Fact-Checking Policy

Our Multi-Step Fact-Checking Process

Every guide published on Senior Benefits Care Finder goes through a structured, multi-step fact-checking process before publication and during subsequent reviews. This process is designed to catch errors, ensure currency, and maintain the high level of accuracy our readers expect.

Our fact-checking process includes the following steps:

• Step 1: Primary source research -- All claims, figures, eligibility thresholds, enrollment dates, and program details are initially sourced from official government publications and agency websites
• Step 2: Cross-referencing -- Key facts are cross-referenced against at least one additional authoritative source to confirm accuracy
• Step 3: Editorial review -- Content is reviewed for clarity, completeness, and accuracy before publication
• Step 4: Ongoing monitoring -- Published guides are monitored for changes in the underlying programs and updated accordingly

Primary Source Verification

The cornerstone of our fact-checking process is primary source verification. We go directly to official government websites and publications to verify every piece of benefits-related information we publish. Our primary sources include:

• Medicare.gov -- Official Medicare information including plan details, costs, enrollment periods, and coverage rules
• SSA.gov -- Social Security Administration data on retirement benefits, disability benefits (SSDI), SSI, benefit amounts, and earning limits
• VA.gov -- Department of Veterans Affairs information on VA health care, pension programs, Aid and Attendance, and disability compensation rates
• Medicaid.gov -- Federal Medicaid guidelines, eligibility frameworks, and waiver program information
• State agency websites -- Individual state departments of health and human services for state-specific Medicaid rules, assisted living regulations, and state supplement programs

We do not rely on secondary news reports or third-party summaries as primary sources. When we cite industry data, we identify the organization, publication, and year so readers can verify the information independently.

Cross-Referencing With Multiple Sources

For critical data points -- such as eligibility income limits, premium amounts, benefit rates, and enrollment deadlines -- we cross-reference the information against multiple authoritative sources. This helps us identify discrepancies and ensures that the figures we publish are consistent with the most current official data.

For example, when publishing Medicare Part B premium information, we verify the figure against the CMS announcement, the Medicare.gov consumer page, and the SSA cost-of-living adjustment notice. When publishing state Medicaid income limits, we check both the state agency website and the federal guidelines to ensure consistency.

If industry data is involved (such as assisted living cost averages), we compare figures from multiple recognized sources, including the Genworth Cost of Care Survey, AALTCI data, and state-specific surveys where available.

Annual Review Cycle Tied to Program Changes

Most government benefits programs operate on an annual cycle, with key figures updated at predictable times. Our review schedule is aligned with these program cycles to ensure our content stays current:

• Fall (October-November) -- Medicare Open Enrollment period. We review and update all Medicare guides with new premiums, deductibles, and plan changes for the coming year
• Fall (October) -- Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) announced. We update benefit amounts, earning limits, and SSI thresholds
• January -- New program year begins. We verify that all guides reflect current-year figures and eligibility rules
• Throughout the year -- We monitor for mid-year legislative changes, policy updates, and state-level program modifications that may affect our content

Each guide displays an "Updated" date stamp so readers can see when the content was last reviewed.

How We Handle Discrepancies Between Sources

Occasionally, we encounter discrepancies between sources -- for example, when a state agency website has not yet been updated to reflect a new federal guideline, or when different government publications cite slightly different figures during a transition period.

When this happens, we follow these principles:

• We prioritize the most authoritative and most recently dated source
• For federal programs, we defer to the issuing federal agency (CMS for Medicare, SSA for Social Security, VA for veterans benefits)
• For state programs, we defer to the state agency responsible for administering the program
• If a discrepancy cannot be resolved, we note the uncertainty in our content and advise readers to verify with the relevant agency directly

Our Correction and Update Policy

We are committed to correcting errors promptly and transparently. If an error is identified -- whether by our internal review, a reader report, or a change in the underlying program -- we take the following steps:

• Verify -- Confirm the error against primary sources
• Correct -- Update the content with the accurate information
• Date -- Update the guide's "Updated" date to reflect the change
• Note -- For significant corrections, add an editorial note explaining the change

We do not silently alter content in ways that could mislead readers about the history of our reporting.

How to Report a Potential Error

We welcome feedback from readers. If you believe you have found an error, outdated information, or a missing detail in any of our guides, please let us know:

• Visit our Contact page and submit a message describing the issue
• Include the URL of the page in question and the specific information you believe is incorrect
• If possible, include a link to the official source that supports the correction

We review all reader reports and respond to verified corrections promptly.

Related Policies

Our fact-checking process is part of a broader commitment to editorial quality. Learn more about our standards:

• Editorial Policy -- Our commitment to independence, accuracy, and reader-first content
• How We Research -- The research methodology behind every guide
• Sources & Methodology -- The specific primary and industry sources we use
• Medical & Benefits Review Policy -- How we review health-related and benefits content
• Contact Us -- Reach us with questions, corrections, or feedback