Core Insights - Healthcare costs significantly impact retirees' Social Security benefits, with many retirees reporting that medical expenses consume a large portion of their income [1][2]. Group 1: Financial Impact on Retirees - Out-of-pocket medical costs account for approximately one-third of a typical retiree's Social Security income and nearly a quarter of their total income [2]. - Some retirees report spending over $11,000 annually on healthcare services, including premiums for Medicare Part B and other supplements, challenging the notion of "free healthcare" under Medicare [3]. - A significant number of seniors have had to forgo medical care due to high costs, with over half of America's 55.8 million seniors skipping at least one healthcare product or service in the past year [4]. Group 2: Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLA) - The current COLA formula is criticized for not accurately reflecting the rising healthcare costs faced by retirees, leading to a disconnect between income adjustments and actual expenses [5][6]. - The cost-of-living index used does not adequately track the specific medical expenses that retirees incur, which are a larger percentage of their yearly expenses compared to the general population [5].

Core Insights - Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) allow employees to set aside pre-tax money for qualifying healthcare expenses, providing a tax break and reducing monthly expenses [1] - Unlike Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), FSAs have a strict deadline for spending contributions, with most 2025 FSA funds needing to be used by December 31, 2025, although some plans may offer a grace period until March 15, 2026 [2][5] - Unused FSA funds can be lost if not spent, emphasizing the importance of understanding the specific rules of the employer's plan [3] Spending Options - Employers may provide a grace period of up to 2.5 months to utilize remaining FSA funds [5] - Suggested items for spending unused FSA funds include: - Dental care services such as cleanings or fillings [6] - Over-the-counter medications [6] - Vision exams and new glasses [6] - First-aid supplies [6] - Chiropractic care [6] - Contact lenses and lens solutions [6] - Cough drops [6] - Flu shots and other vaccines [7] - Menstrual products [7] - Massage therapy [7] - A comprehensive list of eligible products and services is available through FSA Feds, encouraging users to check for regularly used items [7]

Core Insights - Solventum Corporation (SOLV) is valued at a market cap of $12.7 billion and operates in the healthcare sector, focusing on medical supplies, dental care, health information systems, and purification technologies [1] - SOLV is classified as a large-cap stock, indicating its significant size and influence in the medical instruments and supplies industry, providing science-driven solutions that enhance patient safety and healthcare efficiency [2] Financial Performance - SOLV's shares have decreased by 14.6% from its 52-week high of $85.92, while the S&P 500 Index has returned 10.5% over the same period [3] - Over the past 52 weeks, SOLV has gained 4.7%, underperforming the S&P 500's 16.4% increase, and on a year-to-date basis, SOLV is up 11.1% compared to the S&P 500's 13.2% rise [4] - In Q2, SOLV reported net sales of $2.2 billion, a 3.8% year-over-year increase, exceeding consensus estimates by 1.9%, with strong performance in MedSurg and HIS segments [5] - The adjusted EPS for Q2 was $1.69, reflecting an 8.3% increase from the previous year and 16.6% above analyst expectations, leading to an upward revision of fiscal 2025 guidance [5]