If you get Part D Extra Help (Low-Income Subsidy) and you’ve seen headlines this week about Medicare Part D premium subsidy ending, you might be worried. Take a breath — this news is about a different program, and it doesn’t change your Extra Help benefits. This doesn’t mean you can ignore it altogether though. What […]
Short Answer for Comparing Medicare Advantage vs Medicare Supplement: Medicare Advantage (Part C) is a part of Medicare that combines Original Medicare Part A, Part B and usually Part D into a single managed plan with additional benefits from a private insurer — often with a $0 monthly premium and variable out-of-pocket copays and coinsurance. […]
Many people assume Medicare works like traditional health insurance and includes dental care. Unfortunately, this is not the case. When you join Medicare, you will find that Original Medicare does not cover routine or comprehensive dental care. It only covers limited Medically necessary dental. If you need cleanings, filings, dentures, bridges, or other major dental […]
Medicare Part B covers essential services like doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive screenings, and durable medical equipment. Unlike Medicare Part A, which is premium-free for most people, Medicare Part B is not free. There is a monthly premium for Part B coverage. This premium may be discouraging if you are low income or if you […]
If you’re on Medicare (or about to enroll), make sure you know what is coming to Medicare for 2026. Each year Medicare adjusts what you pay for premiums and coverage, but other changes could affect your overall costs. These include premium and deductible increases, changes to the Part D cap on maximum out-of-pocket costs, new […]
Discover how to review your 2026 Medicare Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) to stay informed about essential plan changes.
A diagnosis of End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) can feel overwhelming—not just medically, but also financially and logistically. If you or a loved one need dialysis or a kidney transplant, Medicare coverage becomes a major factor—even if you’re under age 65. Understanding how Medicare works with ESRD and how it coordinates with an employer group health […]
When the One Big Beautiful Bill became law, headlines read: “No tax on Social Security!” Certainly, a big deal for many retirees — but it is also not accurate. The law doesn’t eliminate taxes on Social Security. Instead, it creates an age-based deduction for people 65 and older. This, in turn, lowers taxable income — […]
If you are turning 65 and have a younger spouse covered under your employer’s group health plan, it is important to understand the implication of enrolling in Part A and/or Part B early while you are still working. If your younger spouse who will not be 65 when you retire, then your timing on Medicare […]
Do you live in a state that has a Medicare Supplement Birthday Rule? If so, you may have a unique yearly opportunity to switch Medicare Supplement plans or companies WITHOUT underwriting. You may benefit and save on premiums since carrier premiums can fluctuate from year to year. Find out more information on the birthday rule, […]
If you already receive healthcare through Indian Health Services, you may be wondering what happens when you become eligible for Medicare. Does it affect your Indian Health Services access or costs? Below, we breakdown if you need to join Medicare, how it works with Indian Health Services, and how you and your Tribe may benefit […]
Medicare Advantage plans have grown in popularity and availability. Some metropolitan areas can have as many as 50-70 different options. This can make it difficult to compare and find the perfect plan. A question we get regularly from beneficiaries is, “What is the best Medicare Advantage plan?” The answer to this question is complicated and […]
Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans offer a convenient way to get your Medicare Part A and B benefits — often with extra perks. But these plans often come with copays and coinsurance that can quickly add up in the event of an emergency and hospital stay. This is where a hospital indemnity plan comes in. […]
Are you looking for low cost Medicare Supplements? Currently, about half of Medicare beneficiaries enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan when they become eligible for Medicare. This is a downward trend due to increasing Medicare Supplement premiums and lower Medicare Advantage premiums. Beneficiaries who are “Team Medicare Supplement” are generally looking for more freedom to […]
What you need to know when deciding between Medicare and your employer group coverage. It is more than just costs.
For many retirees, traveling is a long-awaited reward in their retirement years. Whether it’s a European river cruise, a tropical getaway, or visiting family overseas, international travel is a fun adventure where health care needs are one factor that often gets overlooked. Even though you don’t plan to seek general medical care when traveling abroad, […]
As a program to care for people who are terminally ill, hospice presents a very difficult situation for loved ones and caregivers. Worrying about how to get hospice covered with Medicare and how you will pay is the last thing on everyone’s mind! Luckily, hospice is covered with Medicare is the same for all beneficiaries […]
This blog has been updated on 12/18/2025 to reflect the new changes to Original Medicare new pre-authorization testing in 6 states. Most people who have had health insurance are familiar with pre-authorization requirements for medical services or prescription drugs. This practice has been widely implemented across the insurance industry. Traditionally, Original Medicare (Part A and […]
As you approach retirement age, it’s crucial to have a solid understanding of your healthcare options. One of the most essential components of your healthcare coverage is Medicare, a federal program that provides health insurance to individuals aged 65 and older, as well as some younger individuals with disabilities. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll focus […]
Medicare Part A is one component of the Medicare program, which offers comprehensive hospital insurance to people over 65 (and people with disabilities). If you are nearing eligibility for Medicare, it is important to understanding the ins and outs of all its parts. In this blog, we’ll explore Part A, including what is covers, how […]