if I did not want delivery.

Dear Leonard: Buying a new car?
I was in the market for a new car.

What Happened To The Social Security Trust Fund?
The current (stock) market proves the unreliability of equity investments.

Purchasing Prescription Drugs in Canada and Mexico
I plan to go to Canada within the next month and would like to take advantage of the lower costs on prescription drugs.

$1,000,000 And No Toilet To Flush
Q: A Trust was set up by my late father to care for his wife, my mother, after he passed away.

Hospital Outpatient Overcharges
Q: I don't understand your article

Social Security and Medicare Questions
Q: I have been divorced from my husband for 22 years after being married to him for 24. If he is deceased, am I allowed to use his Social Security benefits, if they are higher than mine?

Ask The Advisor: Double Dipping into Social Security?
I recently learned that certain individuals double dip into Social Security.

Do You Really Need that Prescription?
Has this ever happened to you? You don't know if you are really sick or if your medicine is making you sick?

Medicare Covers Custom Shoes For Diabetics
It may be Medicare's best-kept secret.

Rx for Prescription Drug Costs?
A new Medicare drug discount program has gotten off to a predictable start. It's mired down in court.

Congressional Corner: Let’s Strengthen Social Security - Not Tax It
Uncle Sam taxes your Social Security benefits at an alarming rate and this must change.

House Approves Foreign Drug Mail Orders
Mail orders of less costly drugs from foreign countries may soon be legal.

What Long-Term Care Insurance Covers
What does long-term care insurance cover and not cover?

When is the Best Time to Buy Long-Term Care Insurance?
Knowing when and how much to purchase long-term care insurance is important.

Do I Need Long-Term Care Insurance?
You may want to answer these questions instead.

Energy Conservation Starts In The Home
Some simple steps can lower energy costs.

New Online Service Helps Seniors, Caregivers Access Hundreds of Public Programs
More than five million seniors are currently missing out on hundreds of state and federal benefits programs, but a new Web site launched today by the National Council on the Aging can help.

Your Social Security Questions Answered Online
Social Security has answers to your questions.

Private Accounts May Promise Vastly Different Retirement Benefits
President Bush has appointed a 16-member commission to come up with a plan that would reform Social Security by allowing individuals to voluntarily invest a portion of their payroll taxes into privately owned retirement accounts.

States Will Lose Death Tax Revenues
State budget cuts may be on the way to compensate for losses in revenue as the federal government cuts estate taxes.

Want to Go Back to Work? Try Green Thumb
When Sam Williams, 71 of Falls Creek Pennsylvania sat behind the wheel of tractor trailer as part of his training for a commercial driver's license, it was the first time he had driven a truck since World War II.

Senior Utility Consumers Vulnerable to Deregulation Price Hikes
Electric utility deregulation has become law in 23 states and Washington DC but de-regulation is zapping consumers with higher costs and power shortages.

Introducing Dear Leonard
Voice Of the Elderly Helps Seniors Spot Scams

Urgent News for Senior Citizens: When the IRS Calls, You`d Better Answer
In news that is certain to shock and dismay some seniors, the Internal Revenue Service has announced its intention to garnish the Social Security checks of debtors who are at least six months in arrears.

Heating and Cooling Your Home
Heating and cooling systems are some of the most important investments you`ll ever make in your home.

Tips for Lowering Your Central Air Conditioner`s Energy Usage
Set your thermostat at 78 F or higher.

Tips for Lowering Your Room Air Conditioner`s Energy Usage
While fans cannot replace air conditioners, they can provide supplemental cooling, especially on mild summer days.

Home Insulation Basics: Higher R-Values = Higher Insulating Values
Whether you live in Bangor, Maine, or Bakersfield, California, your home will be more comfortable and energy efficient with the right insulation.

Cooling Your Home: Don`t Sweat It
As the mercury rises, so can the costs of keeping your home cool.

Tips on Shopping for Medigap Plans
Shop carefully before you buy.

Top Ten Ways to Make Your Health Benefits Work for You
Your options are important.

The Eldercare Locator: A Way To Find Community Assistance For Seniors
Your first step to find resources that help older people.

Choosing and Using a Health Plan
This online information can help you make sense of your choices for getting health care insurance.

Help to Pay Health Care Costs
Medicaid has programs that pay some or all of Medicare`s premiums and may also pay Medicare deductibles and coinsurance for certain people who are entitled to Medicare and have a low income.

Top 10 Ways To Prepare For Retirement
Know your retirement needs.

Decisions About Retirement Living
There really is no place like home

What is the Eldercare Locator?
The Eldercare Locator is a public service of the U.S. Administration on Aging.

Free Long-Term Care Insurance Planning Guide
Guide can help consumers compare policies, avoid confusion over costs and benefits.

Medigap Consumers Face Erratic Price Increases
Consumers who buy Medicare supplement insurance (Medigap) have faced a pattern of erratic and often unpredictable increases in premiums, according to an analysis by Weiss Ratings, Inc., the only source of comprehensive Medigap pricing data and independent insurance company ratings.

Federal Budget Tax Cut Update
The final tax cut decision is still to come and your voice needs to be heard.

Can Anti-Snoring Claims Be Cause for Alarm?
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) warns consumers to be suspicious of anti-snoring product claims.

