​For nearly 80 years, Social Security has provided a valuable financial safety net for seniors and other vulnerable Americans. The program was created in 1935 when President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act.1
 
The first Social Security benefit was paid out to a Cleveland motorman later that year. He collected a lump sum of 17 cents.1 From 1937 to 1940, the Social Security Administration (SSA) made lump-sum benefit payments before switching to guaranteed* monthly lifetime payments for all retirees age 65 and older. The rules have changed gradually over the years. However, Social Security still operates largely the same way it did in the beginning. Below are common questions and answers about Social Security and the role it may play in your retirement:

Social Security Benefits
 
As mentioned, Social Security operates as a financial safety net for millions of Americans. As of December 2017 the program paid benefits to more than 45 million retirees and dependents, over 10 million disabled Americans and dependents, as well as 6 million survivors. Retiree payments account for 72 percent of benefits; disabled workers account for 16 percent, and the remainder is paid to survivors.2
 
More than 90 percent of those age 65 and older rely on Social Security benefits for some portion of their income.2 In fact, for many seniors, Social Security makes up a significant amount of their total cash flow. Among retirement benefit recipients, half of married couples and 71 percent of singles say that Social Security represents more than half of their income.2

Filing for Benefits
 
You can file for Social Security retirement benefits when you turn 62. However, your benefit is reduced if you file before your full retirement age (FRA), which lands between the 66th and 67th birthdays for most people. In fact, your benefit could be reduced as much as 35 percent.3
 
You can avoid a reduction by waiting until your FRA to file, but you don’t have to file at that time. In fact, you could significantly increase your benefit amount by delaying your filing. Social Security offers an 8 percent benefit credit for every year that you wait after your FRA. If your FRA is 66 and you wait until age 70 to file, that’s a total permanent benefit increase of 32 percent.4

Social Security Solvency
 
There’s been plenty of news about Social Security’s funding issues and solvency problems. It’s true that Social Security faces serious financial challenges, but the program won’t disappear anytime soon. In 2020 the SSA will start paying out more in benefits each year than it collects in payroll taxes. That means it will have to dip into the trust fund, which is projected to be depleted by 2034.5
 
Even after the trust fund is gone, however, the program will continue to collect taxes to fund benefits. Experts estimate that with benefit cuts, perhaps as much as 21 percent, the program could remain solvent through 2090.5
 
Ready to plan your Social Security strategy? Let’s talk about it. Contact us today at Senior Care Alliance. We can help you analyze your needs and develop a plan. Let’s connect soon and start the conversation.



1https://www.ssa.gov/history/briefhistory3.html
2https://www.ssa.gov/news/press/factsheets/basicfact-alt.pdf
3https://www.ssa.gov/planners/retire/agereduction.html
4https://www.ssa.gov/planners/retire/1943-delay.html
5https://www.fool.com/retirement/2017/05/22/a-big-social-security-change-is-coming-in-2020-and.aspx
 
Licensed Insurance Professional. This information is designed to provide a general overview with regard to the subject matter covered and is not state specific. The authors, publisher and host are not providing legal, accounting or specific advice for your situation. By providing your information, you give consent to be contacted about the possible sale of an insurance or annuity product. This information has been provided by a Licensed Insurance Professional and does not necessarily represent the views of the presenting insurance professional. The statements and opinions expressed are those of the author and are subject to change at any time. All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however, presenting insurance professional makes no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. This material has been prepared for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide, and should not be relied upon for, accounting, legal, tax or investment advice. This information has been provided by a Licensed Insurance Professional and is not sponsored or endorsed by the Social Security Administration or any government agency.
The material is not intended to be legal or tax advice. The insurance agent can provide information, but not advice related to social security benefits. Clients should seek guidance from the Social Security Administration regarding their particular situation. The insurance agent may be able to identify potential retirement income gaps and may introduce insurance products, such as an annuity, as a potential solution. Social Security benefit payout rates can and will change at the sole discretion of the Social Security Administration. For more information, please consult a local Social Security Administration office, or visit www.ssa.gov
*Guarantees, including optional benefits, are backed by the claims-paying ability of the issuer, and may contain limitations, including surrender charges, which may affect policy values.
17846 – 2018/7/30

 
According to a recent Fidelity study, health care could be a major expense for many retirees. The study found that the average 65-year-old couple can expect to spend nearly $280,000 on out-of-pocket health care costs in retirement.1 Think that estimate sounds high? Consider that you will likely have to pay for things like premiums, copays, deductibles and more.
 
