Social Security Solvency, WEP/GOP Repeal, and Medicare Updates

OASI depletion Q4 2032 (78% benefits). Medicare Part A depletion 2033. House committee advances MA prior authorization reform. Senate bill to cap out-of-pocket costs in Original Medicare. SSA ending paper checks. Medicare telehealth extended through 2027. New practical guides: survivor benefits, SSDI for mental health, Medicare enrollment mistakes, spousal benefits, SSI presumptive eligibility, SSDI vs SSI differences, Medicare late enrollment penalties, Iowa foster kids survivor benefits redirected, West Virginia Medigap Birthday Rule. HHS OIG report finds top 3 MA insurers deny over 70% of long-term care requests. CRFB proposal to cap SS benefits at $100k for couples. Medicare eight-month SEP trap. 4 Social Security rules that quietly shrink benefits. SSA expands self-service options. Medicare fall enrollment window opens Oct 15. Medicare eligibility guide. Practical guides on part-time work, spousal benefit maximization, voluntary suspension, early claiming debate, Medicare scam alert, Extra Help. Guide on collecting UI and SSDI simultaneously. Traditional Medicare now requires prior approval for some procedures in six states. Medicare Advantage plans cap in-network out-of-pocket costs at $9,250 in 2026. Practical guide on SSDI disqualifiers. Retiring couples risk losing nearly $17,000 annually in Social Security benefits by 2033. UnitedHealthcare exiting 109 counties for 2027 MA plans. Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program starts July 1, 2026. New practical guides: Medicare IRMAA trap from home sale, SSDI work credits check, Medicare decisions before age 65, SSDI taxability, SSD at retirement age. 2027 COLA impact article confirms 3.8% projection; Medicare Part B premium hikes will reduce net increase. New: Practical guide on Medicare Part D Special Enrollment Periods. New: Dual Special Needs Plans (D-SNPs) explained—free for dual eligibles with monthly enrollment window. New: Medicare Advantage plans may cut dental, vision, and gym perks in 2027 as CMS payment increase deemed insufficient. New: Practical guide on the 24-month Medicare waiting period after SSDI approval. New: Video reminder on Medicare Savings Programs, LIHEAP, and SSI for seniors. New: Nearly 3 million MA members forced to switch plans in 2026—tenfold increase. New practical guides: Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) can cover Part B premium, HSA contribution trap after Medicare enrollment, state taxation of Social Security, divorced spouse benefits, survivor benefits, SSDI vs SSI asset rules. New: Medicare Advantage prior authorization for medical devices—7.7% denial rate, 80.7% overturned on appeal, only 11.5% appealed; 2026 rules require 7-day decision. New: Practical guide on Railroad Retirement spouse and divorced spouse annuities. New: Practical guide on special needs trusts in Texas (2026) covering SSI $2,000 asset limit and Medicaid eligibility.