The Senior Scene

President Obama has proposed an overhaul of the nation’s retirement savings systems in an attempt to make it easier for workers to save for their post-retirement years.

The proposal includes asking businesses and states to make benefits transferrable from one employer to another and also making them available to people who are self-employed, work part-time or have multiple employers. The Obama administration also is suggesting requiring employers who don’t have retirement benefits to automatically enroll their workers in individual retirement accounts.

The plan, which needs congressional approval to take effect, was announced Jan. 26 and was to be part of the 2017 federal budget that the White House sent to Congress in February.

Caring Across Generations, a national advocate for aging Americans and caregivers, applauded the proposals. In the face of an age wave and concerns about the economy, it’s critical that policies and supports keep up with the needs of 21^st-century families and workers, said a spokesman for the organization.

One in three workers nationally don’t have access to a retirement savings plan. Professional caregivers and family caregivers for seniors are at particular risk of lacking any kind of retirement security, according to Caring Across Generations’ Josephine Kalipeni, director of policy and partnerships.

“As the Baby Boomer generation retires, our country is about to be older than ever before. Planning ahead for retirement is crucial, but planning ahead for long­term care is too often overlooked, and individual saving can only go so far,” Kalipeni said. “With long­term care not covered by Medicare, we hope these proposals open the door for more forward­thinking, public-sector innovation at the state and national level to address the full cost of aging.”

Seventy percent of adults over the age of 65 will require long­term care for an average of three years, Kalipeni said.

In addition to the White House’s proposal, Senate Bill 2338, sponsored by U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono of Hawaii, would establish grants to pay for states’ studies of ways to meet the needs for long-term care.

If you have a spouse who does not earn an income or who earns less than you do, your spouse (including a same-sex spouse) or a divorced spouse may be entitled to Social Security spouses’ benefits based on your record.

Social Security can be an important financial asset for married couples when the time comes to apply for retirement benefits. In many cases, one spouse may have earned significantly more than the other, or may have worked longer. On the other hand, it could be that one spouse stayed home to do the work of raising the children, caring for elderly family members, or managing the household while the other focused on a career.

Whatever your situation, Social Security will look at all possibilities to make sure both spouses receive the maximum Social Security benefits possible, whether based on each spouse’s earnings record or the higher wage earner’s record.

Your spouse can apply for benefits the same way that you apply for benefits on your own record. He or she can apply for reduced benefits as early as age 62, or for 100 percent of the full retirement benefits at “full retirement age.” Not sure what the full retirement ages are? To learn your and your spouse’s full retirement ages, based on birth year, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/ageincrease.htm.

The benefit amount your spouse can receive at full retirement age can be as much as one-half of your full benefit. If your spouse opts for early retirement, the benefit may be as little as a third of your full benefit amount. Note that benefits paid to your spouse do not decrease your benefit amount.

People can also apply for spouse benefits based on the earnings record of an ex-spouse or deceased ex-spouse if married for at least 10 years, as long as they are not currently married to someone else.  Spouses can consider a number of options and variables.  We make it easier to navigate them. A good place to start is by visiting our benefits planner at www.socialsecurity.gov/planners.  Take note of the “Benefits As A Spouse” section.

If you are ready to apply for benefits, the fastest, easiest, and most convenient way is to apply online. You can do so at www.socialsecurity.gov/applyonline and complete your application in as little as 15 minutes.

Due to a Supreme Court decision, we now are able to pay benefits to some same-sex

couples. We encourage people who think they may be eligible to apply now. Learn more at www.socialsecurity.gov/same-sexcouples.

Whether you receive benefits on a spouse’s record or your own, rest assured we will make sure you get the highest benefit for which you qualify.  Learn more at www.socialsecurity.gov.

Written by Kirk Larson, a Social Security public affairs specialist for Washington.

Amid hope of strengthening the well-being of thousands of people dealing with the illnesses, Washington’s first plan to address Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias was officially unveiled during the Alzheimer Association’s Advocacy Day at the state capitol last month.
The plan’s supporters said it identifies ways that public and private partners can coordinate activities and share resources to improve the lives of dementia sufferers and their caregivers.
Recommendations in the plan include increasing public awareness, promoting early detection and diagnosis, preventing emergencies and hospitalizations, expanding family caregiver support systems to help individuals stay in their homes, and postponing or preventing the need for Medicaid or out-of-home placement.
Governor Jay Inslee, noting the plan’s early development grew from summit meetings on aging-related issues in 2013 and legislation that followed, said the resulting state plan “will provide vital support for the over 100,000 Washingtonians currently living with dementia and the over 300,000 caregivers, mostly unpaid family members, who look after them. I have instructed state agencies to begin implementing the plan, which will raise awareness and education, improve well-being and safety, and begin working towards more accessible and affordable long-term care. It’s an important step to help thousands of Washington families.”
The entire plan can be read on the Alzheimer’s Association web site (alzwa.org).
For the official rollout of the plan Feb. 12 in Olympia, the Alzheimer’s Association mobilized volunteer advocates to hear Inslee and other speakers address dementia issues and meet with state legislators.
Alzheimer’s, the third-leading cause of death in Washington, is the most common type of dementia. Over the past year, the Alzheimer’s Disease Working Group engaged communities to understand the needs of people with dementia. Those discussions led to the first state plan.
Bill Moss, assistant secretary of the state Department of Social and Health Services and chairman of the working group, said the plan is a way “to create lasting change” for the betterment of the dementia community.
“Improving how we approach and provide care for individuals with dementia is critical,” Moss said. “Early detection and diagnosis creates opportunities that allow individuals to receive the care they need, make plans for the future and have control over decisions affecting their lives.”

The Women’s League Flea Market, now in its 48th year, will be staged March 19 at University of Puget Sound’s Fieldhouse in Tacoma.
The 60-plus vendors selling antiques, collectibles, vintage and upcycled items, clothing and textiles, jewelry, books, repurposed treasures, home and garden items, creative and artisans’ goods and locally sourced foods are expected to attract crowds in the thousands once the doors open at 9 a.m. Admission will cost $5 after that time. Early birds wanting a sneak peek can get in at 8:15 for $10.
The event also will feature professional evaluators who will give appraisals for a fee on treasures that people want to bring learn their value.
All proceeds from the event will support scholarships for UPS students. Last year, the flea market raised more than $31,000.
Arrangements to donate goods to be sold at the market can be made at pugetsound.edu/womensleague.
The sale debuted in 1968, but the Women’s League was founded in 1900 and has supported the university ever since.