Loss of income from disability has the potential to cause financial hardship. Disability insurance can help.

According to the Social Security Administration, a 20-year-old has more than a 25% chance of becoming disabled before reaching retirement age.1

Loss of income for such a duration has the potential to cause significant financial hardship. And while Social Security Disability Insurance may help, it’s critical to understand that about two-thirds of initial applications are denied and the average SSDI payment is only $1,580 a month.2,3

Disability coverage may be available through your employer, who may pay all or a portion of the cost for your coverage.

Employer plans typically pay up to 60% of your income. This limited coverage might not be enough to meet your bills, which is why you may want to supplement employer-based coverage with a personal policy.4

Taxation of Disability Benefits

When you purchase a personal disability policy, the benefit payments are structured to be income tax-free. Consequently, you may not be eligible for coverage that equals your current salary since your take-home pay is always less.

If your employer paid for your coverage, then the income you receive generally will be taxable. If you paid for a portion of the employer-provided coverage, then the pro rata amount of the benefits you receive are structured to be tax-free.

Choices, Choices, Choices

Consider the waiting period before disability payments begin. A longer waiting period saves you money, but it also means that you may have to live off your savings for a longer period. You are the best judge of how much of this risk you are comfortable assuming.

You also may want to coordinate the waiting period with any short-term disability benefits you could have. For example, if your short-term disability covers you for 90 days, look to have at least a 90-day waiting period so that you can potentially lower the cost of the long-term policy.

Ask how a policy defines an inability to work. Some policies will say “the inability to do any job or task;” others will say “own occupation.” You may prefer the latter definition so you’re not forced to perform some less-skilled, lower-paid work. That type of work may not help you meet your bills.

1. SSA.gov, 2025
2. Disability-Benefits-Help.org, 2025
3. SSA.gov, 2025
4. III.org, 2025
The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. This material was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG, LLC, is not affiliated with the named broker-dealer, state- or SEC-registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Copyright FMG Suite.

Here’s a list of 8 questions to ask that may help you better understand the costs and benefits of extended-care insurance.

Extended-care coverage can be complex. Here’s a list of questions to ask that may help you better understand the costs and benefits of these policies.

What types of facilities are covered? Extended-care policies can cover nursing home care, home health care, respite care, hospice care, personal care in your home, assisted living facilities, adult daycare centers, and other community facilities. Many policies cover some combination of these. Ask what facilities are included when you’re considering a policy.

What is the daily, weekly, or monthly benefit amount? Policies normally pay benefits by the day, week, or month. You may want to evaluate how (and how much) eldercare facilities in your area charge for their services before committing to a policy.

What is the maximum benefit amount? Many policies limit the total benefit they’ll pay over the life of the contract. Some state this limit in years, others in total dollar amount. Be sure to address this question.

What is the elimination period? Extended-care policy benefits don’t necessarily start when you enter a nursing home. Most policies have an elimination period – a timeframe during which the insured is wholly responsible for the cost of care. In many policies, elimination periods will be either 30, 60, or 90 days after nursing home entry or disability.1

Does the policy offer inflation protection? Adding inflation protection to a policy may increase its cost, but it could be very important as the price of extended care may increase significantly over time.

When are benefits triggered? Insurers set some criteria for this. Commonly, extended-care policies pay out benefits when the insured person cannot perform 2 to 3 out of six activities of daily living (ADLs) without assistance. The six activities, cited by most insurance companies, include bathing, caring for incontinence, dressing, eating, toileting, and transferring. A medical evaluation of Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia may also make the insured eligible for benefits.2

Is the policy tax qualified? In such a case, the policyholder may be eligible for a federal or state tax break. Under federal law and some state laws, premiums paid on a tax-qualified extended-care policy are considered tax-deductible medical expenses once certain thresholds are met. The older you are, the more you may be able to deduct under federal law. You must itemize deductions to qualify for such a tax break, of course.3

Keep in mind, this article is for informational purposes only and is not a replacement for real-life advice, so make sure to consult your tax professional before modifying your extended-care strategy.

