Podcasts about medicare part b

Apply for a Retirement Consultation:https://perspectivefunnel.co/682642d22275ec003bfa6626/691df07396253e003c42b434/?ps_hello=%20Get the Digital Federal Retirement Guidebook:https://cdfinancial.org/being-a-federal-employee-in-the-era-of-trump-book/Take the Checklist Challenge:https://cdfinancial.org/checklist-challenge/Subscribe for Weekly Federal Retirement Planning Content:https://cdfinancial.com/newsletterYou're 60, you have a federal pension and $1M saved — so why doesn't it feel like enough? The answer is 5 unmade decisions, not more dollars.If you are within a year or two of leaving federal service with a FERS pension and a healthy TSP balance, this is the time to stop asking "Am I okay?" and start asking "Have I decided?" In this video, Charles and Marcus break down the 5 Decisions Framework federal employees should work through before finalizing retirement: income order, taxes and RMDs, healthcare, investments, and purpose.Whether you are trying to decide when to file for Social Security, how to manage the tax window before RMDs begin at 73, or how FEHB and Medicare Part B fit together, this episode walks through the planning areas many federal employees overlook — including the two decisions that have nothing to do with a spreadsheet.━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━FEDERAL RETIREMENT RESOURCES━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━OPM Retirement Center:https://www.opm.gov/retirement-center/Social Security Delayed Retirement Credits:https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/planner/delayret.html━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━TIMESTAMPS━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━0:00 Age 60 With a Federal Pension and $1M — Am I Okay?2:00 Why "Am I Okay?" Is the Wrong Question3:00 Decision 1: Income Order — Pension, Social Security, or TSP First?5:30 Decision 2: Taxes & RMDs — The Age 73 Cliff and Your Tax Window7:30 Decision 3: Healthcare — FEHB + Medicare Part B9:30 The Two Decisions That Aren't About Money10:00 Decision 4: Investments — From Accumulation to Distribution12:00 Decision 5: Purpose — The Tuesday at 10 AM Test14:00 What to Do This Month If Retirement Is Approaching16:30 "Have I Decided?" — The Real Question18:30 How to Get Answers for Your Specific Situation━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━WHO WE ARE━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━CD Financial helps federal employees and retirees make smarter retirement decisions around FERS, TSP, FEHB, Medicare, survivor benefits, retirement income planning, and health-focused financial strategies.Our mission is simple:Help federal employees retire with more clarity, confidence, and peace of mind.Subscribe for practical federal retirement planning content designed to help you better understand your benefits, avoid common planning gaps, and prepare for your next chapter with confidence.━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━Advisory services are offered through CD Financial LLC dba CD Financial, an Investment Advisor in the State of California. Insurance products and services are offered through CD Financial & Insurance Services LLC, an affiliated company.This video is for educational purposes only and should not be considered financial, legal, tax, healthcare, or investment advice. Federal retirement decisions depend on your individual service history, agency records, health coverage, survivor needs, retirement income goals, and personal circumstances. Always consult qualified professionals and review official OPM guidance before making retirement elections.Opinions expressed herein are solely those of CD Financial and our editorial staff. The information contained in this material has been derived from sources believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed as to accuracy or completeness and does not purport to be a complete analysis of the materials discussed. All information and ideas should be discussed in detail with your individual adviser prior to implementation.retire at 60 federal employee, federal pension and TSP retirement, FERS retirement at 60, can I retire with 1 million and a pension, TSP withdrawal strategy, when to take Social Security federal employee, RMD age 73, Roth conversion before RMDs, FEHB and Medicare Part B, IRMAA surcharge, sequence of returns risk, retirement income order, federal retirement planning#federalretirement #FERS #retirement #TSP #federalemployees #retirementsavings #governmentemployee #RetireAt60 #FederalPension #CDFinancialSupport the show

Apply for a Retirement Consultation:https://perspectivefunnel.co/682642d22275ec003bfa6626/691df07396253e003c42b434/?ps_hello=%20Get the Digital Federal Retirement Guidebook:https://cdfinancial.org/being-a-federal-employee-in-the-era-of-trump-book/Take the Checklist Challenge:https://cdfinancial.org/checklist-challenge/Subscribe for Weekly Federal Retirement Planning Content:https://cdfinancial.com/newsletterRetiring This Year? Federal Employees Need More Than a TSP PlanIf you are planning to retire this year as a federal employee, your retirement decision may involve more than your TSP balance. Your FERS pension, TSP income strategy, Social Security timing, and FEHB health coverage all work together, and getting the order wrong can create costly planning gaps.In this video, we break down the 4-lane federal retirement roadmap for employees in their final year before retirement. You will learn why generic retirement advice often fails federal employees, what to verify before signing retirement paperwork, and why health insurance, survivor benefits, and Social Security should not be treated as separate decisions.Whether you are trying to choose your retirement date, protect your spouse, create reliable TSP income, or avoid common FEHB and Medicare mistakes, this episode walks through the planning areas many federal employees overlook.IN THIS VIDEO YOU CAN LEARNWhy federal retirement planning is different from private-sector retirement adviceHow your FERS pension, TSP, Social Security, and FEHB all connectWhy your retirement date can affect your pension, annual leave payout, unused sick leave credit, and potential FERS supplementHow to verify your service computation date and creditable federal serviceWhy military buyback can matter before you retireAnd more━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━FEDERAL RETIREMENT RESOURCES━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━OPM Retirement Center:https://www.opm.gov/retirement-center/OPM FEHB Program:https://www.opm.gov/healthcare-insurance/healthcare/Thrift Savings Plan:https://www.tsp.gov/Social Security Retirement Planner:https://www.ssa.gov/retirementTIMESTAMPS00:00 Retiring This Year as a Federal Employee01:06 Why Generic Retirement Advice Fails Federal Employees02:27 The 4-Lane Federal Retirement Roadmap04:54 Common Federal Retirement Roadblocks07:55 TSP Income Planning and Long-Term Strategy08:26 Survivor Benefits, Spouse Conversations, and Health Coverage10:00 Social Security Timing Mistakes for Federal Employees11:26 Retirement Date, Sick Leave, and Annual Leave Planning13:42 FEHB, Medicare Part B, and Survivor Benefit Coordination16:58 First Steps to Take If You Are One Year From Retirement19:03 Why Sequencing Your Retirement Decisions Matters21:45 Final Checklist and Next StepWHO WE ARECD Financial helps federal employees and retirees make smarter retirement decisions around FERS, TSP, FEHB, Medicare, survivor benefits, retirement income planning, and health-focused financial strategies.Our mission is simple:Help federal employees retire with more clarity, confidence, and peace of mind.Subscribe for practical federal retirement planning content designed to help you better understand your benefits, avoid common planning gaps, and prepare for your next chapter with confidence.IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERAdvisory services are offered through CD Financial LLC dba CD Financial, an Investment Advisor in the State of California. Insurance products and services are offered through CD Financial & Insurance Services LLC, an affiliated company.This video is for educational purposes only and should not be considered financial, legal, tax, healthcare, or investment advice. Federal retirement decisions depend on your individual service history, agency records, health coverage, survivor needs, retirement income goals, and personal circumstances. Always consult qualified professionals and review official OPM guidance before making retirement elections.Opinions expressed herein are solely those of CD Financial and our editorial staff. The information contained in this material has been derived from sources believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed as to accuracy or completeness and does not purport to be a complete analysis of the materials discussed. All information and ideas should be discussed in detail with your individual adviser prior to implementation.Federal retirement planning, FERS retirement, retire this year, federal employee retirement, TSP retirement income, FEHB in retirement, Social Security timing, FERS pension, high-3 average salary, service computation date, military buyback, survivor benefit, Medicare Part B, federal retirement checklist, OPM retirement, federal employee benefits, retirement income planningSupport the show

Retirement planning extends well beyond simply saving enough during your working years—it plays out with every decision you make once you stop working. One crucial, sometimes overlooked, aspect is managing Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) from your retirement accounts. If you have a retirement account approaching your RMD age, this episode breaks down the essential rules based on your birth year, how to calculate your distribution using the IRS tables, and key tax implications to keep in mind. You'll also get actionable tips to help minimize your future RMDs, from optimizing your income plan and leveraging Roth conversions to using qualified charitable distributions.    You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... [00:00] RMD rules and calculations [05:10] RMDs and distribution timing [09:03] Retirement accounts and RMD rules [14:22] Tax strategies for retirement planning [17:00] Common RMD mistakes and solutions [19:21] Proper charitable distribution process   What Are Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)? RMDs are the minimum amounts you must withdraw annually from certain retirement accounts starting at a specific age, as mandated by the IRS. These distributions apply to traditional IRAs, rollover IRAs, SIMPLE IRAs, SEP IRAs, 401(k)s, 403(b)s, 457 plans, and profit-sharing plans. Importantly, Roth IRAs and Roth 401(k)s are exempt from RMDs, and regular taxable investment accounts are not impacted.   The required age for beginning RMDs now depends on your birth year: If you were born between January 1, 1951, and December 31, 1959, RMDs start at age 73. If born on January 1, 1960, or later, RMDs begin at age 75. Tax Implications of RMDs RMDs are taxed as ordinary income. If you're not careful, withdrawals can bump you into a higher tax bracket, increase how much of your Social Security is taxable, or trigger additional Medicare Part B and Part D premiums due to IRMAA. Failing to withdraw the required amount carries a steep penalty—25%, reduced to 10% if corrected within two years.   Strategies to Lower Your RMDs Don't put all your savings in pre-tax accounts. Split between traditional and Roth accounts or invest some in taxable brokerage accounts, which aren't subject to RMDs. It can be useful to collaborate with a financial advisor to create a withdrawal strategy that minimizes taxes by pulling funds strategically from different account types. You can also convert portions of your pre-tax accounts to Roth IRAs in years when your income (and tax bracket) is lower, helping "fill the bucket" at the lowest rates. If you retire early, delaying Social Security until age 70 increases your benefit and can create years of low taxable income—perfect for executing Roth conversions. If you're 70½ or older, you can also donate up to $100,000 per year directly from your IRA to a qualified charity. These gifts count toward your RMD but are excluded from taxable income.   Enjoying a Comfortable Retirement Navigating RMDs isn't just about following IRS rules—it's an ongoing strategy to keep your taxes low and your retirement income steady. By understanding your obligations and using the available tools, you can maximize your retirement savings and create a more secure future. Resources Mentioned Retirement Readiness Review Subscribe to the Retire with Ryan YouTube Channel Download my entire book for FREE    Connect With Morrissey Wealth Management  www.MorrisseyWealthManagement.com/contact Subscribe to Retire With Ryan  

Hospitals already have felt some of the effects of the Inflation Reduction Act on 340B savings, but with the IRA set to expand to more drugs in 2027, hospitals also are starting to project how it might affect their bottom lines next year. 340B Vice President of Pharmacy Services and Education Steven Miller joins us to explain how hospitals can be making those projections now.The IRA Will Expand to Another 15 DrugsNext year, an additional 15 drugs will be subject to Medicare price caps under Medicare Part D on top of the 10 drugs that saw caps this year. Steve says this will cut into 340B savings and overall margins even more — with some 340B discounts possibly dropping to their statutory minimums. These reductions also will translate to commercial and cash-pay dispenses, changing the overall financial outlook for hospitals.Hospitals Cannot Rely on Current 340B Savings Levels for 2027Steve says the 2027 changes are key for future budgeting. If hospitals do not adjust how they are budgeting for 340B drugs subject to Medicare price caps, they are likely to be short on their budget projections. He strongly recommends 340B teams have important conversations with finance teams now about how the IRA will affect their hospital or health system next year.Hospitals Can Be Planning NowFor the rest of 2026, Steve recommends hospitals monitor list pricing and 340B ceiling pricing regularly and to increase monitoring of purchases overall, given how drugmaker pricing behavior affects future 340B prices and savings. As the IRA continues to broaden over the next several years, including to Medicare Part B dispenses, he also recommends hospitals consider securing funding or support from other areas for any 340B-funded services that might see negative IRA impacts.Resources:Prepare Your Leadership for 340B Changes From 2027 Medicare Drug Price Caps

Apply for a Retirement Consultation: https://perspectivefunnel.co/682642d22275ec003bfa6626/691df07396253e003c42b434/?ps_hello=%20

Get the digital book at no cost to you here: https://cdfinancial.org/being-a-federal-employee-in-the-era-of-trump-book/Want to work with Charles? Apply here: https://cdfinancial.org/schedule-a-meeting/Checklist Challenge: https://cdfinancial.org/checklist-challenge/Newsletter: https://cdfinancial.com/newsletterWHO ARE WE?CD Financial helps federal employees and near-retirees create sustainable, tax-smart retirement income. Expect weekly strategies on 401K, FERS, TSP, Social Security timing, tax planning, and health-meets-wealth habits—clear, practical, compliant.TIMESTAMPS0:00 Last Year Before Federal Retirement Checklist0:22 Two Federal Employees, Two Different Retirement Outcomes0:46 Sick Leave Credit and Common FERS Retirement Mistakes1:08 How to Review and Potentially Improve Your Federal Pension1:43 Retirement Date Considerations for Federal Employees2:12 FEHB, Medicare Part B, and Retirement Healthcare Decisions3:13 Survivor Benefit Elections for Federal Employees3:50 Free Federal Retirement Checklist and Next Steps#FederalRetirement #FERSRetirement #FederalEmployees #RetirementChecklist #CDFinancialAdvisory services are offered through CD Financial LLC dba CD Financial, an Investment Advisor in the State of California. Insurance products and services are offered through CD Financial & Insurance Services LLC, an affiliated company.Opinions expressed herein are solely those of CD Financial and our editorial staff. The information contained in this material has been derived from sources believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed as to accuracy and completeness and does not purport to be a complete analysis of the materials discussed. All information and ideas should be discussed in detail with your individual adviser prior to implementation.Support the show

