by Joni Beth BaileySouthern Illinois Disability Recipients: Medicare Open Enrollment for 2018 ends December 7, 2017!
Medicare Open Enrollment time is here again! If you are currently enrolled in or eligible for a Medicare health plan, it is time to review your coverage and take action. (more…)
by Joni Beth BaileyCovered by Medicaid? You Might Qualify for Free Transportation to Medical Appointments Through First Transit.
Did you know that if you have a Medicaid card and you do not have a way to get to your medical appointment you can get a free ride by signing up through NETSPAP, the Non-Emergency Transportation Services Prior Authorization Program? What is NETSPAP? The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) reimburses certain Medicaid participants for transportation to qualified...
by Joni Beth BaileyI’m 62 and cannot do my job any longer. Should I Apply for Social Security Retirement or Social Security Disability? Or Both!
Some questions come up again and again at my office. One of the most common questions goes like this: “I am 62 and I cannot do my job anymore. I’m missing work. My co-workers and boss are picking up the slack for me. I’m struggling to figure out what I should do next. Should I apply for Social Security retirement or disability?” The answer to this question is usually “both.” You cannot...
by Joni Beth BaileyEstate Planning: Find Lost Life Insurance Money With This Free Service
If you are the administrator or the executor of someone’s estate, you are responsible for tracking down the estate’s assets. The estate assets could include the death benefits from a life insurance policy on the life of the person who just died. Tracking down life insurance benefits is not always easy. Until Illinois legislators enacted these new laws and regulations, estate administrators...
by Joni Beth BaileySocial Security Administration (SSA) Changes the Rules May 1, 2017
If you have a pending Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claim, you need to pay attention to this rule change: If your case is waiting for a hearing, you will receive a letter with this notice: “You must send us or let us know about all evidence at least 5 business days before your hearing.” What does “5 business days” mean? Usually that means one week...
by Joni Beth BaileyWhen Should I Retire? A Helpful Guide
My clients often ask me, “When is the best age to retire?” Ultimately, there is no one “best age” and your choice will be informed by several factors. The decision on when to retire is one of personal preference. Your full retirement age is based on the year you were born, but you can start your retirement benefit at any point from age 62 up until age 70. You can find...
by Joni Beth Bailey