Podcasts about part d

In this episode, Jakob Emerson, Associate News Director, Becker's Healthcare, discusses the latest Medicare Advantage trends, including SCAN's new partnership with Costco, insurer market exits, tighter margins, and fewer plan options for seniors. He also explores how changes to Part D subsidies could influence Medicare Advantage enrollment.

Axios reported that Walmart raised its outlook while saying drug price declines pressured pharmacy results. Pharmacy margins are being squeezed by reimbursement terms set by PBMs, generic drug deflation, and the 2024 shift of pharmacy DIR fees to the point of sale. CVS Health and Walgreens Boots Alliance have cited similar headwinds, while Amazon Pharmacy, Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company, and GoodRx are reshaping price transparency and consumer behavior. The Inflation Reduction Act will add Medicare drug price negotiations in 2026 and a $2,000 Part D out-of-pocket cap in 2025, which could shift volumes and reimbursement flows. Rising demand for GLP-1 drugs adds inventory and authorization complexity without guaranteed margin lift. Walmart's 2024 exit from its health clinics highlights how reimbursement pressures influence strategy, pushing focus back to core pharmacy services and OTC products.Learn more on this news by visiting us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Medicare Part D Premium Stabilization Demonstration ends in 2027, meaning the temporary cap that kept Part D premiums low will expire and beneficiaries should expect higher, more variable premiums starting with the 2028 plan year. This page explains why the program is ending, who is most exposed, and what steps to take before the change takes effect.

In 2026, the stakes are higher than in previous years. The federal program that has kept Part D premiums artificially low is ending, which means drug plan costs could rise significantly for 2027. That makes this year's AEP more consequential than most. Below are the six most common and costly mistakes beneficiaries make during the Annual Enrollment Period, along with clear guidance on how to avoid each one.

This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP®, welcomes back Cheryl Lagunilla, Health Insurance Advisor at Focused Health Access, to continue their Medicare discussion with a practical, real-world case study and an in-depth look at IRMAA (Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount). Building on the Medicare fundamentals covered in Part I, Mike and Cheryl walk through a realistic Medicare planning scenario to demonstrate how coverage decisions, enrollment timing, and income can affect healthcare costs in retirement. They also explain how IRMAA works, who is affected, and why higher-income retirees may pay increased premiums for Medicare Part B and Part D. The conversation highlights common situations retirees face when enrolling in Medicare, strategies for minimizing unexpected costs, and the importance of incorporating healthcare planning into an overall retirement strategy. Whether you're nearing Medicare eligibility, already enrolled, or helping a loved one navigate the process, this episode offers practical insights to help you make more informed decisions. Listeners will gain valuable insight into: What IRMAA (Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount) is and how it works How income affects Medicare Part B and Part D premiums A real-life Medicare case study and planning example Common Medicare enrollment and planning mistakes Strategies to help reduce unexpected Medicare costs How healthcare decisions fit into a comprehensive retirement plan Tips for evaluating Medicare coverage based on your personal situation Why proactive Medicare planning can help you avoid costly surprises Understanding how Medicare premiums are calculated—and how your financial decisions can impact your healthcare costs—is an essential part of retirement planning. This episode provides practical guidance and real-world examples to help simplify Medicare planning and prepare you for the road ahead. For more information on Menninger & Associates Financial Planning, visit: https://maaplanning.com.

Dr. Juliette Cubanski, Vice President and Director of the Program on Medicare Policy at KFF, joins Lisa Dent to assure listeners that Medicare Part D isn’t ending and explain what changes have actually happened. She clarifies that what ended was extra subsidies, received by certain Part D plans, that helped people with Medicare pay for […]

Part D

Build your pipeline with Lead Heroes' call-verified, exclusive insurance leads and take advantage of the Freedom Sale before it's gone.   https://leadheroes.com/  In this episode of Seven Figures Or Bust, Christian Brindle and Glen Shelton separate fact from fiction surrounding the 2027 Medicare Part D subsidy changes and the headlines claiming Part D is ending. They explain what the subsidy actually did, why misinformation has spread so quickly, and what Medicare agents and beneficiaries should really expect heading into AEP. Plus, they break down Humana's announcement that up to 600,000 Medicare Advantage members could be affected by market exits, discuss what it means for the industry, and share their predictions for the 2027 enrollment season. If you want the facts behind the headlines and practical insights for navigating the changes ahead, this episode is one you won't want to miss.  

The drug price negotiation provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act were designed to continue evolving with each passing year. As CMS prepares for 2028 and 2029, the agency has put out new draft guidance codifying and, in some cases, modifying the fine print of the controversial law. They've also recently issued additional draft guidance on how they'll handle the imminent introduction of Part B drugs into the programme. Hogan Lovells partner Alice Valder Curran returned to join pharmaphorum editor-in-chief Jonah Comstock to elucidate some of the finer points of this latest communication from CMS – and to urge the industry to take advantage of the public comment periods associated with it. Curran and Comstock discuss small, but impactful, changes in CMS's policies around deemed biologics, vaccines, and the special provisions that protect small biotechs. And Curran gives a rundown of what's in – as well as what's not in – the new MFP effectuation guidance, laying out how the differences in how Part D and Part B drugs are paid for leave some big question marks hanging over the programme. Tune in for an easy-to-understand deep dive into some complicated subject matter, and for a more comprehensive rundown don't forget to check out Hogan Lovells' policy briefs on the new draft rules and the MFP effectuation guidance.

Christine GOGUET, journaliste, écrivain. Auteur de les Grands hommes et le diable (éditions du Rocher)Des profondeurs, je crie vers toi Seigneur, dit le psaume. Les profondeurs, c'est l'abîme de notre âme, insondable et terrifiant. Quand on parle des grands hommes, il y a une manière de se rassurer, de ne voir que leur façade, pas leur face cachée, sombre, forcément. Journaliste, écrivain, Christine Goguet dépouille de leur vernis 15 personnages illustres. Elle avait déjà écrit sur les grands hommes et Dieu et voilà maintenant qu'elle s'emploie à les faire souper avec le diable. Car la notoriété va de pair avec la mémoire sélective. On ne se souvient que de ce dont il convient de se souvenir. Ce récit mérite d'être déconstruit. Puisque notre époque aime la déconstruction, renversons les statues de Rousseau à Rimbaud, de Malraux à Picasso, de Freud à Marx. Pour chaque personnage, descendons par l'escalier de ses vices. Hébergé par Audiomeans. Visitez audiomeans.fr/politique-de-confidentialite pour plus d'informations.

