Donna LeValley
Donna joined Kiplinger as a personal finance writer in 2023. She spent more than a decade as the contributing editor of J.K.Lasser's Your Income Tax Guide and edited state specific legal treatises at ALM Media. She has shared her expertise as a guest on Bloomberg, CNN, Fox, NPR, CNBC and many other media outlets around the nation. She is a graduate of Brooklyn Law School and the University at Buffalo.
Latest articles by Donna LeValley
-
2026 Social Security COLA is 2.8%: What You Need to KnowThe SSA has announced the 2026 Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA), the new maximum taxable wage cap, and the earnings requirements for Social Security credits.
By Donna LeValley
-
CMS Brings Back Furloughed Staff for Open Enrollment LifelineThe government has recalled approximately 3,000 workers to assist with Medicare and ACA Marketplace Open Enrollment.
By Donna LeValley
-
Ready to File? Test Your Social Security Application IQQuiz Test your basic knowledge of filing for Social Security benefits in our 10 question quick quiz.
By Donna LeValley
Quiz -
Do You Know Your ABCDs? The Essential Medicare Parts Quiz
Quiz Test your basic knowledge of different parts of Medicare in our quick quiz.
By Donna LeValley
Quiz -
Don't Miss Out! A Quiz on Medicare Enrollment Deadlines
Quiz Test your basic knowledge of Medicare enrollment periods in our quick quiz.
By Donna LeValley
Quiz -
2026 Social Security COLA Announcement Is Back on Track Despite Government ShutdownBLS announces that the September CPI, a key inflation measure needed to determine the Social Security COLA, will be released on September 24 despite the ongoing government shutdown.
By Donna LeValley
-
Medicare Open Enrollment Is Starting SoonMedicare During the annual enrollment period each fall, you can select a new Medicare Advantage or Part D plan or switch back to original Medicare.
By Donna LeValley
Medicare -
Major Insurers Scale Back Medicare Advantage and Part D Plans for 2026. What You Need to Know.Beneficiaries enrolled in Medicare Advantage and Part D prescription drug plans might be losing their plan as UnitedHealthcare, Humana, and Aetna (CVS Health) scale back offerings for 2026.
By Donna LeValley
-
5 Things to Consider Now If You Want to Retire in 2026Sponsored by Savant Wealth Management
To retire with confidence in the year ahead, tackle these essential tasks right now.
By Donna LeValley
-
The Medicare Surcharge: Test Your IRMAA Knowledge
Quiz Test your basic knowledge of the income-related monthly adjustment amount in our quick quiz.
By Donna LeValley
Quiz -
How Medicare Is Affected by a Government ShutdownA look at how Medicare is affected by a government shutdown, as well as other government-related health care.
By Donna LeValley
-
Will Your Social Security Checks Stop During the Government Shutdown?Will your Social Security check be derailed or delayed by a government shutdown? What services might be paused? We've got answers.
By Donna LeValley
-
Here Is How Much You'll Pay for Medicare Premiums and Deductibles in 2025Medicare premiums for 2025, and the cost of Medicare Part A, Medicare Part B, and Part D premiums and deductibles, have gone up. Here is how much you'll pay in 2025.
By Donna LeValley
-
Quiz: The COLA Challenge: Test Your Knowledge of Social Security
Quiz Test your basic knowledge of the Social Security COLA (Cost-of-Living Adjustment) in our quick quiz.
By Donna LeValley
Quiz -
Quiz: Do You Know What Medicare Gives You for Free?
Quiz This quiz tests your knowledge of the services that Medicare provides at no cost to you.
By Donna LeValley
Quiz -
Are COVID Shots Still Covered By Medicare?Getting the new COVID-19 vaccine covered by Medicare isn't as easy this year as it was in the past. Here's what you need to know before you take a trip to your pharmacy.
By Donna LeValley
-
How Medigap Insurance Is Affected by Preexisting Conditionsinsurance Delaying enrollment in a medigap policy can lead to higher premiums and denial of coverage in most states.
By Kimberly Lankford
insurance -
Don't Toss It! Why Your Medicare Annual Notice of Change MattersIf you have Medicare Part D or a Medicare Advantage plan, reviewing your Annual Notice of Change is crucial. It can save you money and ensure you can still see your preferred doctors and hospitals.
By Donna LeValley
-
Quiz: Social Security Basics
Quiz Test your basic knowledge of the Social Security program in our quick quiz.
By Donna LeValley
Quiz -
Medicare Prior Authorization Expands to Ambulatory Surgical Centers
Starting in December, Medicare will begin requiring prior authorization for certain procedures when performed in ambulatory surgical centers.
By Donna LeValley
-
What Is the Par Value of Bonds?Understanding par value will help you determine the value of a bond.
By Donna LeValley
-
How to Get a Refund For a Water Leakreal estate Refunds for water leaks are available from municipalities if you report and fix the problem.
By Donna LeValley
real estate -
Medicare Premiums Projected to Jump in 2026In 2026, Medicare participants will pay more for their health care. Part B costs are expected to rise more than 10%. Here's what you can do.
By Donna LeValley
-
Social Security Turns 90 — Five Important Things to KnowSocial Security has become a cornerstone of the American retirement system and works to keep over 16 million retirees above the poverty line. Here are five key facts about the program as it turns 90.
By Donna LeValley
