| What to Know for Monday, March 23, 2026: | 1: 3 Social Security rule changes all retirees need to know before April 2026 |  | (Image credit: Getty Images) |
| Last chance to switch Medicare Advantage plans by March 31: If your doctor left the network, drug formulary changed, or premiums jumped, you have until March 31 to switch MA plans or drop back to original Medicare — after that, you're locked in until October's open enrollment. Need help with Medicare? Contact Chapter Medicare at 539-205-2147 for FREE expert help. Social Security tax cap increased to $184,500: If you're still working, you'll pay the 6.2% Social Security tax on the first $184,500 of earnings (up from $176,100 in 2025) — that's roughly $520 more in payroll taxes for high earners, but everything beyond $184,500 is exempt. Earnings limit rose to $24,480 before benefit withholding: If you work while collecting Social Security before reaching full retirement age, you can earn up to $24,480 in 2026 (up from $23,400) — above that, Social Security withholds $1 for every $2 earned, but this isn't a tax; it's temporary and gets recalculated when you reach FRA.
| ➜ Read the full article from Yahoo Finance here. | | 2: Medicare's $35 insulin cap is working — average costs dropped from $51 to $22 |  | (Image credit: Getty Images) |
| Major price relief for diabetics: 75% of Medicare Part D beneficiaries now pay $35 or less for a 30-day insulin supply (up from 48% in 2019), and average out-of-pocket costs plummeted from $50.87 in 2019 to just $21.98 in 2023 — the Inflation Reduction Act's mandated $35 cap took effect January 1, 2023. One-quarter still pay more due to prorating loophole: About 25% of Medicare beneficiaries paid more than $35 for insulin in 2023 because the $35 cap only applies to full 30-day multiples — if your prescription is for 45 days, insurers can treat it as a 60-day supply and charge up to $70. State variations exist: Average 30-day insulin costs in 2023 ranged from $10.36 in Washington D.C. to $31.09 in Minnesota, partly reflecting how different Medicare plans handle prorating — researchers are exploring whether policy changes are needed to close this gap.
| ➜ Read the full story from John's Hopkins Bloomberg Public School of Health here. | | | 3: Moving abroad? Here's how it affects your Social Security benefits |  | (Image credit: Getty Images) |
| You can collect in most countries, but not all: Most U.S. citizens can continue receiving Social Security while living abroad — but payments are prohibited in Cuba and North Korea, and restricted in Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan unless you get a special exception. Foreign work credits may help you qualify: If you worked in another country and don't have enough U.S. Social Security credits to qualify, you may be able to count your foreign work credits — the U.S. has bilateral Social Security agreements with several countries that integrate work credits from both nations. Direct deposit available in many countries: You can apply for benefits online and manage them from abroad — benefits can be electronically deposited into a U.S. financial institution or directly into a bank in your new country if it has an international direct deposit agreement with the SSA (check the official list to confirm).
| ➜ Read the full article from the Motley Fool here. | | | The Retirement Navigator Podcast | Don't Wait Until It's a Crisis — Watch This First
🎙️ Episode #4 featuring Niki Gewirtz, Senior Living Expert from A Place for Mom | Senior living decisions are some of the hardest a family can face — especially when you're making them under pressure. | In this week's episode of Retirement Navigator, senior living expert Niki Gewirtz (20+ years in the industry) walks you through everything from recognizing when extra care is needed, to what it costs, to how to pay for it. | Clear, honest, and zero pressure. Whether it's for you or someone you love — this one is worth your time. 👇 Hit play now & be sure to subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@TheRetirementNavigator |  | Episode 4: A Practical Guide to Senior Living Options, Costs, and Care Planning for Families |
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| | Here's What You Missed on YouTube: | Check out our new YouTube videos for Monday, March 23rd. | Social Security April 2026 — Exact Payment Dates for SSA, SSDI, and SSI |  | Social Security April 2026 — Exact Payment Dates for SSA, SSDI, and SSI |
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| | | The Daily 3 Deal List—Week of March 23rd | | This newsletter is for information only. Always confirm your options directly with Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, or a qualified advisor before making big decisions about your benefits. | *View our Advertising Disclosure |
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