This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP®, is joined by Cheryl Lagunilla, Health Insurance Advisor at Focused Health Access, for a comprehensive discussion on Medicare and Medicaid—two of the most important healthcare programs for retirees and those approaching retirement. In this episode, Mike and Cheryl break down the fundamentals of Medicare, including Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance), before exploring the different coverage options available, such as Medicare Advantage (Part C), Medigap (Medicare Supplement Insurance), and Part D prescription drug coverage. They also discuss how Medicaid works alongside Medicare, who may qualify for additional financial assistance, and the programs that can help reduce healthcare costs. The conversation also covers critical Medicare enrollment deadlines, common enrollment mistakes, and how to avoid costly late enrollment penalties that can impact your healthcare expenses for years to come. Whether you're approaching age 65, helping a family member navigate Medicare, or simply planning ahead for retirement, this episode provides practical guidance to help you make informed healthcare decisions. Listeners will gain valuable insight into: Medicare Part A and Part B explained Medicare Advantage (Part C) vs. Medigap coverage Understanding Medicare Part D prescription drug plans Medicaid eligibility and additional financial assistance programs Medicare Savings Programs and Extra Help Initial Enrollment Period and Special Enrollment Period rules How to avoid Medicare late enrollment penalties Common Medicare mistakes and how to avoid them Healthcare planning as part of a comprehensive retirement strategy Tips for choosing the right Medicare coverage for your needs Understanding your healthcare options is a critical part of successful retirement planning. This episode helps simplify the often-confusing Medicare and Medicaid landscape so you can make confident decisions about your coverage and future healthcare costs. For more information on Menninger & Associates Financial Planning, visit: https://maaplanning.com.

For many retirees, their home isn't just a place of comfort, it's one of the largest assets on their balance sheet. However, beyond the emotional value and the years of accumulated equity, there's an often-overlooked reality: selling your primary residence can bring an unexpected tax bill. If you're contemplating a sale or want to ensure you're planning wisely, understanding the IRS's primary residence capital gains exclusion is essential. On the show this week, I break down what this exclusion means, who qualifies, how to maximize its benefits, and the critical planning steps to avoid a nasty tax surprise.   You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... [00:00] Understanding capital gains exclusion [03:52] Capital gains exclusion requirements [07:40] Reducing taxes on home sale [11:31] Calculating capital gains tax [14:57] Impact of capital gains on IRMAA   The Primary Residence Capital Gains Exclusion Thanks to the IRS, many homeowners can exclude a substantial portion of the capital gains realized from the sale of their primary residence. Single tax filers can exclude up to $250,000 of gains while married couples filing jointly enjoy up to a $500,000 exclusion. In practical terms, this means if your gain from selling your home stays within these thresholds, you may owe no federal tax on that profit.   Who Qualifies for the Exclusion?  Before assuming you'll benefit from this significant tax break, it's important to meet all IRS requirements:   1. The Ownership and Use Test: You must have lived in the home as your primary residence for at least two of the five years preceding the sale. These years don't need to be consecutive, but they must total at least 24 months within the five-year window.   2. Exclusion Frequency: You cannot have claimed the exclusion on another home sale within the past two years.   3. Acquisition History: The property generally cannot have been acquired through a 1031 like-kind exchange in the previous five years.   Special Rule for Widows and Widowers: If you've recently lost your spouse, you may still qualify for the full $500,000 exclusion if you sell within 24 months of your spouse's passing, don't remarry during this period, and have satisfied the other ownership and use requirements.   Why More Homeowners Now Face Capital Gains Taxes Home values have seen record appreciation over the last three decades, but the exclusion thresholds haven't changed since 1997. A homeowner who bought in their 20s or 30s might now find that decades of appreciation have pushed them well beyond the exclusion limits—and into taxable territory. If your gains surpass the exclusion, any additional gains are taxed either as short-term (if you've owned the home for a year or less) or, more commonly for longtime owners, as long-term capital gains (taxed at 0%, 15%, or 20% depending on your income).   Maximize Your Savings: Track and Increase Your Cost Basis One of the most effective strategies to reduce your taxable gain is to properly track and boost your home's cost basis. Your cost basis starts with your original purchase price and is increased by certain acquisition costs (settlement fees, title insurance, legal fees, etc.). Most importantly, capital improvements—such as room additions, roof replacement, major kitchen or bath remodels, or HVAC system upgrades—can be added. Routine maintenance and minor repairs generally don't increase your basis, so keeping thorough records of major projects and associated costs is crucial. Medicare Premiums and Tax Strategy Selling your home and realizing a large capital gain may bump you into a higher Medicare premium bracket, known as IRMAA, which can affect your Part B and Part D premiums a couple of years after the sale. This makes it essential to coordinate a home sale with your overall income strategy and consult both a financial advisor and CPA before listing your home. Resources Mentioned Retirement Readiness Review Subscribe to the Retire with Ryan YouTube Channel Download my entire book for FREE  National Association of REALTORS® Avoid These 7 Scenarios to Keep Your Medicare Premiums Lower In Retirement #313 2026 Medicare Part B Premium Surprises, #282  7 Ways to Lower Your Income and Avoid the IRMAA Medicare Surcharge, #142      Connect With Morrissey Wealth Management  www.MorrisseyWealthManagement.com/contact Subscribe to Retire With Ryan

Medicare's new Part D program is aiming to cover certain GLP-1 medications for people with obesity, potentially lowering costs for eligible patients (with a co-pay mentioned around $50/month). In this episode, Liz Seegert, Health & Aging Journalist, breaks down what's actually changing—and why access isn't as simple as “yes, GLP-1s are covered.”

The Mystery of The Mercy- Part D

Millions of Americans are returning to work after retirement, but most do not realize that going back to work while on Medicare triggers a series of coverage decisions that can be costly if handled incorrectly. This article walks through the three most critical factors every Medicare beneficiary needs to understand before accepting a job offer: how employer size determines which insurance pays first, why cancelling a Medigap plan during employment can leave you uninsurable when you retire again, and how to protect yourself from permanent Part B and Part D penalties when you eventually leave the workforce. Written in plain language with real-world examples, the article gives readers a clear, actionable checklist so they can make informed decisions about their Medicare coverage before — not after — they sign an offer letter.

