The number may surprise you -- but not necessarily in a good way.Gen Xers are a unique bunch. They were independent as kids, skeptical as young adults, and adaptable from a technology standpoint.But Gen Xers have also faced their share of financial challenges and upheaval. They had to grapple with the early 1900s recession as young workers, and then the dot-com bust and 2008 financial crisis during their higher-earning years. Throw in the big shift from workplace pensions to self-funded retirement savings t ...

For many retirees, selling their home is one of the biggest financial windfalls they’ll see outside of work — especially if they’ve owned it for decades, given the rapid rise in home prices. According to the Joint Center for Housing Studies (JCHS) at Harvard University — which used data from the 2022 Survey of Consumer Finances — median home equity for homeowners age 65 and over was about $250,000 that year. (1) As a result, selling the family home could feel like cashing in a lottery ticket. Must Read ...

Elevance Health Earnings Add to Medicare Pain. Why The Stock Is Rising Anyway. - Barron'sSkip to Main ContentThis copy is for your personal, non-commercial use only. Distribution and use of this material are governed by our Subscriber Agreement and by copyright law. For non-personal use or to order multiple copies, please contact Dow Jones Reprints at 1-800-843-0008 or visit www.djreprints.com.# Elevance Health Earnings Add to Medicare Pain. Why The Stock Is Rising Anyway.By [Mackenzie Tatananni]and [Alex K ...

The Trump Administration is proposing to keep Medicare payments to insurers roughly steady next year, the Wall Street Journal reported on Monday, noting the plan includes an average rate increase of j... ...

Core Insights - The article highlights significant structural changes in retirement and healthcare financing in the U.S. by 2026, which will impact consumer payment methods for care and competition among medical device companies [1] Policy Changes - The IRS has increased Health Savings Account (HSA) contribution limits for 2026 to $4,400 for individuals and $8,750 for families, up from $4,300 and $8,550 in 2025 respectively [2] - The age-55 "catch-up" contribution remains at $1,000, reflecting cost-of-living adjustments aimed at preserving the tax-advantaged nature of HSAs [3] - Medicare Part B premiums are rising to $202.90 per month, an increase of nearly $18 from 2025, with the Part B deductible increasing to $283 [4] Implications of HSA and Medicare Changes - The rising HSA limits make HSAs more attractive for managing out-of-pocket healthcare costs, while higher Medicare premiums may lead to increased enrollment in Medicare plans and ancillary services [5] - HSAs can be used for both current medical costs and qualified medical device expenses, allowing consumers to save more tax-free dollars for durable medical equipment [6] - Higher premiums may increase demand for technologies that improve disease self-management and prevent costly complications, influencing total care costs [7] Companies Positioned to Benefit - DexCom, ResMed, and Masimo are identified as companies likely to benefit from these trends due to their focus on markets where out-of-pocket costs and reimbursement policies significantly affect adoption [8] - DexCom's continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems may see increased adoption as higher HSA limits help patients manage diabetes costs [9] - ResMed's devices for sleep and respiratory care align with the aging Medicare demographic and rising out-of-pocket care needs [9] - Masimo's monitoring tools support preventive care, which becomes more relevant as Medicare premiums rise [9] Company-Specific Insights - DexCom is a leader in CGM systems, providing real-time glucose data that aids in insulin delivery and lifestyle management, with a focus on expanding Medicare coverage for CGM devices [10][11] - Higher HSA limits allow diabetes patients to allocate more pre-tax savings for CGM systems, reducing financial barriers to adoption [12] - ResMed specializes in devices for sleep-disordered breathing, with rising premiums incentivizing seniors to use HSAs for optimal therapy devices [15][16] - Masimo develops non-invasive monitoring systems, with increased demand for preventive monitoring as Medicare beneficiaries face higher premiums [18][19]

Core Insights - Many American workers retire at age 62, which is the earliest age to receive Social Security benefits, but they often face a gap until Medicare coverage begins at age 65 [1] - Early retirees or those laid off may encounter significant health insurance costs, ranging from $1,072 to $1,120 per month, leading to financial anxiety [2] - Controlling modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) is crucial for early retirees to manage health care costs effectively [3] MAGI and Health Care Costs - MAGI serves as a key factor for early retirees concerned about health insurance premiums, as it determines eligibility for the premium tax credit (PTC) under the Affordable Care Act [4] - To qualify for the PTC, a household's MAGI must typically be under 400% of the federal poverty line, with a temporary calculation method in place from 2021 to 2025 [5] - Lowering MAGI increases the likelihood of qualifying for the PTC, which can significantly reduce health care premiums [5] Strategies for Reducing MAGI - There are strategic methods available for retirees to lower their MAGI while maintaining a comfortable retirement income [6] - An example of a married couple aged 60 filing jointly illustrates how controlling MAGI can help offset health insurance costs [6]

Core Insights - The article emphasizes the importance of evaluating financial readiness before retirement, particularly for those planning to retire in 2026, and suggests that relying solely on Social Security may not be sufficient for a comfortable retirement [1]. Financial Overview - The average monthly Social Security benefit for retired workers was $2,013.32 as of November 2025, which translates to approximately $24,000 annually. This amount is expected to increase slightly due to a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) in 2026 [3][5]. - Medicare Part B premiums are projected to rise to $202.90 per month in 2026, which will be deducted from Social Security benefits, potentially reducing the net income available to retirees [4]. Retirement Planning Strategies - The article suggests that individuals relying solely on Social Security should consider delaying retirement to build additional savings, such as contributing to an IRA or 401(k), which can provide financial flexibility [6]. - Even a modest contribution, such as $12,000 into an IRA over two additional working years, can help cover unexpected expenses during retirement, thereby enhancing financial security [7][9]. - The article highlights the potential struggles retirees may face if they depend exclusively on Social Security, advocating for supplementary income sources, including part-time or gig work, to improve overall financial stability [8].

The Trump administration proposed new payment cuts in Medicare for prescription drugs, even as pharmaceutical companies struck deals with the government in an effort to avoid just such measures https://t.co/PWzNhQcc2a ...

The Trump administration announced today new moves meant to crack down on care for transgender minors across the country. This morning, Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.. unveiled the steps his department is taking. It includes barring hospitals that participate in Medicare and Medicaid from performing transition related care. >> There is divine worth in every person.It shines most brightly in our children. That worth commands us to protect them. And as long as I serve ...

Key Points Don't take withdrawals without a plan. Don't unload too much risk. Don't forget about the importance of cash. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › If you're gearing up to retire in 2026, you may be spending the next few months counting down happily in your head. Hopefully, though, you'll be doing a lot of financial planning as well. It's important to decide when to claim Social Security ahead of retirement so you choose the filing age that works for yo ...