What does it mean to retire in 2026, and how does today's retirement landscape differ from 10 or 20 years ago? With more retirees facing challenges such as rising healthcare costs, higher cost of living, concerns about Social Security, shifting demographics, and the impacts of national debt, this episode digs into the current risks and opportunities for those planning their golden years. I share insights from a recent Goldman Sachs retirement study and answer listener questions on retirement planning software, investment strategy before retirement, handling 401(k) and IRA loans, and Social Security rules for working retirees.    You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... [00:00] Retirement planning in 2026 [06:28] Current market conditions and challenges [10:31] Rising health insurance costs [14:24] Financial strain on parents supporting kids [18:48] Concerns about retirement taxes [23:21] Preparing for financial downturns [28:20] Understanding 401 (k) and IRA loans [32:35] Social Security benefits and retirement planning [37:23] Understanding annuities and IRA conversions Inflation and the Cost of Living One of the biggest concerns voiced by pre-retirees is how much more expensive life has become. The past decade, especially following COVID-19, has seen inflation spike well above its historical average. Not only are day-to-day essentials like groceries and gas more costly, but so too are the experiences retirees often look forward to—such as travel and dining out. With airline tickets and fuel prices high, the cost of enjoying retirement can quickly outpace what many planned for just a few years ago.   Healthcare: An Ever-Increasing Expense Another major pain point is the skyrocketing cost of healthcare. Medicare premiums have jumped (with Medicare Part B premiums alone increasing by over 9% in one year recently), and pre-Medicare retirees face especially steep coverage costs. Whether paying directly, dealing with COBRA, or navigating the healthcare exchange, retirees must factor in the rising cost of both routine and unpredictable medical needs, which eat into savings at a faster rate.   Social Security and Family Support With millions of Baby Boomers now collecting benefits and the youngest Boomers becoming eligible, there is increased pressure on the system. There are some very real concerns about funding gaps and the likelihood that Congress will have to make difficult decisions soon to ensure benefits remain viable for future generations. Retirement planning is now more deeply intertwined with broader demographic changes. People are waiting longer to marry, buy homes, and start families—all of which impact when and how retirees are called upon to support children and grandchildren. Whether contributing to down payments, funding weddings, or assisting with fertility treatments and adoptions, modern retirees often find their savings supporting family milestones happening later in life.   National Debt and Tax Policy Government debt is at record highs, surpassing $39 trillion, and this raises serious questions about future tax rates. Retirees must plan for the possibility that taxes will increase, which could impact how much of their savings they'll have available for spending. Retirement in 2026 and beyond is both promising (with record numbers of millionaires) and uniquely challenging. By understanding these new realities, today's retirees can build a plan that provides peace of mind and the freedom to enjoy life's next chapter.    Resources & People Mentioned 3 Steps to Retirement Planning Goldman Sachs Retirement and Insights Survey   Connect With Gregg Gonzalez Email at: Gregg.gonzalez@lpl.com Podcast: https://RetireStrongFA.com/Podcast Website: https://RetireStrongFA.com/ Follow Gregg on LinkedIn Follow Gregg on Facebook Follow Gregg on YouTube Subscribe to Retirement Made Easy On Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts  

Many retirees assume their Medicare premiums will stay consistent once they enroll. But that's not always the case, especially for higher-income individuals. In this episode, Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA®, breaks down IRMAA, the income-related surcharge that can increase your Medicare Part B and Part D premiums based on income from two years prior. He explains how everyday financial decisions, from IRA withdrawals to capital gains and Roth conversions, can unexpectedly push you into higher premium brackets.  Larry discusses: What IRMAA is and how it impacts Medicare premiums How income from two years prior determines your current costs Common triggers like Roth conversions, property sales, and large withdrawals Strategies to potentially reduce IRMAA through proactive tax and income planning Why coordinating tax, investment, and healthcare decisions is essential in retirement And more! Resources: SSA Form 44 (to report a life-changing event and potentially reduce IRMAA) Medicare IRMAA income brackets and thresholds Connect with Larry Heller:  (631) 248-3600 Schedule a 20-Minute Call Heller Wealth Management LinkedIn: Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA®, CPA YouTube: Retirement Unlocked with Larry Heller, CFP® Heller Wealth Management is now part of Savant Wealth Management. Savant is a Registered Investment Advisor. This content is provided for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as personalized investment advice. Effective March 31, 2026, Heller Wealth Management joined Savant Wealth Management (“Savant”). A copy of Savant's current written disclosure Brochure discussing our advisory services and fees is available at www.savantwealth.com/disclosure-brochures/

Toni talks about Medicare Forms CMS-1763 and outlines the proper, most efficient way to disenroll in Medicare. Look for the Medicare Road Map and How To Enroll in Medicare on Toni's website: www.tonisays.com Questions? Call Toni at 832-519-8664, write: info@tonisays.com And Yes, Medicare Fraud is Real! www.Medicare.gov is the website where you can check claims against your Medicare account Medicare's telephone number: 800-633-4227 - Please call if you suspect that your account has been subject to fraud. Visit www.gracealley.com and receive a 10% discount when ordering an American flag, or the new America 250 flag or anything on the website using the code tonisays10 at checkout! Happy Birthday America! Toni's new Medicare Survival Guide Advanced Edition book is available now - pick up your copy at www.tonisays.com Want more information? Take advantage of Toni's brand new video series now a available at https://tonisays.com Remember - with Medicare it's what you don't know that will hurt you! There's so much good information in this podcast, please be sure to share this podcast with your friends! Recognized by feedspot.com as one of the best Medicare Podcasts in the nation! Write Toni - info@tonisays.com. Toni's book is available at www.seniorresource.com and https://tonisays.com You can call Toni at 832-519-8664 Toni welcomes all Medicare questions. Toni now offers informative Medicare Webinars for all of your Medicare needs at https://tonisays.com You can find Medicare Moments wherever you find your favorite podcasts, such as: Apple: https://apple.co/44MoguG Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7c82BS4hb145GiVYfnIRsoAmazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/884c1f46-9905-4b29-a97a-1a164c97546b/medicare-moments?refMarker=null You can find Medicare Moments at: https://podcasts.seniorresource.com/medicare-moments/ Toni's new book: Maze of Medicare is now available at www.tonisays.com Combining Scripture with Medicare, it is the only book of its kind. Toni's columns appear weekly in about 100 newspapers across America. If you would like Toni's column to appear in your local paper, or if you would like Toni to speak at an event - contact Toni King at 832-519-8664 Thank you for listening and be sure to tell your friends about Medicare Moments! Blessings! Toni KingSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Most healthcare organizations wait until they're drowning to add administrative support. Your Health is doing the opposite — and it's changing the math on what a primary care practice can actually deliver. In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, Scott Middleton — owner of Your Health, founder, and Chief Disruption Officer — sits down with Jamie Preston to unpack why a dedicated administrator is now sitting beside the executive director of clinical services at every care group. With hospice added to the model, a single care group can now be responsible for more than 80 staff members across four care teams — bigger than most medical organizations in the country. Asking a nurse to run that alone was breaking people and burying clinical judgment under scheduling concerns. In this episode: Why the care group exploded overnight — and what hospice changed about staffing ratios What the administrator does on Monday morning before the clinical team even looks at the dashboard The Bridget story: how a "we're not allowed to do one-on-ones" response nearly cost a dementia patient her home Why "what could we have done today" is the wrong question — and what to ask instead How fee-for-service quietly incentivizes the wrong decisions at the hospital level The team structure every administrator now sits inside: nurse, HR, marketing, engagement If you've ever wondered what's actually supposed to stand between a great clinician and burnout, this is it. www.YourHealth.Org

More regulators are concerned about private credit  The bad news just keeps coming for the private credit industry. If you're not sure what private credit is, it is mostly middle market business loans extended by asset managers. People often don't realize that these asset managers don't have the same strict supervision that banks have on their loans. Investors may be starting to realize the risk because in the first quarter of 2026, private credit investors requested $20 billion from some of the private credit funds. Unfortunately, they only got a little bit over 50% of what they requested or about $11 billion. This could lead to higher redemption requests above $20 billion in the second quarter as more investors become disenchanted with private loan funds. The Securities Exchange Commission over the past few months has opened several enforcement investigations of large private credit managers. The Treasury department is also requesting information from private fund managers and insurance firms to understand their businesses more. The Securities Exchange Commission is the primary regulator for the private credit industry, but the private funds don't regularly disclose holdings and don't reveal much about private credit on the forms that are used by the SEC. It is quite the dilemma for these private credit funds, and I do believe it will continue to get worse because I am confident that the SEC and the Treasury department will find areas that could really hurt the individual investor due to the lack of disclosures.    Could prediction markets be available in your IRA soon?   Bitwise, Roundhill, and GraniteShares have filed applications with the SEC to launch exchange-traded funds tied to event contracts. If approved, these products could potentially be held in self-directed IRAs. The initial proposals appear relatively narrow in scope, focusing on outcomes like which party wins the White House in 2028 and which party controls the House and Senate after this year's midterm elections. While these types of products can sound appealing—and successful bets could generate strong returns—they also carry a clear risk: if you're wrong, you lose your entire investment.  One of the main concerns is how complex and speculative these instruments are, especially in the context of retirement accounts. Event contracts are fundamentally different from traditional investments like stocks or bonds, and their all-or-nothing nature makes them more like betting rather than than long-term investing. Are we going to soon allow withdrawals from retirement assets in Vegas so people can blay blackjack? The odds may be better there than on some of these “event contracts.”  There are also broader legal and regulatory questions still being debated. Some states argue that certain event contracts—particularly those tied to sports outcomes—should be classified as sports gambling, which would place them under state jurisdiction rather than the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. Tribal groups have also raised concerns, arguing that such products could infringe on their sovereign rights to regulate gambling on tribal lands.  At the moment, sports-related event contract ETFs are not part of these filings, but that could evolve depending on how the legal landscape develops. If courts ultimately allow these types of products and current applications move forward, it's possible that similar filings tied to sports outcomes could follow.  Regardless of how regulation unfolds, it's important to understand the nature of these products. While they may be packaged as ETFs, their structure and risk profile differ significantly from traditional investments. Anyone considering them should be clear on one point: this is not investing in the conventional sense—it's a high-risk, all-or-nothing proposition that is really just gambling.    Who offers a better reward program? The big gas stations or Costco?  When I pull into a Shell gas station, I always see a pitch on the screen about getting up to $0.30 back per gallon. Other stations like Chevron run similar promos, which got me wondering: how many people actually sign up—and are these deals better than Costco's credit card with 4% cashback on gas?  Right off the bat, gas station rewards programs feel overly complicated. Once you dig in, you'll find caps, conditions, and purchase limits that make it tough to consistently get the maximum benefit. In the best-case scenario, you might get around $0.35 off per gallon. If gas is $6 per gallon, that works out to roughly a 5.8% discount. Not bad—but actually hitting that number regularly is another story.  Costco's credit card, on the other hand, offers a straightforward 5% cashback at Costco gas stations and 4% cashback at other gas stations (up to $7,000 per year). At $6 per gallon, that's about $0.24 back per gallon; at $5 per gallon, it's $0.20. To hit the annual cap, you'd need to buy around 22.4 gallons per week at $6 per gallon, or about 26.9 gallons per week at $5.  If you're filling up at a Costco station, the math can tilt even more in your favor. Gas there is often $0.10–$0.30 cheaper per gallon to begin with. Pair that with 5% cashback, and your effective savings climb even further: about $0.25 per gallon at $5 gas, or $0.30 at $6.  So, when you're standing at the pump at Shell or Chevron and see an offer for a flashy rewards program, it's worth pausing. The headline numbers can look appealing, but the real-world value often depends on how much you drive and how closely you follow the program's rules. For many people, a simple, consistent cashback card—especially one tied to already lower fuel prices—may end up being the better, less stressful option.    Is there a bubble in sports teams?  We've spent plenty of time talking about stretched valuations in stocks, the frenzy in crypto, and the rise of prediction markets—but sports teams may deserve a spot in that conversation too. Valuations across major leagues are climbing at a remarkable pace.  The NFL is leading the charge, with the average team now valued at $7.65 billion, up from roughly $1 billion in 2010. NBA franchises tell a similar story: the average team is worth $5.52 billion, an 18% jump from just last year. Go back 15 years, and the average NBA team was valued around $369 million—an increase of 1,396%. By comparison, the S&P 500's roughly 425% return over that same period looks modest.  Major League Baseball is seeing it too, with the San Diego Padres reportedly finalizing a record sale at $3.9 billion. As prices climb, fewer buyers can afford entry into the top leagues, pushing capital into smaller or emerging sports that may carry more risk.  Rick Horrow, CEO of Horrow Sports Ventures, highlighted this trend: “Major League Cricket was at $5 million. Now the value's at $30 million and going higher. Major League Pickleball two years ago was at $5 million. Now the value is at $15 million or higher.”   Women's sports are also experiencing rapid growth. The National Women's Soccer League recently awarded an expansion franchise in Columbus, Ohio for $205 million—a $40 million increase over the fee paid by Arthur Blank (The Falcon's owner) for Atlanta's team in November. That deal itself was a sharp jump from the $110 million paid by Denver in January of last year. For perspective, expansion fees were around $2 million as recently as 2022.  The key question is whether these valuations are supported by underlying fundamentals. While interest is rising—about 1.2 million people watched the NWSL final, up 22% year over year—it still trails far behind the audiences of major leagues. Game 7 of the NBA Finals drew 16.4 million viewers, the World Series drew 25.9 million, and the Super Bowl surpassed 127 million.  Media rights are central to this dynamic. The NFL signed an 11-year, $111 billion deal in 2021 and is already eyeing further increases. The NBA followed with its own 11-year, $77 billion agreement starting in 2025. If these massive contracts continue to absorb the bulk of media spending, smaller leagues may struggle to sustain their current growth trajectories.  Most people will never be in a position to buy a sports franchise, but the broader trend is still worth watching and I believe is just yet another example of excessive valuations in today's markets.     Financial Planning: Understanding the Relative Cost of IRMAA  IRMAA (Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount) is best understood not as a flat cost, but as an additional marginal tax rate layered on top of federal and state income taxes. When your income exceeds certain thresholds, your Medicare Part B and Part D premiums increase, and because the adjustment applies for the entire year once you cross the threshold, even by $1, it creates a “tax cliff.” For example, in 2026 the first IRMAA tier for married couples begins at $218,000 of income. At that point, Part B premiums increase from $202.90 to $284.10 and Part D increases $14.50, resulting in an additional annual cost of $2,296.80. Since this tier spans $56,000 of income (from $218,000 to $274,000), that cost translates to roughly a 4.1% marginal “tax” on income within that range, but only if you fully utilize the entire bracket. If you only exceed the threshold by a small amount, you still incur the full $2,296.80 cost, which means the effective marginal rate on those extra dollars can be extremely high. When layered on top of a 22% federal bracket and 9.3% California tax rate, the true marginal rate is about 35.4% if the bracket is filled, but can be significantly higher if it is not. This framing is critical when evaluating strategies like Roth conversions or large withdrawals, because it highlights that the decision isn't just about stated tax brackets, it's about the all-in marginal rate including IRMAA. In practice, this means it is often beneficial to either stay below an IRMAA threshold or intentionally “fill up” the bracket once crossed, ensuring the additional premium cost is spread across the full income range rather than concentrated on just a few dollars.    Companies Discussed: Tractor Supply Company (TSCO), Intel Corporation (INTC) & The Procter & Gamble Company (PG)

Medicare costs rose again in 2026, and for beneficiaries on fixed incomes, even small changes to premiums and deductibles can shift a carefully planned budget. The Medicare Part B premium alone increased from prior years, the Part D out-of-pocket cap is now fully in effect at $2,100, and income-based surcharges continue to catch people off guard.

