Dear Savvy Senior,
I recently received an email that I needed to update my online Social Security account. Is this legit or is it a scam?
Suspicious Susan
Dear Susan,
The Social Security Administration did indeed send out a legitimate email last month to notify recipients that they are making changes to the way you access Social Security’s online services, including your personal “my Social Security” account.
The changes will simplify your sign-in experience and align with federal authentication standards while at the same time provide you safe and secure access to your account.
The online services aim to save time for both current and future beneficiaries, as well as the Social Security Administration, as the agency grapples with long wait times for its national 800 phone number.
Update Your Account
If you already have a my Social Security account, go to ssa.gov/myaccount and sign in with your Social Security username. You’ll then be guided through the process of creating a new account with Login.gov. Once you successfully link your personal my Social Security account with your new Login.gov account, you’ll get a confirmation screen and have immediate access to online services. In the future, you’ll sign into your account with Login.gov and not your Social Security username.
If you already have either a Login.gov or ID.me account, you do not have to take any action.
Does Medicare Cover Cataract Surgery?
Dear Savvy Senior,
How does Medicare cover cataract surgery? My eye doctor recently told me I’ve developed cataracts and should consider making plans for surgery in the next year or so.
Almost 67
Dear Almost,
Fortunately, Medicare does cover medically necessary cataract surgery. Cataract surgery is usually an outpatient procedure, covered under Medicare Part B. Once you pay the annual Part B deductible, which is $240 in 2024, you’re responsible for the Part B coinsurance.
That means you’ll pay 20 percent of the cost for covered services yourself. If you have a Medicare supplemental policy, also known as Medigap, you’ll have full or partial coverage for the 20 percent Part B coinsurance.
