Get it while you can ... Complex, ever-changing, and controversial, the future of our current system of Social Security and Medicare is uncertain. This indispensable guide explains the proposed changes and current status of these important social programs. Completely revised to incorporate changes to compensation scales and survivor benefits, and with an expanded section on Medicare and the new drug programs, this book is the most up-to-date overview of Social Security and Medicare currently available. * Revised and updated with the latest 2006 statistics on income scales and cost of living; such Social Security Benefits as survivor benefits and disability payments; tax codes; and more * Completely new chapters on Medicare, the Medicare Drug Programs, and the current political climate and proposed changes * Completely revised section on resources

"Understand what the changes in both programs mean for you"--Cover.

Presents a history of Society Security in the United States and covers the basics of collecting retirement benefits, disability benefits, Medicare, medigap, and privatization of Social Security.

Most people realize that the quality of life they want for their future depends on their contributions in the present. Most would probably agree that they want to retire with personal and financial peace of mind-without stress for either themselves or their families. The question you have to ask yourself, however, is will you have enough money to fund your desired lifestyle in retirement? And this is where it gets tricky, because there are so many variables to consider. And this is where The Complete Idiot's Guide to Retirementcomes to the rescue. It helps your to answer the required questions so that you set up a sound plan for retirement.

A prescription for the right health care. Although Medicare Part D, the federal program to subsidize the cost of prescription drugs, went into effect in January 2006, beneficiaries are still confused by it. With The Pocket Idiot's GuideTM to Medicare Part D, readers have all the information they need to pick the plan that's right for them in one handy book that takes them through the process step by step, including what's covered, who's eligible, and understanding costs. *Complements The Complete Idiot's Guide® to Social Security and Medicare, Second Edition, also by Lita Epstein *Includes screenshots of the Medicare online tool to help readers choose the right plan *Beneficial to seniors, their families, and pharmacists

A guide to Social Security benefits for retirees, dependents, and the disabled covers the filing process, eligibility, Medicare, earnings limits, retirement planning, and related questions.

The basic motivators will drive people to want to learn more about this topic—fear, money, and insecurity. Consumers fear losing their life savings to LTC costs. Yet, they hesitate to buy insurance with an annual premium of $1,800 without knowing what it covers. In October of 2002 (one month after this book's release), the federal government will be rolling out a payroll deduction plan whereby all government employees and retirees (approximately 18 million people) will have the same opportunity to save for their long-term care needs as they currently have for their 401(k).