Podcasts about medicare part b

Thinking about collecting Social Security while you're still working? It's a tempting option, but there are several crucial mistakes you'll want to avoid. Using real-life stories, I'm laying out the four big pitfalls, like earning over the social security limit, jeopardizing your health savings account, mishandling Medicare enrollment, and forgetting about tax withholding. These missteps can lead to unnecessary penalties, and so I want to give some actionable strategies to help you make the most of your benefits without unpleasant surprises.  You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... [00:00] Four key factors to consider before collecting Social Security while you're still working. [06:04] Collecting benefits while working can affect HSA contributions. [07:40] Stop HSA contributions six months before enrolling in Medicare Part A to avoid penalties. [13:32] Enrolling in Medicare Part B while having employer insurance is unnecessary, as employer coverage remains primary. [14:33] Medigap timing and social security taxes. [15:21] Social Security is taxable income for most people, which means that you will owe income tax on that money. Choosing when and how to collect Social Security is complex, especially if you intend to keep working beyond age 62. While the prospect of “double-dipping” might seem appealing, several critical factors can impact your overall benefit, tax situation, and healthcare coverage. Here are the four big mistakes I often see: 1. Exceeding the Social Security Earnings Limit One of the biggest mistakes is not understanding the earnings limit set by Social Security for those who collect benefits before reaching their full retirement age (FRA). If you start taking benefits before your FRA, which currently ranges from 66 to 67 depending on your birth year, your benefits may be reduced if your annual earnings exceed a certain threshold. Before FRA: For every $2 you earn over this limit, Social Security will deduct $1 from your benefits. The year you reach FRA: The limit jumps to $62,160, but the calculation changes to $1 withheld for every $3 over the limit, and only the months before your birthday month are counted. After FRA, there is no longer an earnings cap; you can earn as much as you want without reducing your benefits. Failing to plan for these restrictions can lead to a surprise clawback, so calculate your annual income carefully if you plan to collect early. 2. Losing Eligibility to Contribute to an HSA If you're enrolled in a high-deductible health plan and are contributing to a Health Savings Account (HSA), be wary: Once you enroll for Social Security after age 65, you're automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A. By law, you cannot contribute to an HSA while on Medicare. To make matters more complex, Medicare Part A enrollment is retroactive up to six months, and any contributions made to your HSA during that period will be considered excess contributions, exposed to a 6% IRS penalty unless withdrawn in time. Before you trigger Social Security benefits, stop your HSA contributions (and your employer's) at least six months in advance to avoid penalties and the loss of valuable tax deductions. 3. Accidental Enrollment in Medicare Part B Some assume that enrolling in Medicare Part B is required or beneficial while they keep their employer coverage, but that's not always the case. If your employer has 20 or more employees and you're covered under their group health insurance, your employer's plan remains primary, and Medicare Part B is unnecessary and costly, with premiums starting at $185/month and higher for high earners. Enrolling in Part B during this period can limit your future ability to buy a Medigap policy with automatic acceptance (no health questions or exclusions for pre-existing conditions). Unless you're losing employer coverage, it's usually best to delay enrolling in Part B and carefully respond to any enrollment communications from Social Security. 4. Not Withholding Enough Taxes on Social Security Payments Social Security benefits are taxable for most retirees, especially if you're still working. You need to anticipate the added income and withhold sufficient federal (and potentially state) taxes to avoid underpayment penalties. You can file IRS Form W-4V to have Social Security withhold federal tax from each payment, choosing between 7%, 10%, 12%, and 22%. Alternatively, increase withholding at work or make estimated tax payments. Planning ahead ensures you won't face a large bill come tax time. 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

In this episode of the Power of Zero Show, host David McKnight looks at every possible tax or cost that may result from a Roth conversion. The first tax you'll have to pay when executing a Roth conversion is federal income tax.  Whatever portion of your IRA you convert to Roth is realized as ordinary income and piled right on top of all your other income. David is an advocate for not converting to Roth unless you think your federal tax rate in retirement is likely to be higher than it is today. The second tax you could end up paying when doing a Roth conversion is state tax. The situation will vary depending on where you live – in Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming, you don't have to pay state tax, including on Roth conversion. Do you live in Illinois, Iowa, Mississippi, or Pennsylvania? Then, you'll have to pay state tax, but Roth conversions are exempted. If you're thinking about moving to one of these states to avoid paying these taxes, just know that, while they may not charge income tax on Roth conversions, they do make up for it in other ways (sales and property tax, for example). IRMAA – the Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amount – is the third cost you could end up paying when doing a Roth conversion. IRMAA represents an additional charge you could be required to pay on your Medicare Part B and Part D premiums. The next potential tax you could pay as a result of doing a Roth conversion is Social Security taxation. The fifth cost you could incur because of a Roth conversion is NIIT (Net Investment Income Tax) – also known as the Obamacare surtax. NIIT is a 3.8% surtax on the lesser of your net investment income or the amount of your modified adjusted gross income that exceeds the threshold of $200,000 for single filers and $250,000 for married filing jointly. The sixth tax you could potentially pay as a result of doing a Roth conversion is an indirect one and results from the phase out of certain credits or deductions. The list of credits and deductions includes child tax credits, student loan interest deductions, the saver's credit, and education credits. Underpayment penalties is the seventh tax you could potentially pay by doing a Roth conversion. David explains that many people opt to pay taxes on their Roth conversion in the fourth quarter. The problem, however, lies in the fact that when you pay the taxes on your Roth conversion out of cash in the fourth quarter, the IRS expects you to have paid taxes on that Roth conversion evenly throughout the year. The eighth and final tax you could end up paying as a result of doing a Roth conversion applies to those who are getting health insurance through the Affordable Care Act. Does your Roth conversion push you above the subsidy threshold? If so, know that you could have a partial or total loss of subsidies or may have to repay subsidies at tax time. “Think of all of these additional taxes or costs as tradeoffs, not problems or unintended consequences,” says David. For example, you may pay increased Social Security taxation during your Roth conversion period, but will then eliminate Social Security taxation altogether by the time your conversion is complete. If President Trump extends his tax cuts, then the national debt will grow to $62 trillion by 2035. Most experts believe that the only way we can service this massive debt load is to dramatically increase income tax rates. According to a recent Penn Wharton study, if the U.S. doesn't right its fiscal ship by 2040, no combination of raising taxes or reducing spending will prevent the nation's financial collapse. Remember: while it's true that Roth conversions do cause you to pay additional taxes and expenses in the short term, they do dramatically reduce those costs over the balance of your life, once your conversion is complete. Mentioned in this episode: David's national bestselling book: The Guru Gap: How America's Financial Gurus Are Leading You Astray, and How to Get Back on Track DavidMcKnight.com DavidMcKnightBooks.com PowerOfZero.com (free video series) @mcknightandco on Twitter  @davidcmcknight on Instagram David McKnight on YouTube Get David's Tax-free Tool Kit at taxfreetoolkit.com Penn Wharton