Verds en Comú Podem Sitges atribueix la sortida del govern municipal a l'incompliment de la paraula donada per part d'ERC i Sitges GI en el pacte de govern del 2023 que va fer possible la investidura d'Aurora Carbonell en el que s'establia un relleu de l'alcaldia en el darrer mandat. Carme Gasulla assegura que tant ERC com Sitges GI en el moment de treballar per aquest relleu han modificat condicions i posat impediments per a que es produís aquest relleu que li havia de suposar l'alcaldia als Comuns. Gasulla confirma que les discrepàncies comencen a partir del comunicat de Guanyem Sitges on s'anunciava que no donarien suport al relleu a l'alcaldia i manifesta que "les exigències, les resistències i les noves condicions plantejades pels nostres socis han acabat fent inviables les possibles vies d'acord". Gasulla assegura que no es van garantir les condicions per complir el pacte, que es va traslladar als comuns la responsabilitat per buscar els vots necessaris i que alhora no es van facilitar els compromisos que haurien permès aconseguir aquests suports. El deteriorament de les negociacions per Gasulla arriba en el moment en que segons els Comuns la formació de SitgesGI va proposar a un dels membres dels Comuns entrar a formar part del grup municipalista. L'entrada Carme Gasulla anuncia que Verds en Comú Podem marxa del govern per incompliment del pacte del 2023 per part d’ERC i SitgesGI: «el que no pot ser és exigir a una formació que construeixi una majoria i simultàniament impedir que es doni resposta a les condicions que poden fer possible aquesta majoria» ha aparegut primer a Radio Maricel.

Medicare beneficiaries can get their Part D late enrollment penalty waived, reduced, or appealed — covering the three main routes: qualifying for Extra Help/LIS, proving you had creditable coverage, and filing a formal appeal if an administrative error caused the delay

Medicare brings peace of mind to millions of retirees, but for those with higher incomes, there's an added layer of complexity called IRMAA—the Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amount. If your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) crosses certain thresholds, you may end up paying substantially more for your Medicare Part B and Part D coverage. In this article, we break down how IRMAA works, outline common scenarios that may unexpectedly raise your premiums, and offer actionable strategies to help you avoid unnecessary costs during your retirement years.   You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... [02:14] How IRMAA works [04:09] IRMAA income brackets and premium increases  [05:43] General strategies and limitations for avoiding IRMAA [09:49] Managing Capital Gains and Medicare costs [10:41] Understanding the possibility of unexpected large gains pushing income higher  [12:37] Impact of spouse passing on taxes [14:54] Avoiding IRMAA surcharge   What Is IRMAA, and How Does It Work? IRMAA adds a surcharge to your standard Medicare Part B and Part D premiums if your income exceeds specific limits. The calculation uses your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) from your federal tax return for the prior two years. For example, your 2026 Medicare premium is determined by your 2024 tax return figures. This "two-year lag" means financial decisions made today could impact your healthcare costs down the line. In 2024, the standard Part B premium is $202.90 per month. However, single filers reporting over $109,000 or married couples filing jointly above $218,000 pay $284 each per month, per person. Surpassing $137,000 (single) or $274,000 (joint) pushes your premium to $405.90—more than double the baseline. Part D premiums are also subject to surcharges, ranging from $14.50 to $91 per month at the highest income levels.   Seven Scenarios That Can Trigger IRMAA—and How to Prepare While some situations are unpreventable, being aware of these common scenarios can help you make informed choices and potentially minimize your IRMAA exposure.   1. Municipal Bond Income: Not as Tax-Free as You Think Many investors favor municipal bonds for their federal tax-exempt status. Unfortunately, while this income is absent from your regular AGI, it is added back into your MAGI when calculating IRMAA. If you're relying heavily on munis in retirement, this could unexpectedly inflate your Medicare premiums. Consider alternative investments or relocating those assets into accounts or vehicles where this income is shielded, like certain annuities, after consulting with a qualified financial advisor.   2. Capital Gains on Your Home Sale When selling your primary residence, you can exclude up to $250,000 of gain if single or $500,000 if married, provided you meet the two-out-of-five-years residency rule. Gains above these thresholds are taxable and count toward your MAGI. Good record-keeping for home improvements can help increase your cost basis and reduce the taxable gain, but there aren't many strategies to avoid this spike if a large gain is unavoidable.   3. Profits from Investment Property Sales Selling an investment property can generate significant capital gains. But unique to investment real estate, the IRS allows you to defer these gains through a 1031 exchange—selling one investment property and reinvesting the proceeds into another. This move postpones the tax hit and the associated IRMAA impact, possibly indefinitely if you use the stepped-up basis at death.   4. Surprise Mutual Fund Capital Gains If you own mutual funds outside retirement accounts, unexpected capital gains distributions from within the fund (for example, after large stock sales like Apple) could spike your MAGI. To mitigate this, consider shifting from mutual funds to individual stocks, bonds, or exchange-traded funds (ETFs), which typically generate fewer surprise capital gains.   5. Roth Conversions are Great for Taxes, But Be Careful While Roth conversions can be powerful tax strategies, converting a sizable sum from a pretax IRA to a Roth IRA counts as income for IRMAA purposes. Carefully plan the size and timing of conversions to avoid pushing yourself into a higher premium bracket without realizing it.   6. The Financial Impact of Losing a Spouse Widowhood or widowerhood can be doubly difficult; not only do you suffer personal loss, but your filing status shifts to single, drastically lowering the income thresholds for IRMAA. If you expect changes in income or status, make proactive plans with your advisor to help smooth your MAGI.   7. Large, One-Time Retirement Account Withdrawals Big withdrawals from IRAs or 401(k)s—perhaps to buy a car or fund a vacation home—could catapult your income into a higher IRMAA tier. Consider spreading large purchases over several years or evaluating alternative financing options to keep retirement account withdrawals more manageable.   Small Decisions Add Up While IRMAA might not be avoidable for everyone, being strategic about income sources, withdrawals, and investment choices can reduce surprises and keep more of your retirement income where it belongs—with you. Always consult with a financial advisor familiar with your unique situation before making significant financial moves. Keep your knowledge current and your planning proactive to support a more cost-effective retirement.   Resources Mentioned   Retirement Readiness Review Subscribe to the Retire with Ryan YouTube Channel Download my entire book for FREE  2026 Medicare Part B Premium Surprises, #282 7 Ways to Lower Your Income and Avoid the IRMAA Medicare Surcharge, #142 Mistakes To Avoid During Medicare Open Enrollment with Danielle Roberts, #229      Connect With Morrissey Wealth Management  www.MorrisseyWealthManagement.com/contact   Subscribe to Retire With Ryan  

durée : 00:04:41 - Le Sénégal est éliminé de la Coupe du Monde après sa défaite en prolongation contre la Belgique 3-2. Ibrahim Mbaye, joueur du Paris Saint-Germain, est en vacances et difficile de le voir continuer au PSG l'an prochain, avec un temps de jeu qui ne devrait pas augmenter en l'état. Vous aimez ce podcast ? Pour écouter tous les épisodes sans limite, rendez-vous sur Radio France

durée : 00:03:40 - On n'arrête pas l'éco - par : Sandrine Foulon - Valentin travaille dans l'audiovisuel public et doit organiser un pot de départ pour une collègue. Peut-on boire des bouteilles de Meursault ? Combien mettre dans la cagnotte ? L'employeur doit-il participer ? Une chronique particulière à l'occasion de la dernière à l'antenne d'Alexandra Bensaid. Vous aimez ce podcast ? Pour écouter tous les épisodes sans limite, rendez-vous sur Radio France

