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The Sticky Business of Life Settlements
Policies are “banking on another person’s early demise”
A life settlement is the sale of an existing life insurance policy to a third party. The buyer (or investor) continues the premium payments and collects upon the seller’s death. How much depends on the life expectancy of the insured: the sooner the seller dies, the more the investor makes. The Washington Post calls these “ghoulish products.” -
Seven Ways to Keep Health Coverage If You Lose Your Job
No need to panic
The experts at the National Center for Policy Analysis suggest these options to consider as soon as possible after getting pink-slipped. -
Medicare Basics in an Easy-to-Read Format
Get up to speed fast
The NIH Web site for seniors offers a great primer on medical and hospital benefits, enrollment, billing, prescription drug costs, and home health care—and helps caregivers find answers to questions. -
Social Security and Medicare: Trying to Tackle Two 800-pound Gorillas
Behind the 8 ball
Looming shortfalls in Medicare and Social Security are what could ultimately sink efforts to revive the sagging U.S. economy. -
Medicare Buy-in Debate Is About to Take Off
Proposal from Senator Max Baucus (D-MT)
If you’re in the 55-64 age group and can’t afford health insurance, the buy-in may be your ticket to future coverage. -
Why Consumers -- Not Companies -- Should Make Health Care Decisions
All the wrong objectives
The United States doesn't actually have a health care system. We have a lot of different systems that are glued together. Because we don't have a system, we have the wrong objectives. -
Nationwide, Services for Seniors Face Changes
New report from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities
Services that help seniors stay independent are being slashed or coming with a steeper price tag. -
Even Insured Cancer Patients Face Heavy Burden
The insurance system often fails—right when it’s needed
A report from the Kaiser Family Foundation and the American Cancer Society finds that paying for life-saving care straps even those with coverage. -
Essential Facts About Medicare You May Not Know
Many new retirees confused about health insurance options
As the first waves of baby boomers start becoming eligible for Medicare, it’s time to understand what this government health coverage is all about. -
Impact of Medicare’s “Doughnut Hole” Is Significant
Fourteen percent of Medicare Part D enrollees hit the “doughnut hole” in the program’s first full year. -
Lower Medicare Part D Costs Than Expected in 2009
Beneficiary satisfaction remains high
Good news expected for Medicare’s Part D prescription drug program in 2009. -
Medical Tourism Offers an Alternative to Pricey U.S. Health Care
Once the domain of patients seeking more affordable options to medical procedures, the foreign healthcare market is now getting a second look from insurance companies. -
Caught in the ‘Doughnut Hole’
In 2008, there is little change in the benefits gap that goes hand in hand with Medicare’s prescription drug program. In addition, open enrollment periods may also bring unscrupulous agents to your door. -
Presidential Candidates Push Health Care Reform, but Who Will Pay?
As medical costs escalate and the number of Americans without health insurance continues to rise, the 2008 presidential candidates have responded by placing health care near the top of their agendas. Leading candidates are talking about the issue much earlier in the campaign -- an indication that health care is more important to voters than ever before.
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