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Medicare Open Enrollment ends December 7th
If you haven't reviewed your Medicare Advantage or Part D plan, do it NOW. Plans change every year and you could save hundreds. Use the Medicare Plan Finder to compare.
Phone scam claiming SSA is "suspending" Social Security numbers
Received a robocall saying my SSN was "suspended due to suspicious activity" and I needed to press 1 to speak with an agent. This is a SCAM. SSA will never call and threaten to suspend your number. Hang up immediately.
Alabama Medicaid requiring people to file twice — causing people to lose coverage
Multiple people in Alabama are being told their Medicaid renewal "wasn't received" even though they submitted it. The state is making people re-file, and many are losing coverage in the gap. If you're in AL, submit your renewal AND keep a copy with a timestamp.
You can schedule SSA appointments online — skip the 3-hour wait
I didn't know this until Dr. Ed mentioned it: you can schedule an appointment at your local SSA office through ssa.gov instead of walking in. I scheduled mine for 10am Tuesday, walked in, and was out in 20 minutes. Game changer.
2026 COLA increase is 2.5% — here's what that means for your check
The 2026 Cost of Living Adjustment is 2.5%. For the average retiree getting $1,927/month, that's about $48 more per month starting January. But watch out — Medicare Part B premiums may eat into some of that increase.
Fake "Medicare rebate" texts asking for bank info
Got a text saying I'm owed a $1,400 Medicare rebate and to click a link to claim it. The link goes to a fake CMS website. Medicare will NEVER text you asking for bank information. Report these to 1-800-MEDICARE.
LA downtown SSA office — bring a book, but the staff is actually helpful
Waited 2.5 hours at the downtown LA office on a Monday. Pro tip: go on Wednesday or Thursday after 2pm — much shorter wait. The staff was actually very patient and helpful once I got to the window. Ask for a supervisor if you feel your case isn't being handled right.
If you're denied disability, DON'T give up — the appeal success rate is over 50%
I was denied SSDI on my first application. Almost gave up. Dr. Ed's guide said to file a Request for Reconsideration within 60 days. I did, got a hearing with an ALJ, and was approved. Over half of people who appeal win. Don't quit.
SNAP benefits income limits increased for 2026
Good news: SNAP income limits went up in October. A single person can now earn up to $1,644/month (gross) and still qualify. If you were previously denied, it's worth reapplying. Many seniors don't realize they qualify.
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SSA appointment scheduling tip
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Fake Medicare rebate text scam
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Tampa SSA office wait time report
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