This week's theme on the Retirement Quick Tips podcast is The Hidden Tax Traps in RetirementToday, I'm talking about IRMAA (Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount). It's an additional surcharge added to Medicare Part B and Part D premiums if you have higher income. IF you're single, IRMAA kicks in above $109k in income. If you're married, it kicks in above $218 of income.

If you'd like to work with us on your Medicare health plan, we're licensed in 45 states and actively helping clients across the country. Christian and the team at Everything Senior Insurance represent many of the top insurance companies in the Medicare space. We're happy to help—just reach out! ➡️ Visit our site: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.eseniorinsurance.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠✅ Call us: (801) 255-5340

In Episode 130 of DC EKG, Joe Grogan sits down with Ryan Long to unpack two policy stories that are driving real-world drug costs and healthcare spending: the 340B program and the fallout from Medicare Part D changes under the Inflation Reduction Act.  Ryan explains why the current 340B structure can incentivize higher costs, hospital consolidation, and contract pharmacy expansion, while often directing the biggest windfalls toward larger, wealthier systems rather than truly resource-constrained hospitals. They cover contract pharmacies, exposure to diversion and fraud, Medicare Part B reimbursement dynamics, and why reforms need to address the incentives baked into the program.  They then turn to Medicare Part D, the shift from copays to coinsurance, premium pressure, the accelerated move into “catastrophic” coverage, and what happens when Washington promises savings that do not materialize. The episode closes with a broader look at fraud, program integrity, and why durable reform requires Congress to act.  In This Conversation Why does 340B incentivize higher costs and hospital consolidation  Contract pharmacies, diversion risk, and fraud exposure  Who really benefits from 340B and why rural hospitals can lose out  Medicare Part D premium pressure and the IRA tradeoffs  Copays vs coinsurance and what seniors experience at the pharmacy counter  Fraud, program integrity, and why limited resources should go to patients who need them  Timestamps0:00 Why the 340B structure drives higher costs and consolidation0:37 Ryan Long joins Joe1:13 What has changed in 340B, and why it is getting attention6:57 Payer mix, spreads, and why wealthier systems benefit more11:06 How 340B expanded post-2010 and contract pharmacies16:56 Why contract pharmacy reform alone does not fix the incentives22:11 Medicare Part D and what the IRA changed24:23 Explaining the donut hole28:54 Premium increases, catastrophic coverage, and cost shifting32:26 Copays to coinsurance and unexpected out-of-pocket changes40:37 Fraud exposure and program integrity52:09 Where to find Ryan's work52:38 Outro 340B program, contract pharmacy, hospital consolidation, drug pricing, Medicare Part D, Medicaid rebate, Affordable Care Act, healthcare spending, healthcare costs, fraud exposure, policy impact, legislative reform, patient assistance About Our GuestRyan Long is a Fellow at the Paragon Health Institute and a Scholar at the USC Schaeffer Center. He previously served as health policy lead for Speaker Kevin McCarthy and is a longtime Energy and Commerce veteran focused on drug pricing, Medicare, Medicaid, and healthcare spending reform.  Podcast: DC EKG with Joe GroganEpisode: 130Guest: Ryan LongSponsor: Survivors for Solutions – https://survivorsforsolutions.orgExecutive Producer: John “CZ” Czwartacki, DC EKG PodcastProducer:  Stay on Course Studios – https://www.stayoncourse.studio

In Episode 130 of DC EKG, Joe Grogan sits down with Ryan Long to unpack two policy stories that are driving real-world drug costs and healthcare spending: the 340B program and the fallout from Medicare Part D changes under the Inflation Reduction Act.  Ryan explains why the current 340B structure can incentivize higher costs, hospital consolidation, and contract pharmacy expansion, while often directing the biggest windfalls toward larger, wealthier systems rather than truly resource-constrained hospitals. They cover contract pharmacies, exposure to diversion and fraud, Medicare Part B reimbursement dynamics, and why reforms need to address the incentives baked into the program.  They then turn to Medicare Part D, the shift from copays to coinsurance, premium pressure, the accelerated move into “catastrophic” coverage, and what happens when Washington promises savings that do not materialize. The episode closes with a broader look at fraud, program integrity, and why durable reform requires Congress to act.  In This Conversation Why does 340B incentivize higher costs and hospital consolidation  Contract pharmacies, diversion risk, and fraud exposure  Who really benefits from 340B and why rural hospitals can lose out  Medicare Part D premium pressure and the IRA tradeoffs  Copays vs coinsurance and what seniors experience at the pharmacy counter  Fraud, program integrity, and why limited resources should go to patients who need them  Timestamps0:00 Why the 340B structure drives higher costs and consolidation0:37 Ryan Long joins Joe1:13 What has changed in 340B, and why it is getting attention6:57 Payer mix, spreads, and why wealthier systems benefit more11:06 How 340B expanded post-2010 and contract pharmacies16:56 Why contract pharmacy reform alone does not fix the incentives22:11 Medicare Part D and what the IRA changed24:23 Explaining the donut hole28:54 Premium increases, catastrophic coverage, and cost shifting32:26 Copays to coinsurance and unexpected out-of-pocket changes40:37 Fraud exposure and program integrity52:09 Where to find Ryan's work52:38 Outro 340B program, contract pharmacy, hospital consolidation, drug pricing, Medicare Part D, Medicaid rebate, Affordable Care Act, healthcare spending, healthcare costs, fraud exposure, policy impact, legislative reform, patient assistance About Our GuestRyan Long is a Fellow at the Paragon Health Institute and a Scholar at the USC Schaeffer Center. He previously served as health policy lead for Speaker Kevin McCarthy and is a longtime Energy and Commerce veteran focused on drug pricing, Medicare, Medicaid, and healthcare spending reform.  Podcast: DC EKG with Joe GroganEpisode: 130Guest: Ryan LongSponsor: Survivors for Solutions – https://survivorsforsolutions.orgExecutive Producer: John “CZ” Czwartacki, DC EKG PodcastProducer:  Stay on Course Studios – https://www.stayoncourse.studio

In Episode 130 of DC EKG, Joe Grogan sits down with Ryan Long to unpack two policy stories that are driving real-world drug costs and healthcare spending: the 340B program and the fallout from Medicare Part D changes under the Inflation Reduction Act.  Ryan explains why the current 340B structure can incentivize higher costs, hospital consolidation, and contract pharmacy expansion, while often directing the biggest windfalls toward larger, wealthier systems rather than truly resource-constrained hospitals. They cover contract pharmacies, exposure to diversion and fraud, Medicare Part B reimbursement dynamics, and why reforms need to address the incentives baked into the program.  They then turn to Medicare Part D, the shift from copays to coinsurance, premium pressure, the accelerated move into “catastrophic” coverage, and what happens when Washington promises savings that do not materialize. The episode closes with a broader look at fraud, program integrity, and why durable reform requires Congress to act.  In This Conversation Why does 340B incentivize higher costs and hospital consolidation  Contract pharmacies, diversion risk, and fraud exposure  Who really benefits from 340B and why rural hospitals can lose out  Medicare Part D premium pressure and the IRA tradeoffs  Copays vs coinsurance and what seniors experience at the pharmacy counter  Fraud, program integrity, and why limited resources should go to patients who need them  Timestamps0:00 Why the 340B structure drives higher costs and consolidation0:37 Ryan Long joins Joe1:13 What has changed in 340B, and why it is getting attention6:57 Payer mix, spreads, and why wealthier systems benefit more11:06 How 340B expanded post-2010 and contract pharmacies16:56 Why contract pharmacy reform alone does not fix the incentives22:11 Medicare Part D and what the IRA changed24:23 Explaining the donut hole28:54 Premium increases, catastrophic coverage, and cost shifting32:26 Copays to coinsurance and unexpected out-of-pocket changes40:37 Fraud exposure and program integrity52:09 Where to find Ryan's work52:38 Outro 340B program, contract pharmacy, hospital consolidation, drug pricing, Medicare Part D, Medicaid rebate, Affordable Care Act, healthcare spending, healthcare costs, fraud exposure, policy impact, legislative reform, patient assistance About Our GuestRyan Long is a Fellow at the Paragon Health Institute and a Scholar at the USC Schaeffer Center. He previously served as health policy lead for Speaker Kevin McCarthy and is a longtime Energy and Commerce veteran focused on drug pricing, Medicare, Medicaid, and healthcare spending reform.  Podcast: DC EKG with Joe GroganEpisode: 130Guest: Ryan LongSponsor: Survivors for Solutions – https://survivorsforsolutions.orgExecutive Producer: John “CZ” Czwartacki, DC EKG PodcastProducer:  Stay on Course Studios – https://www.stayoncourse.studio

Retirement planning can feel overwhelming, but understanding key benefits and strategies can help you make the most of your financial future. On the show this week, I tackle listener questions on Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), and Social Security. If you're considering an HSA, are curious about contribution limits, or want to know how HSAs can work alongside FSAs, I break it down in simple, clear language. I also answer a wide range of Social Security questions, and discuss how your benefits are calculated, timing your claim, navigating survivor benefits, and how to avoid costly mistakes during retirement.   You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... 03:44 HSA vs. FSA & social security 09:12 HSA and the triple tax advantage 16:38 "HSA vs. FSA explained 21:02 Early retirement social security adjustments 26:45 IRMAA Surcharges and Roth Conversions 30:00 Social security claim rules 37:09 Social security benefits strategy 38:36 Social security survivor benefits 44:45 Understanding social security earnings & inflation   The Power of Health Savings Accounts HSAs stand out because contributions are tax-deductible, invested money grows tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified medical expenses are also tax-free. Unlike IRAs or 401(k)s, there are no required minimum distributions (RMDs), making them an appealing vehicle for long-term savings. Contributions via payroll deductions also avoid Social Security and Medicare taxes, enhancing their tax efficiency. HSAs are often misunderstood or underused, but they offer some of the most attractive tax benefits for medical expenses in retirement. To qualify, you must be enrolled in a high-deductible health plan. The latest contribution limits for 2026 are $4,400 for individuals and $8,750 for families, with a $1,000 catch-up for those 55 and older. Interestingly, the catch-up for HSAs starts at 55, unlike the 401(k) catch-up, which begins at 50.   HSAs vs. FSAs: What's the Difference? Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) often get confused with HSAs, but they are fundamentally different. FSAs are a "use it or lose it" account, meaning funds must be spent within the plan year or risk forfeiture. HSAs roll over year to year and can accumulate significant balances for future health expenses and even long-term care. HSAs also have more flexible investment options and ownership, making them superior for many long-term planners.   Navigating Social Security Statements, Timing, and Benefits Social Security's rules and estimates can be confusing. Your Social Security statement provides estimates based on the assumption you'll continue working at your current salary until retirement. If you retire early, these estimates adjust, but they don't include cost-of-living increases or Medicare Part B premiums, which will come directly out of your benefit. Many retirees are surprised to find their actual monthly check is lower than expected due to these deductions. One major factor is IRMAA (Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount), which increases Medicare premiums for higher-income retirees, based on income from two years prior. However, you can request an exception if your income drops due to retirement, using the SSA-44 form. Timing your claim is important. Social Security is typically a month or two behind when benefits start, so plan accordingly. Earned income before claiming does not count toward the annual limits; only income earned after starting benefits does. Spousal income also doesn't affect your individual Social Security benefit.   Strategy Matters Retirement planning goes beyond just saving—it's about making strategic decisions for your health, income, and legacy. HSAs, Social Security, and FSAs all have unique rules that affect how you can maximize their benefits. Take time to understand how these accounts work, and don't be afraid to seek expert advice for your unique situation.   Resources & People Mentioned 3 Steps to Retirement Planning   Connect With Gregg Gonzalez Email at: Gregg.gonzalez@lpl.com Podcast: https://RetireStrongFA.com/Podcast Website: https://RetireStrongFA.com/ Follow Gregg on LinkedIn Follow Gregg on Facebook Follow Gregg on YouTube Subscribe to Retirement Made Easy On Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts  

