Social Security & Medicare, A M-WIL
Most of us pay into Social Security and Medicare throughout our working lives; in retirement, we receive benefits. But to get the most out of these two government programsâand tailor them to your personal situationâyou need to learn how they work.
Social Security & Medicare Encyclopedia Articles By Title
A Medicare primer: Parts A, B, C, and D, plus how to enroll
Medicare is a health insurance plan administered by the U.S. federal government for those age 65 or older. President......
Calculating your Social Security benefits? Breakeven ages and how to decide
If youâre like most Americans, youâve been paying into Social Security ever since you received your first paycheck.......
Collecting Social Security benefits when youâre divorced
Social Security spousal benefits let you claim up to half of your spouseâs retirement benefitâif that amount is......
Do you qualify for Social Security spousal benefits?
If you are (or were) married, and you worked as a caregiver or part-time (or even full-time at a low salary) for......
Filling the Original Medicare gap: What is Medicare Supplement Insurance?
If youâve read even just a little about Medicare, you may have already come across the synonymous terms Medicare......
Medicare IRMAA: Income-related monthly adjustment amount
It often starts with a letter from the Social Security Administration (SSA). Instead of the Medicare premium you......
Medicare Part D: Navigating prescription drug coverage
Medicare Part D provides prescription drug coverage for anyone age 65 and older who is enrolled in Medicare. Alongside......
Original Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage: Which is right for me?
Signing up for Medicare is straightforward if youâre eligible. Apply online at the Social Security Administration......
Social Security COLA 2027: What you need to know
On October 14, 2026, the Social Security Administration released its cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2027.......
Social Security credits: Are you getting the credit you deserve?
Editorâs note: This article first appeared in Money Matters, a newsletter from Britannica Money, on August 30,......
Social Security Disability Insurance: How to qualify and what affects your benefits
A long-term disability can take you out of the workforce with little or no warning, leaving you without a paycheck.......
Social Security survivor benefits: How they work
When someone who paid into Social Security dies, their family members may be eligible for survivor benefits. Monthly......
Social Security work credits: What they are and how to earn them
Most workers know theyâll eventually qualify for Social Security, but few understand how they become eligible.......
The best age to claim Social Security
Editorâs note: This article first appeared in Money Matters, a newsletter from Britannica Money, on June 28, 2026.......
The Social Security decision: Drawing early, delaying, or taking at full retirement age
Your age when you start taking Social Security has a big impact on how much you receive in benefits each month.......
What are Medicare Advantage plans, and how are they structured?
Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private health insurers and provide an alternative to traditional Medicare.......
Why thereâs no easy fix for Social Security
Editorâs note: This article first appeared in Money Matters, a newsletter from Britannica Money, on July 29, 2026.......
Will my Social Security benefits be taxed?
Youâve retired and your Social Security checks have started arriving. But depending on your other income, you may......
Will Social Security run out? 3 myths and truths
The so-called Social Security crisis has taken root in the popular imagination, stoking fears that this pillar......