In this final part of the Retire With Style Live Q&A, Wade Pfau and Alex Murguia answer a wide range of retirement planning questions covering annuities and life insurance surrender charges, the financial impact of losing a spouse, Roth conversions as a hedge against the "widow's tax penalty," tax-loss harvesting through direct indexing, dividend reinvestment strategies in retirement accounts versus taxable accounts, HSA withdrawal rules after age 65, and appropriate cash allocations in retirement portfolios. Throughout the discussion, they emphasize the importance of tax planning, understanding how different retirement income strategies align with personal preferences, and avoiding one-size-fits-all approaches when managing retirement assets and income. Listen now to learn more!   Takeaways Surrendering an annuity early can trigger surrender charges, while permanent life insurance policies often take many years before cash value exceeds premiums paid. The death of a spouse can create significant tax challenges because the surviving spouse typically moves from married filing jointly to single tax brackets. Roth conversions can be an effective strategy for reducing future RMD burdens and mitigating the "widow's tax penalty" for a surviving spouse. Direct indexing and tax-loss harvesting allow investors to capture losses while remaining invested, potentially creating future tax benefits and improving after-tax outcomes. Tax-loss harvesting is no longer just for ultra-high-net-worth investors, as technology has made these strategies more accessible and scalable. In IRA accounts, continuing to reinvest dividends during retirement generally remains the simplest and most efficient approach. In taxable brokerage accounts, turning off automatic dividend reinvestment can make rebalancing and distribution planning more tax-efficient. HSA funds can be used tax-free for qualified medical expenses at any age, while after age 65 non-qualified withdrawals avoid the 20% penalty but still incur income tax. Medicare Part B, Part C (Advantage), Part D premiums, and IRMAA surcharges can generally be reimbursed from an HSA, but Medigap premiums cannot. Holding 40% of a retirement portfolio in cash may be excessive when annual withdrawal needs are relatively low, and could indicate a mismatch between an investor's retirement income strategy and personal preferences.   Chapters 00:00 Tax Considerations in Asset Sales 01:57 Understanding Life Insurance and Annuities 04:03 Financial Implications of Spousal Death 06:23 Roth Conversions and Widow's Penalty 07:36 Tax Loss Harvesting Strategies 17:12 Dividend Reinvestment in Retirement Accounts 22:48 Using HSA Distributions for Medical Expenses 25:52 Cash Reserves in Retirement Planning   Links  Looking for a retirement strategy that's actually built for you? Join Alex Murguia on July 1 at 1 PM ET for a FREE Retirement Researcher webinar, Are You Sure Your Retirement Strategy Fits?, where he'll walk through the four major retirement income approaches and show how the RISA® Framework can help you identify the strategy that best aligns with your goals, preferences, and vision for retirement. Register here: retirewithstyle.com/podcast

Keep track of your AEP prep to-do checklist with help from Ritter's certification resources! Listen to find out how to access AHIP, NABIP, carrier MA and PDP certification, product training details, and more! Read the text version   Get Connected:

Another time dilation changes everything. Dinfa, Eabis and Charnak try to put the pieces back together. References: You will be my John G Monty Python two coconut horse Who does number two work for?   Get Bonus Content and More on Patreon: patreon.com/dungeondads   Shop: Dungeon Dads store on TeePublic FanRoll Dice (use code DungeonDads for 10% off!)   Join the Conversation: On Facebook On Instagram On Twitter On Reddit On YouTube   Episode Page: dungeondads.com/episode166

The Friday Five for June 5, 2026: Certification Reminder Pod Rec: Before Breakfast TRICARE Resources for Agents Clover Health Star Ratings 2027 MA and Part D Max Commissions   Get Connected:

In Episode 136 of DC EKG, Joe Grogan hosts Tom Barker, a top drug-pricing attorney at Foley Hoag and former acting general counsel of Health and Human Services (HHS) under the Bush administration. Tom helped implement Medicare Part D and now advises drugmakers and policymakers on complex pricing issues. The episode traces 20 years of policy: what went right with Part D, what the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) did, and what effective policy should look like.Tom explains that Part D's success rested on three pillars: private plans only, limited government control over benefit design, and a non-interference clause barring the government from intervening in negotiations among plans, pharmacies, and manufacturers. Competition worked and premiums stayed low, until the government asserted more control and weakened those pillars. The IRA, he argues, was a 16-year Democratic effort to repeal non-interference, creating price controls disguised as negotiations.The Trump administration has taken a different tack, focusing not on the IRA but on MFN and Globe Guard models pegged to other developed countries. Tom also breaks down the 340B program, now the country's second-largest expenditure program, and the fight between manufacturers and covered entities over contract pharmacies.His prescription is simple: let competition work. Speed FDA approval of generics and biosimilars, and trust the marketplace over price controls. He points to hepatitis C, where prices fell sharply once competition entered.In This ConversationThe three pillars that made Part D successful for 20 yearsHow non-interference kept government from setting drug pricesThe IRA as a 16-year Democratic push to repeal non-interferenceWhy Tom calls the IRA price controls disguised as negotiationsThe Trump administration's focus on MFN and Globe Guard pricing340B and the battle between manufacturers and covered entitiesThe Chevron repeal's impact on drug pricing lawHRSA's proposed rebate model and ongoing 340B litigationWhy effective policy means competition, not controlsTom's work helping North Korean defectors and refugeesKey Timestamps1:51 Tom's background at HHS and CMS2:30 The three pillars of Part D's success5:10 Why Democrats wanted to repeal non-interference5:55 Ted Kennedy's compromise and bipartisan votes11:38 The IRA as a 16-year repeal attempt12:03 What the IRA changed in Part D15:02 IRA negotiations vs. real negotiations16:25 How the excise tax makes it no real negotiation21:32 Trump's focus on MFN and Globe Guard25:37 340B's history back to 199128:45 340B as the second-biggest expenditure program29:30 Manufacturer vs. covered-entity acrimony33:18 The Chevron repeal's impact on pricing34:54 HRSA's rebate model, the next step on 340B35:40 The lawsuit over "patient" in 340B38:18 Tom's advice: let competition work39:30 Hepatitis C: competition drives prices down40:34 Competition for gene therapies and CRISPR41:36 Tom's work for North Korean defectors44:49 Sponsoring Free North Korea RadioMedicare Part D, drug pricing policy, Inflation Reduction Act, non-interference clause, 340B program, MFN pricing, Globe Guard pricing, pharmacy benefit managers, covered entities, contract pharmacies, biosimilars, generics, federal drug pricing, government price controls, Tom BarkerAbout the GuestTom Barker is a partner at Foley Hoag in Washington, DC, and one of the country's top drug pricing attorneys. He served as acting general counsel of HHS and chief legal officer at CMS under the Bush administration, where he helped implement Part D from its inception. He is now a go-to expert on drug pricing, and helps North Korean defectors navigate US immigration law.Podcast: DC EKG with Joe Grogan Episode: 136 Guest: Tom Barker Sponsor: Survivors for Solutions - https://survivorsforsolutions.org Executive Producer: John "CZ" Czwartacki, DC EKG Podcast Producer: Stay on Course Studios - https://www.stayoncourse.studio