“I'm Not Paying for Oil—I'm Protecting the Engine” There's a moment in our house where Lucas will look at me—calm as can be—and say, “Rachel… I'm not paying for oil. I'm protecting the engine.” And every time he says it, it reminds me of how people think about taxes. https://www.youtube.com/live/1bgZWYxu3jo Because an oil change feels annoying. It's inconvenient. It's not “fun money.” It's something you can easily delay—especially when life is full. But what Lucas understands is what most families don't realize until it's painful: small, responsible decisions today protect what you've built tomorrow. That's exactly what a Roth conversion strategy is. Not a trendy tactic. Not clickbait. Not “always do this” or “never do this.” It's stewardship. And it's one of the most misunderstood decisions families make—because it's not just about your tax bracket this year. It's about your lifetime taxes… and in many cases, your kids' taxes too. “I'm Not Paying for Oil—I'm Protecting the Engine”A Long-Range Roth Conversion StrategyRoth Conversion Strategy: Start With the Right Lens (Not a Hot Take)What Is a Roth Conversion?Why Roth Conversions Are Everywhere Right NowRoth Conversion and Future Tax Rates: The Real Issue Is ControlShould I Do a Roth Conversion? When It Makes Sense1) You're trying to reduce lifetime taxes (not just this year's taxes)2) You have high tax-deferred balances and don't expect to spend them down3) You have a window of lower-income years4) Your goal is tax diversification and retirement flexibilityRoth Conversion Mistakes to AvoidMistake #1: Ignoring IRMAA (Medicare Premium Surcharges)Mistake #2: Treating Roth conversions as staticMistake #3: Trying to time the market perfectlyHow Does a Roth Conversion Affect Your Heirs?Roth Conversion Estate Planning Strategy: When Roth Isn't the End GameReframe the Goal: Not “Highest Return,” but “Best Outcome After Taxes”What This Roth Conversion Strategy Changes for Your FamilyListen to the Full Roth Conversion Strategy EpisodeBook A Strategy CallFAQWhat is a Roth conversion strategy?When does a Roth conversion make sense?What are the downsides of a Roth conversion?Is it better to do Roth conversions when the market is down?How do I avoid Roth conversion mistakes? A Long-Range Roth Conversion Strategy In this blog (and podcast), Bruce Wehner and I unpack Roth conversions the way we believe every financial decision should be unpacked: with a long-range view, a clear understanding of tradeoffs, and a focus on control. If you're asking questions like: Should I do a Roth conversion? When does a Roth conversion make sense? What are the downsides of a Roth conversion? How does a Roth conversion affect my Medicare premiums (IRMAA)? How does the SECURE Act change inherited IRA taxes for my heirs? …this article is for you. You'll learn what a Roth conversion is, why people are talking about it more right now, and the biggest blind spots that can cost families real money—especially under the SECURE Act's inheritance rules. We'll also show you why this isn't a one-variable decision. The best Roth conversion planning is dynamic and integrated—because taxes, Medicare premiums, market timing, and estate planning all collide here. Roth Conversion Strategy: Start With the Right Lens (Not a Hot Take) Bruce opened our conversation with something that matters: There is no such thing as universal Roth conversion advice. If someone on social media tells you, “Always do a Roth conversion,” they're selling certainty—not stewardship. And if someone tells you, “Never do a Roth conversion,” they're doing the same thing in reverse. A real Roth conversion strategy requires your full financial picture. And not just your picture. It often requires understanding your heirs' tax picture, too. Because what happens after you're gone is part of the strategy—not an afterthought. If your goal is to pay the least amount of taxes over your lifetime and your family's lifetime, then this is a conversation worth slowing down for. What Is a Roth Conversion? A Roth conversion is when you move money from a tax-deferred account (like a Traditional IRA) into a Roth IRA. Here's the simple trade: With a Traditional IRA, you get a tax break today, but you pay taxes later when you withdraw. With a Roth IRA, you pay taxes now, and then your money can grow tax-free, and you can access qualified withdrawals tax-free. So the core question isn't “Do I like Roths?” The core question is: Do I want to pay the tax now or later—and what does that choice do to my lifetime tax bill and my heirs' tax burden? This is why we call it Roth conversion planning—because the conversion itself is just a move. The strategy is the plan around it. Why Roth Conversions Are Everywhere Right Now If you've noticed the sudden spike in Roth conversion content, you're not imagining it. Yes, people are thinking about inflation and national debt. But the bigger driver is a policy change that quietly shifted the math for families: The SECURE Act and the 10-Year Rule The SECURE Act changed how inherited IRAs work for most non-spouse beneficiaries. Before the SECURE Act, many beneficiaries could “stretch” distributions over their lifetime. That often meant smaller annual distributions and a more manageable tax impact. Now, in many cases, heirs must empty an inherited IRA within 10 years. That means more money forced out over a shorter time window, often during your child's peak earning years—when they're already in higher tax brackets. This is why the question “How does a Roth conversion affect your heirs?” is not a niche question. It's central. Roth Conversion and Future Tax Rates: The Real Issue Is Control One of Bruce's strongest points was this: You can try to predict future tax rates… but the bigger issue is control. Tax policy changes. Brackets change. Deductions change. Rules change. And governments are always solving for revenue. So instead of pretending we can forecast everything perfectly, we ask: How do we increase your control over when and how taxes are paid? That's what a tax diversification retirement strategy is about: having money in different “tax buckets” so you can choose how you pull income in retirement. Because a family with options has leverage. A family with only tax-deferred money has constraints. Should I Do a Roth Conversion? When It Makes Sense Let's bring it down to practical guidance. A Roth conversion can make sense when: 1) You're trying to reduce lifetime taxes (not just this year's taxes) If you're doing a Roth conversion to reduce lifetime taxes, you're looking at: your expected retirement income your required minimum distributions (RMDs) your spouse's situation your heirs' likely income levels future tax law uncertainty This is not a “this year only” decision. It's long-range strategy. 2) You have high tax-deferred balances and don't expect to spend them down Bruce sees this often with high net worth families. They have significant IRA/401(k) balances, but they live on cash flow from businesses, real estate, or other income sources. So the tax-deferred accounts are likely to be inherited—not consumed. That's when the SECURE Act 10-year rule becomes a real problem for adult children. 3) You have a window of lower income years Many families have lower income years: early retirement before Social Security a gap between selling a business and reinvesting proceeds years with unusually high deductions These windows can be ideal for Roth conversion planning, because you can “fill up” lower tax brackets strategically. 4) Your goal is tax diversification and retirement flexibility A Roth IRA can be a powerful tool for controlling adjusted gross income in retirement—especially when it comes to Medicare premiums and other phaseouts. But that leads to a major pitfall… Roth Conversion Mistakes to Avoid Mistake #1: Ignoring IRMAA (Medicare Premium Surcharges) If you're near Medicare age, this is huge. A Roth conversion increases your adjusted gross income (AGI). Higher AGI can trigger IRMAA—Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amount. In plain language:the more income you show, the more you can pay for Medicare Part B and Part D premiums. Bruce shared how common it is for people (and even many advisors) to miss this entirely. And here's the kicker: IRMAA is based on a two-year lookback so a conversion today can impact Medicare premiums two years from now This doesn't mean “don't convert.”It means: run the math. Because sometimes the tax savings over your lifetime is still worth it. But you should know what you're trading. Mistake #2: Treating Roth conversions as static Bruce said it well: this can't be a static strategy. It must be dynamic. He gave an example of a client who retired, started a multi-year Roth conversion plan, and then unexpectedly received a consulting contract paying several hundred thousand dollars. That income changed everything. Their conversion strategy had to be adjusted immediately—because the tax brackets, Medicare implications, and intended “conversion window” shifted. The point is simple: A Roth conversion strategy needs ongoing review. Mistake #3: Trying to time the market perfectly Yes, it can be advantageous to convert when markets are down. But most families wait for the perfect moment… and miss years of opportunity. Bruce's guidance is the steady kind of wisdom we live by: Control what you can control. Don't pretend you have a crystal ball. A good strategy often beats “perfect timing.” And in some cases, converting a depressed holding into a Roth can be a smart move—because future growth happens inside the Roth structure.

  If you're a federal employee or retiree approaching age 65, you've likely asked: "Do I really need Medicare Part B if I already have FEHB?" In this Federal Fact Check episode, Micah Shilanski, Managing Partner and Wealth Advisor, explains how Medicare Parts A, B, and D work with your Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) coverage, and what federal retirees should consider before deciding. In this episode, we discuss: • The 7-month Medicare enrollment window • When Part A is typically required • Why Part B is often considered "quasi-optional." • The 10% per year late enrollment penalty • How IRMAA can increase Medicare premiums • How FEHB prescription coverage impacts Part D decisions • Key financial planning considerations at age 65 Medicare decisions are highly personal and depend on your income, health outlook, and retirement plan. This episode is designed to help you understand the structure of the rules so you can make a more informed decision. If you're nearing 65 or helping someone who is, this conversation is worth your time.  Check out the full episode here:https://zurl.co/Jake1 https://zurl.co/7P2P3

If you'd like to work with us on your Medicare health plan, we're licensed in 45 states and actively helping clients across the country. Christian and the team at Everything Senior Insurance represent many of the top insurance companies in the Medicare space. We're happy to help—just reach out! ➡️ Visit our site: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.eseniorinsurance.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠✅ Call us: (801) 255-5340

If you'd like to work with us on your Medicare health plan, we're licensed in 45 states and actively helping clients across the country. Christian and the team at Everything Senior Insurance represent many of the top insurance companies in the Medicare space. We're happy to help—just reach out! ➡️ Visit our site: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.eseniorinsurance.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠✅ Call us: (801) 255-5340

Wondering how the 2026 Medicare Part B annual deductible works? In this episode, we break down what the deductible means, how it affects what you pay for outpatient care and doctor visits, and what to expect in the coming year. Learn how Medicare Supplement plans can help cover these gaps and protect your retirement savings from unexpected medical costs.

If you'd like to work with us on your Medicare health plan, we're licensed in 45 states and actively helping clients across the country. Christian and the team at Everything Senior Insurance represent many of the top insurance companies in the Medicare space. We're happy to help—just reach out! ➡️ Visit our site: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.eseniorinsurance.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠✅ Call us: (801) 255-5340

Curious about the Medicare Part B Giveback benefit? In this episode, we explain how this feature works to reduce your monthly Part B premium, who qualifies for it, and the important trade-offs that come with it. Discover why, despite the short-term savings, many retirees find that Medicare Supplement plans provide stronger long-term protection, broader access to care, and more predictable healthcare costs. 

Retirement planning mistakes federal employees make in their first year — from TSP decisions to FEHB coordination and Social Security timing — can cost decades of peace of mind and financial security. Learn the key retirement mistakes and how to avoid them with strategic planning and benefits coordination.

If you'd like to work with us on your Medicare health plan, we're licensed in 45 states and actively helping clients across the country. Christian and the team at Everything Senior Insurance represent many of the top insurance companies in the Medicare space. We're happy to help—just reach out! ➡️ Visit our site: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.eseniorinsurance.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠✅ Call us: (801) 255-5340

Slowly but surely – and just in time for the State of the Union – the full picture of the Trump Administration's Most-Favoured Nations drug pricing policy is coming into focus. At the end of last year, CMS published the draft guidance for its GLOBE and GUARD pricing models, which establish MFN pricing in Medicare Part B and Part D, respectively. And earlier this month TrumpRx – the government's promised patient-facing discount portal – finally went live. On today's podcast, Jonah Comstock is joined by Alice Valder Curran, a partner at Hogan Lovells and a healthcare policy expert, to break down what we know and what we still don't know about each of these developments. Among other things, Valder Curran breaks down how the two CMS pilot programmes will work, what statutory authority CMS is leaning on (and whether that authority is likely to be challenged), and how the industry is responding. Comstock and Valder Curran also discuss TrumpRx and how impactful it's shaping up to be, at least based on what's been revealed so far. And how do those negotiated MFN deals fit in to all this? We can't give you the answers to all your questions about MFN – too much is still up in the air. But this podcast will at least give you an idea of what those open questions are and how they're likely to play out. You can listen to episode 246 of the pharmaphorum podcast in the player below, download the episode to your computer, or find it - and subscribe to the rest of the series – on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, Pocket Casts, Podbean, and pretty much wherever else you download your other podcasts from.

If you'd like to work with us on your Medicare health plan, we're licensed in 45 states and actively helping clients across the country. Christian and the team at Everything Senior Insurance represent many of the top insurance companies in the Medicare space. We're happy to help—just reach out! ➡️ Visit our site: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.eseniorinsurance.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠✅ Call us: (801) 255-5340