President Donald Trump unveiled a sweeping drug pricing policy this week, seeking to lower drug prices in the U.S. by up to 80% through a reprisal of the Most Favored Nation rule he attempted to introduce in his first term. The rule would essentially link U.S. prices to those paid in other nations where medications are cheaper. Biopharma reaction was one of tentative relief, with BMO Capital Markets analysts suggesting the executive order had “more bark than bite.” Meanwhile, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced that among the next 15 drugs to undergo IRA-prescripted price negotiations could be drugs payable through Medicare Part B, and not just Part D, where the first two rounds have applied.  Into all of this action steps Vinay Prasad, the outspoken oncologist and hematologist who was named last week as the next director of the FDA's Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research. While the S&P Biotech ETF fell by more than 5% upon the news, overall reaction was fairly measured, with cell and gene therapy executive Audrey Greenberg summing up Prasad's selection as “anything but a status quo appointment.”  Over in the weight loss and obesity space, Eli Lilly can't seem to lose. This weekend, Lilly announced full data from a head-to-head trial showing a “superior benefit-to-risk ratio” for its Zepbound over Novo Nordisk's Wegovy. And last week, the Indiana-based pharma won a court battle against compounders when a judge sided with the FDA, stating that tirzepatide—the active ingredient in both Zepbound and diabetes sister drug Mounjaro—was no longer in shortage. Add on a presidential shoutout during Trump's Monday press conference for its U.S. manufacturing investments, and it really was Lilly's week.  Flying less high are some 2,000 Bayer employees who lost their jobs in the first quarter of 2025 as part of the company's new operating model, which is intended to make Bayer “much more agile.” On a less direct flight is Galapagos, which reversed course on plans to spin out a portion of the company and find a new CEO. Instead, CEO Paul Stoffels will make a quicker exit and the Belgian biotech could sell off its cell therapy assets as it looks to build up a new pipeline in house, having abandoned the spinout idea altogether. Stay tuned.  Finally, in ClinicaSpace this week, we took a deep dive into the HIV treatment space, where companies like Gilead and Immunocore are targeting a cure, while the Trump administration slashes funding for HIV research.  

https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/united-states-files-false-claims-act-complaint-against-three-national-health-insurance If you would like to work with Christian on your Medicare Health Plan, we currently work with people in 45 states. Those are the states we currently are licensed in. Christian and Christian Brindle Insurance Services represents many of the top insurance companies in the Medicare industry. Contact us for more information:➡️Our Site: https://https://www.christianbrindleinsuranceservices.com/ ✅Call (801)-255-5340.

Join the ASGPodcast as we talk about the Medicare Part B Premium Giveback, how it's been overhyped and misrepresented, and how to stay compliant when talking about it.   Read the text version   Resources: 5 Things About the 2026 CMS MA and Part D Rate Announcement: https://lnk.to/asgf20250411 Do's and Don'ts of Medicare Compliance: https://ritterim.com/blog/dos-and-donts-of-medicare-compliance/ Guidelines for Sharing Personal Beneficiary Data with Other TPMOs: https://lnk.to/asg647 How to Stay Compliant During All Medicare Sales: https://lnk.to/41gE4C What Not to Say During Medicare Educational and Sales Events: https://ritterim.com/blog/what-not-to-say-during-medicare-educational-and-sales-events/   References: “Costs.” Medicare.Gov, Medicare, www.medicare.gov/basics/costs/medicare-costs. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025. “Misleading Medicare Marketing: What to Look Out For.” Ncoa.Org, National Council on Aging, www.ncoa.org/article/misleading-medicare-marketing-dont-be-fooled-during-medicare-open-enrollment/. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.   Follow Us on Social! Ritter on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/RitterIM Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/ritter.insurance.marketing/ LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/company/ritter-insurance-marketing TikTok, https://www.tiktok.com/@ritterim X, https://x.com/RitterIM and YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/user/RitterInsurance     Sarah on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjrueppel/ Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/thesarahjrueppel/ and Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel  Tina on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-lamoreux-6384b7199/   Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency. Contact the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! Email us ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.

If you would like to work with Christian on your Medicare Health Plan, we currently work with people in 45 states. Those are the states we currently are licensed in. Christian and Christian Brindle Insurance Services represents many of the top insurance companies in the Medicare industry. Contact us for more information:➡️Our Site: https://https://www.christianbrindleinsuranceservices.com/ ✅Call (801)-255-5340.

If you would like to work with Christian on your Medicare Health Plan, we currently work with people in 45 states. Those are the states we currently are licensed in. Christian and Christian Brindle Insurance Services represents many of the top insurance companies in the Medicare industry. Contact us for more information:➡️Our Site: https://https://www.christianbrindleinsuranceservices.com/ ✅Call (801)-255-5340.

On the show today, I'm discussing something that could be a game-changer for your retirement savings: Health Savings Accounts, or HSAs. If you're on a high deductible health plan, you might be eligible for this unique, triple tax-free account, but are you making the most of it? I'm sharing the top five mistakes people make with their HSA accounts. If not avoided, those mistakes can cost you serious money and limit your financial options later in life. I'm covering everything from choosing the right HSA provider to maximizing your investments within the account, tracking expenses, and even strategizing for retirement healthcare needs. Plus, I'll give you actionable tips to avoid these common pitfalls and explain how an HSA can function as a powerful retirement savings tool. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... [00:00 HSAs offer triple tax benefits for qualified health costs. [06:17] Transfer your HSA to invest funds instead of letting them sit idle. [08:36] Use a bucketing strategy for investments and allocate funds based on risk and term. [13:24] Use an HSA to reimburse for long-term care insurance, COBRA costs, and Medicare Part B, D, and Advantage after age 65. [14:31] An HSA is suitable for tax-free withdrawals post-retirement. The Triple Tax Advantage of HSAs Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) have grown in popularity steadily due to their unique triple tax advantage: contributions are tax-deductible, earnings grow tax-deferred, and qualified withdrawals are tax-free. If you're enrolled in a high-deductible health plan (HDHP), you're likely eligible for an HSA, and maximizing this account could significantly boost your retirement planning. However, many account holders fail to capitalize on the full benefits. Let's explore the most common (and costly) mistakes people make with their HSAs, and the steps you can take to avoid them. 1. Sticking with a Poor HSA Provider Not all HSA providers are created equal. A “good” provider offers diverse sets of low-cost investment options, competitive yields on cash balances, a user-friendly platform, and minimal fees. Unfortunately, many people end up with accounts that lack investment choices or charge unnecessary fees, simply because their employer picked the provider. The good news? You can transfer your HSA balance to a more flexible institution like Fidelity or Charles Schwab without penalty, even while still employed. Doing so could unlock better investment potential and higher earnings on your cash, making it well worth investigating your current provider's offerings and considering a move if they fall short. 2. Not Investing Your HSA Money Surprisingly, many HSA owners leave their funds idle in low- or no-interest accounts, missing years of tax-free growth. If you don't plan to spend your HSA funds soon, consider using a “bucket” approach: keep enough in cash or a money market for your deductible, and invest the remainder in stock or bond funds for long-term growth. Since medical expenses are rarely incurred all at once, investing your surplus funds can help your account grow exponentially, harnessing the power of compounding. Review your provider's investment options and allocate your HSA funds according to your risk tolerance and time horizon. 3. Failing to Max Out Contributions Because HSAs offer unbeatable tax benefits, it's wise to contribute as much as possible. For 2025, contribution limits are $4,300 for individuals and $8,550 for families, including employee and employer contributions. If you're 55 or older, you can contribute an extra $1,000 as a “catch-up” contribution. If you're married and you and your spouse are over 55, each spouse can make their own catch-up contribution, but you'll need separate accounts. Remember, you have until the tax filing deadline to make contributions for the previous year, giving you ample opportunity to reach the maximum annual limit. 4. Treating Your HSA Like a Checking Account Many people promptly spend their HSA funds on current medical expenses, inadvertently missing a powerful savings opportunity. Instead, consider paying for qualified medical costs out-of-pocket and letting your HSA investments grow. As long as you keep records of those qualified expenses, you can reimburse yourself tax-free at any point in the future, even years later. This allows your HSA to function much like a “stealth IRA,” providing tax-free growth and withdrawals for medical needs in retirement, when such expenses are likely to be higher. 5. Neglecting to Track Qualified Expenses To take advantage of delayed reimbursement, it's crucial to maintain careful records of out-of-pocket medical expenditures. The IRS can require documentation during an audit, so scan or save receipts and keep a running log in a spreadsheet. Good record-keeping ensures that, when the time comes, you can confidently withdraw HSA funds tax-free to reimburse yourself or cover eligible costs like Medicare premiums, long-term care insurance, and more once you reach retirement age. Make Your HSA Work Harder for You Used strategically, an HSA can become one of your most valuable retirement planning tools. By carefully choosing your provider, investing wisely, maximizing contributions, delaying withdrawals, and tracking all qualified expenses, you can fully realize the triple tax benefits and enjoy greater financial security in retirement. Take a moment today to review your HSA practices, your future self will thank you. Resources Mentioned Fidelity Charles Schwab.com 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  