Championne de France du marathon pour la 3e fois il y a quelques semaines, Anaïs Quemener a basculé à plein temps dans le haut niveau. Au micro de Benoit Boutron et Yohan Durand, elle détaille sa transition (80 à 140 km/semaine), l'impact du sommeil, le run poussette, la reprise du renfo et la stratégie pour retrouver vitesse et confiance. Peut-on revenir au plus haut niveau après une grossesse ? Comment concilier vie de maman, entraînement de marathonienne et nouveau statut d'athlète professionnelle ? Grâce à son "nouvelle vie", Anaïs Quemener dévoile ses grandes ambitions, à commencer par briser la barre du sub 2h30.  Dans le bon plan matos, tente de remporter ton cycliste de running avec des multiples poches de la marque "annsoavocado-brand". Rendez-vous sur Instagram !

MEDICARE ADVANTAGE MINUTE:                                                           MEDICARE IS INCREASING OVERSIGHT OF MEDICARE ADVANTAGE PLANS; HERE IS WHAT THAT MEANS FOR SENIORS! ACCORDING TO TELOS ACTUARIAL, THE MEDICARE SUPPLEMENT MARKET IS RETURNING TO GROWTH MODE. AS AMERICA GROWS OLDER, TRUMP Rx DELIVERS. ANTHEM/ELEVANCE PLANS TO PENALIZE IN-NETWORK HOSPITALS. DAVID HAS PDP QUESTIONS AFTER SUBMITTING HIS DRUG LIST AS INSTRUCTED AND SEEING NOTHING HAPPENING! Contact me at: DBJ@MLMMailbag.com (Most severe critic: A+)                   Visit us on: BabyBoomer.ORG Inspired by: "MEDICARE FOR THE LAZY MAN 2026; SIMPLEST & EASIEST GUIDE EVER!" "MEDICARE ENROLLMENT GUIDE" - DOWNLOAD FREE "MEDICARE DRUG PLANS: A SIMPLE D-I-Y GUIDE" ....AND A PODCAST! @ DBJ@M4TLM.com W medicareforthelazyman.com T (630) 878-5055   Review Us On Google   For sale on Amazon.com. After enjoying the books, please consider returning to leave a short customer review to  help future readers. Official website: https://www.MedicareForTheLazyMan.com.

This is Part D of D of Undressing Jack the Stripper, an eight part series made in conjunction with the True Crime Enthusiast podcast.From the late 1950s to the mid-1960s, the bodies of eight sex-workers (Elizabeth Figg, Gwynneth Rees, Hannah Tailford, Irene Lockwood, Helen Barthelemy, Mary Fleming, Margaret McGowan and Bridget O'Hara) were found dumped in or near the River Thames in West London.Panic spread that a sadistic serial killer was on the loose who targeted young petite brunettes; stripped and strangled them, dumped each body within weeks and streets of each other. Yet with not a single witness to his crimes, even though several suspects have since been named, with no convictions, it's a series of killing which remains a mystery to this day.After the success of their ten-part series, Psychopath: Two Side of Patrick MacKay, Mike at Murder Mile and Paul at the True Crime Enthusiast join forces once again to bring you an eight-part crossover series about one of Britain's most infamous unsolved serial killing – Jack the Stripper.This episode is about Helen Barthelemy & Mary Fleming.Location: Civil Defence Building, Hornton Street, Kensington, London, W8Date: Wednesday 25th of November 1964 at 1:30pm (body found)Victims: Margaret McGowan Location: Heron Trading Estate in Acton, West London, London, W3Date: Tuesday 16th of February 1965 (body found)Victims: Bridget O'HaraSeven time nominated at the True Crime Awards, Independent Podcast Awards and the British Podcast Awards, Murder Mile is one of the best UK / British true crime podcasts covering only 20 square miles of West London. It is researched, written and performed by Michael of Murder Mile UK True Crime Podcast with the main musical themes written and performed by Erik Stein and Jon Boux of Cult With No Name and additional music, as used under the Creative Commons License 4.0. A full listing of tracks used and a full transcript for each episode is listed here and a legal disclaimer.Sorry, but the ALWAYS TRUE CRIME CROSSOVER at Crossed Wires Festival has been cancelled due to poor ticket sales. You should have received a full refund from your ticket purchaser, but if you have any problems, let me know, and I can try and put you in touch with right people. Sorry for the inconvenience. Follow me on SOCIAL MEDIA · Instagram· FaceBook· ThreadsSUBSCRIBE via PatreonSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/murdermile. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode features an edited recording of our CMS Final Notice webinar, offering timely insights into 2027 Medicare Advantage and Part D changes. Hear from Via Benefits experts as they break down MA payment updates, funding pressures, and evolving plan design strategies. Learn how CMS policies, Inflation Reduction Act provisions, and rising healthcare costs are shaping both group and individual Medicare markets. The discussion also explores what these changes mean for plan sponsors evaluating retiree benefits and long-term cost management.