In this episode of The Dish on Health IT, host Tony Schueth is joined by co-host Alix Goss and special guest Amy Gleason, Strategic Advisor to Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and Administrator of the U.S. Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) Service, for a wide-ranging discussion on how health IT modernization is evolving under a pledge-driven, incentive-backed federal strategy.The conversation begins not with policy, but with lived experience.From Emergency Room to Interoperability AdvocateAmy shares how her early career as an emergency room nurse exposed the dangers of fragmented information. Providers were expected to make critical decisions without access to complete patient histories, while patients, often in pain or distress, were unrealistically asked to recall complex medical details.That professional frustration became deeply personal when her daughter went more than a year without diagnosis for a rare autoimmune disease, juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM). Multiple specialists saw pieces of the puzzle, but no one could see the full picture across charts and settings. Amy reflects that if today's AI tools had been applied to her daughter's complete longitudinal record, the condition may have surfaced sooner.That experience shaped her philosophy. Technology must converge with policy and trust in ways that tangibly improve care.Why Pledges Instead of Rules?Tony presses on a central theme. Amy has argued that we cannot regulate our way to success. Why pursue voluntary pledges instead of federal rulemaking?Amy explains her frustration returning to government in 2025 to find interoperability policies she helped draft in 2020 still not fully effective until 2027. Seven years is an eternity in technology. Meanwhile, the industry had technically complied with numerous mandates including Meaningful Use, Cures Act APIs and CMS interoperability rules, yet many workflows still felt broken.In her view, regulation created a floor but not always real transformation.The CMS Health Tech Ecosystem Pledge was launched as a different model. The federal government used its convening power to articulate a clear vision and challenge industry to deliver minimum viable products within six to twelve months rather than years.Initially announced with roughly 60 companies, the pledge initiative has grown to more than 600 participants collaborating in working groups. The three initial patient-focused use cases include:Improving data interoperability“Killing the clipboard” through digital identity and QR-based sharingLeveraging conversational AI and personalized recommendations for chronic conditions such as diabetes and obesityAmy describes live demonstrations at a Connectathon showing OAuth-enabled data retrieval, QR ingestion into EHR workflows and AI-powered recommendations built on patient data. The goal is not perfection by the first milestone, but real-world minimum viable functionality that can iteratively improve.Alix notes that from the standards community perspective, this approach feels aligned with long-standing calls for industry-driven collaboration, though it remains early to measure widespread impact.Carrots, Sticks and Rural HealthThe discussion turns to incentives.Amy outlines the administration's carrots and sticks strategy:Stick: Enforcement of information blocking, with penalties up to $2 million per occurrenceCarrots: Financial incentives such as the $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program and the CMS ACCESS Model, which pays for technology-enabled outcomesThe Rural Health Transformation Program directs money to states with expectations that ecosystem-aligned interoperability and app participation be incorporated into funding proposals. CMS retains oversight and clawback authority to ensure funds support rural providers.The ACCESS Model represents a significant shift. Technology-enabled care platforms can register as Medicare Part B providers and be paid for measurable outcomes in tracks such as cardiometabolic disease, musculoskeletal conditions and behavioral health. Providers remain in the loop and receive compensation for referral and care plan oversight.Alix underscores that rural providers face steep financial and workforce constraints. Standards participation, implementation and technology upgrades require resources that are often scarce. The success of these incentives will depend on whether they reduce burden rather than add to it.AI: Evolution, Risk and RealityAI becomes a central thread of the episode.Amy compares AI adoption to autonomous vehicle models. Some scenarios allow tightly controlled automation, such as medication refills, while others require a human in the loop for higher-risk decisions. She points to a Utah prescription refill pilot as an example of bounded automation, where malpractice coverage and clearly defined use cases mitigate risk.When Tony asks who owns risk in this evolving landscape, Amy emphasizes the need for light but clear regulatory pathways rather than fragmented state-by-state oversight.Patients, she notes, are already there. Millions are asking health-related questions weekly through AI tools. The more pressing issue is ensuring those tools are grounded in structured medical data rather than incomplete memory or unverified inputs.She shares a striking story. Her daughter was excluded from a clinical trial due to a misclassification of ulcerative colitis. By uploading her records into an AI model, they identified a more precise diagnosis, microscopic lymphocytic colitis, which did not disqualify her from the trial. For Amy, this demonstrates both the power and inevitability of AI use.Alix adds caution. AI is only as strong as the data beneath it. Dirty, inconsistent and poorly structured data limits performance. Standards and terminologies remain essential to fuel high-fidelity models and safeguard trust.FHIR, Deregulation and the Data FoundationThe conversation addresses an emerging tension. If regulatory burdens are being reduced, does that signal less need for structured standards like FHIR?Amy candidly admits she initially wondered whether AI might reduce the need for FHIR altogether. After discussions with labs and technologists, she concluded the opposite. Standardized data dramatically improves AI performance and reduces error.Deregulation is about removing unnecessary burden, not abandoning foundational data structures.Alix reinforces that FHIR enables discrete, normalized data capture that supports both legacy transactions and AI evolution. While future innovations may emerge, today FHIR remains the backbone for scalable interoperability.Prior Authorization and HIPAA ModernizationThe episode dives into prior authorization modernization across medical and pharmacy domains.Amy notes growing interest among pledge participants to expand into pharmacy prior authorization testing, diagnostic imaging, real-time benefit checks and bulk FHIR performance testing.Alix provides insight into ongoing work within the Designated Standards Maintenance Organizations to incorporate FHIR-based approaches into HIPAA-named standards, particularly for prior authorization. She highlights testing beyond Connectathons, including implementer communities and real-world pilot efforts.Both stress the importance of public comment periods and industry engagement, describing participation as a civic responsibility for health IT professionals.Trust as the Core EnablerThe final segment centers on trust.Amy explains that the ecosystem initiative aims to reinforce trust through:Stronger digital identity verification such as Clear, ID.me and Login.govCertification frameworks such as CARIN and DIME for patient-facing appsA new national provider directory to replace fragmented provider data sourcesTransparency dashboards showing data requests, volumes and purposeRather than replacing frameworks like TEFCA, she describes the pledge model as an accelerator layered above the regulatory floor.Transparency acts as sunlight, enabling visibility into who is accessing data and for what purpose.Final TakeawaysIn closing, Amy urges providers not to sit on the sidelines. Too often, she says, providers feel change is imposed on them. The pledge environment is designed as an open forum where they can directly shape what works or does not work in real workflows.Alix echoes the call. Standards require participation. Organizations must allocate budget and staff to engage, comment and collaborate. It truly takes a village.Tony concludes by framing the episode's core message. Regulation establishes baseline expectations, but voluntary movements can demonstrate what is possible before mandates reach the Federal Register.Across pledges, payment reform, AI evolution and trust frameworks, the episode underscores a consistent theme. Modernization in health IT depends not only on policy direction, but on shared accountability and active participation from every stakeholder in the ecosystem.Listeners are reminded that POCP is available to support organizations in understanding the implications of federal initiatives, enforcement priorities and their strategic implications. Reach out to us to set up an initial consultation. The episode closes, as always, with the reminder that Health IT is a dish best served hot.Prefer video? Catch episodes on the POCP YouTube channel

Jim and Chris discuss listener emails on Medicare Part B decisions for retirees abroad, Social Security survivor benefit surprises, inherited Roth IRA distribution rules, and balancing Treasuries versus annuities when “safety” is more emotional than mathematical. (6:45) A listener asks about situations where it might make sense to skip Medicare Part B, including retirees living abroad with strong foreign coverage and people who move to the U.S. later in life and must pay for Parts A and B. (33:30) George asks why some widows and widowers don't end up receiving the full benefit their spouse was receiving, even when the surviving spouse's payment increases after the death. (52:30) The guys respond to a question about whether an inherited Roth IRA requires annual distributions when the original owner was old enough to have RMDs, or whether the beneficiary can wait until year 10. (1:11:00) Jim and Chris revisit the annuities versus Treasuries discussion through the lens of fear and peace of mind, including why someone might emotionally trust Treasuries more than insurer guarantees even if the math favors SPIAs. The post Medicare, Social Security, Inherited Roth, Annuities: Q&A #2607 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show.

The landscape of Social Security is changing yet again. As we enter 2026, six big changes will impact both current and future retirees. I break down everything from the new cost of living adjustment (COLA), increases in the earnings test limit, and updated eligibility requirements, all the way to shifts in the full retirement age and the solvency projections for the Social Security Trust Fund. You'll also hear practical tips on maximizing your Social Security benefits, how to prepare for what's ahead, and why it's more important than ever to have a solid retirement plan in place.  You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... [00:00] Social Security updates in 2026. [04:23] Social Security Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA). [09:00] Social Security earnings and credits. [13:41] Social Security benefits timing. [15:31] Social Security cuts looming in 2033. Key Social Security Changes in 2026 On the show, you'll hear an overview of these changes, helping you to prepare and adjust your financial plans accordingly. From increased earning limits to the solvency of the trust fund, here's what you need to know. 1. Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA): A Modest Boost One of the most anticipated changes each year, the Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), has been set at 2.8% for 2026—slightly higher than last year's 2.5%. This increase is designed to help benefits keep pace with inflation and is calculated automatically based on the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) (as explained by Ryan Morrissey ). For retirees, this means an average monthly benefit increase of around $56 for singles and $88 for married couples. However, COLA's impact can be offset by hikes in Medicare Part B premiums, which have risen to $201.96 for 2026. This nearly $18 increase represents a 9.6% jump—higher than the COLA percentage—reminding retirees to monitor both Social Security and Medicare in tandem for accurate budgeting. 2. Earnings Test Limits: Collecting While Working If you want to claim Social Security before reaching your full retirement age and continue working, new earnings test limits apply. For those aged 62 until they reach full retirement age, the annual earnings limit is now $24,480, with benefits reduced by $1 for every $2 earned above this threshold. If you're in the year you hit full retirement age, the limit jumps to $65,160. Exceeding this means your benefit will be reduced by $1 for every $3 extra earned. Importantly, once you reach the month of your full retirement age, these limits disappear, and you can collect benefits without reductions regardless of income. 3. Earning Credits for Eligibility To qualify for Social Security, you must earn at least 40 credits over your working lifetime. For 2026, you'll receive one credit for each $1,890 earned per quarter—a slight increase over last year's $1,810. Most individuals accumulate the required credits after about 10 years of work. Earning more than 40 credits doesn't increase your benefit, but working longer and earning more can boost your payout through the average indexed monthly earnings calculation. 4. Social Security Wage Base Increase Social Security taxes apply to income up to a set wage base, which in 2026 rises to $184,500. Both employees and employers pay 6.2% up to this limit, which has increased by $7,500 over the last year. If you're self-employed, you cover both portions (12.4%). There's no cap on what you pay into Medicare, with a rate of 1.45%, and an additional 0.9% for higher earners. These thresholds have not been adjusted for inflation, making planning essential for those with larger salaries. 5. Full Retirement Age: Incremental Shift The gradual increase in full retirement age culminates in 2026. Those born in 1959 can claim full benefits at age 66 and 10 months, while anyone born in 1960 or later sees their full retirement age rise to 67. This change marks the final step in modifications enacted by the 1983 Social Security Act. After age 67, there are no planned increases—unless Congress takes further action. 6. Social Security Trust Fund: Solvency Concerns The long-term outlook for the Social Security Trust Fund remains a concern. Per the latest trustee report, benefits could be cut by 23% in 2033 if Congress does not act. Recent laws have expanded eligibility but also reduced system inflows, raising questions about solvency. For now, we don't need to panic; proactive planning and staying informed are key. Regularly review your Social Security status and plan contributions, and consider how these changes affect your overall financial strategy.  Resources Mentioned Retirement Readiness Review Subscribe to the Retire with Ryan YouTube Channel Download my entire book for FREE Connect With Morrissey Wealth Management  www.MorrisseyWealthManagement.com/contact   Subscribe to Retire With Ryan

340B Insight wants to make our podcast the best it can be. To help us succeed, we'd like to hear your thoughts. Please take just a few minutes to complete our listener survey, and we will enter you in a drawing to win a $100 gift card! To participate, please go to 340bpodcast.org/survey.For the third year in a row, we consulted 340B Health's experts on our staff to answer our listeners' most pressing 340B questions. As 2026 gets underway, we answer your questions about the CMS drug acquisition cost survey, what states are doing on 340B this year, and more. Some of the topics we cover:CMS Drug Acquisition Cost Survey Not MandatoryEarlier this year, the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) launched a new survey focusing on hospitals' outpatient drug acquisition costs, which could lead to Medicare Part B payment cuts for 340B drugs. Some hospitals recently saw materials suggesting they are required to complete the survey. Amanda Nagrotsky, vice president of legal and policy for 340B Health, notes that a CMS rule states there are no penalties under the Medicare statute for hospitals that choose not to respond. 340B Health and other groups sent a joint letter asking for the language to be corrected, citing the confusion it has caused.State Legislatures Are Becoming Major Battlegrounds for 2026Just over one month into 2026, statehouses are already shaping up to be one of the biggest venues to debate various aspects of the 340B. Two broad categories of bills are emerging: legislation protecting access to 340B pricing — including protections for contract pharmacy arrangements — and state-level reporting mandates. 340B Health Senior Vice President of Government Relations Tom O'Donnell says the proposed reporting mandates mirror other states' recently enacted requirements, and he argues they can be misleading, burdensome, or modeled on frameworks promoted by large drug companies.Medicare Announces More Drug Price Caps for 2028Medicare is phasing in maximum fair pricing – or MFP – for high-spending drugs over several years. CMS recently announced the next group of 15 drugs that will be subject to these types of price caps in 2028, adding to the 2026 and 2027 drug lists. Starting in 2028, these price caps will apply to both Medicare Part D and Part B drugs, including those purchased through Medicare Advantage. 340B Health Senior Manager of Pharmacy Services Gilda Yeboah says this means hospitals will see reduced 340B savings on certain drugs as Medicare prices move closer to existing 340B ceiling prices. Yeboah says the issue is complex and evolving, and 340B Health is working to share concerns about MFP implementation with federal agencies.Resources340B Health and Allies Urge CMS Contractor To Correct Statement Suggesting Hospitals Must Respond to OPPS Drug Cost SurveyStates Introduce New 340B Legislation in 2026 SessionsMaine Federal Court Rejects Drug Company Challenge to State 340B Contract Pharmacy LawMedicare Expands List of Drugs Subject to Price Caps, Decreased 340B Savings Starting in 2028Manufacturer Notices to Covered EntitiesHRSA Releases 340B Purchase Data for 2024FY 2025 Manufacturer Audit Results

If you'd like to work with us on your Medicare health plan, we're licensed in 45 states and actively helping clients across the country. Christian and the team at Everything Senior Insurance represent many of the top insurance companies in the Medicare space. We're happy to help—just reach out! ➡️ Visit our site: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.eseniorinsurance.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠✅ Call us: (801) 255-5340

DC EKG with Joe Grogan: A Healthcare Policy Podcast Ep. 122 In this episode of DC EKG with Joe Grogan: A Healthcare Policy Podcast, Joe recaps the first Healthcare AI Policy Summit, held on December 10th in Washington, DC, with his co-host for the event, Naomi Lopez, founder of Nexus Policy Consulting. They walk through the big themes shaping healthcare AI right now: how HHS is approaching AI adoption, what real regulatory clarity could look like, and how new federal initiatives like ACCESS and TEMPO may reshape chronic disease management for Medicare patients. Joe and Naomi unpack HHS Deputy Secretary Jim O'Neill's view of AI in government, from using large models to improve physician productivity, payment integrity, and care coordination to managing privacy and re-identification risk when working with federal health data. They dig into the ACCESS Medicare payment model and the FDA TEMPO initiative, explaining how these pilots test AI and machine learning tools in real-world chronic disease management (hypertension, diabetes, musculoskeletal pain, and depression), and what that means for Medicare payment models, FDA oversight, and healthcare innovation. The conversation then widens to physician burnout, interoperability, rural care, and the role of states and federal preemption in setting the rules for healthcare AI. If you care about the real-world impact of healthcare AI on policy, payment, and patients, this episode offers a clear, practical summary of what the summit revealed and what to watch next. Today Joe and Naomi cover: Jim O'Neill's vision for AI at HHS, including internal AI adoption and keeping a direct line open for small innovators. ACCESS and TEMPO as new federal test beds for AI in chronic disease management and Medicare payment. How wearables, remote monitoring, and “virtual ICU” models can support aging in place and reduce pressure on state budgets. Ways AI can reduce documentation burden, support care coordination, and act as a first-line triage tool without replacing clinicians. The emerging idea of personal AI agents that help patients navigate the system and share the right data with clinicians. How AI-enabled diagnostics and tools can expand access in rural and underserved communities. Why interoperability, ONC's API rules, and the balance between state AI regulation and federal preemption will shape how quickly these tools scale. The potential for tech companies to become Medicare Part B providers under ACCESS, and what that means for reimbursement and competition. Key Takeaways: Healthcare AI is being built into policy through programs like ACCESS and TEMPO, tying AI tools to Medicare payment and FDA pathways in chronic disease management. Regulatory clarity and predictable routes from FDA clearance to Medicare reimbursement are essential for sustained AI adoption. AI is currently most valuable as a force multiplier for physician productivity, taking on administrative and analytic work so clinicians can focus on patients. Personal AI agents may become a primary interface between patients and the health system, coordinating data, benefits, and care. Rural and underserved communities could benefit significantly if payment and regulatory rules support AI-enabled diagnostics and remote care. Interoperability, state AI laws, and federal preemption will determine whether healthcare AI stays in pilots or reaches patients nationwide. Joe's guest, Naomi Lopez, is the founder of Nexus Policy Consulting and a leading voice in healthcare policy, healthcare AI, and state health reform. She co-founded a healthcare AI working group with Joe Grogan and co-hosted the inaugural Healthcare AI Policy Summit on December 10th in Washington, DC.

