I found the Idiot's Guide to be very informative. It answered most of my questions, and told me where to find to answers to those questions that it didn't answer.

With 65 approaching, I had many questions about Medicare and all the issues that accompany this difficult subject. Instead of "reading" the book, I used it as a reference for specific questions, and it provided the answers which brought the subject of Medicare into focus. The chapters were named very simply making it easy to navigate through the book without getting involved in the minutiae of these complicated subjects.

A book I would recommend for anyone approaching 65.

Although this book covers a lot of ground and is fairly readable, two misstatements and one key omission may actually lead to some bad decisions:
a) The book says there is a 10% tax penalty for withdrawals from a qualified plan (such as 401k) under age 59.5 unless one of a list of exceptions apply..one of which is "leaving a job involuntarily after you reach age 55". But there is no penalty for withdrawals under those circumstances if you leave voluntarily and the rule is that you turn 55 that year (you can retire earlier than your birthday).
b) The book says "when you decide on an age for retirement...there is no going back". Actually if you file a "withdrawal of claim" and pay back the benefits you've recieved, you get a fresh start.
c) A very important option for married couples: if a dependent (i.e. lower earning) spouse wants to start collecting the spouse benefit but the primary earner wants to defer collecting, that can be done (the primary earner has to "file and suspend" for his benefit). A couple of recent studies have demonstrated that this is oftern the best option.

In combination, I think these defects really impair the usefulness of the book.

This is a Guide chock full of information on the

title subjects. I found it to be easy to read

and understand. It didn't make all the decisions

for me,but gave me plenty of options to think

about. I'm glad I bought it.

This is a Guide chock full of information on the
title subjects. I found it to be easy to read
and understand. It didn't make all the decisions
for me,but gave me plenty of options to think
about. I'm glad I bought it.

This is a Guide chock full of information on the
title subjects. I found it to be easy to read
and understand. It didn't make all the decisions
for me,but gave me plenty of options to think
about. I'm glad I bought it.

The second edition of SOCIAL SECURITY AND MEDICARE is a top pick any public library will want to include in their collection. It updates all information on rules, coverage, benefits and more, providing tips on everything from timing retirement benefits to understanding how divorce and death affects social security benefits. An ever-increasing population of baby boomers will find it useful.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

Dallas L. Salisbury, President and CEO of the Employee Benefit Research Institute and one of the nation's most frequently cited experts on Social Security, Medicare, health insurance, retirement and savings, writes in the forward of this book:

Lita Epstein has provided just what the public ordered with her completely updated revision of The Complete Idiot's Guide to Social Security and Medicare. It is complete, clear and easy to understand. Give it a prominent place on your bookshelf. Make it required reading for your children. It could make a big difference in your future.

Between these covers, you'll find the answers to such critical questions as:

What benefits can you get from Social Security? How long do you need to work to get a benefit? What do you lose if you begin Social Security at age 62 instead of waiting until age 66 or later? What benefits are my spouse and kids going to get if I die before either age? What happens to benefits in the event of a divorce? If you get a Social Security benefit does it mean you will always get Medicare?

What is the difference between Medicare Parts A, B and D? What do the new drug plans really offer and how can I get the best plan for my needs? What can I expect to pay? How does long term care insurance compare to Medicare coverage for nursing home care? Once you have Medicare can you lose it? For example, if you get a divorce?

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Social Security and Medicare gives full, current answers to these and hundreds more questions for you and your family in language that everyone will be able to understand. It even includes a complete resource section for more information if you find you need it.

Simply put: buy this book. Give it to those you love. It's the best investment you'll make to ensure a lifetime of security and protection.