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  

C'est un chapitre d'une décennie qui s'achève en Premier League. Cette après-midi, Pep Guardiola dirigera son dernier match à la tête de Manchester City. Vendredi dernier, le club mancunien a annoncé, dans un communiqué, le départ de son génial entraineur catalan, qui aura remporté vingt trophées en dix saisons à la tête du club, qu'il dirigeait depuis 2016.Guardiola a marqué les citizens mais son passage aura plus largement bouleversé tout le football anglais. Quel héritage laisse-t-il derrière lui ? Ou le situer dans l'histoire des légendaires manager de Premier League ? Comment Manchester City peut s'en remettre ? Quel avenir pour Pep ?Ce podcast est hébergé par Podcastics, la plateforme pour créer et diffuser votre podcast facilement.

Jim and Chris discuss listener emails on Social Security spousal benefits, portfolio withdrawal strategy for early retirement, HSA and Medicare premiums, the 4% rule, Roth self-employed 401(k)s, Roth conversions, and retirement trusts. (10:45) A listener asks whether her husband claiming Social Security on his own record before she files at 70, including as early as 62, would reduce his eventual spousal benefit, and in what circumstances an earlier filing might make sense for them. (20:45) She also asks how to structure her portfolio to cover a seven-year income gap before Social Security begins and fund a potential home purchase at retirement. (46:15) George and Georgette want to know which Medicare-related costs – IRMAA surcharges, Part D, and supplemental insurance – qualify for HSA reimbursement, and whether they can apply HSA funds retroactively to prior-year premiums. (54:30) The guys address the idea that money reimbursed from an HSA isn’t restricted to medical use, so saving receipts over the years can turn an HSA into a source of tax-free cash for virtually any expense. (1:01:15) A listener compares the 4% rule to Newton’s laws of motion – foundational but not the final word – and describing how he’s combining that framework with their retirement income approach for his own long-range planning. (1:08:30) Jim and Chris share a listener’s PSA that Fidelity began offering a Roth self-employed 401(k) in 2025, in response to a question from a recent episode. (1:11:30) One listener pushes back on the idea that Roth conversions only make sense at a lower tax bracket, walking through a math example to show that tax-free compounding can make converting at the same — or even a higher — bracket financially worthwhile. (1:17:45) George has structured his IRA with a testamentary trust for a financially irresponsible adult child and asks whether a “retirement trust”, could allow the trust to receive IRA assets without the compressed tax rates that typically apply to trusts. The post Social Security, Withdrawal Strategy, HSAs, 4% Rule, Roths, Retirement Trust: Q&A #2621 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show.

Systems Of Defense - Part D

MEDICARE PLANNING: WHY MEDICARE COSTS MORE THAN MANY PEOPLE EXPECT  Thad Ismart, CFP®, ChFEBC, CEPS Senior Financial Planner Tessa Hall Media and Communications Specialist LAWRENCE M. POST CPA, MST, CFP®, CIMA® Senior Tax and Planning Advisor About This Episode Tessa speaks with BWFA's Larry and Thad about Medicare costs, including premium increases, prescription drug coverage, deductibles, and out-of-pocket expenses. They explain how Medicare pricing changes over time and why many individuals underestimate healthcare costs in retirement. The conversation also covers Medicare Part D plans, IRMAA income adjustments, and why comparing plans each year can help reduce unnecessary expenses. To better understand how healthcare costs fit into your broader retirement strategy, visit our Financial Planning services page. Full Description Healthcare costs play a major role in retirement planning, and Medicare expenses continue to rise each year. In this episode of Healthy, Wealthy & Wise, Tessa speaks with BWFA's Larry and Thad about Medicare costs and what individuals should understand when preparing for healthcare expenses in retirement. They explain how Medicare premiums, deductibles, and prescription drug costs have changed and why many retirees underestimate what they may pay over time. The conversation also explores IRMAA, which stands for Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount. Individuals with higher incomes may pay additional Medicare premiums depending on their earnings. Prescription drug coverage is another important topic. The episode highlights why reviewing Part D plans each year matters, since pricing and coverage can vary significantly between providers. The discussion also explains how insurance works from a broader planning perspective. Healthcare coverage involves balancing premiums, deductibles, and financial risk, which means different approaches may make sense depending on individual circumstances. Ultimately, understanding Medicare costs can help individuals make more informed decisions and better prepare for healthcare expenses throughout retirement.

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/

In this episode, host Steve Chen sits down with Mark Miller — journalist, author, and retirement expert behind RetirementRevised.com — to unpack the biggest changes hitting Social Security and Medicare right now. Mark shares his personal experience claiming both programs, explains why “later is better” for most Social Security claimants, and breaks down the trust fund depletion risk without the fear-mongering. The conversation covers the real-world impact of DOGE-driven SSA staffing cuts, why traditional Medicare beats Medicare Advantage for most people, the landmark $2,000 Part D out-of-pocket cap, and the quiet Medicare Savings Program rollback buried in the “One Big Beautiful Bill.” Mark's no-nonsense take: understand the rules, claim strategically, and shop your Medicare coverage every single year.

Dominating Faith- Part D

The Friday Five for May 1, 2026: [00:44] Staying Caffeinated on the Road [03:26] Healthcare or Health Care? AP Stylebook Makes it Official [05:24] Spotify Spins Fitness into the Mix [08:41] Medicare Advantage Improvement Act of 2026 [12:16] CMS Update on BALANCE Model & Medicare GLP-1 Bridge   Events & Webinars for Insurance Agents   Get Connected:

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)

In this episode of Trending Health, we explore how the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) is reshaping strategy across the life sciences industry.Mindy McGrath is joined by Inizio Ignite colleagues, Scott Briggs and Ethan Johnson, to discuss how manufacturers are responding to Medicare price negotiation, Part D redesign, and increasing pressures on pricing and access.The conversation highlights what has surprised leaders so far, how payer dynamics are evolving, and how companies are rethinking portfolio and lifecycle decisions in a more constrained market.As future negotiation rounds approach, the episode offers a clear view into where organizations are focusing—and what they should be preparing for next.Panel –Mindy McGrath, Scott Briggs, Ethan JohnsonRecording & Editing – Rachel SkoneckiFor additional discussion, please contact us at TrendingHealth.com.

