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Important Medi-Cal Changes Effective in 2024

As we wrap up 2023, it’s important to be introspective and think about what’s on the horizon for 2024. If your brain associated “2024” with “the November 2024 US presidential election”, don’t worry. I’m not going to be discussing that because I don’t want to go down that rabbit hole and I’m in a good mood today. What I do want your mind to associate “2024” with is the positive change to Medi-Cal...

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Medicare Open Enrollment Begins October 15

If you are covered by Medicare, it's time to compare your current coverage with other available options. Medicare's Open Enrollment period begins on October 15 and runs through December 7.  Medicare plans can change every year, and you may want to switch to a health or prescription drug plan that better suits your needs or your budget. During this period, you can: Switch from Original Medicare...

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Primer: Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage (Part D)

If you're covered by Medicare, here's some welcome news — Medicare drug coverage can help you handle the rising cost of prescriptions. If you're covered by Original Medicare, some Medicare Cost Plans, Medicare Private Fee-For-Service Plans, or Medicare Medical Savings Account Plans, you can sign up for a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (Part D) offered in your area by a private company or...

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Rescuing America’s Safety Net

A March 2023 survey found that more than 90% of Americans worry about the Social Security program, and about half of those said they worry a great deal.1 A separate survey the same month found that more than 80% of Americans worry Medicare will not be able to provide the same level of benefits in the future.2 These concerns are well-founded, because both of these programs — the cornerstones of...

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Now That’s a Whopper: Medicare Funding

By:  Michael Allbee, CFP®, Senior Portfolio Manager Last week, we tackled one of America’s largest mandatory spending programs, Social Security (forecasted to account for 21% of total government spending in 2023) and answered the question, Is Social Security on life support? However, did you know Medicare and Medicaid are projected to account for 26% of total government spending in 2023?...

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Medicare Open Enrollment Is Here: How Are Costs Changing for 2023?

Medicare's Open Enrollment Period — which runs from October 15 through December 7 — is your annual opportunity to switch your current Medicare health and prescription drug plans to ones that better suit your needs. Just in time for Open Enrollment, 2023 Medicare premiums, deductibles, and other costs have been announced, and surprisingly, some of these costs are lower than they were last year....

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Inflation Reduction Act: What You Should Know

The Inflation Reduction Act, signed into law on August 16, 2022, includes healthcare and energy-related provisions, a new corporate alternative minimum tax, and an excise tax on certain corporate stock buybacks. Additional funding is also provided to the IRS. Some significant provisions in the Act are discussed below. Medicare The legislation authorizes the Department of Health and Human...

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Catch the Replays of BFSG’s Summer Webinar Series

We concluded our Summer Webinar Series in August of 2022. We had a great turnout and thank you to our clients and friends that joined us live. The educational series covered great topics such as planning for loved ones, retirement plan basics, behavioral investing, Social Security and Medicare. We hope you learned something new to help you achieve your retirement goals. For those that were...

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Medicare Open Enrollment for 2022 Begins October 15

Medicare beneficiaries can make new choices and pick plans that work best for them during the annual Medicare Open Enrollment Period. Each year, Medicare plan costs and coverage typically change. In addition, your health-care needs may have changed over the past year. The Open Enrollment Period — which begins on October 15 and runs through December 7 — is your opportunity to switch your current...

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Summer Webinar Series Replays Available

Our BFSG Summer Webinar Series is now available to watch on our YouTube channel “BFSG University”. This Summer Webinar Series focused on #retirementplanning around the following topics: Retirement Q&A: Ask the Experts – Hear the Certified Financial Planner™ professionals at BFSG answer #retirement related questions.Retirement Accounts: Traditional vs. Roth – Learn the typical ways to save in...

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The Future of Retirement in America

Most retirement savers assume they will be able to access Social Security and Medicare in retirement, but what if those options become unavailable? Join our webinar on July 29th at 10 am PST for an important discussion on the future of retirement in America and how you can prepare for potential changes to the retirement landscape. BFSG Wealth Manager Andrew Donahue, CFP®, MHA will be hosting the...

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Medicare Part B Premium

If you have just recently enrolled in Medicare, you may be wondering how your premiums are calculated. Although Medicare eligibility is not income-based, the income you report on your tax return does play a role on your monthly premiums. As with everything else when it comes to IRS and taxes, things can get complicated and confusing! As a refresher, Part A (hospital) generally has no premium,...

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How President Biden Could Impact Social Security and Medicare

It is no secret that both Social Security and Medicare are underfunded, and changes are needed. This is a common concern that we hear from many clients approaching retirement. These programs are vital to retirees and it is clear that President Biden has some clear plans to help these programs remain solvent and also provide some benefit expansions. Social Security During his campaign, President...

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Tips for Medicare Open Enrollment

As of October 15th Medicare beneficiaries can make changes to their Medicare benefits. This is the time to review your current benefits and make any changes. If you are unhappy with your current plan or perhaps your health has changed during the past year, now is the time to make any necessary changes like switching Medicare health and prescription drug plans. Each year, Medicare plan costs and...

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