Medicare Out-of-Pocket Costs: How Do Enrollees Get Protection?
Congress could mitigate inequities with some sensible Medicare program reforms, says Morningstar contributor Mark Miller.
Mark Miller
Mark Miller is a journalist and author who writes about trends in retirement and aging. He is a columnist for Reuters and also contributes to WealthManagement.com and the AARP magazine. He publishes a weekly newsletter on news and trends in the field at https://retirementrevised.com/enewsletter/.
Latest
It’s Time to Revisit Social Security’s Early and Delayed Claiming Formulas
The current system dates to the 1950s--and much has changed since then.
Required Minimum Distributions: Why All the Tinkering?
Congress continues to change the RMD rules, but contributor Mark Miller argues the activity isn't improving retirement security.
The 2021 Retirement Landscape
Medicare and Social Security solvency are among the top retirement challenges this year, says contributor Mark Miller.
Can You Age in Place?
A shortage of age-friendly communities may make it challenging.
The Trouble With Social Security COLAs and Medicare Premiums
Meager cost-of-living adjustments coupled with Part B increases continue to erode the standard of living for many retirees.
Your 2021 Medicare Fall Enrollment Checklist
How to effectively and efficiently re-evaluate your prescription drug or Medicare Advantage coverage.
What the Election May Mean for Retirees and Healthcare
The next administration will face several healthcare-related issues. Contributor Mark Miller unpacks some of them.
What the Election May Mean for Social Security
The next administration will face key policy questions related to the program's long-term solvency, says contributor Mark Miller.
The Coronavirus Pandemic and Retirement Security
Why retiring early in the face of COVID-19 may spell bad news for your plan.
When Do Lump Sum Pension Buyouts Make Sense?
Contributor Mark Miller discusses the pros and cons to consider before accepting these offers.
Should You Pay Off Your Mortgage?
Retirees looking for a decent return in this low-rate climate would be wise to consider it.
The Pandemic, Social Security, and Medicare
Contributor Mark Miller discusses what the COVID-19 crisis might mean for these important retirement programs.
How to Approach Social Security During a Pandemic
Avoid an added layer of difficulty during this time by learning about your options.
The Pandemic's Impact on Social Security and Medicare
Contributor Mark Miller examines the health of these critical programs in the face of the COVID-19 crisis.
What the Economic Downturn Could Mean for Pension Plans
Contributor Mark Miller explores the health of corporate, multiemployer, and public plans.
Dealing With Social Security and Medicare During the Coronavirus Crisis
Things have become more complicated, writes contributor Mark Miller.
A Primer on Annuities
Contributor Mark Miller walks through the various products and features and discusses for whom they’re best suited.
New Retirement Law Throws IRA Heirs a Curveball
Contributor Mark Miller discusses the death of stretch IRAs contained in the SECURE Act--and how retirement planners are scrambling to respond.
The 2020 Retirement Landscape
Contributor Mark Miller examines how his predictions for 2019 turned out and shares his expectations for 2020.
Understanding Medicare Surcharges
Wealthy enrollees pay more for premiums--how can you avoid it?
Your 2020 Medicare Fall Enrollment Checklist
Contributor Mark Miller explains how to effectively and efficiently re-evaluate your prescription drug or Medicare Advantage coverage.
Inflation and Your Retirement
Contributor Mark Miller unpacks the impact inflation has on retirees and how to prepare for it.
Women, Marriage, and Retirement Risk
Mark Miller unpacks a new study's surprising findings: Married women face more risk in retirement than single women.
Retirement Healthcare Costs: Strategies for Meeting the Challenge
Healthcare spending poses risks to your retirement plan. Contributor Mark Miller shares strategies for controlling costs and building resources.
Should Working Longer Be a Part of Your Retirement Plan?
Working longer can help you save more for retirement, but it isn't always possible.
Retirement Healthcare Costs: Let's Get Real
Many worry about healthcare spending in retirement, but it’s important to break the numbers down and plan accordingly, says contributor Mark Miller.
Avoid These Medicare Pitfalls
Contributor Mark Miller points out the pain points when signing up for Medicare.
Treat Your Work as a Retirement Asset
Contributor Mark Miller offers concrete steps to take to protect your human capital as retirement nears.
The Transition to Medicare: How to Get It Right
Contributor Mark Miller discusses the pitfalls to avoid.
The Uptick in Annuities
Contributor Mark Miller looks at the factors driving the healthy growth in fixed annuity sales.
Medicare for All: What's in It for Seniors?
As debate heats up, contributor Mark Miller looks at Medicare's current shortcomings and how single-payer plans propose to fix them.
Will the Big Social Security Fix Include Expansion?
Contributor Mark Miller discusses the current thinking in Washington about Social Security reform.
How Life Expectancy Affects Retirement Planning
Morningstar contributor Mark Miller looks at longevity assumptions used most in retirement plans. Are they realistic?
The 2019 Retirement Landscape
State-sponsored retirement savings programs, the meltdown of multiemployer pension plans, and best interest regulation are among the top retirement topics this year, says contributor Mark Miller.
When Couples Retire Together--or Don't
There's a growing 'couples disconnect' when it comes to retirement, says contributor Mark Miller. And that's not necessarily a bad thing.
5 Key Retiree Healthcare Trends
Mark Miller discusses the statistics in costs related to retiree healthcare.
Do's and Don'ts for Medicare Open Enrollment
Contributor Mark Miller discusses reshopping coverage and how to find the best plan for you.
Your 2019 Medicare Open Enrollment Checklist
Contributor Mark Miller explains how to effectively and efficiently re-evaluate your prescription drug or Medicare Advantages coverage.
Should RMD Rules Be Reformed?
Contributor Mark Miller reviews some of the proposals--and other ideas--for changing the rules for required minimum distributions.
Safeguarding Your Wealth From the Effects of Cognitive Decline
Some degree of cognitive decline is inevitable for most. Contributor Mark Miller outlines steps to take today to protect your assets.
How to Blend Work and Retirement
For many, retirement isn't a full stop. Contributor Mark Miller discusses how to plan for a phased retirement that includes work and shares useful resources.
A Tax-Smart Way to Give to Charity
The new tax law makes qualified charitable contributions from IRAs more appealing for many retirees. Contributor Mark Miller explains why.
Company Stock Ownership: The Risks Outweigh the Rewards
Don't let your company's stock weigh down your retirement plan, warns contributor Mark Miller.
When Are You 'Money Ahead' on Social Security?
Your "break-even age" is just one factor to consider when deciding when to claim, says contributor Mark Miller.
Why Gig Workers Face Retirement Challenges
Jobs outside the structure of full-time work lack the features and benefits that fund retirement security, says contributor Mark Miller.
The State of the Long-Term Care Industry
Contributor Mark Miller discusses premiums, hybrid policies, and Medicaid.
Top Social Security Questions, Answered
Mark Miller tackles delayed filing, break-even points, and means testing.
The Long-Term Care Insurance Market Evolves
The commercial market shifts to policies combining care protections with life insurance, notes contributor Mark Miller.
How Retirees Are Taxed
Policies on income and property levies can differ starkly from state to state.