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Retirement | Clearmatch Medicare

Our goal is to provide you with valuable insights and advice on retirement. From financial information and retirement plans to new hobbies and travel ideas, our goal is to help you navigate the many paths and opportunities that come with this exciting phase of your life. 

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Call to see if your zip code has plans that add cash back to your Social Security check each month!

Original Medicare typically only pays for eyeglasses following cataract surgery.

Medicare coverage for eyecare is limited to people who have or are at high risk for certain conditions. Eyeglasses are only covered after cataract surgery.

Does Medicare Pay for Eyeglasses for Diabetics?

Before you sign on the dotted line, you should understand how your insurance policy works. These questions will help.

You deserve to know exactly how your insurance policy works. Here’s how to figure out what’s covered before you sign on the dotted line.

9 Questions to Ask Your Medicare Agent

9 Questions to Ask Your ClearMatch Medicare Agent

Naturopathic medicine is an independent branch of medicine that uses natural and non-invasive methods to treat various conditions and diseases.

Medicare covers two types of naturopathic medicine under very specific conditions: chiropractic care and acupuncture to treat chronic low back pain.

Does Medicare Cover Naturopathic Medicine?

Medicare covers a variety of costs for diabetes treatment, with Part D helping to pay for Trulicity.

Trulicity, in combination with healthy lifestyle changes, is prescribed to treat type 2 diabetes. Most Medicare Part D plans cover it.

Does Medicare Pay for Trulicity?

Most Medicare Advantage plans include routine dental care like biannual exams and cleanings.

Aetna Medicare Advantage plans cover a variety of routine dental care, as well as more comprehensive services, like crowns, extractions, and bridges.

Does Aetna Cover Dental

Your Social Security benefit is based on your earnings and age at retirement, but the maximum payment you can receive is $4,555 in 2023.

Your Social Security retirement benefit is based on your lifetime average salary as reported to the Social Security Administration over a 35-year period.

What Is the Maximum Social Security Payment?

By gathering your documents ahead of time, you'll find getting a Social Security card is pretty easy.

A Social Security card is one of the most important pieces of identification in the United States. Here's how to replace yours if its lost or stolen.

How to Get a Social Security Card

How much you need for retirement varies, but in general, you want to replace 80% of your pre-retirement income.

How much you need to save for retirement varies, but most experts recommend saving around 15% of your pre-retirement income in a retirement account.

What Percentage of My Income Should I Save for Retirement?

Knowing the difference between early retirement, full retirement age, and delayed retirement is a vital part of successful retirement planning.

Do you know the difference between early, full, and delayed retirement? Your Social Security benefits vary depending on how old you are when you retire.

What Is Full Retirement Age?

Knowing your projected Social Security benefit is an important part of retirement planning.

Your maximum Social Security benefit depends on a variety of factors, but it's mainly based on the 35 years you made the most money and when you retire.

What Is The Maximum Social Security Benefit?

Take advantage of your age and start saving money every time you shop, dine, or have fun. Here’s how.

Your age is your ticket to major deals and discounts for everything from retail therapy to meals to travel. Here’s how to use it to your advantage.

Senior Discounts Every Retiree Should Know About

30+ Discounts You Can Get When You Reach Retirement Age

Estate plans, healthcare proxies, and more. Some short-term work with the right lawyer can bring long-term peace of mind and independence.

From estate planning to healthcare proxies, elder law experts help older adults maintain their independence and gain greater peace of mind.

Ways an Elder Law Attorney Helps You Prepare for the Future

Most experts recommend saving around 10 times your pre-retirement income.

If you're like most Americans, you haven't saved nearly enough for retirement. Luckily, it's never too early - or too late - to start saving for retirement.

What Is the Average Retirement Savings by Age?

Whether you want cute, sweet, funny, or something wholly unique for that retirement card, we've got you covered!

Should you shoot for funny or keep it totally professional? Here are some examples of what to write in a retirement card as well as gift ideas to consider.

