Pat Burris, CFP®

Pat joined Meld Financial in 1997 serving as Vice President Corporate and Retirement Plan Services. In February 2021, she transitioned to a part-time consulting role serving as Meld’s resident Social Security and Medicare Specialist. She has over 40 years in the financial services industry and more than a decade helping clients navigate the maze of Social Security and Medicare. View Pat's LinkedIn Profile. Education: B.S. Accounting, Western New England University, Springfield, MA – 1978, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ – 2002, Securities Licenses: Series 7 and 63, Life and disability insurance license
Medicare represented by seniors enjoying retirement.
Comprehensive Guide to Medicare

School of Social Security & Medicare

The Medicare program helps retirees cover their health care costs. This resource guide contains everything you need to know.

Senior couple planning for retirement and discussing the social security earnings test
Social Security and the Earnings Test

School of Social Security & Medicare

The earnings test could apply if you claim Social Security benefits prior to your Full Retirement Age and continue to work.

Social Security retirement savings represented by miniature elderly people sitting on stacks of coins.
Everything You Need to Know About Social Security

School of Social Security & Medicare

Social Security provides a guaranteed source of income for many retirees, but maximizing benefits requires careful planning.

Medicare Enrollment typed on a page that is paper clipped to more pages.
Changes to Medicare Start Dates in 2023

School of Social Security & Medicare

Medicare has closed important coverage gaps for those who sign up during the Initial Enrollment or General Enrollment period.

Social Security Cost of Living Adjustment
2023 Social Security Cost of Living Adjustment [COLA] Announced

School of Social Security & Medicare

The 2023 Social Security Cost of Living Adjustment [COLA] has been released. The increase is the largest since 1981.

Medicare Premiums written on a strip of paper that is lying on a stack of money.
2023 Medicare Premiums and Coinsurance Amounts

School of Social Security & Medicare

On September 27, the CMS announced that Medicare Part B premiums will decrease in 2023 and other Medicare costs will rise.

Medicare prescription drug prices represented by pills lying on top of paper currency.
Medicare to Negotiate Prescription Drug Prices

School of Social Security & Medicare

The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 includes a provision allowing Medicare to negotiate the prices of certain prescription drugs.

Social security benefits statement being reviewed by a retiree
How Much Income Does Social Security Replace?

School of Social Security & Medicare

Savers often overestimate the impact of Social Security on their retirement plan. This mistake can lead to an underfunded retirement.

A road sign that says expect delays which relates to the current state of the now opened Social Security offices.
Social Security Offices Are Open, But Expect Delays

School of Social Security & Medicare

Social Security field offices have reopened to the public, but many have reported delays with service and application processing.