This Minisode was originally uploaded with Episode 332: Cornerfest ‘26 Part D - some of the topics discussed might be outdated. Subscribe to our Patreon to listen and watch the Minisodes as they release every week! http://patreon.com/CHILLUMINATIPODMike Martin - http://www.youtube.com/@themoleculemindset Jesse Cox - http://www.youtube.com/jessecox Alex Faciane - https://www.youtube.com/@StarWarsOldCanonBookClub/Editor: DeanCutty Producer: Hilde @ https://bsky.app/profile/heksen.bsky.social Show Art: Studio Melectro @ http://www.instagram.com/studio_melectro Logo Design: Shawn JPB @ https://twitter.com/JetpackBragginLinksALEX: https://nypost.com/2025/08/10/us-news/mystery-plane-thief-keeps-taking-vintage-plane-for-joyrides-returning-it-repaired/MATHAS: https://news.northeastern.edu/2026/01/07/string-theory-neuron-connections/https://www.cell.com/cell/fulltext/S0092-8674(25)01305-4

durée : 00:02:59 - L'Humeur du matin par Guillaume Erner - par : Guillaume Erner - Le limogeage d'Olivier Nora de la présidence de Grasset suscite de nombreuses réactions. L'événement interroge la capacité des maisons d'édition à maintenir une pluralité de voix face aux décisions des actionnaires. - réalisation : Félicie Faugère

CMS recently published the 2027 Medicare Advantage and Part D Final Rule. Don't miss the ASG Podcast top takeaways for insurance agents.   Get Connected:

In this timely episode of Healthcare Happy Hour, host David Saltzman sits down with NABIP Medicare Advisory Group Chair Chalen Jackson for an in-depth discussion on the 2027 Medicare Advantage and Part D Final Rule, released last week. They break down key policy changes, including updates to Star Ratings and Part D provisions, and what they mean for both beneficiaries and advisors. The conversation also explores evolving market dynamics, expected pressure on plan benefits, and new flexibilities for agents that can improve workflow and client engagement. Chalen highlights how ongoing advocacy efforts helped shape many of these changes and offers practical guidance on how advisors can prepare for another challenging enrollment season.

A surprising payroll report The quick war – not over just yet Food inflation coming Economics – a bright spot and surprising report last week Space issues – Space sewage PLUS we are now on Spotify and Amazon Music/Podcasts! Click HERE for Show Notes and Links DHUnplugged is now streaming live - with listener chat. Click on link on the right sidebar. Love the Show? Then how about a Donation? Follow John C. Dvorak on Twitter Follow Andrew Horowitz on Twitter Warm-Up - A surprising payroll report - The quick war - not over just yet - Food inflation coming - Economics - a bright spot and surprising report last week - Space issues - Space sewage - 8PM - End of Civilization? Markets - March sucked - that is the report - 1st quarter results are in - we will discuss - OIL - UP - WTI and Brent rising - its only transitory - Market Manipulation - say it ain't so! Oil - Interesting note that WTI is trading higher than Brent - unusual - WTI ~ $116  Brent ~ $109 - Brent for immediate delivery in Asia $140 as being bid up for purchase NOW - WTI may have an edge because it is available and buyers also stocking up on that... - Europe running out of Jet Fuel - USA sending over a supply - also unusual BUT - 8PM ET - End of Civilization? - Or last minute miracle - with mystery negotiations - Pakistan requesting 2 week pause - with movement of ships through Strait - YES, we have a 2-week pause - no kidding! Crude down 15%, market indices up 2% ---- Wait - Negotiations will start Friday... (Friday?) In Process - In Theory - Framework - OPEC+ agrees in principal theoretical framework to increase output - OPEC+ eight members to raise quotas by 206,000 bpd for May Apple Foldable Flop - Apple shares sunk 2% after reports that the company's foldable iPhones may face delays. - Nikkei Asia reported that the company is facing engineering challenges in what would be the iPhone-maker's first foldable device. - Engineering problems they say.... Closing this Discussion - Bored with this....But... - OpenAI announced it closed its record-breaking funding round at a post-money valuation of $852 billion. - The round totaled $122 billion of committed capital, up from the $110 billion figure that the company previously announced. - OpenAI said it extended participation to investors through bank channels for the first time and raised $3 billion from individual investors. The 1st Quarter Misery - Microsoft lost almost a quarter of its value in the first three months of the year, its steepest quarterly drop since the 2008 financial crisis. - Concerns about the company include the return on investment for artificial intelligence build-outs and the adoption of Copilot. - The company's stock plunged 23% in the first quarter, a steeper drop than any of its tech peers or the Nasdaq, - Microsoft's earnings multiple hasn't been this low since the fourth quarter of 2022, when OpenAI introduced ChatGPT. - SAAS compaies got crushed - Adobe, Atlassian and ServiceNow all down more than 30% YTD - Financials, Consumer Discretionary and Homebuilders had tough quarter 1st Quarter Happiness - Energy Sector up 30% - Materials up 10% - Utilities up 10% - Oil up almost 100% - EM still positive for 2026 Latest Eco - Nonfarm payrolls rose a seasonally adjusted 178,000 in March, a reversal from the 133,000 decline in February and better than the Dow Jones consensus estimate for 59,000. - The unemployment rate edged lower to 4.3%, though that was largely from a sharp reduction in the labor force. - Wages also rose less than expected, with average hourly earnings up just 0.2% for the month and 3.5% from a year ago. The annual increase was the lowest since May 2021. -Health care was responsible for much of the growth, with the sector adding 76,000 jobs. - March ISM Non-Manufacturing Index 54.0% vs. 54.9% Briefing.com consensus; prior 56.1% - - Overall, there is not much going on good or bad - just the same in US Economics ------ Next couple of months will show inflationary pressures Inflation - Tomatoes, strawberries, asparagus, veggies in general are moving higher - - - Tomato prices are rising, with significant increases driven by a 17%–21% tariff on Mexican imports, labor shortages, and supply tightening - Experts warn these factors could increase prices by up to 50% for consumers, especially during winter months, and recent reports indicate continued shortages and high costs through early April 2026 - Florida frost in Q1 and now UREA shortages during spring planing will cause even more problems and pricing pressure (inflationary) No View - Satellite imaging firm Planet Labs said on Saturday it will indefinitely withhold visuals of Iran and the region of conflict in the Middle East to comply with a request from the U.S. government. - Planet Labs will release images only on case-by-case basis for urgent or public interest needs - Satellite imagery of hard-to-reach areas useful for news media, researchers - Other providers like Vantor apply their own controls but were not contacted by U.S. government - Interesting potential for an edge in war if we can see them and they and they can't see us Dems probing stock trades - Two Democratic U.S. senators on Thursday called on Wall Street's top regulator and a Defense Department watchdog to prevent and investigate possible insider trading by government officials following a spate of market activity seemingly timed to President Donald Trump's announcements. - Reuters and others have reported that major moves over the last year in equity, commodities and prediction markets are consistent with the possibility that traders had advance knowledge of Trump's announcements concerning the war with Iran, tariffs and the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, among other examples. - Repubs only care if Pelosi does trades and Dems only care if Trump related trades The Final Frontier - The Universal Waste Management System toilet on the Orion crew capsule has been giving the Artemis II crew some issues during their mission to the moon. - The toilet's problems included a pump that needed extra water to work and a potential buildup of ice blocking the vent nozzle that allows wastewater to drain out into space. --- For a while there was no urination allowed only space poops since on different disposal systems - NASA was able to fix the issue by positioning the Orion so that the toilet vent would "bake" in the sun and melt the ice, and the crew is now cleared to use the toilet for all purposes. ---More: The UWMS comes equipped with a funnel and hose for urination, and there is a seat with a hole for bowel movements. -------Since the astronauts are in microgravity, the toilet relies on air flow that pulls waste into the toilet and ensures the capsule stays clean. -------------The astronauts can also use footstraps and handles to stay in position. Earnings Season - Analysts have been increasing their earning estimates into the quarter - which is unusual as usually see declines into the prints (so that companies have easier hurdle) - The S&P 500 is expected to deliver 13.2% year-over-year earnings growth, marking a sixth straight quarter of double-digit gains. - Revenue is expected to grow 9.7%, the strongest pace since Q3 2022. - But what about the outlook????????????????? Mag 7 Earnings expectations - Of course The Magnificent 7 remain central to earnings growth and market direction. Nvidia (~127.7%) and Tesla (~124.9%) are driving outsized earnings expansion. Apple (~19.0%) and Microsoft (~17.2%) show solid but more normalized growth. Meta (~3.4%) and Amazon (~3.2%) are slowing, while Alphabet (~-6.9%) is expected to decline. Growth within mega-cap tech is becoming less broad and more concentrated in a few names. Just In - Remember in January with Medicare Advantage and Part D payment plans from governments were being cut? - Insurance company stocks got smacked... - Expectations were for a 4% or so raise and it came in flat - ON DHUNPLUGGED - (1/27/2026) we discussed that this was a game and would come back when finalized inline with expectations  to show how great the benefit is to Medicare recipients (voters) ---- We added United HealthCare (UNH) to the Weekly Stock Pick game as a rare Purple pick - Now, final numbers announced and  are projected to result in a net average increase of 2.48%, or over $13 billion in additional MA payments to plans in CY 2027. This expected increase includes consideration of the various elements that impact MA payments, such as growth rates of underlying costs, 2026 Star Ratings for 2027 quality bonus payments, and risk adjustment updates. - UNH and other names int he sector moving up nicely on the news - (Potential related stocks: UNH, CVS, MCK, CI, HUM, CNC, ALHC, MOH, ELV, THC, UHS, CYH, HCA, OSCR) France Gold - France's central bank has sold off the last of the gold it held in the United States Federal Reserve and replaced it with higher quality bars in Paris, taking advantage of rising prices to make nearly €13 billion as it upgrades its holdings. - Moved all holding back to France   Love the Show? Then how about a Donation? ANNOUNCING THE CLOSEST TO THE PIN for NETGEAR Winners will be getting great stuff like the new "OFFICIAL" DHUnplugged Shirt!     FED AND CRYPTO LIMERICKS   See this week's stock picks HERE Follow John C. Dvorak on Twitter Follow Andrew Horowitz on Twitter