In this listener Q&A episode, Don dives into some powerful topics—from calling out the sales-driven heart of the financial services industry to explaining how bond index funds are built and breaking down the tax realities of non-retirement brokerage accounts. A caller wrestles with guilt over a bad annuity recommendation for a dying relative, prompting a raw conversation about the system's moral middle ground. Don shares his own early days as a product peddler, highlights red flags to look for in firm ADVs, and walks through the Medicare vs. FEHB decision matrix. If you're seeking peace, clarity, or just a solid tax lesson, this one delivers. 0:04 Opening reflection on aging, money, and why this show matters 1:17 Reminder to send questions via TalkingRealMoney.com or call live on Saturdays 2:38 Listener shares regret over a bad annuity recommendation from a familiar advisor 4:02 Don's early days as a top-tier salesman turned financial “advisor” 5:21 Why most advisors aren't fiduciaries—and why it matters 6:29 MarketWatch study reveals only ~1% of advisors are true fiduciaries 7:58 Never trust financial advice based on friendship or affinity 8:49 Next caller: How are bond index funds weighted? 9:15 Explanation: Bond indexes are also market value weighted 10:37 Why bond ETFs are mostly U.S. Treasury securities 11:34 Should a retired federal employee with FEHB skip Medicare Part B? 13:12 Don's personal Medicare math and “if it ain't broke…” approach 13:41 New CFP asks: What should I look for in a firm's ADV as a job seeker? 15:02 Red flags: Conflicts of interest, broker registrations, insurance licenses 17:18 Align your investment beliefs with the firm's philosophy 17:31 Last question: How is a taxable brokerage account taxed? 18:42 Explanation of interest, dividends, and potential capital gains 20:31 Don reiterates that real help—not a sales pitch—is always the goal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you're building a cash-based medical practice, you're probably dreading the billing headaches — especially when it comes to Medicare. In this episode, I break down exactly what it takes to bill Medicare Part B if you decide to be a non-participating provider (and why it might still be a pain). I also cover the difference between Part B and Part C (Medicare Advantage), what you legally have to do, and how to decide if outsourcing your Medicare billing makes sense. I share two companies I researched — CollaborateMD and AdvancedMD — plus tips on super bills, EHRs, and how to avoid wasting time on insurance messes.   CollaborateMD – https://www.collaboratemd.com AdvancedMD – https://www.advancedmd.com

I'm 65 now,  still working usps, when I retire in 1 to 2 years, I'm interested in keeping monthly health insurance down.  Is it more cost effective to keep fehb only, or get Medicare part b. I know best would be both, but I want to keep monthly cost low - Damian    https://zurl.co/veOww

In this episode, I break down the messy world of Medicare and cash-based practices — because if you're building a private medical practice or a walk-in clinic like me, you're gonna run into this headache. I cover the 3 main options every physician faces: Ignore Medicare patients completely Officially opt out (and what that really means) Become a non-participating provider (and the billing mess that comes with it) It's complicated — even if you hire a lawyer. I explain how Part B vs. Part C (Medicare Advantage) changes the game, what you legally HAVE to bill, and what you can skip if you stay in the cash lane. If you're thinking about starting your own practice or walk-in clinic, this episode is a must-listen. You'll avoid costly mistakes and know exactly what's coming.

Toni explains the Medicare formula's used to calculate your Medicare Part B monthly cost. 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.

In This PodJoin Jae as he breaks down why March 31st is a pivotal date—from urgent Medicare Part B enrollments for veterans and federal employees to major Medicaid changes for millions. Plus, insights into the Fed's latest press conference and its impact on your finances.In This Video00:00:00 The March 31st Deadline00:01:00 Jae & Substack Info00:02:30 Medicare Choices00:04:00 Spotlight on Medicaid00:07:30 Potential Medicaid Cuts00:15:00 Check Eligibility00:19:00 Veterans, FEHB & Part B00:24:00 TRICARE for Life00:28:00 Health Care Cost Planning00:35:00 The Fed Press ConferenceBig changes loom as March 31st approaches! From Medicare Part B deadlines to massive Medicaid shifts—don't get caught off guard. Hear Jae's breakdown and the latest Fed insights. Watch now: [LINK] #Medicare #Medicaid #FedPressConference #FinancialPlanning

Today's episode addresses five reasons why a Roth IRA is one of David KcKnight's favorite tax-free investments.  Unlike other retirement accounts, Roth IRAs give you 100% liquidity on all contributions. While David isn't necessarily suggesting that you use your Roth IRA as an emergency fund, it's nice to know that you won't have to wait until age 59 ½ to be able to access those funds. If you happen to take out your Roth IRA contributions, you can put that money back within 60 days as long as your Roth IRA was not involved in a rollover during the 12 months preceding the date of distribution. Tax regrowth is a second reason why David is an advocate for Roth IRAs. For David, going for a Roth IRA could be the right move if you believe that your tax bracket in retirement is likely to be higher than it is today. The Penn Wharton School of Business recently said that if the U.S. doesn't write its fiscal ship of state by 2040, no combination of raising taxes or reducing spending will prevent the financial collapse of the country. Some experts are even predicting that tax rates could have to double in order to honor the nation's massive financial obligations. A third huge benefit of a Roth IRA is that whatever money you don't spend during your lifetime passes to your heirs, 100% tax-free –though they'll have to liquidate those dollars within 10 years. Thinking about Roth IRAs? Just know that distributions from Roth IRAs don't count as provisional income. In other words, they don't count against the thresholds that cause Social Security taxation. David explains what can cause up to 85% of your Social Security to become taxable at your highest marginal tax bracket – leaving a huge hole in your Social Security. David has done the math hundreds of times: when you pay tax on your Social Security, you run out of money five to seven years faster than people who don't pay tax on their Social Security. Finally, Roth IRAs are a tool worth leveraging for the fact that Roth IRA distributions don't count as income-related monthly adjustment amount (also known as IRMAA).  That translates to distributions from your Roth IRAs not counting against the thresholds that cause your Medicare Part B and Part D premiums to go up. David sees the Roth IRA as one of the crown jewels in the IRS tax code.     Mentioned in this episode: David's national bestselling book: The Guru Gap: How America's Financial Gurus Are Leading You Astray, and How to Get Back on Track DavidMcKnight.com DavidMcKnightBooks.com PowerOfZero.com (free video series) @mcknightandco on Twitter  @davidcmcknight on Instagram David McKnight on YouTube Get David's Tax-free Tool Kit at taxfreetoolkit.com Penn Wharton

Brief Description:March Madness isn't just for basketball—financial markets, Medicare deadlines, and federal employee benefits are all in flux!

