Who Qualifies, When to Enroll, and Requirements Understanding Medicare eligibility requirements is one of the most important steps before turning 65. Many people ask: Who qualifies for Medicare? Can you get Medicare before age 65? When should I enroll in Medicare? Does work history affect Medicare eligibility? Can I get Medicare if I never worked? [...]
Medicare and Hospice Benefits Making decisions about hospice care for a loved one can feel overwhelming. Between the emotional challenges of end-of-life care and the complexity of Medicare rules, it’s easy to feel unsure about what’s covered and when hospice is appropriate. This guide explains how the Medicare hospice benefit works, who qualifies, what services [...]
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 Coverage for Chiropractic Care Back and neck pain are common concerns for older adults. As we age, changes in our joints, muscles, and spine can lead to stiffness, discomfort, and reduced mobility. Many seniors explore chiropractic care as a non-surgical option to help manage pain and improve movement. Does Medicare Cover Chiropractic Care? Medicare [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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. [...]
Avoiding the Medicare Part B Late Enrollment Penalty When it comes to Medicare, timing is everything. Unless you have qualifying (creditable) employer group coverage, you generally need to enroll in Medicare at age 65. Some people qualify earlier due to disability or certain medical conditions. Missing key enrollment windows can trigger late enrollment penalties—especially for [...]
Understanding Your Medicare Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) Letter What it is, what to look for, and what to do next. What is the ANOC? The ANOC is a letter from your current plan—either a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan or a Medicare Advantage (MA) plan—spelling out any updates that will take effect [...]
Medicare Supplements Original Medicare is intended to help cover your healthcare costs. Unfortunately, Original Medicare (Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B) does not pay 100% of your costs for medical care. You will be financially responsible for copays, coinsurance, and deductibles. After Medicare pays, your cost will usually be 20% for medical services [...]
Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Plan Questions Am I eligible to purchase a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policy? If you are enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Part B, you can purchase a Medicare supplement insurance policy. If you have had your Medicare Part B six months or less, you are in a period called open enrollment. [...]
Medicare Supplement Plans A Medicare Supplement insurance plan, also known as Medigap, is an insurance you can buy that helps pay for the out-of-pocket costs Original Medicare doesn’t cover. There are ten different supplemental plans to choose for coverage. Plans are referred to by letters. The three most purchased plans are Plan [...]
Medicare and Marketing Agents assisting you with your Medicare options ARE NOT allowed to….. Ask for information, such as your bank account, over the phone unless it’s needed as part of an enrollment. Require you to provide them your Medicare Number or Social Security Number for a quote. Plans don't need those numbers to [...]
Paying Your Medicare Part B Premium You are probably like most people and receive Medicare Part A at no cost. Medicare Part A is premium free if you or your spouse worked 10 years or more and paid Medicare taxes while working. However, Medicare Part B is not free. If you are receiving retirement benefits [...]
Medicare and Medicaid Medicare and Medicaid are two separate programs that are both run by the government. A person may qualify to receive benefits from one or both programs. The major difference between Medicare and Medicaid is that Medicare covers health care mainly for people age 65 and older. Medicaid is for people with low income. Medicare provides health [...]
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 is about Medicare. You will also receive a book in the mail entitled Medicare and You Handbook. This book has information and terms [...]
NATIONAL WALKING DAY National Walking Day is the first Wednesday in April and is sponsored by the American Heart Association. The first National Walking Day was in 2007. This day promotes awareness to healthy living and the benefits of taking a walk. Activities such as walking can help you lower stress and improve your mood. [...]
Alzheimer’s and Medicare Coverage According to the Alzheimer’s Association, it is estimated that over six million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease. Approximately 1 in 9 people age 65 and older have Alzheimer's. Women make up close to two-thirds of Americans with Alzheimer's. Older Black Americans are almost twice as likely to have Alzheimer's [...]
Your Health Savings Account (HSA) and Medicare According to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) guidelines, you cannot make contributions to your Health Savings Account once you enroll in Medicare. To contribute pre-tax dollars to an HSA you must be enrolled in a High Deductible Health Plan. The month you begin your Medicare benefits, you should [...]
Medicare Part D Extra Help Medicare Part D Extra Help is a federal program that lowers your Medicare prescription drug coverage (Part D) premiums and lowers the cost of your prescriptions. You may qualify if you have limited income and assets. Extra Help Eligibility/Qualifications Your monthly income falls into a certain range and your assets [...]
Medicare Covers Many Vaccines for Free! Great news! Because of a prescription drug law that went into effect January 1, 2023, your Medicare Part D drug plan will cover the cost of most vaccines. All adult vaccines that are recommended by the CDC are covered with no out-of-pocket costs to you. Medicare Part B [...]
