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What to Know for Friday, May 22nd, 2026: |
1: Older Americans rely on Social Security plus assets — but monthly fees exceed income by 116-174% |
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96-97% receive Social Security averaging $2,348-$2,382/month: New ASHA survey of 1,042 residents across 42 communities found nearly all receive Social Security benefits, with less than two-thirds (61% independent living, 64% assisted living) having monthly income exceeding $3,500 — residents pay through combination of Social Security, pensions, retirement savings distributions and investment income. Monthly fees far outpace income — residents tap home equity and savings: Average independent living monthly fees exceed residents' incomes by 116% and assisted living exceeds incomes by 174%, forcing residents to supplement with other sources — about 90% lived in their own private homes before moving to senior living and use home equity to help cover costs. Cost and affordability top concern for 55% despite varied net worth: While net worth varies widely (one-third of independent living residents have over $750,000, 18% of assisted living residents have over $1 million), 55% rated cost and affordability as their highest concern and 18% cited perceived value as top reason to consider moving — but only 8-9% actually plan to move out in next 12 months.
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➜ Read the full article from Senior Housing News here. |
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2: Employers quietly pausing 401(k) matches again — last time was 2008 recession and Covid |
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TTEC paused 3% match for 16,000 US employees for 9 months: Austin-based tech services firm follows pattern from 2001, 2008 recessions and early Covid when match pauses ticked up — Sherwin-Williams and Drexel University also paused last year but resumed within the year, and many employers eventually resume matching "but may not be as generous." Retirement is one of biggest benefit budget lines after healthcare: Employers favor cutting 401(k) programs over layoffs during economic strain — "one of the things that employers have gone to instead of laying off people, is cut back on its benefits," and a 5% match cut "could make a difference" allowing companies to avoid job cuts. Keep contributing to your retirement account even if employer stops matching: HR teams should remind workers "you should try to sustain those and then when we bring it back, you won't be behind on your part" — reduced employer contributions "can have a long-term effect" on retirement savings, so maintain your own contributions regardless of company match.
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➜ Read the full article from Forbes here. |
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3: Senate Democrats move to end Medicare AI prior authorization pilot — it's delaying and denying care to seniors |
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(Image Credit: Getty Images) |
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WISeR model uses AI-backed prior authorization for certain services in 6 states: The Wasteful and Inappropriate Service Reduction model contracts with private companies to implement AI-backed prior authorization for care deemed vulnerable to fraud like skin and tissue substitutes and epidural steroid injections for pain management — regulators say it targets "narrow set of services" to prevent inappropriate care and reduce wasteful spending. Democrats say program delays care by weeks: Sen. Maria Cantwell's April report found procedures subject to prior authorization in Washington were taking weeks longer to be approved, adding "red tape for providers and patients" — "Americans are sick and tired of abusive prior authorization tactics putting needed health care out of reach," and "the last thing seniors need is even more AI denying the care they need." 20 senators invoke Congressional Review Act to force vote on repeal: Government Accountability Office determined the pilot is agency rulemaking (HHS claimed it was just "guidance"), triggering 60-day period where lawmakers can force a vote to overturn the model — resolution needs approval by both houses and presidential signature to end the program.
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➜ Read the full article from Healthcare Dive here. |
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Here’s What You Missed on YouTube: |
Check out our new YouTube videos for Friday, May 22nd. |
NEW: Office Hours with Kwame LIVE Q&A 4PM ET |
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Social Security Q&A LIVE — Can Creditors Garnish Your Check? | Office Hours Ep. 1 |
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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. |
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