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T-Bills, Savings Bonds, and CD Investments in the Spot Light

Posted on Friday, 8th December 2023 by Dennis Damp

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I started purchasing Treasury Bills in early 2022 to increase our returns due to the extremely low interest rates banks, credit unions, and CDs were offering at the time. The Federal Reserve kept interest rates artificially low far too long. After a decade of near zero interest rates, those on fixed incomes were losing money […]

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MA Plans and the Prescription Drug Plan – Continued

Posted on Friday, 1st December 2023 by Dennis Damp

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I’ve spent most of my time evaluating our health care options this past two months. This year’s focus was on the new Medicare Advantage (MA) plans offered by GEHA and the Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (MPDP) offered by Blue Cross and Blue Shield and 16 other providers. So much to consider and research before staying […]

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Comparing FEHB Plans to their Medicare Advantage (MA) Option

Posted on Friday, 24th November 2023 by Dennis Damp

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This article compares the Government Employees Health Association (GEHA) Standard Plan to their new MA Option. You will have to review the specific plan of interest to ensure it covers the services you need for the upcoming year.   Open season closes December 11, we have less than two weeks to decide whether to stay […]

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2024 FEHB Plan Selection Guide – Which Plan is Best for YOU

Posted on Friday, 17th November 2023 by Dennis Damp

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  Open season runs from November 13th through December 11th.  There are tools available to evaluate provider options, select your 2024 plan, and submit changes to OPM. Use the following resources to make an informed decision for you and your family’s health care needs. Forward this article to others that can use this “Open Season” […]

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Prescription Drug Coverage and MA Plans in 2024 – Part 2

Posted on Friday, 10th November 2023 by Dennis Damp

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The Inflation Reduction Act’s Part D reforms will impact FEHB plans in 2024. Historically, most federal annuitants didn’t need to consider Part D because FEHB prescription drug benefits were as good or better and didn’t have an additional premium. However, OPM has allowed FEHB plans to offer Part D prescription drug plans (PDP) in 2024, […]

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The FEP Medicare Prescription Drug Program (MPDP)

Posted on Thursday, 2nd November 2023 by Dennis Damp

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I received a number of emails from Blue Cross and Blue Shield (BCBS) plan members about this new offering. Federal employees and annuitants, enrolled in Medicare and one of the BCBS plans, will automatically be enrolled in the new MPDP plan unless they opt-out. The BCBS website is fairly straight forward and addresses many of […]

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Pandemonium and Insecurity – The Jackels at Our Gate

Posted on Friday, 20th October 2023 by Dennis Damp

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Throughout the year I occasionally stray from retirement planning and discuss issues that impact everyone. Some readers appreciate my commentary, while others wish I would keep my observations and opinions to myself. This is one of those subjects that everyone should be concerned about. A recent poll found that “Seventy-one percent of registered voters surveyed […]

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2024 COLA Increase is 3.2% & Medicare New Part B & D Premiums

Posted on Friday, 13th October 2023 by Dennis Damp

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More than 71 million Americans will see a 3.2% increase in their Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments in 2024. Social Security retirement benefits will increase on average more than $50 per month starting in January. Federal retiree’s annuities under the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) receive the full 3.2% increase while […]

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