| Volume 144 Number 3 |
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The People’s Lawyer’s Tip of the Day
During Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period (OEP), which ends December 7, Medicare beneficiaries can choose the plans that are best for them. You can get help comparing Medicare plans from the State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIPs) that are in all U.S. states and territories. It’s also good to understand what sellers are — and aren’t — allowed to do, so you’ll be prepared if an insurance agent or representative tries to enroll you in a Medicare plan that isn’t right for you. Click here for more.
Cruise lines say they won’t sail until 2021
On the heels of the CDC’s lifting of its No Sail Order, the biggest cruise brands are getting all their safety and health ducks in a row. Most have pushed back their resumption dates to 2021 to give them ample time to prepare.
ConsumerAffairs research on what cruise lines are pressing pause includes just about everyone. Here’s the full list as of November 3 in alphabetical order: Click here for more.
Your Money
If you're short on funds and looking for resources to get through an emergency situation, you may have considered taking money out of your 401(k) plan. There are several specific circumstances when current employees can take 401(k) withdrawals to cover sudden costs. Retirement accounts are typically set up to allow withdrawals starting at age 59 1/2, and individuals who take distributions before that age can usually expect to pay a 10% penalty and income tax on the amount withdrawn. However, some plans make it possible for participants to take out funds early, if certain requirements are met. The following steps will walk you through when a 401(k) hardship withdrawal might be necessary, the process of taking a hardship withdrawal and what to consider before making a decision. Click here for more.
For the Lawyers
New Fair Debt Collection Practices Act Rules. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has issued a final rule implementing the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. The final rule is available here. The Bureau has provided an executive summary and a table of contents for the final rule. These materials are available here. The debt collection rule will impact at least 68 million people in the United States. The National Association of Consumer Advocates has prepared a press release on its possible impact, available here. Click here for more.