Age Discrimination: A Pervasive And Damaging Influence
Age discrimination continues to damage our society, reducing both the incomes and the self-confidence of millions of Americans.

Top Ten Telemarketing Frauds
The top ten telemarketing frauds reported to NCL`s National Fraud Information Center in the first six months of 2000

Beware of Unexpected Charges for Buyers Clubs
WASHINGTON, DC-Consumers are finding charges on their credit card bills and debits from their bank accounts for memberships in buyers clubs that they never agreed to join or didn`t agree to renew after the initial trial offer, according to the National Consumers League (NCL), a nonprofit advocacy organization.

Senior Finance Don`t Get Nailed by a Home Improvement!
Mattie H. lived on Social Security in a low-income New York neighborhood.

Questions About Health Coverage Answered: OnLine Program, New Booklet Provide Information About Consumer Options
Americans who need to make changes in their health insurance coverage now have two more resources to help them understand their options, made available by the Health Care Financing Administration.

Social Security & Medicare Questions
Q: My mother has been diagnosed with Alzheimer`s and is starting to have problems managing her money. She continues to receive checks, but I`m concerned she will lose them. What can I do?

Social Secutiry Offers Online Filing for Retirement Benefits
The Social Security Administration announced that as of today, the public can apply for Social Security retirement benefits on the Internet at www.ssa.gov, the Social Security Administration`s (SSA`s) website.

Shopping for a New Health Plan?
Private Fee-For-Service Plans Call for Cautious Approach

Six Mistakes To Avoid When Buying Medigap Insurance
It may come as no surprise that Medicare is estimated to cover only 50% of your health care costs.

Long-Term Care Insurance
Shop Around-Buy Only What You Need

Don't Put Off Planning for Long-Term Care & Protecting Your Assets!
Frequently we put off making a plan for long-term care, but it`s too risky to do so.

Beware Of This Medicaid Trap!
My folks worked almost 50 years on a farm in Iowa and managed to save a little nest egg for their future years.

Social Security & Medicare Questions
Q: Since 1992 my Medigap insurance premium with Mutual of Omaha has gone up from $900 a year to $1,600 a year. I take a total of four prescription drugs that currently cost over $339 a month which I pay for myself. The last three years my insurance has only paid about $300 a year for my health care. I changed from plan F to plan D because I can`t afford the premiums. Would you recommend that I keep this policy?

Tips From NOLO.com
How To Combat Excessive Outpatient Hospital Bills:

Can You Save Using Online Drugstores?
Prescription drugs bills can take a significant chunk of your budget.

Still Working? Don`t Let Uncle Sam Get More Than You Do!
You`re retired and you`d like to supplement your Social Security and pension income.

Income That Reduces Social Security Benefits
If you are still working after starting Social Security benefits and under age 65, beware of the Social Security Earnings Test.

Guarding Your Gold, A Consumer's Guide
A common misconception about Medicare is the belief that it will pay for most of your health care needs.

What To Do When You Need Help With Health Insurance
Mrs. Thompson (not her real name), a 76-year-old Virginia woman, suffers from Alzheimers.

Long-Term Care Policies Vary Drastically in Cost to Consumers; Age, Spousal Discounts, and Inflation Protection Are Primary Causes
Buying long-term care insurance policies can be charged dramatically different premiums, depending on their age at the time of purchase, spousal discounts, or the inclusion of inflation protection, according to a study by Weiss Ratings, Inc., the only independent provider of insurance company ratings and analysis.

Social Security & Medicare Questions
Q: I worked for 22 years and paid Social Security taxes. Then I got a job with the University of Illinois and did not have to pay Social Security tax. When I retire soon, I will get only a small pension, about $2,500 per month after 24 years of service. As I understand it, I could get as little as $200 per month in Social Security benefits instead of the approximately $700 I could otherwise expect because of the Social Security `Windfall` rules. Now $2,500 hardly seems like a windfall to me; certainly not enough to justify such a large reduction in Social Security benefits.

Social Security & Medicare Questions
Q: It was my understanding that a widow 65 or older is entitled to 100% of her husband`s Social Security benefit. Recently I was told I was wrong. I was told that if I take my Social Security benefit at age 62 I am not entitled to 100% of the benefit my husband was receiving at the time of his death. Is this right?

Social Security Earnings Test Repealed
An original feature of Social Security, the retirement earnings test, will no longer affect seniors working after reaching full retirement age.

Caregiving Con Artists: Beware Of Financial Abuse By Family Or Caregivers
Seniors are increasingly the targets of fraud by people they trust—family members and caregivers.

Five Myths About Retirement Plans
Once you hit age 70 1/2, retirement plan minimum withdrawal rules kick in.

Readers` Mail—Taxation of Social Security
I`m retired but started working for something to do.

Working After Retirement? Earnings Restrictions Lifted For Some But Pitfalls Remain
The retirement“ earnings test” for retirees 65 and up has ended.

Social Security & Medicare Questions
Q: I turn 65 this year and continue to work after taking early retirement at age 62. I`m divorced. I will earn about $10,000 this year '+ 'and will receive $10,560 in Social Security. I draw about $6,000 from my IRA. My total income will be about $26,560 before taxes. Now the company '+ 'I work for has offered me more hours. I would earn about $18,000 next year. I understand that a new law will allow us to earn as much as we '+ 'want to without losing benefits. Is that correct?

Money and Finance