Social Security, Medicare & Government Pensions: Get the Most Out of Your Retirement & Medical Benefits

by Joseph Matthews Attorney

Overview

Your complete guide to Social Security retirement and medical benefits



The rules for claiming Social Security have changed. Find out if you still qualify to “file and suspend” benefits or to choose between your own benefits and spousal benefits before these strategies disappear. Learn this and more with Social Security, Medicare & Government Pensions—completely updated for 2016.



Social Security benefits. Figure out how to get retirement, disability, dependents and survivors benefits, or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Decide whether it’s best to claim benefits early, at full retirement age, or not until you turn 70—and how to time your claims so you and your spouse get the best benefits.



Medicare & Medicaid. Learn how to qualify for and enroll in both programs, including Medicare Part D drug coverage.



Medigap insurance & Medicare Advantage plans. Understand what new Medigap policies are available (and old ones that aren’t), compare Medigap and Medicare Advantage plans, and choose what’s best for you.



Government pensions & veterans benefits. Discover when and how to claim the benefits you have earned.
Whether you’re looking for yourself or helping a parent, you’ll find valuable information here, including how to file many essential forms online.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781413322354
Publisher:	NOLO
Publication date:	02/29/2016
Edition description:	Twenty First Edition
Pages:	496
Product dimensions:	7.00(w) x 8.90(h) x 1.20(d)

About the Author

Joseph Matthews has been an attorney since 1971, and from 1975 to 1977 taught at the law school of the University of California, Berkeley. He has for many years been involved in matters relating to seniors, and is the author of Social Security, Medicare & Government Pensions and Long Term Care: How to Plan & Play for It, as well as How to Win Your Personal Injury Claim.

Table of Contents

Introduction


Your Social Security, Medicare & Government Pensions Companion


1. Social Security: The Basics

2. Social Security Retirement Benefits

3. Social Security Disability Benefits

4. Social Security Dependents Benefits

5. Social Security Survivors Benefits

6. When to Claim Social Security Benefits, and Which One to Claim

7. Supplemental Security Income

8. Applying for Benefits

9. Appealing a Social Security Decision

10. Federal Civil Service Retirement Benefits

11. Veterans Benefits

12. Medicare

13. Medicare Procedures: Enrollment, Claims, and Appeals

14. Medigap Insurance

15. Medicare Part C: Medicare Advantage Plans

16. Medicaid and State Supplements to Medicare

Index

Editorial Reviews

Guide[s] you through the maze of Social Security and Medicare in simple English….” The Wall Street Journal

“The inside scoop on how to get the most out of the current system….” Accounting Today

“Written with clear, complete explanations that will explain how benefits can actually be claimed…and more.” Senior Times

"Now in a fully updated and significantly expanded twenty-first edition, "Social Security, Medicare & Government Pensions: Get the Most Out of Your Retirement & Medical Benefits" fully explains all of the new rules and pertinent strategies on and for Social Security conditions, personal and spousal benefits, as well as benefits for disabilities, dependents, survivors, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). This complete and comprehensive reference will prove critically important for anyone trying to decide whether to take an early Social Security benefit or wait until age 70. "Social Security, Medicare & Government Pensions" covers earn how to qualify for and enroll in both Medicare and Medicaid programs, including Medicare Part D drug coverage. "Social Security, Medicare & Government Pensions" will prove invaluable for understanding Medigap insurance and Medicare Advantage plans, as well as what new Medigap policies are available (and old ones that aren't), comparing Medigap and Medicare Advantage plans, and ultimately choosing what's best. Of special note is the information "Social Security, Medicare & Government Pensions" provides on government pensions and veterans benefits, including discovers when and how to claim the benefits earned. Enhanced with information on how to file many essential forms online, "Social Security, Medicare & Government Pensions" will prove to be an indispensable and reliable informational guide and reference, making it critically important and highly recommended addition for community library Money/Finance instructional reference collections. For personal reading lists and references it should be noted that "Social Security, Medicare & Government Pensions" is also available as ebook." MIDWEST BOOK REVIEW by James A.Cox, Editor-in-Chief

From the Publisher

"Offers clear explanations of what to expect from a remarkable safety net that has withstood the test of time..."

Contra Costa Times

"Anyone who can write a readable guide to Medicare should get a medal.... Why can't the system be as straightforward as this book?"

Pasadena Star-News

"Guide[s] you through the maze of Social Security and Medicare in simple English..."

The Wall Street Journal

"The inside scoop on how to get the most out of the current system..."

Accounting Today