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.

“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

Cornerfest is back, baby! Join Mathas and Jesse as Alex takes them on a journey through the corners of the internet in this final part of the yearly series.CHILLUMINATI is a weekly comedy podcast hosted by Mike Martin, Jesse Cox and Alex Faciane. Hold on to your tin-foil hats and traverse the realms of the mysterious, supernatural, spooky and sometimes truly horrible - and your third eye will never be the same!Subscribe to our Patreon to support us and for extra content like full video episodes, weekly Minisodes, exclusive art, and more at http://patreon.com/CHILLUMINATIPODThank you to our sponsors:Mike Martin - http://www.youtube.com/@themoleculemindset Jesse Cox - http://www.youtube.com/jessecox Alex Faciane - https://www.youtube.com/@StarWarsOldCanonBookClub/Thanks to Factor: head to https://www.factormeals.com/chill50off!Editor: DeanCutty Producer: Hilde @ https://bsky.app/profile/heksen.bsky.social Show Art: Studio Melectro @ http://www.instagram.com/studio_melectro Logo Design: Shawn JPB @ https://twitter.com/JetpackBragginSHOWNOTESMAN OF WIND:https://www.instagram.com/jesusthelivingsun?igsh=ZDc3dGtjZmtrZDVs https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FMFYF8YQ?ref_=quick_view_ref_tag https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7_F_AqeRqoTHE DEATH OF DR. KELLY:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Kelly_(weapons_expert) https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2013/jul/16/david-kelly-death-10-years-on https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-13716127 https://www.spyculture.com/clandestime-146-the-death-of-david-kelly/ https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2010/jan/25/david-kelly-suicide-hutton-inquiryhttps://www.theguardian.com/theguardian/2004/jan/27/guardianletters4EVEN DEADER INTERNET:https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=5085878 https://gizmodo.com/dead-internet-theory-lives-one-out-of-three-of-you-is-a-bot-2000656924https://radar.cloudflare.com/traffic?dateRange=52w#bot-vs-humanhttps://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2021/08/dead-internet-theory-wrong-but-feels-true/619937/https://forum.agoraroad.com/index.php?threads/dead-internet-theory-most-of-the-internet-is-fake.3011/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=02Ah5VQrzvADATURA STRAMONIUMhttps://www.reddit.com/r/spookymysteries/comments/n16xl8/solvedish_clairvius_narcisse_a_real_life_zombie/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Serpent_and_the_Rainbow_(book) https://www.biologyonline.com/articles/dead-man-walkinghttps://web.archive.org/web/20210228034502/http://isciencemag.co.uk/features/haitian-zombies/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LNRnOcW5yqsPALANTIR REDDIT HEISThttps://www.reddit.com/r/SubredditDrama/s/mKUmT9YlR0