Dr. Ed - Former SSA Manager

Medicare doesn't cover dental, vision, or hearing aids—even though most retirees need all three. A full set of dentures can cost $3,000+, cataract surgery $5,000, and hearing aids $2,500 per ear. You'll pay out-of-pocket unless you buy separate dental and vision insurance or a Medicare Advantage plan that includes these benefits. Don't assume Original Medicare covers routine care—it doesn't. Have you looked into standalone dental or vision policies to fill these gaps?

When someone dies, the estate pays the debts — not the children. But debt collectors know most families don't understand the rules, and they use that confusion to pressure relatives into paying bills they don't legally owe.

Here's what actually happens: Credit card debt, medical bills, and personal loans are paid from the deceased person's assets before anyone inherits. If the estate doesn't have enough to cover everything, most unsecured debts are simply written off. You are not responsible for your parent's credit card balance unless your name was on the account.

The exception: co-signed loans, jointly held credit cards, or community property states where a surviving spouse may be liable. But even then, adult children are protected.

Here's what to do: Never pay a bill from your own money until you've spoken with the estate attorney or executor. Ask for written verification of any debt. And if a collector implies you're legally obligated, get legal advice before you respond.

Did you know heirs are usually protected from a parent's unsecured debt? Have you ever been contacted by a collector after a family member passed?

If you're collecting Social Security, a pension, or IRA distributions in retirement, your state could be taking thousands of dollars a year that other retirees keep.

Nine states have no income tax at all—meaning everything you withdraw stays in your pocket. Another 14 states exempt Social Security, and several others offer generous breaks on pension and retirement account income.

But the rules vary wildly. Some states tax Social Security above certain income limits. Others tax pensions but not IRAs. A few tax everything.

If you're planning where to retire—or whether to move—this is one of the biggest financial decisions you'll make. A $50,000 annual retirement income could cost you $3,000+ in state taxes in one state and zero in another.

Are you in a tax-friendly state for retirees, or are you paying more than you need to?

If you lost a spouse, retired early, or had a major income drop, you may qualify to appeal your IRMAA surcharge—even if your tax return shows higher income from two years ago.

Medicare uses a two-year lookback, but they allow life-changing event appeals for: death of a spouse, retirement, divorce, loss of pension, or disaster-related income loss.

The form is SSA-44 (Medicare Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount – Life-Changing Event). You'll need proof: death certificate, final pay stub, pension termination letter, or divorce decree.

Here's what to do: File within 60 days of receiving your IRMAA notice. You can submit online at ssa.gov, by mail, or at your local Social Security office.

Have you or someone you know successfully appealed an IRMAA surcharge?