Welcome to 2026! A new year brings a fresh set of rules for your retirement savings, and not all of them are straightforward. With the turning of the calendar comes changes to contribution limits, Social Security adjustments, and new tax mandates that could catch you off guard if you aren't paying attention. In this first episode of the year, I break down exactly what is changing for 2026, from the "good news" of higher contribution limits to the "bad news" of Medicare premium hikes that might eat up your entire Social Security cost-of-living adjustment. I also dive into a controversial new rule from the Secure Act 2.0 that forces high earners to change how they save in their 401(k)s, removing the choice of pre-tax savings for many. We also tackle some fantastic listener questions, including a look at why Target Date Funds had a "lucky" year in 2025 (and why I still don't recommend them), and I dismantle a dangerous misconception about retirement withdrawals, the "Mayonnaise Jar" math that convinces retirees their money will last 20 years when, in reality, inflation and life have other plans. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... (00:23) Intro to 2026 Changes. (04:36) Social Security COLA vs. Medicare Premiums. (06:40) New IRA and 401(k) Contribution Limits. (10:24) The New "Roth Catch-Up" Mandate for High Earners. (18:57) New Charitable Deduction Rules. (20:03) Listener Q: Target Date Funds Explained. (29:12) Listener Q: The "Mayonnaise Jar" Withdrawal Mistake. The "Fake" Raise: Social Security vs. Medicare in 2026 We start the year with what sounds like a win: a 2.8% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for Social Security recipients. However, before you start budgeting that extra cash, you need to look at the other side of the ledger. Medicare Part B premiums have jumped by nearly 9.67%, rising to $202.90 a month. For many retirees, this increase will come directly out of their Social Security check, effectively wiping out the "raise" they thought they were getting. It is a reminder that healthcare inflation often outpaces general inflation, and your plan needs to account for that reality, not just the headline numbers. The $150k Trap: New Mandatory Roth Rules One of the biggest changes for 2026 comes from the Secure Act 2.0, and it impacts high earners. If you earned $150,000 or more in FICA wages in 2025, you no longer have a choice on how you make your "catch-up" contributions. Uncle Sam now mandates that your catch-up contribution (the extra $8,000 you can save if you are over 50) must go into a Roth 401(k). This means you lose the immediate tax deduction on those dollars. It is a way for the government to grab more tax revenue now rather than later, and for many savers, it removes the flexibility to design a tax strategy that fits their specific needs. If your employer doesn't offer a Roth option, you might be out of luck entirely. Why "Cookie Cutter" Investing Still Fails (Even When It Wins) A listener asked why their Target Date Fund performed so well in 2025. The answer lies in a rare alignment of international markets and bond performance that boosted these funds last year. But one good year doesn't change my fundamental problem with these funds: they are "cookie-cutter." They treat every 65-year-old exactly the same, ignoring your personal goals, your risk tolerance, and your income needs. It's like walking into a car dealership and being told you have to buy a minivan just because everyone else your age is buying one. You deserve a plan customized to your life, not a default setting based on your birth year. The "Mayonnaise Jar" Math Mistake Finally, I address a listener who believed he was set for 20 years because he could withdraw $50,000 a year from his $1 million nest egg until it hit zero. I call this "Mayonnaise Jar" math, assuming you can just pull cash out of a stagnant jar until it's empty. This logic fails because it ignores inflation. As we saw in 2025 with beef prices jumping 20%, the cost of living does not stay flat. $50,000 today will not buy $50,000 worth of goods in ten years. If you don't have your money invested to grow and outpace inflation, you aren't planning for a 20-year retirement; you're planning to run out of purchasing power long before you run out of money. Resources & People Mentioned 3 Steps to Retirement Planning Retirement Budgeting Tool Connect With Gregg Gonzalez Email at: Gregg.gonzalez@lpl.com Podcast: https://RetirementMadeEasyPodcast.com Website: https://StLouisFinancialAdvisor.com Follow Gregg on LinkedIn Follow Gregg on Facebook Follow Gregg on YouTube Subscribe to Retirement Made Easy On Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts

In this Episode of the Secure Your Retirement Podcast, Radon and Murs discuss why Medicare 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most impactful years for retirees and those approaching retirement. With major Medicare updates, rising Medicare costs 2026, and several Medicare new rules taking effect, understanding how these changes affect your overall Retirement Planning is more important than ever. From prescription drug reforms to premium increases and income-based adjustments, Medicare is not something you can afford to “set and forget” when you're planning retirement and working to secure your retirement.Listen in to learn about how Medicare Part B premium 2026 increases, IRMAA surcharges, and Medicare income limits 2026 can directly impact your cash flow in retirement. Radon and Murs also explore how Medicare planning fits into a comprehensive strategy to help you retire comfortably, avoid costly surprises, and align your healthcare decisions with your long-term retirement checklist and broader financial plan.In this episode, find out:How Medicare drug price negotiations and Medicare Part D changes 2026 are lowering costs for certain prescriptionsWhat the new Medicare out of pocket cap means for retirees with high prescription drug expensesWhy the increase in Medicare Part B premium 2026 matters for your monthly retirement incomeHow IRMAA surcharges and income from strategies like Roth conversions can affect your Medicare premiumsWhat Medicare does not cover, including the difference between a Medicare wellness visit and a traditional physical, plus updates on Telehealth MedicareTweetable Quotes:“Medicare isn't separate from your financial plan—it's interconnected with your taxes, income, and investment strategy.” — Radon Stancil“One decision, like a Roth conversion, can trigger higher Medicare premiums if you don't account for IRMAA.” — Murs TariqUnderstanding Medicare 2026 is a critical part of Retirement Planning, whether you're already enrolled or just beginning to plan for retirement. Staying informed about Medicare updates, knowing your coverage gaps, and proactively planning can make a meaningful difference in how confidently you approach Retirement.Resources:If you are in or nearing retirement and you want to gain clarity on what questions you should be asking, learn what the biggest retirement myths are, and identify what you can do to achieve peace of mind for your retirement, get started today by requesting our complimentary video course, Four Steps to Secure Your Retirement!To access the course, simply visit POMWealth.net/podcast.

If you'd like to work with us on your Medicare health plan, we're licensed in 45 states and actively helping clients across the country. Christian and the team at Everything Senior Insurance represent many of the top insurance companies in the Medicare space. We're happy to help—just reach out! ➡️ Visit our site: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.eseniorinsurance.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠✅ Call us: (801) 255-5340

Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) & Medicare Part B Explained: What Every Federal Worker and Retiree Must Know in 2025” — get the facts on FEHB cost changes, Medicare coordination, and retirement health planning to avoid unnecessary premium spending and coverage gaps. Discover whether combining FEHB with Medicare Part B or supplements makes sense for you.

Podcast TitleDC EKG with Joe Grogan: A Healthcare Policy Podcast Ep. 122 Healthcare AI Gets Real: Naomi Lopez on ACCESS, TEMPO, and the Future of Care Episode Description-In this episode of DC EKG with Joe Grogan: A Healthcare Policy Podcast, Joe recaps the first Healthcare AI Policy Summit, held on December 10th in Washington, DC, with his co-host for the event, Naomi Lopez, founder of Nexus Policy Consulting. They walk through the big themes shaping healthcare AI right now: how HHS is approaching AI adoption, what real regulatory clarity could look like, and how new federal initiatives like ACCESS and TEMPO may reshape chronic disease management for Medicare patients. Joe and Naomi unpack HHS Deputy Secretary Jim O'Neill's view of AI in government, from using large models to improve physician productivity, payment integrity, and care coordination to managing privacy and re-identification risk when working with federal health data. They dig into the ACCESS Medicare payment model and the FDA TEMPO initiative, explaining how these pilots test AI and machine learning tools in real-world chronic disease management (hypertension, diabetes, musculoskeletal pain, and depression), and what that means for Medicare payment models, FDA oversight, and healthcare innovation. The conversation then widens to physician burnout, interoperability, rural care, and the role of states and federal preemption in setting the rules for healthcare AI. If you care about the real-world impact of healthcare AI on policy, payment, and patients, this episode offers a clear, practical summary of what the summit revealed and what to watch next. Today Joe and Naomi cover: Jim O'Neill's vision for AI at HHS, including internal AI adoption and keeping a direct line open for small innovators. ACCESS and TEMPO as new federal test beds for AI in chronic disease management and Medicare payment. How wearables, remote monitoring, and “virtual ICU” models can support aging in place and reduce pressure on state budgets. Ways AI can reduce documentation burden, support care coordination, and act as a first-line triage tool without replacing clinicians. The emerging idea of personal AI agents that help patients navigate the system and share the right data with clinicians. How AI-enabled diagnostics and tools can expand access in rural and underserved communities. Why interoperability, ONC's API rules, and the balance between state AI regulation and federal preemption will shape how quickly these tools scale. The potential for tech companies to become Medicare Part B providers under ACCESS, and what that means for reimbursement and competition. Key Takeaways: Healthcare AI is being built into policy through programs like ACCESS and TEMPO, tying AI tools to Medicare payment and FDA pathways in chronic disease management. Regulatory clarity and predictable routes from FDA clearance to Medicare reimbursement are essential for sustained AI adoption. AI is currently most valuable as a force multiplier for physician productivity, taking on administrative and analytic work so clinicians can focus on patients. Personal AI agents may become a primary interface between patients and the health system, coordinating data, benefits, and care. Rural and underserved communities could benefit significantly if payment and regulatory rules support AI-enabled diagnostics and remote care. Interoperability, state AI laws, and federal preemption will determine whether healthcare AI stays in pilots or reaches patients nationwide. Naomi Lopez is the founder of Nexus Policy Consulting and a leading voice in healthcare policy, healthcare AI, and state health reform. She co-founded a healthcare AI working group with Joe Grogan and co-hosted the inaugural Healthcare AI Policy Summit on December 10th in Washington, DC.

Comparing Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) coverage with Medicare Part B + Supplement helps retirees balance premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket costs while maximizing access to care.FEHB + Part B or Medicare Part B with a Supplement — What's the smarter retirement healthcare move for federal employees and retirees navigating rising FEHB costs and Medicare decisions? Discover how FEHB coordinates with Medicare, when Medicare Part B makes sense, and why dual coverage can change your out-of-pocket risk in retirement.

Roth conversions can save thousands in taxes, but they can also trigger Medicare IRMAA surcharges that quietly add up to more than $5,000 a year. Most retirees never see it coming, because the rules for Medicare premiums don't line up with the tax brackets everyone focuses on.In this video, James breaks down how Roth conversions interact with Medicare Part B and Part D premiums, why modified adjusted gross income matters more than taxable income, and how crossing a threshold by even one dollar can change your costs for an entire year. The case study shows how a couple could save nearly a million dollars in lifetime taxes… but lose tens of thousands to unnecessary IRMAA charges if they convert without a plan. A small adjustment (converting up to the right tier instead of the wrong bracket) boosts their long-term wealth and avoids surprise premiums.If you're planning Roth conversions before RMDs begin, evaluating a 401(k)-to-Roth strategy, or trying to minimize taxes in early retirement, understanding Medicare thresholds is essential. A smart conversion plan balances tax savings with premium costs so you don't give back what you worked so hard to save.-Advisory services are offered through Root Financial Partners, LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. This content is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered personalized investment, tax, or legal advice. Viewing this content does not create an advisory relationship. We do not provide tax preparation or legal services. Always consult an investment, tax or legal professional regarding your specific situation.The strategies, case studies, and examples discussed may not be suitable for everyone. They are hypothetical and for illustrative and educational purposes only. They do not reflect actual client results and are not guarantees of future performance. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal.Comments reflect the views of individual users and do not necessarily represent the views of Root Financial. They are not verified, may not be accurate, and should not be considered testimonials or endorsementsParticipation in the Retirement Planning Academy or Early Retirement Academy does not create an advisory relationship with Root Financial. These programs are educational in nature and are not a substitute for personalized financial advice. Advisory services are offered only under a written agreement with Root Financial.Create Your Custom Strategy ⬇️ Get Started Here.Join the new Root Collective HERE!

Jim and Chris discuss listener emails starting with PSAs about IRMAA and Social Security spousal benefit applications, then questions on IRMAA, QLAC-related RMD rules, and a Roth conversion involving a fixed indexed annuity (FIA). (9:30) Georgette shares a PSA explaining that she successfully filed Form SSA-44 preemptively—before receiving an IRMAA determination letter. (21:15) A listener offers a PSA describing issues with an online Social Security spousal benefit application that was denied after being submitted separately from the working spouse's application. (29:45) The guys discuss how the Social Security Administration determines IRMAA when a tax return is delayed due to combat-zone service and whether a significant drop in income qualifies for Form SSA-44 relief. (38:45) Jim and Chris address whether overestimating income on Form SSA-44 results in a refund, how survivor benefits are affected if claimed early, and whether post-retirement employer coverage is treated as active employee benefits for Medicare Part B and IRMAA purposes. (50:45) George asks whether payments in excess of the RMD from a QLAC can be applied toward RMDs for other IRAs, or only toward the non-annuitized portion of the same IRA. (1:00:20) A listener asks how the pro rata rule applies to a Roth conversion when assets include a fixed indexed annuity (FIA) with a guaranteed lifetime withdrawal benefit. The post IRMAA, Social Security, QLACs, Roth Conversions: Q&A #2550 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show.

Medicare is a cornerstone of retirement planning, but its complexity can leave many retirees feeling overwhelmed. In this episode, host John Bryson, head of investment consulting, investment data analytics, and education savings at Manulife John Hancock Investments, welcomes Danielle to break down the Medicare essentials you need to know for 2026 and beyond.Danielle, author of the book 10 Costly Medicare Mistakes You Can't Afford to Make, discusses the latest expected changes to Medicare. She emphasizes the importance of early research and understanding the difference between supplemental plans, such as Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap). She also offers strategies to help avoid higher Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) surcharges.Here's a snippet from the conversation:1 What changes are expected to Medicare in 2026?Danielle: While we don't have some Medicare figures due to the government shutdown, we can expect Part B premiums to increase a bit. Projections suggest they could rise to $206 next year. Another major change stems from the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, which led several carriers to exit the Part D market. As a result, about 2 million people are likely to lose their Medicare Advantage plans. If you've received a notice that your plan is exiting the market, it's important to shop for a new plan promptly to ensure you have coverage in place for January 1.2 What's IRMAA and how does it affect Medicare costs?Danielle: IRMAA is a surcharge on Medicare Part B and Part D, based on your income. While the base rate in 2025 is $185, an IRMAA surcharge will increase that amount. As a result, Part B premiums for people in really high-income brackets can increase to over $600 per month. So, decisions you make at ages 63 and 64 can affect your Medicare premiums at 65 and 66. It's wise to work with your financial advisor to plan ahead to explore spreading out income or avoiding large distributions that may help prevent higher premiums later.