Data scientist Emily Hadley on navigating AI in healthcare, offering practical advice for maintaining patient agency amid algorithmic decision-making. Summary This interview with data scientist Emily Hadley examines the intersection of artificial intelligence and healthcare through a deeply personal lens. Hadley's journey began when her own health diagnosis coincided with her graduate studies in analytics, revealing how algorithm-driven systems often affect patient care—especially through insurance claim denials and clinical documentation. The conversation offers practical guidance for patients navigating AI-influenced healthcare, including reviewing AI-generated clinical notes for accuracy, challenging algorithmic insurance decisions, and insisting on human intervention when automated systems fail. Hadley advocates for preserving patient agency and rights within increasingly automated systems while highlighting how algorithm review boards are striving to provide governance in this largely unregulated space. The interview concludes with resources for staying informed about developments in healthcare AI, emphasizing that while AI tools are rapidly advancing, patient advocacy remains vital. Click here to view the printable newsletter with images. More readable than a transcript, which can also be found below. Contents Table of Contents Toggle EpisodeProemA Data Scientist AwakesBuilding Guardrails with AI GovernanceHallucinations and Validation with AI in ResearchPrompt Engineering-Conversational AIVerification and VigilanceStaying InformedReflectionRelated episodes from Health Hats Please comment and ask questions: at the comment section at the bottom of the show notes on LinkedIn  via email YouTube channel  DM on Instagram, TikTok to @healthhats Production Team You know who you are. I'm grateful. Podcast episode on YouTube No video Inspired by and Grateful to Eric Pinaud, Laura Marcia, Amy Price, Dave deBronkart, Links and references Prompt Engineering Algorithm Review Boards at RTI Dave deBronkart's Patient's Use AI Episode Proem This year, I switched from Medicare Advantage to Traditional Medicare. I still needed to purchase a supplemental commercial plan to cover what Medicare Part B didn't. However, the supplemental commercial plan denied some services the previous Medicare Advantage plan covered. Why? What algorithms did each plan use to determine coverage? How can I manage this? Welcome to the third installment of Artificial Intelligence Can Work for You. We've explored how I use AI in my podcast productions and delved into some AI basics with Info-Tech leader Eric Pinaud. I asked Emily Hadley, a data scientist at RTI specializing in AI algorithms for insurance coverage decisions, to join us. Early in her graduate studies, Emily was diagnosed with Crohn's disease. This led to her interest in studying insurance algorithms. A Data Scientist Awakes Health Hats: How did you gain expertise in AI? Emily Hadley: Great question. I was diagnosed right as I started a graduate program in analytics. In my undergraduate studies, I studied statistics in public policy. I liked the idea of using data to shape how policymakers make decisions, especially in the US. I had done some work with AmeriCorps and then went to grad school to really hone those skills. Being diagnosed at the same time that I was in grad school meant that I was navigating to new, informative, and educational areas. And I think that that's when I really came to realize the power of data and the power of AI in shaping the way that organizations and people make decisions. We live in a really algorithm-fueled society. We constantly encounter technology and AI systems, even when we don't realize it. An example I give is that I've faced many problems getting insurance to cover the things it is supposed to. I didn't realize until a couple of years ago that this is ...

Budget Committee Republicans have tasked the Energy and Commerce Committee with finding $880 billion in cuts to federal healthcare spending. Though the committee has jurisdiction over many programs, it notably oversees Medicare Part B and Medicaid spending. Matthew Fiedler, Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution, joins host J. Carlisle Larsen to talk about the news and why most of those potential spending cuts could come from Medicaid. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"Prepare your work outside; get everything ready for yourself in the field, and after that build your house." - Proverbs 24:27That verse underscores the need for planning and execution, key elements for long-term financial success. Matt Bell joins us today to discuss how to put planning and execution to work for you.Matt Bell is the Managing Editor at Sound Mind Investing, an underwriter of Faith & Finance. The Importance of a Financial PlanLife tends to happen to us while we're making other plans. Unfortunately, for many people, life happens without any financial planning at all. Millions of individuals fail to establish a clear strategy for managing their money, and even those who attempt to plan often struggle to stay on track.Without a plan, it's easy to drift financially, reacting to circumstances rather than proactively building a stable financial future. The impact of financial planning—and, more importantly, execution—can be profound.A 2011 study analyzed data from over 1,200 individuals aged 50 and older, examining their approach to financial planning and its effect on their retirement net worth. The study categorized participants into four groups based on their level of planning and follow-through:Non-Planners: More than two-thirds of those studied had not done any financial planning despite being close to retirement. Many had not even researched what to expect from Social Security. Simple Planners: This group at least considered their future financial needs and made basic calculations about saving for retirement. However, only about half of them created a tangible financial plan. Serious Planners: These individuals sought financial information and even paid for professional planning advice. However, like the previous group, about half failed to implement their plans. Successful Planners: The final group—only about 20% of those studied—both created and consistently followed a financial plan over many years.Even Small Steps Can Make a Big DifferenceOne encouraging takeaway from this study is that every step toward better planning leads to improved financial outcomes. Even moving from the “non-planner” to the “simple planner” category doubled or tripled net worth at retirement. Advancing to the “serious planner” level added another 25% to 35% in wealth accumulation.This demonstrates that financial planning isn't an all-or-nothing proposition. Even taking small steps—like estimating future financial needs or using basic retirement calculators—can lead to significant benefits.Proverbs 21:5 reminds us, “The plans of the diligent lead to profit.” This timeless wisdom underscores the necessity of both planning and execution.If you haven't started the planning process yet, or if you have a plan but aren't consistently following it, research shows there's substantial value in getting back on track. Tools like Sound Mind Investing's MoneyGuide, or even free online retirement calculators, can be a great way to start.Long-term financial success doesn't happen by accident—it requires both a solid plan and the discipline to follow through. Every step forward matters, whether you're just beginning your financial journey or looking to refine your existing plan.For more insights, you can read the full article, “Planning and Execution: The Keys to Long-Term Financial Success,” at SoundMindInvesting.org.On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:I have a 401(k) contributing 8%, but my company stopped matching and moved to a pension system. Should I roll over my 401(k) to a Roth or annuity? The balance is around $32,000.I know we need to be generous with our money, and I want to do the same with God's money. So, I was looking into donating to St. Jude's Hospital and my local church. Is it possible to do both, or should I double down and donate all of it to my local church?I have an HSA and had to start Medicare 7.5 years ago. I read I can retroactively take out the Medicare Part B premiums I've paid from my HSA over those 7.5 years. Is that correct?My wife is 62, and we wanted to know if she should start taking Social Security now. We don't need the money for income; we would just invest 100% of it. We're not sure what the drawbacks would be.I'm 64 years old and have significant money in IRA CDs. I considered slowly withdrawing the money every year to increase my liquid assets. I understand that the money goes toward my annual income, but I wanted to know if there is another way to lessen the taxes I have to pay.Resources Mentioned:Faithful Steward: FaithFi's New Quarterly PublicationSound Mind Investing | MoneyGuidePlanning and Execution: The Keys to Long-Term Financial Success (Article from Sound Mind Investing)Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) or Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community and give as we expand our outreach.

If you would like to work with Christian on your Medicare Health Plan, we currently work with people in 45 states. Those are the states we currently are licensed in. Christian and Christian Brindle Insurance Services represents many of the top insurance companies in the Medicare industry. Contact us for more information:➡️Our Site: https://https://www.christianbrindleinsuranceservices.com/ ✅Call (801)-255-5340.

Medicare's General Enrollment Period is January 1 - March 31's each year. Toni explains that this is the time for those who never enrolled in Medicare Part A or Medicare Part B but NOT for those who failed to enroll in Medicare Part D. Important website: https://ssa.gov/medicare/sign-up 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 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.

If you would like to work with Christian on your Medicare Health Plan, we currently work with people in 45 states. Those are the states we currently are licensed in. Christian and Christian Brindle Insurance Services represents many of the top insurance companies in the Medicare industry. Contact us for more information:➡️Our Site: https://https://www.christianbrindleinsuranceservices.com/ ✅Call (801)-255-5340.

Happy first podcast of 2025! They can't all be bangers, but if you are old and looking at life changes like we are, Kelly's Medicare adventure might be considered informative. Watch out for radicalized vets in 2025, that's my advice. 

GEM Care partners with Blue Shield. Gov wants you to pay Medicare Part B premium.    