Many retirees assume that Medicare will pay for most or all of their health care costs. However, that’s usually not the case. Your Medicare coverage depends on your specific options. The more robust your coverage, the higher your premiums are likely to be. And some treatments, such as long-term care and rehabilitation, aren’t covered by Medicare at all.
 
If you haven’t planned for your health care needs in retirement, now may be the time to do so. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to minimize your risk exposure and perhaps reduce your out-of-pocket costs. Below are a few tips to help you get started:

Be proactive about your health.
 
They say prevention is the best medicine, and that’s certainly true in retirement. If you’re approaching retirement, now may be a good time to consult with your physician about your current health and what you can do to minimize risk. For instance, perhaps you could improve your diet or exercise routine. Maybe you should undergo that long-delayed procedure now so you won’t have to deal with it in retirement. Think about what you can do to improve your health.
 
You can also be more proactive when it comes to treatments and services. Once you’re on Medicare, don’t be afraid to ask which tests and procedures are necessary and how they relate to your symptoms. After all, you’ll likely have to pay at least something for much of your care, in the form of either copays or deductibles. Don’t hesitate to ask which services are truly necessary and which aren’t.

Choose the right Medicare coverage for your needs.

Medicare coverage is offered in a variety of different programs known as “parts.” Part A is standard for every retiree and is free. It covers hospitalizations and inpatient services. Part B covers doctor visits and outpatient care. Part D covers prescription drugs.
 
Part C is an innovative program also known as Medicare Advantage. It allows private insurers to offer coverage that includes traditional Medicare protection but also enhanced coverage. These policies may offer flexibility with deductibles or premiums and often provide protection for services not traditionally covered by Medicare, such as dental visits or eye care.
 
Take time to choose the Medicare package that best fits your needs. While you can’t predict your future health, you can make an educated decision based on your medical history. If you have a chronic condition or need regular care, robust coverage may be best for you.

Contribute to a health savings account (HSA).
 
You’ll likely have some level of out-of-pocket medical expenses that you’ll need to fund with your retirement savings. However, you can use a unique tool to save for those costs on a tax-advantaged basis.
 
An HSA allows you to make tax-deductible contributions and then increase your funds on a tax-deferred basis. If you use the money for qualified health care costs, you can take tax-free distributions. That means you can start saving today to pay for your medical expenses in the future, and you can do so in a tax-favored manner.
 
Ready to plan your health care strategy? Let’s talk about it. Contact us today at Senior Care Alliance. We can help you analyze your needs and implement a plan. Let’s connect soon and start the conversation.
 
1https://www.fidelity.com/viewpoints/personal-finance/plan-for-rising-health-care-costs
 
Licensed Insurance Professional. This information is designed to provide a general overview with regard to the subject matter covered and is not state specific. The authors, publisher and host are not providing legal, accounting or specific advice for your situation. By providing your information, you give consent to be contacted about the possible sale of an insurance or annuity product. This information has been provided by a Licensed Insurance Professional and does not necessarily represent the views of the presenting insurance professional. The statements and opinions expressed are those of the author and are subject to change at any time. All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however, presenting insurance professional makes no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. This material has been prepared for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide, and should not be relied upon for, accounting, legal, tax or investment advice. This information has been provided by a Licensed Insurance Professional and is not sponsored or endorsed by the Social Security Administration or any government agency.
17859 – 2018/7/31