How strong is the insurance company? There are several firms that analyze the financial strength of insurance companies. Their ratings can give you some perspective.

There are many factors to consider when reviewing extended-care policies. The best policy for you may depend on a variety of factors, including your own unique circumstances and financial goals.

1. ACL.gov, 2024
2. Insurance.ca.gov, 2024
3. AALTCI.org, 2024
The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. This material was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG, LLC, is not affiliated with the named broker-dealer, state- or SEC-registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Copyright FMG Suite.

Medicare takes a little time to understand.

As you approach age 65, familiarize yourself with its coverage options, costs, and limitations.

Certain features of Medicare can affect health care costs and coverage.

Some retirees may do okay with original Medicare (Parts A and B), others might find it lacking and decide to supplement original Medicare with Part C, Part D, or Medigap coverage. In some cases, that may mean paying more for health care than you initially figured.

How much do Medicare Part A and Part B cost, and what do they cover?

​Part A is usually provided with no charge; Part B is not. Part A is hospital insurance and covers up to 100 days of hospital care, home health care, nursing home care, and hospice care. Part B covers doctor visits, outpatient procedures, and lab work. You pay for Part B with monthly premiums.1

It’s best to prepare for the copays and deductibles linked to original Medicare. In addition, original Medicare does not cover dental, vision, or hearing care, nor prescription medicines or health care services outside the U.S. It pays for no more than 100 consecutive days of skilled nursing home care. These out-of-pocket costs may lead you to look for supplemental Medicare coverage as a way of paying for extended care.2,3

Medigap policies help Medicare recipients with some of these copays and deductibles.

Sold by private companies, these health care policies can pay a share of certain out-of-pocket medical costs (i.e., costs greater than what original Medicare covers for you). You must have original Medicare coverage in place to purchase one. The Medigap policies being sold today do not offer prescription drug coverage.4

Part D plans cover some (but certainly, not all) prescription drug expenses.

Monthly premiums are averaging $40 this year for these standalone plans, which are offered by private insurers. Part D plans currently have yearly deductibles of no more than $590.5

Creating a Medicare strategy is integral to your retirement preparation.

Should you try original Medicare for a while? Should you enroll in a Part C HMO with the goal of managing your overall out-of-pocket health care expenses? There is also the matter of eldercare and the potential need for interim coverage if you retire prior to 65. Discuss your concerns about Medicare in your next conversation with your financial professional.

1. Medicare.gov, 2024
2. Medicare.gov, 2024
3. Medicare.gov, 2024
4. Medicare.gov, 2024
5. CMS.gov, 2024
The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. This material was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG, LLC, is not affiliated with the named broker-dealer, state- or SEC-registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Copyright FMG Suite.

You might qualify for Medicare if you’re under 65-years-old. This article will explain the conditions where you may qualify for Medicare early.

When you are under 65, you become eligible for Medicare if:

  1. You have received Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) checks for at least 24 months
  2. Or, you have been diagnosed with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)

Eligibility for Medicare due to a disability

You may qualify for Medicare due to a disability if you have been receiving SSDI checks for more than 24 months, also known as the two-year waiting period. The two-year waiting period begins the first month you receive an SSDI check. You will be automatically enrolled in Medicare at the beginning of the 25th month that you receive an SSDI check.

If you receive SSDI because you have Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, or ALS, Medicare automatically begins the first month that your SSDI benefits start. You do not have the two-year waiting period.

Social Security—not Medicare—makes the determination of whether you qualify for SSDI checks and administers the program that provides the checks. For more information on the Social Security Disability Insurance program, it is recommended that you contact your local Social Security Administration (SSA) office.

Note: Railroad workers should contact the Railroad Retirement Board for information about disability annuity and Medicare eligibility.