Working fulltime at age 65 can impact Medicare Part B. Listen as Toni explains!  Social Security Main Number: 800-772-1213 Medicare Forms: CMS-40B, CMS-L564 are discussed.  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 ow 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 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.

If you would like to work with Christian on your Medicare Health Plan, we currently work with people in 45 states. Those are the states we currently are licensed in. Christian and Christian Brindle Insurance Services represents many of the top insurance companies in the Medicare industry. Contact us for more information:➡️Our Site: https://https://www.christianbrindleinsuranceservices.com/ ✅Call (801)-255-5340.

As we look to 2025, Jeff shares Pennsylvania's updated estate and gift tax numbers. We invite you to attend our free Medicaid workshop to understand how these numbers can affect your Medicaid eligibility. This is also a good time to emphasize the importance of planning for your family's financial future. Be sure to choose a law firm with experienced and licensed attorneys in estate planning and elder law. Jeff offers tips on how to find professionals that are right for you.     Register for our free workshops: https://bellomoassociates.com/workshops/   WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW (00:00) Episode introduction. (02:43) In 2025, the annual gift tax exclusion amount will be $19,000. The exemption amount will be $13.99 million for an individual or $27.98 million for a couple.   (08:15) To qualify for Medicaid, you must spend down your assets to either $2,400 or $8,000 depending on your income. If your monthly income is greater than $2,901, you can have $2,400 in assets. If your income is less than $2,901, you can have $8,000 in assets.  (09:38) The monthly personal needs allowance will be $60.00.   (10:03) For a married couple, the community spouse can keep 50% of the couple's total assets—but no less than $31,584 and no more than $157,920.   (11:21) The community spouse will be allowed a minimum monthly income of $2,555. If the community spouse's income is less than this amount, they may keep a portion of their spouse's income to reach the minimum. The maximum allowable monthly amount will be $3,948.   (11:57) Gifting money during the Medicaid five-year lookback period can cause a delay in Medicaid eligibility. The 2025 penalty divisor will be 399.80.   (13:37) The minimum home equity exemption will be $730,000. The maximum will be $1,000,097. (14:10) The home maintenance deduction will be $989.10. The heating standard will be $750 or $401 for non-heating. The excess monthly allowance will be $767. The Medicare Part B premium will be $185.  (15:15) Some current tax rules are expected to sunset at the end of 2025.   (19:28) Beware of recent trends in estate planning. Choose only experienced and licensed estate planning and elder law attorneys to help you develop a plan that protects your family's financial future.     ABOUT BELLOMO & ASSOCIATES Jeffrey R. Bellomo, the founder of Bellomo & Associates, is a licensed and certified elder law attorney with a master's degree in taxation and a certificate in estate planning. He explains complex legal and financial topics in easy-to-understand language. Bellomo & Associates is committed to providing education so that what happened to the Bellomo family doesn't happen to your family. We conduct free workshops on estate planning, crisis planning, Medicaid planning, special needs planning, probate administration, and trust administration. Visit our website (https://bellomoassociates.com/) to learn more. Bellomo & Associates workshops: https://bellomoassociates.com/workshops/   LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED Bellomo & Associates workshops:https://bellomoassociates.com/workshops/ Life Care Planning The Three Secrets of Estate Planning Nuts & Bolts of Medicaid For more information, call us at (717) 845-5390. Connect with Bellomo & Associates on Social Media Tune in Saturdays at 7:30 a.m. Eastern to WSBA radio: https://www.newstalkwsba.com/ X (formerlyTwitter):https://twitter.com/bellomoassoc YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/BellomoAssociates Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/bellomoassociates Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/bellomoassociates/ LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/bellomoandassociates WAYS TO WORK WITH JEFFREY BELLOMO Contact Us:https://bellomoassociates.com/contact/ Practice areas:https://bellomoassociates.com/practice-areas/      

In episode 56 of Venture Everywhere is hosted by Scott Harley, MP of Everywhere VC, chats with Julie Kennedy, co-founder and CEO of RubyWell, a digital healthcare platform dedicated to assisting unpaid family caregivers. Julie shares insights how RubyWell supports caregivers, particularly those in the "missing middle," in managing the financial challenges of caring for loved ones on Medicare. Julie also discusses RubyWell's aim to empower caregivers and their families by offering resources that improve access to care and the logistical burdens of long-term caregiving.In this episode, you will hear:RubyWell's solution involves training family members to become certified home health aides.Policy and regulatory insights that guide RubyWell's business model.Building a tech stack to assist providers with workflow and reimbursement challenges.Expanding beyond Medicare Part B to influence broader care models.Improving system efficiency to reduce costly emergencies with proactive in-home care.Fostering a supportive community for caregivers through technology and shared experiences.Learn more about Julie Kennedy | RubyWellLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-b-kennedy-b86118/Website: https://www.rubywell.com/Learn more about Scott Harley | Everywhere VCLinkedIn: https://scotthartley.com/Website: https://everywhere.vc/

Healthcare Changes for 2025: End of Year ReviewWith the closing of another year and looking ahead to a new Congress as well as a new presidential term, we can expect to see quite a few changes in healthcare policy. That's why this week on The Amplify OT Podcast and my final episode of 2024, I am talking about healthcare changes for 2025!As an exclusive bonus for podcast listeners, you can join the Amplify OT Collective at any time! Join today to take control of your career! It's time to become your own best resource on Medicare and advocacy. Student plans are now available!In this episode, I cover:Updates to the podcast, Amplify OT Collective, and learning platform. With Donald Trump winning the election, Republicans will control the House and the Senate, making it significantly easier to pass legislation.What Trump's cabinet appointments mean for the future of occupational therapy. With a new year of Congress, anything that has been waiting to be passed will have to be re-introduced; this comes with its own set of implications, especially with Telehealth.Starting Jan. 1, 2025, Medicare Part B will allow general instead of direct supervision for OTA. Caregiver codes under the Medicare Part B schedule have been expanded to include three additional codes. Other Medicare Part B updates that will help reduce administrative burden and change the valuation of CPT codes, as well as a brief update to home health. Thanks for listening! As a reminder, I will be putting the podcast on pause for the months of December 2024 and January 2025 to bring exciting new things to the Amplify OT Collective. In the meantime, be sure to follow this podcast so you don't miss it when I come back in February! And be sure to rate and review the show. To learn more about Amplify OT, head to https://amplifyot.com/ Have a question or just want to say hello? Call or text +1 (919)-341-9289 to have your questions answered on the podcast! *Message and Data Rates May ApplyAmplify OT ResourcesWant to keep learning about how insurance and reimbursement impact you? Then head to AmplifyOT.com/Services to see what resources we have available!CLICK HERE to save 40% off Medbridge Today! CONNECT WITH AMPLIFY OT:WebsiteServicesFree NewsletterInstagramLinkedInFacebookTikTokLINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:Sign up for the LIVE Webinar on...

Web: www.JonesHealthLaw.com Phone: (305)877-5054 Instagram: @JonesHealthLaw Facebook: @JonesHealthLaw YouTube: @JonesHealthLaw The Merit-Based Incentive Payment System (“MIPS”) established by the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA), came into effect on January 1, 2017. The MIPS program was designed to adjust Medicare payments based on clinical performance. MIPS only applies to eligible professionals whose practice caters to Medicare Part B beneficiaries. MIPS evaluates the clinical performance of eligible professionals using a composite performance score, comparing performance on a measure to measure benchmark. The results indicate whether the eligible professional will receive a decrease, an increase, or the same Medicare reimbursement for Part B claims. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joneshealthlaw/support

If you would like to work with Christian on your Medicare Health Plan, we currently work with people in 45 states. Those are the states we currently are licensed in. Christian and Christian Brindle Insurance Services represents many of the top insurance companies in the Medicare industry. Contact us for more information:➡️Our Site: https://https://www.christianbrindleinsuranceservices.com/ ✅Call (801)-255-5340.