What to Write in a Retirement Card

Active adult communities are neighborhoods where everything is specifically designed for adults age 55 and older. This includes the layout of the community itself, amenities, and even the design and construction of the homes.

Active adult communities are designed for people age 55 and older, featuring amenities like pools, fitness centers, and lots of opportunities to socialize.

What Is an Active Adult Community?

Common Amenities in an Active Adult Community

Active Adult Community Restrictions and Guidelines

Is an Active Adult Community Right for You?

For a growing number of older adults, home sharing is a win-win. Here’s why you should consider joining the movement.

Older adults are increasingly turning to home sharing to reduce their living expenses. But there are other major benefits to consider too.

How and Why to Get a Roommate When You’re Over 65

More 65+ Adults Are Getting Roommates. Should You Join Them?

Are you counting down the days until retirement? When that day finally comes, will you ride off into post-career bliss without ever looking back? If so, then good for you!

Retirement coaches assist in a range of decisions, from finances to behavior. They often act as life coaches for people entering their retirement years.

Do You Need a Retirement Coach?

Since Social Security and Medicare always contact you by mail, it’s important to keep your mailing address up to date.

All communications from both Social Security and Medicare come via U.S. mail, sent to the address the Social Security Administration has on file for you.

Social Security Change of Address

Nearly two-thirds of Americans say aging in place is a goal, but only one-third think they’ll succeed, according to a recent survey by Fresenius Medical Care, a company that supports those with chronic kidney disease. What makes people so pessimistic? Some worry about the financial barriers, while others are concerned about practical or emotional ones—about one in four said their homes weren’t suitable for it, and 19% were worried about feeling alone.

Most Americans want to stay in their homes for as long as possible as they get older. These are the steps to take now.

16 Tips for Aging In Place

Aging in Place: What to Do Now to Stay in Your Home Later

If you feel at loose ends after retirement, you aren’t alone. Here are 18 ways to make the most of your golden years.

Retirement is something you look forward to your whole life, but many people find themselves at loose ends. We’ve got 18 ideas to help you make the change.

What to Do After Retirement

Most experts recommend saving 10x your annual salary for retirement – assuming you retire at full retirement age (or later).

The amount you need for retirement depends on whether you take early, full, or late retirement, as well as your pre-retirement income.

How Much Do You Need For Retirement?

Survivor benefits are based on the amount the deceased paid into Social Security during their lifetime.

It may be the last thing you want to think about after losing a loved one, but it's important to know who qualifies for Social Security survivors' benefits.

Who Is Entitled to Death Benefits in Social Security?

Documents you need for the survivor benefits application

How long do you receive survivor benefits?

Ah, the good life. Retirement gives you time to explore your surroundings, take up new hobbies, and, if you’re a foodie, delve into the world of culinary arts right in your backyard.

If you’re a foodie, the place where you retire should not only have great benefits for retirees but also a thriving food scene to satisfy your taste buds.

3 Great Cities for Foodies to Retire

Millions of older adults say yes! Find out why going back to work on your own terms can boost your physical, mental, and fiscal well-being.

Think you’re ready to join the ranks of the unretired? Learn how going back to work can make you happier.

The Benefits of Working After Retirement

Even if you’re an amateur at do-it-yourself home improvement, you can tackle these updates in a couple of days.

Whether you’re planning to sell your house or you just want to make it homier, these 4 projects deliver.

Increase Your Home Value with These Easy DIY Updates

When it comes to managing your money in retirement, you have a lot of options.

It’s important to keep your money working for you after retirement, but you also need to mitigate risk. Luckily, you have plenty of options.

Where to Put Retirement Money After Retirement

Most states allow you to request a new Social Security card online, but you can also fill out an application and either drop it off or mail it to your local Social Security office.

The documents you need to request a new Social Security card vary depending on whether it's a replacement card or your very first, and where you were born.

