Daily Financial Intel

AT&T Healthcare & Interest Rates Changing in 2022

Nov 12, 2021 12:47:00 PM
written by The Retirement Group

The November interest rates, which AT&T uses to determine lump sum values for everyone who retires in 2022 will be released in mid December. Rates increased in November and if that trend holds we could see a reduction in lump-sum values for AT&T employees who retire in 2022. If you decide to stay past December 31st, 2022, you could see a significant reduction in your lump sum. Interest rates are trending upward, and when interest rates rise, lump sums fall. If you believe that interest rates in November 2021 will be higher than November 2020 (Which is likely) you may want to consider retiring before January 1st, 2022. This will allow you to lock in the medical coverage and take advantage of a lower interest rate, which will increase your lump-sum amount.

Over 65 Years of Age? This Article in for You:

65 or Younger? You'll Love this Article!

AT&T announced that there will be significant changes made to retiree’s healthcare benefits. Traditionally, when a retiree is eligible for Medicare (For most people this is at age 65), their primary health insurance is switched from the AT&T plan to Medicare.

As many of you know those who retired after January, 1st 2021 no longer receive a healthcare reimbursement account from AT&T which helps cover things like out-of-pocket costs, incremental coverage, or supplemental coverage.

posted in Healthcare, Pension, Interest rates

AT&T Healthcare & Interest Rates Changing in 2022

Aug 1, 2021 1:43:00 PM
written by The Retirement Group

posted in Healthcare, Pension, Interest rates

AT&T 2021 & 2022 Healthcare & Interest Rate Changes

Oct 8, 2020 3:45:57 PM
written by The Retirement Group

posted in Healthcare, Pension, Interest rates

COBRA Coverage: Health Care During Transitional Periods

Mar 18, 2020 8:41:20 AM
written by The Retirement Group

What is COBRA?

The term "COBRA" is commonly used to refer to certain provisions of Title X of the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1986. This law provides an opportunity for employees and their dependents who have been covered by an employer-sponsored health insurance plan to continue coverage under circumstances where such coverage might otherwise have been terminated. The covered employee is entitled to COBRA coverage only in cases of termination or reduction in hours. In addition, there are several situations in which an employee's spouse and dependent children may be eligible for COBRA benefits. The duration of COBRA coverage is limited and depends on the reason why existing coverage is being terminated.

COBRA can be an invaluable resource, particularly for those who find themselves without health insurance due to circumstances beyond their control (e.g., layoff or reduction in working hours). Because individual health insurance is generally much more expensive than comparable group insurance, many of these individuals might otherwise be forced to go without health insurance. This can be a dangerous gamble. COBRA provides a way to retain health insurance coverage at a reasonable rate.

posted in Financial Planning, Healthcare, Lump Sum, Pension, Retirement Planning

Health-Care Reform: How Does It Affect You?

Feb 27, 2020 9:28:45 AM
written by The Retirement Group

Now that comprehensive health-care reform has been signed into law, how will it affect you? While some portions of the law become effective in 2010, other provisions are phased in over time. Nevertheless, it is almost certain that at least some of these reforms will have an effect on you and your family.

posted in Financial Planning, Healthcare, Lump Sum, Pension, Retirement Planning

Health Insurance Made Simple

Feb 26, 2020 9:54:24 AM
written by The Retirement Group

Let's face it--in today's world, health insurance is a necessity. In fact, most U.S. citizens and legal residents must have qualifying health insurance or face a penalty tax. Yet the cost of medical care is soaring higher every year, and it's becoming increasingly difficult (and in some cases, impossible) to pay medical costs out of pocket. Whether you already have health insurance or want to get it, here's some basic information to help you understand it.

posted in Financial Planning, Healthcare, Lump Sum, Pension, Retirement Planning