Eligibility for ESRD Medicare

You may qualify for ESRD Medicare if you have been diagnosed with kidney failure and you:

  • Are getting dialysis treatments or have had a kidney transplant
  • And:
    • You are eligible to receive SSDI
    • You are eligible to receive Railroad Retirement benefits
    • Or, you, a spouse, or a parent have paid Medicare taxes for a sufficient amount of time as specified by the Social Security Administration

If you are under 65 and have ESRD, when your Medicare benefits begin depends on your specific circumstances, including when you apply for Medicare, whether you receive dialysis at home or at a facility, and whether you get a kidney transplant. If you are eligible for ESRD Medicare, you can enroll in Parts A and B together at any time. Part A will be retroactive up to 12 months, but it cannot start earlier than the first month you were eligible for ESRD Medicare.

Note: If you are a railroad worker with ESRD, you must contact Social Security—not the Railroad Retirement Board—to find out if you are eligible for Medicare.

Because Social Security and Medicare eligibility rules are complex, it is recommended that you call Social Security at 800-772-1213 to get the most accurate information regarding your particular situation.

© Medicare Rights Center. Used with permission.
The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. This material was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG, LLC, is not affiliated with the named broker-dealer, state- or SEC-registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Copyright FMG Suite.

You’re hit by an uninsured driver. Now what? Are you protected against financial losses?

About 14 percent of all motorists, or one-in-seven drivers, do not have automobile insurance, according to the Insurance Research Council.¹

Having the misfortune to get into an accident with an uninsured motorist may have serious financial consequences, depending upon the state in which you reside and whether it is a “no-fault” or “tort” state.

In no-fault states, the law does not assign blame for an accident. As a result, each driver is reimbursed by his or her insurance company for any damages. In a “tort” state, insurance companies pay out claims based on the percentage of fault assigned to each driver.²

Any accident with an uninsured driver means no insurance reimbursement payment for his or her apportioned share of the damage. This can leave you holding the financial bag.

How to Protect Against Uninsured Drivers

Some states require drivers to take out insurance for uninsured (and underinsured) motorists. Where not required, it may be a good idea to add that coverage to your auto policy.

You can buy protection against uninsured (and underinsured) drivers for both bodily injury and property damage. This coverage may also be valuable in cases where an insured motorist flees the scene of an accident without trading insurance information.

The first step to protecting yourself against this potential financial risk is to contact your insurance agent to discuss your current coverage, applicable state insurance laws, and what you need to do to obtain protection against uninsured motorists.

1. III.org, 2024
2. The information in this material is not intended as legal advice. Please consult legal or insurance professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation.
The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. This material was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG, LLC, is not affiliated with the named broker-dealer, state- or SEC-registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Copyright FMG Suite.

Do you need to enroll in Medicare Part D? Read this article to learn more about whether you need this coverage

Medicare’s prescription drug benefit (Part D) is the part of Medicare that provides outpatient drug coverage. Part D is provided only through private insurance companies that have contracts with the federal government—it is never provided directly by the government (unlike Original Medicare).

If you want to get Part D coverage, you have to choose and enroll in a private Medicare prescription drug plan (PDP) or a Medicare Advantage Plan with drug coverage (MAPD). Enrollment is optional (though recommended to avoid incurring future penalties) and only allowed during approved enrollment periods. Typically, you should sign up for Part D when you first become eligible to enroll in Medicare.

Whether you should sign up for a Medicare Part D plan depends on your circumstances. You may have creditable drug coverage from employer or retiree insurance. If so, you don’t need to enroll in a PDP until you lose this coverage. Also, some people already enrolled in certain low-income assistance programs may be automatically enrolled in a Medicare drug plan and receive additional financial assistance paying for their medicines.

© Medicare Rights Center. Used with permission.
The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. This material was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG, LLC, is not affiliated with the named broker-dealer, state- or SEC-registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Copyright FMG Suite.
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