How to Get a New Social Security Card

Citizenship(only if you have not already established your U.S. citizenship)

If you are at or near retirement age, chances are high that you've considered moving to an active adult community. It could be that your current home is too big or too far away from your kids and grandkids. Or maybe you're interested in leaving snow and rain for sunny skies. You may also be tempted by all those fun amenities you've heard about. This post looks at the advantages and disadvantages of living in an active adult community

With loads of amenities and opportunities to socialize, active adult communities have exploded in popularity, but they aren't for everyone. Is 55+ for you?

Active Adult Communities

Active Adult Communities: Pros & Cons of 55+ Communities

Whether your goal is to run a marathon or start a business, you’re never too old to get started. These people prove anything is possible.

You can launch a business, earn a degree, or start running marathons when you’re in your 60s or 70s.

Achieve Your Dreams at Any Age

Meet 3 People Who Achieved a Lifelong Dream After Age 60

Replacing a child’s Social Security card is simple, you just need to gather some basic information first.

You can replace a child’s Social Security card fairly easily; you just need to gather some identifying information and documents for both you and the child.

How to Replace a Social Security Card for a Child

When it comes to retirement, you can never start planning too early – especially if you're looking to move to a 55+ retirement community.

If you're thinking of moving to a retirement community, it's a good idea to compare your options carefully. Don't forget to ask plenty of questions, too.

Best Retirement Communities

Want to travel during retirement? Start planning now.

If you've always wanted to travel during retirement, you have something in common with most Americans. Turning your dream into reality requires planning.

Travel During Retirement: Are You Ready to Hit the Road?

Experts recommend a monthly retirement income of around 80% of your pre-tax income prior to leaving the workforce.

A good monthly retirement income varies based on your lifestyle, but aim for around 80% of what you earned each month before retiring.

What Is a Good Monthly Retirement Income?

Whatever you’re interested in, there’s probably someone out there who will pay you to do it.

Get a job at a golf course, teach classes online, cook for people, and other ways to make money during retirement.

10 Fun Ways to Earn Money in Retirement

10 Side Hustles That Will Earn You Money in Retirement

Do you know which of the 50 states are the most retirement-friendly?

If you’re thinking of moving after retirement, look for a state with an affordable cost-of-living, good healthcare, and a positive quality-of-life.

Best Retirement States

Social Security benefits are indeed taxable if your yearly income exceeds certain thresholds.

If your yearly income is over $25,000, a percentage of your Social Security benefits will likely be considered taxable income at the federal level.

Is Social Security Taxable?

American workers are promised a comfortable retirement if they work hard and remain loyal to their employer. Unfortunately, if you're over 50, getting fired before retirement is the norm, not the exception.

Getting fired before retirement leads to loads of questions. What happens to your pension? What will you do for healthcare? These actionable tips can help.

Getting Fired Before Retirement

Getting Fired Before Retirement: What Happens Next?

Although laminating your Social Security card isn’t illegal, it also isn’t a good idea.

Your Social Security card is an important document. Here's how to protect it from damage and what to do if you need a new one.

Can I Laminate My Social Security Card?

Your Social Security retirement benefit is based on 35 years’ worth of earnings.

The Social Security Administration calculates your retirement benefit based on your average indexed monthly earnings over a 35-year period.

How Is Social Security Calculated?

We asked residents to explain how they chose the right community, made friends, and built an exciting new life in retirement.

We asked residents to explain why they made the move, how they met new friends, and how they like life in their retirement and active adult communities.

4 Retirees Share Lessons on Living in a Retirement Community

What It's Really Like to Live in a Retirement Community

There are 26 U.S. states that don't tax military retirement pay.

If you're looking to keep more of your military retirement pay, you might want to move to one of the 26 U.S. states that do NOT tax that as income.

What Are the States That Don't Tax Military Retirement?

Checking your Social Security status is easy – if you know where to look.

Once you know where to look, it’s easy to check the status of your Social Security application. The first thing you need is a my Social Security account.

How Can I Check my Social Security Status?

Small talk can feel like a challenge for some people; how do you break the ice when you no longer can lead with, “What do you do?”