Join moderator Emily Wallack as we hear how Mark, a patient living with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis, rediscovered self-love after finding ILUMYA® (tildrakizumab-asmn), a treatment that he receives for little to no cost with coverage under Medicare Part B with a supplement. Dermatologist Dr. Omar Noor also joins to offer insights on diagnosing and treating psoriasis. This episode is sponsored by Sun Pharma. To view important safety information: ilumya.com   

On November 8th, 2024, Medicare announced that in 2025, Medicare Part B will cost $185 per month per person—an increase of about $10.30 from 2024. Keep in mind, if your income is above a certain point, you'll have to pay an “Income-Related Monthly Adjusted Amount,” or “IRMAA” tax. Is there a way to avoid paying the IRMAA surcharge? I share some strategies in this episode of Retire with Ryan. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... [1:25] How to get a FREE copy of “10 Costly Medicare Mistakes”  [2:20] The cost of Medicare Parts A, B, and D in 2025 [4:26] When you would pay a higher Medicare premium  [8:32] What you can do to appeal the IRMAA Surcharge  [10:02] What you can do to avoid the IRMAA Surcharge  Resources Mentioned Retirement Readiness Review Subscribe to the Retire with Ryan YouTube Channel 2025 Medicare Parts A & B Premiums and Deductibles Form SSA-44: Medicare Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount Connect With Morrissey Wealth Management  www.MorrisseyWealthManagement.com/contact Subscribe to Retire With Ryan

In this episode of the Retirement Made Easy Podcast, we dive deep into the 2025 Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for Social Security. We break down how the COLA works and what it means for your retirement planning. With the 2025 COLA coming in at 2.5%, we explore how this adjustment could affect your benefits—whether you're still working or already collecting Social Security. We also discuss the projected rise in Medicare Part B premiums and why it's crucial to plan conservatively for future costs. Tune in to discover how the COLA can be a powerful tool in your retirement strategy, while understanding the importance of not relying too heavily on it. If you're planning for retirement, this episode is packed with essential insights to help you build a more secure financial future. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... [2:13] Check out our free resources at RetirementMadeEasyPodcast.com [3:18] How Social Security's cost-of-living adjustment works [8:25] What type of COLA should we project for the future?  [10:36] Expected future cost of Medicare Part B premiums [13:25] The COLA is incredibly powerful [17:40] Retirement is a journey—not a finish line [20:25] Plan conservatively and err on the side of caution Resources & People Mentioned 3 Steps to Retirement Planning Cost-of-Living Adjustment History Monthly Part B Premiums and Annual Percentage Increases Calculating Medicare Part B costs 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 EasyOn Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts

If you've ever thought you view the world differently than others—that has probably never been more true.A new study has revealed a sharp drop in the number of Americans with a biblical worldview. Chad Clark joins us today with his insights.Chad Clark is the Executive Director of FaithFi: Faith & Finance and the co-author of Look at the Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety. The State of the Biblical WorldviewRecent findings from the 2023 American Worldview Inventory conducted by Arizona Christian University. This survey, led by Dr. George Barna, polled over 2,000 Americans on topics like marriage, money, and morals. The results were surprising: only 4% of American adults hold a biblical worldview, a percentage that has been on a steady decline. Particularly concerning, just 1% of those under 30 identified with a biblical worldview.The survey further revealed that even among self-identified Christians, only 6% hold a biblical worldview. This means that a significant majority—94%—are influenced more by cultural values than by God's Word.Our Faith Should Transform Our WorldviewWhile these statistics may be disheartening, it's helpful to remember that salvation isn't about having “correct” answers but about grace through faith in Jesus Christ. This faith, rooted in scripture, is meant to shape every aspect of our lives. The Apostle Paul reminds us in Romans 12:2, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind.” We are called not just to know biblical truth but to be transformed by it daily.Renewal of the mind is a daily journey. Psalm 119 encourages us in this pursuit: “In the way of your testimonies, I delight as much as in all riches... I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word.” This verse reminds us that God should be our ultimate treasure, surpassing all earthly riches.At FaithFi, we strive to help Christians view God as their ultimate treasure, particularly in an area where many struggle: money. Worldly values often dictate how we perceive and use money, but as believers, we are called to manage it as stewards of God's resources.A biblical worldview impacts not only our values but also how we handle our finances. FaithFi's mission is to teach, equip, and encourage Christians to allow God's Word to shape their views on money. It's not just about learning financial principles—it's about a transformation of the heart that influences how we manage what God has given us.How You Can Make a DifferenceAs we approach the end of the year, we invite you to partner with us in spreading this message. Whether you've been positively impacted by FaithFi's work or are hearing about us for the first time, now is an exciting time to join us. A generous group of donors has set up a $150,000 match, meaning every dollar you give to FaithFi until December 31 will have double the impact.To learn more and to make your contribution, visit FaithFi.com/Impact. Together, we can encourage more Christians to embrace a biblical worldview in every area of life, including finances.Thank you for your support and for joining us in this mission. Every gift matters, and with the match, it can go twice as far!On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:I just started Social Security and will soon begin Medicare. I have a small 401(k), $17,000 in credit card debt, and $5,000 in car debt. I need to free up cash flow to afford the $77 monthly Medicare Part B premium. Should I pay off the credit card or car debt first?I am coming up on my second anniversary at work. I have not started investing in the company's 401(k) plan because I'm unsettled about where the money will be invested. I don't believe in certain things, so I don't know how to work around that.My daughter had $100,000 leftover from her 401(k) after her previous company lost a lot of money. She left the company and wants to know if she should put the $100,000 in an IRA or a Roth account.I have a question regarding a good operating budget for my business. If I spend $10 on marketing, what would be a reasonable percentage increase I could expect to make that back? For example, if I pay $10 and make $15 back, what would be a general percentage-wise number that would be reasonable for my business?Resources Mentioned:List of Faith-Based Investment FundsFaithFi.com/ImpactLook At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) or Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community and give as we expand our outreach.

If you would like to work with Christian on your Medicare Health Plan, we currently work with people in 45 states. Those are the states we currently are licensed in. Christian and Christian Brindle Insurance Services represents many of the top insurance companies in the Medicare industry. Contact us for more information:➡️Our Site: https://https://www.christianbrindleinsuranceservices.com/ ✅Call (801)-255-5340.

If you would like to work with Christian on your Medicare Health Plan, we currently work with people in 45 states. Those are the states we currently are licensed in. Christian and Christian Brindle Insurance Services represents many of the top insurance companies in the Medicare industry. Contact us for more information:➡️Our Site: https://https://www.christianbrindleinsuranceservices.com/ ✅Call (801)-255-5340.

If you would like to work with Christian on your Medicare Health Plan, we currently work with people in 45 states. Those are the states we currently are licensed in. Christian and Christian Brindle Insurance Services represents many of the top insurance companies in the Medicare industry. Contact us for more information:➡️Our Site: https://https://www.christianbrindleinsuranceservices.com/ ✅Call (801)-255-5340.

