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What to Know for Wednesday, April 15, 2026: |
1: Social Security 2027 COLA estimate jumps to 3.2% as inflation and gas prices surge |
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(Image Credit: Getty Images) |
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Latest projection climbs from 1.7% to 3.2%: Independent analyst Mary Johnson raised her 2027 COLA estimate to 3.2% (from 1.7% in March) due to sharply rising gasoline prices and March inflation hitting the highest level in nearly two years — the Senior Citizens League separately estimates 2.8%, unchanged from their March forecast. Higher COLA isn't good news for retirees absorbing price shocks: A 3.2% increase would push the average monthly retirement benefit up from about $2,024 to roughly $2,089 — but "they've always felt that the COLA undercounts their real experience of inflation," says Johnson, as seniors have to absorb higher prices before the adjustment kicks in. 77% of seniors say 3% COLA isn't enough: An AARP survey found 77% of Americans 50+ don't think a 3% COLA keeps up with rising prices — 72% said a 5% or higher increase would be sufficient to cover everyday expenses, while 26% said they need an 8% increase to keep up with rising costs.
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➜ Read the full article from CNBC here. |
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2: White House claims 51 million seniors pay "no tax on Social Security" — but it's really just a deduction |
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(Image Credit: Canva) |
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White House promotes "NO TAX ON SOCIAL SECURITY" message: The administration posted on X that 51 million seniors keep more money by paying "NO TAX ON SOCIAL SECURITY" thanks to Trump's Working Families Tax Cuts — part of ongoing emphasis on tax relief including no tax on tips and overtime. Tax analysts: it's a deduction, not elimination: The One Big Beautiful Bill Act created a temporary $6,000 deduction for individuals 65+ ($12,000 for couples), not a complete statutory exclusion of Social Security from gross income — Tax Foundation points out "the White House describes the change as 'no tax on Social Security,' the legislation technically provides an enhanced senior deduction." Temporary relief expires in 2028: The additional deduction is available whether you itemize or take the standard deduction and phases out at higher income levels — but it's scheduled to expire after 2028 unless Congress extends it, and actual savings vary based on income, filing status, and other deductions.
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➜ Read the full article from Yahoo News here. |
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3: Medicare to cover WHOOP fitness trackers for free starting summer 2026 under new ACCESS program |
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(Image Credit: WHOOP) |
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Eligible Medicare beneficiaries get free wearable device and coaching: Through CMS Innovation Center's new ACCESS program launching this summer, eligible seniors can receive the WHOOP device (normally a paid membership) and its 24/7 health monitoring platform — provides real-time data on sleep, recovery, strain, fitness, and personalized coaching between doctor visits. No need to change doctors or Medicare coverage: The ACCESS program integrates seamlessly into your existing care — you don't need to switch primary doctors, give up other treatments, or alter your current Medicare plan, and WHOOP Physician Services covers all cost-sharing to remove financial barriers. First time continuous data can guide Medicare care daily: CEO Will Ahmed calls it "a turning point for Medicare in America" because for the first time, continuous real-time health data can guide care "not just inside a doctor's office, but every day of their lives" — focuses on early cardiometabolic risk with proactive, performance-driven approach to long-term health.
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➜ Read the full article from Business Wire here. |
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Here’s What You Missed on YouTube: |
Check out our new YouTube videos for Wednesday, April 15th. |
SSA Just Sent Letters — Ignore It and Your Benefits Could Stop in 30 Days or Less! |
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SSA Just Sent Letters — Ignore It and Your Benefits Could Stop in 30 Days |
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Already on Social Security? You May Be Leaving These Benefits on the Table! |
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Already on Social Security? You May Be Leaving These Benefits on the Table! |
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Retirement Navigator Podcast |
🎙️ Episode #6: Rethinking Retirement — Income, Purpose, and “Unretirement” featuring journalist and podcast host, Richard Eisenberg |
Retirement Isn't What It Used to Be — And That Might Be a Good Thing |
What if retirement didn't mean stopping completely? In this episode of Retirement Navigator, Kwame sits down with Richard Eisenberg — one of the most trusted voices in personal finance — to talk about "unretirement," Social Security timing, Medicare pitfalls, and how to make your money last through a retirement that could span 40 years. |
If you're 55+ and wondering whether your plan is solid, this conversation is exactly what you need to hear. |
👇 Hit play now & be sure to subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@TheRetirementNavigator |
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Episode 6: Rethinking Retirement: Income, Purpose, and “Unretirement” |
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The Daily 3 Deal List—Week of April 13th |
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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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