Ask Rusty
Ask Rusty – Will “DOGE” Hurt our Social Security or Medicare Benefits?
Dear Rusty: I am a new AMAC member and have an important question for you, and your answer will be greatly appreciated. My question is: Is the new DOGE effort going to help us, or hurt us, all those living on Social Security and receiving Medicare benefits? Please let us know soon. Regards: Worried Senior Dear Worried…
Read MoreAsk Rusty – Must I take Medicare Part A even if I have VA or Medicaid Coverage?
Dear Rusty: Does everyone need to sign up for Medicare part A, even if you are ex-military? Or only on Medicaid, regardless of whether you are eligible for Social Security or not? Also is there a cost for just part A? Signed: Confused Senior Dear Confused: FYI, there is no cost for Medicare Part A (inpatient…
Read MoreAsk Rusty – When should I enroll in Medicare?
Dear Rusty: I am writing to ask for your advice on when I should sign up or enroll in a Medicare Plan. I have submitted an early retirement application to request benefits to begin 30 days after my 62nd birthday, in April 2025. I am a single lady with no dependents and currently rent my residence. Please…
Read MoreAsk Rusty – Please Clear Up Confusion about SS Payments?
Dear Rusty: I am thoroughly confused. What do I need to do to continue receiving automatic Social Security deposits to my bank account, and maintain our Medicare and Supplement health insurance? My wife has received her SS deposit regularly on the 3rd Wednesday each month with automatic bank deposit for many years. I have received my…
Read MoreAsk Rusty – When Should My Wife Claim Social Security?
Dear Rusty: My wife was born in July 1959, and her recent SS benefit estimate is $3,337 at her full retirement age, or $4,397 at age 70. She is presently employed full-time and intends to continue working until she is aged 70. She is wondering when the most financially advantageous time would be to draw her…
Read MoreAsk Rusty – Will My Social Security Increase if I Keep Working After Applying?
Dear Rusty: I am going to be 67 in a few weeks & I plan on working for another year or two. According to Social Security, they count the best 35 years to come up with your benefit. I currently have 30 years, with 2024 and 2025 taxes yet to be filed. If I take…
Read MoreAsk Rusty – When’s Best Time to Claim Social Security?
Dear Rusty: I will be 66 ½ in June and would like to discuss when would be the best time for me to start taking my social security benefits. I am still employed full time and don’t want to be penalized because of that. Please let me know what I need to do to set…
Read MoreAsk Rusty – Will My Medicare Premium Change because I Sold Investment Property?
Dear Rusty: I have questions concerning the deduction of money from my Social Security benefit amount as relates to the sale of investment property. I am 66 years old and have been drawing Social Security since I turned 62. My wife is 56 and is a housewife and has no taxable income. Our income comes…
Read MoreAsk Rusty – Can I Avoid Paying the Medicare Premium?
Dear Rusty: Is there any way I can get out of paying the $185 I am told will be taken out of my Social Security for Medicare Part B when I turn 65? We pay for Medicare all our working lives, and now I have to pay a monthly premium for insurance that only covers…
Read MoreAsk Rusty – Did We Err by Starting Wife’s Benefit Now?
Dear Rusty: I hope we haven’t made a mistake! My wife just applied for her Social Security benefit. She was born in May 1962, and the estimated amount of her benefit is $1280 / month. Her work income last year was $5,616; however, mine was about $65,000. I do not plan on taking my benefit until…
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