Are you confused about Medicare and looking for clear answers to your most pressing questions? In this informative Q&A episode, hosts Cameron Giardini and Joanne Giardini-Russell from Giardini Medicare answer real questions from their audience to help you navigate the complexities of Medicare.Whether you're unsure about enrolling in Medicare Part B, dropping Medigap coverage, or how the IRMAA surcharge impacts your premiums, this episode covers it all. We also dive into topics like:- Returning to Work After Medicare Enrollment: What happens if you enroll in Medicare, but later gain access to employer coverage? Can you drop Part B? What happens when you want to re-enroll?- Medicare Advantage Changes for 2025: Find out about the new rules, including how plans will be required to notify enrollees about unused benefits.- Medigap and Maximum Out-of-Pocket (MOOP): Does Medicare Supplement Plan N have a maximum out-of-pocket limit? Learn about the differences between Medigap plans and how you can protect yourself from high medical bills.- IRMAA Surcharges Explained: How does your income affect your Medicare premiums, and can you appeal if your income drops after retirement? - Medicare Enrollment Timing: Do you need to enroll in a Medicare Supplement or Medicare Advantage plan at the same time as you apply for Medicare?Our hosts break down these important topics with simple, step-by-step guidance. Whether you're a first-time Medicare enrollee or currently re-evaluating your coverage, this episode offers actionable advice that can save you from costly mistakes.Who is this episode for?- Individuals turning 65 and navigating their Medicare Initial Enrollment Period.- People who want to understand their options for Medigap or Medicare Advantage.- Those returning to work after retirement and wondering about dropping Part B.- High-income earners dealing with IRMAA surcharges and wanting to know their options for appeal.- Anyone looking for clear, accurate Medicare advice in an easy-to-understand format.- Leave a review on your favorite podcast app to help others discover this episode.- Visit our website gmedicareteam.com- Follow us on YouTube or TikTok by searching "Giardini Medicare" for more helpful content.- Email us your Medicare questions at info@gmedicareteam.comEpisode Sources: Cancelling Medicare Part BMA Supplemental Benefit NotificationMore MA Extra Benefit InformationIRMAA Information

If you would like to work with Christian on your Medicare Health Plan, we currently work with people in 45 states. Those are the states we currently are licensed in. Christian and Christian Brindle Insurance Services represents many of the top insurance companies in the Medicare industry. Contact us for more information:➡️Our Site: https://https://www.christianbrindleinsuranceservices.com/ ✅Call (801)-255-5340.

If you would like to work with Christian on your Medicare Health Plan, we currently work with people in 45 states. Those are the states we currently are licensed in. Christian and Christian Brindle Insurance Services represents many of the top insurance companies in the Medicare industry. Contact us for more information:➡️Our Site: https://https://www.christianbrindleinsuranceservices.com/ ✅Call (801)-255-5340.

Summary The conversation delves into the complexities of Medicare Advantage plans, highlighting concerns about their effectiveness and the implications of recent changes in coding. The panel discusses the challenges faced by patients under these plans, the deceptive marketing tactics used, and the potential shift towards remote patient monitoring as a solution for chronic condition management. The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding the differences between Medicare Advantage and traditional Medicare, particularly in terms of patient access to care and the quality of services provided. In this conversation, the panel discusses the complexities of medical necessity in remote patient monitoring (RPM) and the challenges faced by healthcare providers in navigating federal and state regulations. They emphasize the importance of understanding medical necessity, adhering to payer policies, and the implications of compliance in healthcare. The discussion highlights the disconnect between providers and regulatory guidelines, the need for clear communication, and the consequences of non-compliance. Takeaways Medicare Advantage has a checkered history with inflated coding data. CVS's financial issues are linked to Aetna's Medicare Advantage business. Medicare Advantage plans are facing scrutiny for pre-authorization practices. The shift to Medicare Advantage may not benefit all retirees. Medicare Part B offers more direct access to care than Medicare Advantage. Deceptive marketing tactics are prevalent in Medicare Advantage advertising. Patients need to be educated about their Medicare options. Changes in coding have significant implications for Medicare Advantage payments. Concierge medicine is emerging as a trend within Medicare Advantage. Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) is gaining traction for chronic condition management. Practices need to fully grasp medical necessity for RPM. There are still deficiencies in guidance from CMS and HHS. Medical necessity is often lost in ambiguous regulations. Providers must understand the implications of their actions. State laws can trump federal guidelines in healthcare. Telehealth consent requirements vary by state. Healthcare compliance is complex and multifaceted. Providers should seek clarity on regulations from their administrators. Ignorance of regulations can lead to serious consequences. It's essential to follow the specific guidelines of your MAC.

If you would like to work with Christian on your Medicare Health Plan, we currently work with people in 45 states. Those are the states we currently are licensed in. Christian and Christian Brindle Insurance Services represents many of the top insurance companies in the Medicare industry. Contact us for more information:➡️Our Site: https://https://www.christianbrindleinsuranceservices.com/ ✅Call (801)-255-5340.

If you would like to work with Christian on your Medicare Health Plan, we currently work with people in 45 states. Those are the states we currently are licensed in. Christian and Christian Brindle Insurance Services represents many of the top insurance companies in the Medicare industry. Contact us for more information:➡️Our Site: https://https://www.christianbrindleinsuranceservices.com/ ✅Call (801)-255-5340.

Within the past few weeks, drugmaker Johnson & Johnson went head-to-head with 340B hospitals and the federal government over the company's plan to stop paying upfront 340B discounts on two of its top-selling drugs. 340B Health Senior Counsel Amanda Nagrotsky joins us to explain how that conflict played out.HRSA Warns Johnson & Johnson of Strong Punitive ActionsIn letters to J&J, the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) warned the drugmaker that replacing 340B rebates with discounts only would be allowed if approved by the Health and Human Services (HHS) secretary. HRSA gave the company until the end of September to announce that it was going to walk away from its plan or face both civil monetary penalties and the termination of its pharmaceutical pricing agreement (PPA). Nagrotsky said the threat to end the PPA was unprecedented, noting that it would cause the company to lose access to Medicaid and Medicare Part B coverage for all its drugs.Johnson & Johnson Backs Down Under PressureJ&J announced at the end of September that it would walk back its plan to implement rebates in mid-October, bowing to pressure from federal health officials and a bipartisan group of nearly 200 members of Congress who opposed the J&J strategy. The company maintained that it disagreed with HRSA's reasoning and noted that it was reserving all legal rights with respect to rebates. That stance indicates the company is likely to continue its push to implement rebates.The Battle Against Rebates ContinuesDespite the win for hospitals on the J&J rebate scheme, efforts from the drug industry to change the 340B discount structure continue. Drug industry consultant Kalderos is part of ongoing litigation in a federal court in Washington, D.C., over the right to impose rebates. HRSA's references to the concept of HHS approval of rebate proposals also leaves open the door for companies to seek federal consent for such a model.Resources340B Hospitals Prevail on J&J Rebate Plans, But Fight Is Not OverBipartisan U.S House Letter to HHS, Sept. 27 HRSA Letter to Johnson & Johnson, Sept. 27J&J Response to HRSA, Sept. 30