Healthcare planning is a huge part of getting ready for your retirement. In this episode, I tackle one of the most pressing updates for retirees: the latest changes to Medicare premiums for 2026, including important surcharges, deductibles, and strategies to help you manage your healthcare expenses.  I'm helping you understand the significant increases in Medicare Part B premiums and deductibles, the impact these changes will have on your Social Security benefits, and why waiting to claim Social Security might pay off. Listen in to get helpful strategies for appealing IRMAA surcharges and practical tips for structuring your income to minimize additional Medicare costs. If you're planning for retirement or already navigating Medicare, this episode is packed with timely advice to help you make informed decisions about your healthcare and finances. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... [00:00] 2026 Medicare vs. Social Security. [02:23] Part B Medicare surprise announced. [04:08] Social Security timing and medicare basics. [10:07] Appealing the Medicare IRMAA surcharge. [12:13] Avoid IRMAA by keeping an eye on your retirement income. [14:08] Key Medicare changes for 2026. Medicare Part B Premiums Are Increasing in 2026 The standard monthly premium will jump to $202.90 per individual, a striking 9.7% rise from the 2025 rate of $185. This marks the largest increase since 2022, signaling that healthcare costs for retirees continue to climb at rates surpassing even Social Security's cost of living adjustment, which will be 2.8% for 2026. For retirees collecting Social Security, Part B premiums are automatically deducted from their benefits, while those not yet collecting must pay separately, typically on a quarterly basis. It's possible for individuals with lower Social Security benefits to see the entire annual cost-of-living increase consumed, and even exceeded, by higher Medicare premiums. Understanding Medicare's Two Parts: A and B It's important to understand Medicare's original coverage: Part A and Part B. Part A (Hospital Insurance): Most retirees won't pay a premium for Part A if they (or a spouse) have worked at least 10 years in the U.S. Those with fewer qualifying quarters face monthly premiums of either $311 or $565, depending on how long they've paid in. The Part A deductible will also rise to $1,736 in 2026. Part B (Medical Insurance): Covers preventive care, with the standard premium set at $202.90 and a deductible of $283 for 2026 (about a 10% increase from 2025). IRMAA: Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amounts & Surcharges Higher-income retirees may be subject to IRMAA, leading to additional surcharges on Part B premiums. This is determined by your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) from two years prior (2024 for the 2026 premiums). The IRMAA threshold for single filers is $109,000 and $218,000 for joint filers, with surcharges starting at $284.10 per person and escalating through higher brackets, potentially doubling your premium if you cross certain income thresholds. Medicare will send IRMAA notifications, but an appeal process is available. If your income drops due to retirement or other qualifying life events, you can use SSA Form 44 to appeal unwanted surcharges. Reasons might include a work stoppage, divorce, loss of a pension, or the death of a spouse. Strategic Planning for Retirees How can retirees manage these costs and avoid sudden surcharge surprises? Ryan Morrissey  provides practical guidance: Delay Social Security: Waiting until full retirement age or later can mean higher monthly benefits and greater long-term cost-of-living increases. Monitor Your Income: Large IRA withdrawals, significant capital gains, or property sales can raise your MAGI and push you into higher IRMAA brackets. Appeal When Justified: Act quickly if you're eligible for an IRMAA appeal, as processing can take time and surcharges last 12 months before adjusting. Retirees should work closely with financial advisors to manage income distributions and plan for healthcare expenses as part of their broader retirement strategy. With healthcare costs rising faster than Social Security increases, retirees must stay vigilant. Whether you're newly eligible for Medicare or well into your retirement journey, understanding these changes is super important. Resources Mentioned Retirement Readiness Review Subscribe to the Retire with Ryan YouTube Channel Download my entire book for FREE  Medicare.gov Connect With Morrissey Wealth Management  www.MorrisseyWealthManagement.com/contact   Subscribe to Retire With Ryan

In this episode, Devin and John break down the key tax and retirement planning changes coming in 2026 and what they mean for your income, benefits, and long term strategy. We cover the latest Social Security COLA update, the expected increase to Medicare Part B premiums, and the new Social Security earnings test thresholds. We also walk through the shifting rules around capital gains, the standard deduction, and the return of the SALT cap. For charitable giving, we outline the new above the line deduction, the AGI floor for itemizing, the cap tied to the highest tax rate, and the updated QCD limit of one hundred eleven thousand dollars. If you want to understand how the 2026 landscape could affect your plan, this episode gives you the practical guidance you need. Although this show does not provide specific tax, legal, or financial advice, you can engage Devin or John through their individual firms. 

