The Social Security and Medicare Handbook: What You Need to Know Explained Simply
Product Type: Book
Product Price: $24.95
Manufacturer: Atlantic Publishing Company
Purchase
Description
The Social Security and Medicare Handbook includes the provisions of the Social Security Act, regulations issued under the Act, and recent case decisions (rulings). It is a readable, easy to understand resource for the extremely complex Social Security and Medicare programs and services. Here in this new, groundbreaking, and exhaustively researched book you will learn an overview of the Social Security and Medicare system, how Social Security benefits are currently computed, how to become insured, and how to file a claim. You also will learn about retirement and auxiliary benefits, survivor benefits, disability benefits and protection, evaluating disability, cash benefit rates, employees, employer responsibilities, special coverage provisions, state and local employment, earnings records and tax reports, the administrative review process, supplemental income, other benefit programs, hospital insurance (Part A), medical insurance (Part B), Medicare Advantage plans (Part C), prescription drug coverage (Part D), prescription programs, and special veteran benefits. This book will explain how current Social Security benefits are computed and provide insight into your Social Security benefits.
Reviews
Rating: 5 / 5
Date: 2010-04-18
Summary: "AFM study materials"
As a handicapped person receiving social security disability I was about to be "enrolled" in Medicare and wanted to educate myself with the most up to date materials I could find.
Rating: 1 / 5
Date: 2010-02-22
Summary: "POOR"
First, many pages of the book are just verbatim repeats of the 1935 law which is about useless unless you happen to be a history major. Second, I got so tired of the author saying "According to The Complete Idiot's Guide to Social Security and Medicare ..." I decide just to read that book instead.
Rating: 4 / 5
Date: 2009-12-29
Summary: "Medicare and you"
The hard reality in the world of government benefits is that representatives from Social Security and Medicare don't really care about you. V.R. Leonard, author of "The Social Security and Medicare Handbook: What You Need To Know, Explained Simply" and a mother of two disabled children explains what government benefits are right for you, depending on your situation, and how to skirt common problems associated with applying for benefits and communicating with representatives.
As a former reporter, Leonard dives into the uncertain realm of government benefits to outline all of the health care and assistance programs you need to get back on your feet after a disability or upon reaching old age.
As outlined in her book, the particulars of government programs are a labyrinth of procedures and paperwork. Those who have been hired to assist you on your way are not obligated to answer your questions or help you gather information. They may even hang up the phone on you if they don't like your attitude.
Leonard's book gives you all of the useful information, from the programs that are out there, to how much money you can receive, to the qualifications of each program. While it is a lot to absorb, in the long run, you can have a working relationship with financial assistance representatives without getting frustrated, and earn benefits that can help you receive health care and government assistance.
Leonard also adds her voice to the ongoing debate about private versus public health care. She states that there are pros and cons of both, and that one may be better than the other depending on your needs.
The book includes useful contact information and a glossary of terms that will allow you to wade through the pool of jargon and paperwork with ease. The key, according to Leonard, is to provide full, complete and honest information to representatives and keep a positive attitude.
Rating: 5 / 5
Date: 2009-06-29
Summary: "Must-have for navigating bureaucracy!!"
If you find yourself in the position of needing help winding your way through the maze of paperwork and inertia that can be our governmental services, specifically in regards to Social Security, then this book will be an invaluable resource for you. It will prepare you with an insider's knowledge on how to untangle bureaucratic red tape, and the necessary fortitude to face steep challenges in order to access your benefits.
The book acts as an advocate for your rights and your interests in the face of the sometimes harsh and cold government caseworker, and provides a concise history of the roots of Social Security in human society as a backdrop to an in-depth understanding of the program, its benefits, and how they are meant to work for you. While the material can be sometimes technical, the book provides a succinct summary at the end of each chapter.
Every aspect of Social Security is covered including retirement, unemployment, disability and survivorship, Medicare, and how to proceed when denied. Also included is the actual Social Security Act in its entirety, which serves as an excellent form of reference as well as a concrete foundation upon which to stand when applying for your benefits. The book also discusses the current history and the specter of privatization of the Social Security system.At the end of the book you will find a wealth of alternative resources and assistance programs for people in need.
Armed with the information in this book, you will be ready to face the cold unfeeling face of bureaucracy
Rating: 1 / 5
Date: 2009-05-23
Summary: "Short on Specifics"
This book has about as much information on its subject matter as a short magazine article. It was short on detail and specifics relative to Medicare. I would not recommend this book if you needed more than introductory information on medicare.