Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period If you’re already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage (MA) plan, the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP) is a once-a-year chance to make a change to your coverage. During this window, you can switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan or leave Medicare Advantage and return to Original Medicare. [...]
2026 Medicare Premiums and Deductibles The costs for Medicare for year 2026 have been released. This includes the new premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance amounts for Medicare Parts A and B, along with the income-related monthly adjustment amounts (IRMAA) for Medicare Part D. Medicare Part A Premium and Deductible (2026) Medicare Part A helps pay for [...]
New to Medicare: Questions and Considerations About Your Coverage Options New to Medicare Several months prior to your 65th birthday, something happens. You start receiving mail and phone calls like never before. Every phone call and letter you receive in the mail seems to be about Medicare. You will also receive a book in [...]
Medicare and Working Past 65 Turning 65 doesn’t always mean retiring. If you’re still working—or covered by a spouse’s employer plan—you may want to wait about beginning Medicare. The right choice depends on your situation, and knowing the rules can save you money and help you avoid penalties later. Do I Have to Sign Up [...]
PSA: “Medicare” Phone Calls — They’re Usually Scams Medicare does not call you out of the blue. Medicare nor Social Security will call you and ask for your Medicare number, Social Security number, bank details, or other private information. Legitimate calls happen only if you requested a callback or if a plan you’re already [...]
How Do Medicare HMO and Medicare PPO Differ? If you decide to replace your Original Medicare with a Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C) Plan, your two most common options are an HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) or a PPO (Preferred Provider Organization). Both use provider networks to help manage costs, but they balance price vs. flexibility differently. Medicare PPO [...]
Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) When it happens: October 15 – December 7 each yearWhen changes begin: January 1 of the next year Heads-up: Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policies can be shopped and changed any time of the year. AEP doesn’t govern Medigap. Switch coverage types: Move between Original Medicare (Parts A & B) and Medicare [...]
Medicare & Chiropractic Care Back and neck pain are common as we age. Chiropractic care can help some people move easier and feel better. Here’s what Medicare usually pays for—and what it doesn’t—so you can avoid surprise bills. 1) Quick Basics Original Medicare (Parts A & B) has limited chiropractic coverage. Medicare Advantage (Part C) [...]
Do you need to sign up for Medicare at 65 if you have other coverage? If you turn 65 and already have comprehensive health insurance, you don’t necessarily have to enroll in Medicare. In some situations, though, enrolling at 65 is essential to avoid coverage gaps and penalties. When enrolling at 65 makes sense Potentially [...]
Your Road Map to Medicare What is Medicare? Car Analogy: Medicare is the national interstate system for health care when you hit age 65 (earlier for some disabilities). To “get on the road” you will need Medicare Part A & Part B. Your “big” decision will be selecting how you want to travel. You will have two options. [...]