As a property management business owner, you likely work with seasoned investors who are always looking for new ways to build and preserve their wealth and assets. In this episode of the #DoorGrowShow, property management growth expert Jason Hull sits down with Alan Porter to discuss how to reveal the powerful financial strategies the wealthy and large financial institutions use and how you can apply them. You'll Learn [01:09] Alan's Inspiration for Uncovering Financial Secrets [08:38] Learning Financial Planning Strategies 90% of People Don't Know [12:25] How to Get Started on the Path to Tax-Free Retirement [15:43] Strategies For Property Managers and Their Clients Quotables "The one thing you can always trust is for everybody to look out for their own self-interest." "If your own self-interest is in alignment with their interests, then that's a win-win. Otherwise, someone's gonna lose." "If you don't have a plan, make one. But you've got to have a plan and improve on it all the time." Resources DoorGrow and Scale Mastermind DoorGrow Academy DoorGrow on YouTube DoorGrowClub DoorGrowLive Transcript Alan Porter (00:00) I teach people to think outside the box, conventional financial planning, and show them the strategies that the wealthy and banking institutions have been using for years. Now, I show people how to become their own bank. Jason Hull (00:10) All right, welcome everybody. I am Jason Hull, the founder and CEO of DoorGrow, the world's leading and most comprehensive coaching and consulting firm for long-term residential property management entrepreneurs. For over a decade and a half, we have brought innovative strategies and optimization to the property management industry. We have spoken to thousands of property management business owners, coached, consulted, cleaned up hundreds of businesses. Alan Porter (00:26) Thank Jason Hull (00:35) helping them add doors, improve pricing, increase profit, simplify operations. And we run the leading property management mastermind in the industry. At DoorGrow, we believe good property managers can change the world and that property management is the ultimate high trust gateway to real estate deals, relationships, and residual income. We are on a mission to transform property management business owners and their businesses. We want to transform the industry. eliminate the BS, build awareness, change perception, expand the market, and help the best property management entrepreneurs win. Now, let's get into the show. So my guest today is Alan Porter of Strategic Wealth Strategies. Welcome, Alan. Alan Porter (01:16) Well, thank you for having me on. Jason Hull (01:18) Yeah, glad to have you. And we're going to be talking about, he's going to be sharing how to reveal the powerful financial strategies, the wealthy use, how you can apply them to. Alan will be uncovering the IRS approved playbook for retiring completely tax free, explain the millionaire tax strategies business owners use to keep more of what they earn and break down Wall Street myths to show how to build lasting wealth without market volatility. So Alan. Again, welcome to the show and why don't we kick things off by give us a little bit of background on you. How did you get into entrepreneurism, into business and give us a little bit of backstory so we understand how this all came to be. Alan Porter (02:00) Well, I never thought I'd be doing this. I retired from the military back in 1993. I was a Blackhawk instructor pilot and I told everybody I had a safe landing for every takeoff and I dodged all the bullets and I had a great career. And I got enrolled in the real estate mortgage business after that up till about 2008. I've had some tragic things happen to my family. In 2009, live in Little, mean Fayetteville, North Carolina. My son lived in Little Rock, Arkansas with his wife, Lynn. She was 39 and they had two little girls that were seven and four. Jason Hull (02:19) in 2009. Alan Porter (02:28) Well, we went down there for Christmas in 2009, but my son had been 100 % disabled for three years and still not getting the disability. And January 5th changed my entire life. His wife, Lynn, called me up. said, Alan, I've been diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer and they've given me six months to live. Of course we were all devastated, but there's a huge financial problem that's developed in my son's family because there's no money coming in. Jason Hull (02:28) Well, we went down there for business in 2009, but my son had been 100 % disabled for three years and still not in a disability. Wow. And January 5th changed my entire life. His wife Lynn called me up, she said, Alan, I've been diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer and they've given me six months to live. Of course, we were all devastated. Yeah, I bet. there's huge financial problem that's developed in my son's family because of the money coming in. Alan Porter (02:55) I'm helping them out, but I don't know for how long Jason Hull (02:55) I'm helping him out, but I don't help him. Alan Porter (02:56) until I'm gonna have to sell my house or do something. But I was like 99 % of the people out there, Jason, that thought life insurance was a death product that you had to die to benefit from it. Well, little did I know she had a terminal illness right or her life insurance policy that she could access within one year of diagnosis of this deadly disease and was completely tax free, which I knew nothing about. It was hundreds of thousands of dollars. Jason Hull (02:58) Yeah. Really? Alan Porter (03:21) And if it had not been for that, my son would be bankrupt and it took a huge financial strain off of me. Jason Hull (03:25) Yeah. Well, long story short, died a year later, so I moved my son back here to Fayetteville, North Carolina. But about a year after that, my daughter's an oncology nurse, and her husband's a doctor at Woodbrook and Raleigh, North Carolina, and just gave birth to my third grandson. And she was diagnosed with breast cancer, and it was very bad. We didn't think she was going to live. Well, now in 2023, she's been 12 years cancer free, but she also was diagnosed with Graves' disease, thyroid eye condition. Alan Porter (03:26) Well, to a long story short, she died a year later. So I moved my son back here to Fayetteville, North Carolina. But about a year after that, my daughter, who's an oncology nurse and her husband's a doctor, they live up in Raleigh, North Carolina, had just given birth to my third grandson. And she was diagnosed with breast cancer and it was very bad. We didn't think she was going to live. Well, now in 2023, she'd been 12 years cancer free, but she also was diagnosed with Graves disease and thyroid eye condition. There's only one treatment for it. It's not a cure-all for anything, but Jason Hull (03:51) And there's only one treatment for it. It's not a cure-all. Alan Porter (03:55) it's a treatment. It's an infusion, eight infusions of this drug is called Tepezza I believe. The first one was like $32,000. The last one was almost a quarter of a million dollars. That was in May of 2023. On January of 2024, the thyroid eye condition came back. In February, she went to the doctor. The doctor said, Nicole, I'm sorry, there's nothing we can do until you go blind and then we can operate. I'm thinking, man, what a prognosis. Jason Hull (03:55) my Yeah. ⁓ Alan Porter (04:21) So we tried to get her a study at Duke. She didn't qualify for that because she had already taken the Tepezza But April did get her into the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. But basically there's nothing they can do for her. She was up there for about four days for testing and consultation. But basically, like I said, there's nothing they can do for her. They got a drug that may be 50 % effective. It's not improved by insurance. And believe it or not, it's even more expensive than the Tepezza is. And it's just, I mean, so. Jason Hull (04:39) Yeah. Yeah. Alan Porter (04:51) So both of my kids are living day to day in misery. And when I got started in this, knew, like I said, these things, because I was to have a very successful real estate mortgage business. And I said, these financial strategies that the insurance companies have, why don't people know about this? These are the greatest financial vehicles out there. People tell me, well, listen to Suzy Orman and Dave Ramsey, insurance is not a good investment. Well, first off, it's not an investment. Jason Hull (04:54) When I got started in this, knew, like I said, these things, because I was very successful in estate in my early years. I said, these financial strategies that the insurance companies have, why don't people know about this? These are the greatest financial vehicles out there. People tell me, listen, as soon as you arm it today, Ramsey, insurance is not a good investment. Well, first off, it's not an investment. Alan Porter (05:18) It's an asset class all of its own. There's no other financial product that can Jason Hull (05:19) It's an asset class all of itself. There's no other financial product that... Alan Porter (05:23) provide the protection, performance, and benefits of cash value life insurance when properly structured and fixed and fixed indexed annually. And I'll give you one big point. They eliminate or mitigate the risk in retirement that a stock portfolio only compounds. That's absolutely... Let me ask you this. Have you ever heard of sequence of returns risk? Jason Hull (05:23) could provide the protection, performance, and benefits of cash, money, or life insurance. Yeah. if you have one big point, they eliminate or mitigate the risk in retirement that a stock portfolio only compacts. That's absolutely, let me ask you this, have you ever heard of sequence of returns risk? Sequencing returns? Sequence of returns risk. No.   Alan Porter (05:46) Sequence of returns risk. Well, don't feel lonely because 99 % of the people I talk to, to include multi-millionaires that have fee-based advisors. And let's say that you're 65 years of age and you go to retire and you got a million dollars in your stock portfolio. They used to say a 4 % distribution rate was a safe distribution rate to last for 30 years, index for inflation at 3%. Well, my plans go to age 120. They don't cut off in 30 years. Jason Hull (05:50) Well, don't feel lonely because 99 % of the people I talk to include multi-millionaires that have fee-based advisors. let's say that you're 65 years of age and you go to retire. You have a million dollars in your stock portfolio. They used to say a 4 % distribution rate was a safe distribution rate to last for 30 years, index for inflation at 3%. Well, my plans go at age 120. They don't cut off in 30 years. But the problem with that 4 % distribution rate Alan Porter (06:15) But the problem is that 4 % distribution rate, that's Jason Hull (06:19) That's $40,000 a year. And that stock portfolio, that's not guaranteed. What if you have a 10 % loss the first year? now your million dollars goes down to $900,000 minus the $40,000 you took out minus the fees you paid on financial advisor whether you make money or not. And then the next two to three years, 2008 happens again, where you lost 38 to 52%. You never got the money in the fifth year. And when I tell people about this, they're financial advisors, Alan Porter (06:19) $40,000 a year. And that stock portfolio, that's not guaranteed. What if you have a 10 % loss the first year? So now your million dollars goes down to 900,000 minus the $40,000 you took out minus the fees you pay that financial advisor, whether you make money or not. And then the next two to three years, 2008 happens again, where you lost 38 to 52%. You're going to be out of money in the fifth year. And when I tell people about this and their financial advisors, Don't tell them, I mean, they're said, I said, why do you think that is? Jason Hull (06:45) don't tell them. I made letters, I said, why do you think that is? Alan Porter (06:48) It's because they make a fee whether you make money or not. The number one fear in retirement is running out of money before you run out of money. I can eliminate that. Jason Hull (06:49) Because they make a fee, well, if you make money or not. The number one fair return is 20,000 dollars. Yeah, compensation structures are incentive models. And so if their incentive is not to tell you, it's because they're getting paid to not tell you. Well, they're supposed to be fiduciary looking out for their best interest clients. I'm a certified financial financial advisor. Yeah, but regardless, the one thing you can always trust is for everybody to look out for their own self-interest. Oh, you're right there. Alan Porter (06:59) Yeah, exactly right. Well, they're supposed to be fiduciaries looking out for their best interest clients. I'm a certified financial fiduciary. you're right there. Jason Hull (07:18) So if your own self-interest is in alignment with their interests, then that's a win-win. Otherwise, someone's gonna lose. Yeah. It's always the clients. Yeah. Yeah. Okay, well, that's quite the story. how is everybody doing now? Alan Porter (07:26) Yep. And it's always the client. My son looks like he's 85 years old and my daughter's living day to day in pain. Jason Hull (07:43) Yeah, yeah. So you have this burden of trying to figure out how do I take care of them? How do I make sure that, you know, taking care of your kids and, you know, nothing's more stressful emotionally or more motivating for us as a parent than our own kids having it going through a tough time. Yeah. I remember my oldest daughter, she was born with a birth defect that there was a rotation in her gut and she was just always sick, throwing up, stuff like this. Well, she almost died. We didn't know this. got, went and got a scan. Everything was inflamed. They're like, we have to do emergency surgery immediately. And yeah, it was pretty scary as a parent. And they had to like pull her guts out, do surgery, put them back in. And she was a little kid, you know? Now she's my oldest. I mean, she's still my oldest, but now she works for me. and in DoorGrow which is great. But yeah, I remember those times. That's really scary. And I can imagine that's just really a big load on your shoulders. So did this kind of spark you creating the strategic wealth strategies then? Alan Porter (08:30) No. Absolutely, that's my passion for this. I'm very passionate about what I do. It's all about education because people don't know. Jason Hull (08:49) Explain the passion, like what gets you excited about this? Alan Porter (08:53) Well, educating people. That's what I did in the Army. I was an educator. I taught people how to fly. it's just like this, educating people. I teach people to think outside the box, conventional financial planning, and show them the strategies that the wealthy and banking institutions have been using for years. Now, I show people how to become their own bank. I've been doing this for a decade and a half. And why don't everybody doesn't do this? I don't know why. mean, you borrow money from yourself, you pay yourself back compound interest. Jason Hull (09:16) you Alan Porter (09:20) and not the financial institutions and you eliminate the effective interest cost that you pay on the money that you borrow. And people, are you aware of what effective interest cost is? Banks love it. I had a gentleman who wanted to do my debt free for life plan. And I said, well, how much debt do you have? He says, well, we bought a new house a couple of months ago, a couple of car payments, a loan and a credit card. I said, what's the interest rate on your mortgage? He said 2.75. Jason Hull (09:20) Yeah. And people, are you aware? No, what is that? Alan Porter (09:46) I said, what's your effective interest cost on that? He says, well, I don't know what you're talking about, Alan. I said, don't fill it, only most people don't. Fill out my form, we'll do a Zoom conference the following week. I said, you got $461,000 in debt. That's not your problem. The problem is the 49.76 effective interest cost, you're paying on that 2.75 % mortgage. His eyes got real big and he said, Alan, how is that possible? I said, it's not going to get down to the 2.75 until the last couple of months of the mortgage. Jason Hull (10:10) Yeah. ⁓ Alan Porter (10:14) You've got a credit card here that's over 90 % effective interest cost. And even though you've got great credits, your average effective interest cost is over 46%. So my next question to him was, what financial vehicle are you investing in, your 401k or anything else, that gives you a 46 % return on your money? Because 46 cents of every dollar that you pay out goes to compound interest for some financial institution, and that money's gone for you forever. Jason Hull (10:17) and ⁓ Alan Porter (10:38) He said, well, nothing. In fact, I lost 10 % of my 401k. Jason Hull (10:40) Yeah, that'd be hard to find that much. And then my last question was how long does it you to your debts off? I said with my cap three buck of money and a whole lot of insurance policy, 14.17 years past, saving $73,000. And in the 10th year it would be 52 years of bids, and there's over $149,000 in cap Alan Porter (10:43) And then my last question was, how long can it take you to pay your debts off the way you're doing it? I 20 some years. I said, with my tax-free bucket of money and a whole life insurance policy and our software, we're paying all your debts off 14.17 years faster, saving you $73,000 in interest. And in the 10th year, you'll be 52 years of age and there's over $139,000 in a tax-free bucket of money that you can use ⁓ to buy a new car, whatever, college education for your kids. Jason Hull (11:06) you can use uh buy a new car whatever college education for your kids at that point your debt benefits will be $400,000 in tax-free money from the federal bank but think about this you don't have to any more money in this by the time you're 65 there'll be over $400,000 in tax-free money that you can use to supplement your income that does not affect the taxation of social security or the tax and community care part which will be in the thousands per year Alan Porter (11:13) At that point, your debt benefits over $400,000 of tax-free money to protect your family. Think about this. You don't have to put any more money in this. By the time you're 65, there'll be over a quarter of a million dollars in a tax-free bucket of money that you can use to supplement your income that does not affect the taxation of Social Security or the means testing for Medicare Part B, which will be in the thousands per year. You're protected from lawsuits, liens, and judgments, and it eliminates or mitigates all the risk in retirement. This is absolutely great for real estate investors. Jason Hull (11:35) Yeah. Yeah ⁓ Alan Porter (11:42) Because once they build that money up in the cash value of their policy, they can take it, go buy a property, and pay themselves back. I do this all the time. I just bought two new cars in last two years. I pay myself back. I'm going to have tens of thousands of dollars more because I compounded interest for me instead of some financial institution. Jason Hull (12:03) So you said multiple times, like why aren't people doing this? Well maybe you could answer your own question, why aren't people doing this? Alan Porter (12:10) It's lack of education. It ought to be taught in high school, but it's not. I've got college professors with PhD degrees in accounting and finance. They have no idea what I'm talking about. They ask me to teach their classes. Jason Hull (12:20) Yeah, got it. So it was just a lack of education on this. Alan Porter (12:24) That's exactly what it is. Jason Hull (12:25) So, yeah, well, I mean, it sounds like something that everybody should be doing. So how does somebody get started with this or how do they become aware of this or what would you say are the first steps? Alan Porter (12:38) Well, give me a call. I don't charge for my consultation services. That's free. It's an education. I think everybody needs to know these things because it will change their financial future, not only for them, but for their family also and possibly generations to come. at 9-8-5. Jason Hull (12:52) So Alan, it sounds like you've kind of found a passion in this. You really enjoy helping people to be able to figure this out and do this. Alan Porter (13:00) Absolutely. Jason Hull (13:01) So yeah, I think that's noble. I think this is pretty awesome. So for those that are listening to this point, I'm going to read a quick word from our sponsor and then Alan, I'm going have you share your phone number so they can get in touch with you and we can keep talking about it. So this episode is sponsored by KRS Smart Books. So if you're a property manager, are you tired of getting tangled up in numbers? KRS Smart Books has your back. They specialize in property bookkeeping. for small to mid-sized managers who'd rather focus on, well, managing. With over 15 years of experience in real estate accounting, their pros in AppFolio, Yardi, and all the top property management software, trust them to make your monthly reports hassle-free so you can get back to what really matters running your business. Head over to krsbooks.com to book your free discovery call. All right, so Alan, what's the number that they should get? to get in touch with you or to reach you to find out about this. Alan Porter (13:59) You can call me at 910-551-1046, email me at strategicwealth, the number zero at gmail.com. And you can always go to my website, which is www.strategicwealthstrategies.com and you can book appointment there. And I've got a plethora of information on that website. Jason Hull (14:18) What? Great, thanks for sharing. So for those that are listening, some people might listen to this and go, well, that's nice, but Alan probably can only work with people that maybe have a million dollars or that are ultra wealthy or have lots of savings. People will listen to this and say, that's probably not for me. What would you say to that? Alan Porter (14:39) Well, quite frankly, bull I work with everybody. know, I'm for the military. Military people don't make a lot of money. Okay. And I work with them, but I work with regular, regular working people that I mean, I'll give you a perfect example. I asked people, said, why do you contribute to a 401k? They said, well, it's a tax deduction. I said, no, it's a tax compounder. And I thought you don't think tax is going to be higher when you retire. I got another thing coming for you. Jason Hull (14:43) Okay. Right. Alan Porter (15:07) But see, thing is people don't understand. 1 % of people out there don't even think there's a fee in a 401k. A 1 % fee over a 30-year period will reduce your income by one-third. The average fee in a 401k is 2.99%. Now that's by Forbes Magazine and the Laptimes. People have less than two-thirds of their money and then they get hit with taxes anywhere from 20 to over 55%. And they're not prepared for it. They're not prepared for long-term care, which costs right now between $50,000 to $200,000 a year. I can get money for that's tax free for pennies on the dollar. It's just a matter of education. Jason Hull (15:43) So for the property management business owners listening, a lot of them will have sometimes hundreds of clients that are investors and they're wanting to maximize their investments, how would this maybe benefit the property management business owners to be better educated on this and have a strategic partner like you? Alan Porter (16:03) Well, the thing is, you've to have a plan.   If you don't have a plan, make one. But you've got to have a plan and improve on it all the time. But it's just like, you know, building up your cash value and borrowing from yourself to buy a property and paying yourself back. That's an absolutely great thing for a real estate investor. And these property managers, I've got health and wellness programs. If you've got employees over 10 employees, understand this. The employer will save anywhere from $500 to $700 a year in FICA taxes. The employee and the employer have 1,100 drugs, prescription drugs, at zero copay. That's 20 to 30 % of healthcare costs. Jason Hull (16:37) Yeah Alan Porter (16:50) I mean, and they also have an accidental indemnity program and that's not for the employer, but they have a revolution health app. They've got the number one telehealth app according to JD Power and associates. It's a plethora of benefits. We have legal club, we have identity shield. It's just all at no net cost to employer and no net cost to the employee. It's the section 125 of the tax program. Jason Hull (17:06) This is all at no net cost reported at no net cost reported. Got it. Got it, interesting. Okay, well cool. Well what else would people generally ask about this or should we make sure that the listeners are aware of related to this? Well, are you... Alan Porter (17:26) Well, are you risk averse? Are you conservative? You know, it's just like when you go to retire and you've got that million dollars in stock portfolio, a 4 % distribution rate, $40,000. If you had a property constructed fixed indexed annuity at, say, age 65, you'd only need approximately $650,000 of that stock portfolio to give you the same $40,000 a year. That's guaranteed for the rest of your life. we're guaranteed. Jason Hull (17:53) New York Heat. ⁓ Alan Porter (17:53) Never to have a loss through the market because we're not tied to the market for our gain. We use indexing strategies and every time that indexing strategy goes up we have increasing income and the older you get the higher the distribution rate is. You can't do that with a stock portfolio. It's not even comparable. Jason Hull (17:59) And every time that index of strategy goes up, we have increasing income. And the older you get, the Yeah, yeah. Well, Alan, I appreciate you coming on to the DoorGrow show and bringing this to light for those listening that are not aware you're doing your purpose of educating. So appreciate that. And to wrap up what final words do you have? And then again, why don't you go and share how people can get in touch with you one more time. Alan Porter (18:31) Okay, well I've got a best-selling book out right now on Amazon. It's called Tax-Free Retirement Solution. Again, Tax-Free, Tax-Free Retirement Solution. Jason Hull (18:38) It's called tax, tax free. Retirement solution, okay. Got it. Alan Porter (18:45) And again, you can call me at 910-551-1046. My email is strategicwealth, the number zero at gmail.com. And you can go to my website, which has a plethora. I've got videos, I've got blogs, I've got everything there. And you can book an appointment there at www.strategicwealthstrategies.com. Jason Hull (18:51) email is strategicwealth0 at gmail.com and you can go to my website which has a cluster. I've got videos, I've got blogs. book an appointment there at www.strategicwellscladagy.com. Awesome. Alan, appreciate you being on the show and thanks for your service. You mentioned your former military. Yeah, I appreciate it. So for those watching, if you've ever felt stuck or stagnant in your property management business, you want to take it to the next level, reach out to us at doorgrow.com. Also be sure to join our free Facebook community, Just for Property Management Business Owners at doorgrowclub.com. Alan Porter (19:13) Well, I appreciate it. Jason Hull (19:31) And if you would like to get the best ideas in property management, join our free newsletter at doorgrow.com slash subscribe. And if you found this even a little bit helpful, don't forget to subscribe and leave us a review. We'd really appreciate it. And until next time, remember the slowest path to growth is to do it alone. So let's grow together. Bye everyone.  

If you'd like to work with us on your Medicare health plan, we're licensed in 45 states and actively helping clients across the country. Christian and the team at Everything Senior Insurance represent many of the top insurance companies in the Medicare space. We're happy to help—just reach out! ➡️ Visit our site: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.eseniorinsurance.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠✅ Call us: (801) 255-5340

If you'd like to work with us on your Medicare health plan, we're licensed in 45 states and actively helping clients across the country. Christian and the team at Everything Senior Insurance represent many of the top insurance companies in the Medicare space. We're happy to help—just reach out! ➡️ Visit our site: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.eseniorinsurance.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠✅ Call us: (801) 255-5340

Chris's SummaryWith Jim away this week, I review the 2026 Social Security changes from the recently released SSA Fact Sheet covering the 2.8% COLA, the new taxable maximum, quarters-of-coverage earnings, and earnings test limits. I also walk through projected Medicare Part B premiums and the deductible, explain the hold harmless provision, and outline 2026 IRMAA […] The post 2026 Social Security Changes: EDU #2546 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show.