(Photo: PBS)
Here’s the most recent information on laws and programs that may affect the cancer community, such as health insurance alternatives, Social Security benefits, and paid sick leave.
Do you get Social Security benefits?
- Social Security payments will be increased by 8.7% in 2023. This means that the maximum benefit for those who retired at full retirement age or received SSDI is $3,627.
- The maximum Supplemental Security Income (SSI) amount for a nonblind individual will be $914 and $1,371 for an eligible couple.
- Read SSA’s Fact Sheet 2023 Social Security Changes for more information.
READ ALSO: Extra Help For Medicare In 2023 – Here’s What You Need To Know
(Photo: Benefits.gov)
Do you have Medicare and are looking for dental coverage?
- Currently, Medicare only covers dental care when treating another covered medical condition is medically necessary. Unfortunately, Congress disapproved of expanding dental coverage to all Medicare recipients.
- The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services proposed expanding Medicare’s dental coverage options.
- Medicare enrollment is currently open. Read Triage Cancer’s Extended Quick Guide to Medicare for more information on Medicare.
- Watch Triage Cancer’s animated video, How to Pick a Medicare Plan, for tips on comparing options and choosing the best plan.
Is your employer-sponsored health insurance plan adequate?
- Even if your employer provides health insurance, you can still purchase a policy through your state’s health insurance marketplace. However, if your employer’s plan is deemed “affordable,” you may not be eligible for another financial assistance.
- This year, an affordable plan costs at most 9.83% of your household income to purchase for the employee. The “family glitch” refers to the fact that “affordable” does not include the cost of covering your family, only yourself. It means that if the cost of your employer-sponsored plan is less than 9.83% for you but more significant than 9.83% for your family members, the program is considered “affordable,” and you are not eligible for financial assistance to purchase a plan through the marketplace.
- However, beginning in 2023, the “family glitch” will be removed. The cost of covering a family will be considered when determining the affordability of an employer-sponsored plan.
- Most states began open enrollment last November 1, 2022.
READ ALSO: Social Security Hike For Vulnerable Seniors Amidst Increase In Prices Of Basic Needs
