Medicare & Social Security
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Advisor for Sosial Security Benefits
Feb 2013
Does this role/profession exist?: Advisors for Social Security and Medicare benefits? e.g., how to plan, best steps to take? I have three people in my life very close to me who are turning 65, and need help navigating the system. I know you can call the agencies directly - I thought there might be people outside the systems who can advise, in order to maximize available benefits in each individual's situation. I do know that there are financial advisors who might advise on SS benefits as part of their services - but my impression is that they do this along with selling a financial product, like annuities, so that is their perspective. (Not rejecting the idea of purchasing financial products if that is the best solution - but we need an objective eye to see if that might truly be a best solution.)
HICAP gives free advice on Medicare issues and problems and they are volunteers who do it for free.I would call your local Senior Center and tell them you would like to meet with someone from HICAP for Medicare advice.Maybe they can point you in the right direction for your other concerns. Ellen
A financial advisor should be able to update you on current social security issues. You still, however, should be delving all the reading you can get your hands on to make it work for you. Some financial advisors know WAY more about it than others. There are no specific professionals for this area as far as I know. I would call social security also and find out about perhaps local seminars given by your community. Remember, the laws CHANGE. For instance, there was a provision where a person could draw social security at 62, the lower rates, then repay and recalculate at are 66. THAT practice is now gone. So the issues can be different all the time. almost at soc security age
I highly recommend Lan Shaw of Edward Jones Investments for social security and medicare benefits advice. Her office is in downtown Berkeley across from the Brower Center. She has extensive knowledge and experience on these benefits. She is very helpful in helping to understand how social security fits into the overall retirement income plan; when you should start taking the benefit; taxes and how they may affect your benefits. She also can help develop a strategy to maximize the benefit for you and your spouse. Her contact info is phone# 510-704-8854. Email: lan.shaw [at] edwardjones.com Lisa
When my father-in-law moved to CA on short notice for my help with his critical health care needs, I turned to HICAP for assistance. This is one of those free services. The counselor I worked with was incredibly professional, knowledgeable, and helpful. I suggest starting with you local HICAP location.
I learned a lot from a website https://themedicarefamily.com/ You can schedule a free appointment with them.