It's In the News! A look at the top diabetes stories and headlines happening now. Top stories this week: The FDA approved Omnipod 5 for people with type 2 who use insulin, Dexcom's Stelo, the first over the counter CGM, is now on sale. more evidence that bright light at night may increase the risk of diabetes, a price cut for Zepbound, and more! Find out more about Moms' Night Out  Please visit our Sponsors & Partners - they help make the show possible! Learn more about Gvoke Glucagon Gvoke HypoPen® (glucagon injection): Glucagon Injection For Very Low Blood Sugar (gvokeglucagon.com) Omnipod - Simplify Life Learn about Dexcom  Edgepark Medical Supplies Check out VIVI Cap to protect your insulin from extreme temperatures Learn more about AG1 from Athletic Greens  Drive research that matters through the T1D Exchange The best way to keep up with Stacey and the show is by signing up for our weekly newsletter: Sign up for our newsletter here Here's where to find us: Facebook (Group) Facebook (Page) Instagram Twitter Check out Stacey's books! Learn more about everything at our home page www.diabetes-connections.com  Reach out with questions or comments: info@diabetes-connections.com Episode transcription with links:   Hello and welcome to Diabetes Connections In the News! I'm Stacey Simms and every other Friday I bring you a short episode with the top diabetes stories and headlines happening now. XX In a first for any automated insulin delivery system, The FDA clears Omnipod 5 for people with type 2 diabetes. The new indication is based on data from the real-world multicenter SECURE-T2D trial of a racially diverse group of 305 adults with type 2 diabetes who were taking insulin. About half were also taking a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. Use of the Omnipod 5 resulted in a significant A1c reduction from 8.2% at baseline to 7.4% at 13 weeks (P < .001), with no differences in outcome by GLP-1 receptor agonist use. Some doctors are already prescribing the Omnipod 5 off-label to some of their patients with type 2 and other types of diabetes. Private insurance will typically cover it, although prior authorization is often required. Medicare Part B requires certification of C-peptide deficiency for coverage of insulin pumps. This new indication is likely to increase uptake of the Omnipod 5 into primary care, where the vast majority of people with type 2 diabetes are managed. https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/fda-clears-omnipod-5-system-type-2-diabetes-2024a1000fld XX For the first time, you can get a CGM over the counter, with no prescription. Dexcom began selling Stelo this week.. intended for people with Type 2 diabetes who don't take insulin, although it can be used by people without diabetes. It costs 99 dollars for a one-time order of two sensors or $89 dollars for a monthly prescription. Stelo is a 15-day sensor based on Dexcom's other glucose monitors. The main difference from prescription products is in what information users get through the app. Stelo flags glucose spikes, provides information on time-in-range goals, and includes meal and activity logging. The intent is to reveal how food, exercise and sleep can affect a person's glucose levels. Competitor Abbott plans to launch two over-the-counter CGMs: one called Lingo, for people without diabetes, and one called Libre Rio, for people with diabetes who don't use insulin. It has not yet priced either sensor. Abbott said it plans to debut its competing Lingo device this summer. The company has not said when it will launch its Rio CGM. https://www.medtechdive.com/news/dexcom-sells-stelo-over-the-counter-cgm/725310/ XX You'll soon be able to get vials of Lilly's popular weight loss drug, Zepbound, from a direct to consumer website, at a lower cost. This is still nearly 400 dollars a month for the lowest dose $550 for the next lowest and it will come in vials, not pens. Lilly and Novo have been struggling to make enough of their obesity medications to meet soaring demand, especially keeping up the pen supply. Lilly's medicines are now listed as available by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, though they are not yet off the FDA's official shortage list where they have been most of the year. I haven't seen this mentioned in any of the reporting but.. if it's coming in a vial, you have to use a syringe to inject. Not much of a barrier to this group listening.. but pens have made using drugs like this much easier for a lot of people and I worry that going back to syringes is better for these companies than the patients. Zepbound is terzepatide, the same mediation as in Mounjaro. The latter is approved for people with type 2 diabetes, so this could be a way for some people to better access Mounjaro which is very hard to come by. https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/lilly-launches-single-dose-vials-zepbound-weight-loss-expand-us-supply-2024-08-27/ XX In a few months the US govermet will announce the list of 15 moe drugs they'll negotiate Medicare prices for.. and Ozempic is a top candidate. This is speculation from Wall Street analysts but I think worth watching. All the drugs on their prediction list have been on the market since at least 2017 and are among those that the Medicare health program spends the most on. Under President Joe Biden's signature Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), prices for 10 highly popular prescription drugs used by Medicare will be cut by 38% to 79% in 2026. The industry has fought the negotiation program, saying it will stifle innovation. Government researchers predict that the use of diabetes drug Ozempic for weight loss would raise the U.S. deficit over the next 10 years at its current price. Medicare spent over $4.6 billion on the drug in 2022. https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/ozempic-wall-streets-list-2027-medicare-drug-negotiations-2024-08-23/ XX Type 2 diabetes and prediabetes are associated with accelerated brain aging, according to a new study from Karolinska Institutet in Sweden published in the journal Diabetes Care. The good news is that this may be counteracted by a healthy lifestyle. Type 2 diabetes is a known risk factor for dementia, but it is unclear how diabetes and its early stages, known as prediabetes, affect brain aging in people without dementia. Now, a comprehensive brain imaging study shows that both diabetes and prediabetes can be linked to accelerated brain aging. The study included more than 31,000 people between 40 and 70 years of age from the UK Biobank who had undergone a brain MRI scan (magnetic resonance imaging). The researchers used a machine learning approach to estimate brain age in relation to the person's chronological age.   Prediabetes and diabetes were associated with brains that were 0.5 and 2.3 years older than chronological age, respectively. In people with poorly controlled diabetes, the brain appeared more than four years older than chronological age. The researchers also noted that the gap between brain age and chronological age increased slightly over time in people with diabetes. These associations were attenuated among people with high physical activity who abstained from smoking and heavy alcohol consumption. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2024-08-healthy-lifestyle-counteract-diabetes-brain.html XX   Edgepark Commercial XX Another study showing the link between bright light at night and a higher risk of developing type 2. This study in the journet Lancet In the large modeling study, the research team investigated whether personal light exposure patterns predicted the risk of diabetes using data from approximately 85,000 people and around 13 million hours of light sensor data. The participants – who did not have type 2 diabetes – wore devices on their wrists for one week to track their light levels throughout the day and night. They were then tracked over the following nine years to observe whether they went on to develop type 2 diabetes. “Light exposure at night can disrupt our circadian rhythms, leading to changes in insulin secretion and glucose metabolism,” he says. Having more exposure to light at night (between 12:30 am and 6:00 am) was linked to a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes, and this was true regardless of how much light people were exposed to during the day. The research accounted for other factors associated with type 2 diabetes, such as lifestyle habits, sleep patterns, shift work, diet, and mental health.   Even after taking these factors into account, the findings showed that getting more light at night was still a strong predictor of developing diabetes. https://scitechdaily.com/scientists-discover-simple-and-cheap-way-to-reduce-your-risk-of-diabetes/ XX Is there a link between voice pitch and glucose levels? And is it strong enough to one day perhaps lead to non-invasive glucose monitronig? Klick Labs published a new study in Scientific Reports today—confirming the link In "Linear Effects of Glucose Levels on Voice Fundamental Frequency in type 2 diabetes and Individuals with Normoglycemia," researchers investigated how blood glucose levels influence the frequency of the voice in 505 participants across three glycemic statuses—non-diabetic, prediabetic, and type-2 diabetic. Participants were fitted with continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) and recorded their voices multiple times daily for two weeks. The analysis revealed a linear relationship where an increase in CGM glucose levels corresponded to an increase in the fundamental frequency in the voice. The lead author says, "Whereas current glucose monitoring methods are often invasive and inconvenient, voice-based glucose monitoring could be as easy as talking into a smartphone, which could change the game for the estimated 463 million people around the world living with type 2 diabetes."   Klick Labs' latest research marks another step forward in its ongoing commitment to advancing the detection and management of diabetes using voice tech and machine learning. Their October 2023 study in Mayo Clinic Proceedings: Digital Health demonstrated that voice and AI can screen for type 2 diabetes with high accuracy.   https://medicalxpress.com/news/2024-08-diabetes-links-blood-glucose-voice.html#google_vignette XX Earlier this year we talked to the teenager behind a free bolus calculator. The FDA took T1D1 down, when they and Apple started cracking down on health tools without regulatory approval. Drew Mendalow has been working to bring it back and we have an update: He says, “Over the last two years, we have been tirelessly working to complete our FDA premarket submission. Thanks to contributions by the T1D community, we were able to complete the preparations needed for the Human Factors Study. The trial itself is the last, vital piece needed before we can submit the app to the FDA. Now, we're thrilled to announce that the team at Dexcom has graciously offered to run the study for us!” It's a big deal – kudos to Dexcom and to Drew. We'll let you know when T1D1 is back in the app store. XX Join us again soon!