Small-Talk Topics for People Who Have Retired

The kids are all out of the house and the days of a 9 to 5 job are behind you. Life suddenly has lots of space and time and possibility, which can be wonderful and freeing – and maybe a little intimidating.

When you stop punching the clock, life can feel a little unstructured. Here are some ideas for putting that sense of purpose back in your day.

Finding Your Post-Retirement Passion

It's exceedingly rare for health insurance to pay for assisted living and Medicare is no exception.

Like nearly every type of health insurance, Medicare does not pay for assisted living. There are numerous options, though, to help cover this expense.

Will Medicare Pay for Assisted Living

Social Security provides a cost-of-living adjustment each year based on increases in the Consumer Price Index.

Changes in the cost-of-living can impact your Social Security benefits. Here's how COLA protects against such fluctuations and how you can qualify.

When Is Social Security COLA Announced?

When does the cost-of-living adjustment take effect?

Isolation can harm your health. If you’re less social now that you’re no longer working, these tips can help you get out there and find your people.

Feeling lonely or isolated is bad for your health – both physically and mentally. Here’s how to get out there and meet new people, even after retirement.

6 Tips for Making Friends During Retirement

6 Ways to Make New Friends After You Retire

An estate plan is more than a list of who gets what. Make sure your family knows your wishes by creating your plan with these four steps.

We’re simplifying estate planning: Get tips for choosing an executor, formalizing your wishes, and talking to your kids about all of it.

Why you need an estate plan-and how to create one in 4 steps

How to Talk to Your Adult Kids About Money, Part 2

Spending time in nature is good for the body and the soul, so grab the marshmallows, pick a site, and go camping!

Camping has surged in popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Whether your tent is in your backyard or a national park, here’s how to have fun.

Camping: Not Just for Kids

Everyone likes to see themselves reflected in movies and TV - including the 65+ crowd.

There are some great movies out there that highlight the beauty and complexity of aging. Here are seven to put on your must-watch list.

6 Movies About the Joy and Journey of Getting Older

It only takes a few minutes to create your my Social Security account.

Creating your online Social Security account is fast and easy. It's how you change contact information, check benefits, and more.

Creating Your Online Social Security Account

By following these simple steps, you can retire happily - even on a budget.

Tips for Retiring on a Budget

The amount of your Social Security retirement benefit varies depending on how much money you made during your working years and whether you retire early.

Your Social Security retirement benefit is based on your average income over a 30-year period and whether you wait to retire until full retirement age.

How Much Social Security Will I Get?

Experts recommend saving around 10X your annual salary to ensure an enjoyable, comfortable retirement.

Social Security will only cover around 40% of your income after retirement; that's why it's so important to start retirement savings as early as possible.

Best Retirement Investments

Can you remember what you had for dinner two nights ago?

Trying new cuisines can get you out of your food rut--and can even make time stop rushing by. Here are some easy ways to broaden your culinary horizons.

Get Out of Your Food Rut!

Pets are good for your physical and mental health.

Pets offer numerous benefits besides being cute. They can promote socializing, improve health, and give a sense of purpose for older adults.

Five reasons to get a pet when you retire

If you're ready to apply for Social Security benefits, gathering your personal information first makes it faster and easier.

When you're ready to apply for Social Security benefits, you'll save time by gathering your documents and information before starting your application.

Documents Needed to Apply for Social Security Benefits

In 1983, President Reagan signed legislation that imposed income tax on up to 85% of a person's Social Security benefits.

The US government first imposed income tax on Social Security benefits in 1984. The amount varies, but you may owe taxes on up to 85% of your benefit.

Do You Pay Taxes on Social Security?

Experts recommend saving at least 10-15% of your pre-tax income for retirement each year, with the aim of replacing 70-90% of your pre-retirement income.

How much you need for retirement varies according to your current salary and living expenses. A good target is at least 70% of your pre-retirement income.

How Much Should I Save for Retirement?

Worried about having enough money in retirement? These frugal couples share their tips for living within your means — without sacrificing happiness.

These money-saving tips from early retirees will help you retire with confidence.

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