Medicare

10 Things You Should Know About Medicare Part D Plans

Open enrollment is just weeks away; it’s time to review your Medicare drug plan.

Your Interest Income Could Cost You A Medicare Surcharge And A Tax Break

Retirees can earn more interest today, but even small increases can trigger higher taxes, shrink deductions or raise future Medicare premiums.

Your 2027 Medicare Open Enrollment Guide: Essential Dates and Notices

Learn how to read your annual Medicare notices, track critical deadlines and choose the right health and drug coverage before the December 7 deadline.

Medicare Supplement Rates: How to Save Money

Your Medigap plan could be much cheaper with another carrier. It's easier than you might think to switch — but beware of the timing trap that can trip you up.

Medicare Premiums: Who Can File An IRMAA Appeal And How To Do It

IRMAA medicare surcharges and often an unwelcome and costly surprise for retirees. How to appeal your IRMAA notice.

More Details Emerge About Changes In Medicare Plans And Policies

New data reveal that Medicare Part D and Advantage plans will be more expensive for both beneficiaries and taxpayers in 2027 and after.

Choosing The Medicare Path That Fits Your Future

Choosing the right Medicare path can affect your future health care access, costs and flexibility. Understand your options before making a long-term decision.

Will Wegovy Be A Part D, A Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Drug Or Neither?

How will Medicare deal with weight loss drugs in 2027.

Healthcare Strategy Prior to Medicare/Income Timing Question.

My husband and I are retired at 60/61. We are trying to bridge the gap between today and Medicare. Today I developed a plan to take a large withdrawal this year and limit income over the next three ye...

8 Changes Coming to Medicare in 2027

Prepare for rising Part D costs, shrinking drug plan options, and newly negotiated prescription prices before Open Enrollment begins.

Which Makes It Easier To Keep Your Doctor, Medigap Or Medicare Advantage?

Medigap and Medicare Advantage have very different provider rules. Learn how your Medicare coverage can affect your ability to choose and keep your doctors.

Understanding Medicare Basics: What To Know Before You Retire

Learn the basics of Medicare, including Parts A, B, C and D, eligibility, premiums, IRMAA and key healthcare considerations when planning for retirement.

A Hidden Disadvantage In Medicare Advantage Plans

Medicare Advantage members can lose access to hospitals, hospital systems and other providers at any time during the year. Such changes are happening more frequently.

As Medicare Advantage satisfaction falls, advisors should review client coverage

A survey found Medicare Advantage customer satisfaction dropped for the second year in a row. Financial advisors can guide clients as they weigh coverage choices.

The Kirkland Signature Care Plan? Costco Prepares Move Into Medicare Advantage

From bulk goods to healthcare coverage, Costco plans its expansion into senior health plans pending government approval.

The Medicare Travel Readiness Quiz: What’s Covered at Home and Abroad?

Out-of-state ER visit? Emergency in Europe? Find out what your Medicare plan actually covers before you take off.

3 Signs Medicare Advantage Might Be the Wrong Choice for You

While Medicare Advantage offers great perks, it isn't perfect. Here are three signs you should stick with original Medicare.

GLP-1 Medicare Coverage: How to Get It for $50 (And the Catch)

A new CMS program finally brings Wegovy and Zepbound within reach for seniors. But a hidden rule about your deductible could cost you thousands.

Medicare 2027 Projections: Here's How Much Your Monthly Premiums Are Estimated to Rise

In 2027, Medicare participants will pay more for their health care. Fortunately, Part B costs are expected to rise less than 5%.

Medicare Continues To Be Hit With Changes

The once-stodgy, boring Medicare program experienced many changes over the last few years. More changes were announced in the last few weeks.

5 Costly Mistakes That Can Trigger Medicare Surcharges — And How to Avoid Paying Thousands More Than You Should

Your income will determine how much you pay, but here are some smart strategies that can help you lower your premiums.

IRMAA: Will Your Retirement Income Increase Your Medicare Premiums?

Did you know that Medicare Premiums are income based? The more you make the more you pay. How to avoid IRMAA jacking up your Medicare premiums in retirement.

Wealth Wise: Bridging the Healthcare Age Gap for Military Couples with TRICARE and Medicare

In our retirement advice column, Wealth Wise, our reader turns 65 a year before their spouse. Here is how to seamlessly bridge the age gap using veteran benefits.

How advisors can add value as Social Security, Medicare uncertainty grows

As funding questions persist for Social Security and Medicare Part A, speakers at the recent AICPA conference discussed how advisors can guide clients through complex benefit rules and options.

Why I Decided to Appeal My Medicare IRMAA Surcharge

I retired from full-time work early last year, but I'm still subject to the surcharge because of this rule.

Is That New Medicare Card You Received Legitimate?

Medicare beneficiaries are receiving new cards due to issues with their numbers, prompting concerns about legitimacy and potential fraud.

Medicare supplemental vision plans what do you wish you knew before choosing one

I only started digging into this after noticing I’ve been struggling with small print more often than I’d like to admit, like menus, labels, even stuff on my phone. It wasn’t a big sudden thing, just ...

What This Year's Biggest Medicare Changes Mean for You

Some drug prices are falling, other costs are climbing, and new rules abound. Here's what you need to know.

Our Medicare Advantage Experience

I have no affiliation with any health insurance companies and no particular ax to grind. I just want to share our experience because I see a lot of scary information out there about Medicare Advantage...

Projected 2027 IRMAA Brackets and Surcharges for Medicare Part B and D

Will you owe the Medicare IRMAA surcharge in 2027? Grab your 2025 tax return and check the projected brackets and surcharges for next year.

Blocking New Medicare Home Health And Hospice Firms Won’t Stop Fraud

Barring new entrants will be good for existing firms that will avoid competition. But it hard to see how it will prevent fraud or benefit patients and their families.

Medicare and Cruises: The 6-Hour Rule

Don't let a medical emergency ruin your retirement. We explain why Medicare might not pay for cruise ship virus treatments and how to fill the coverage gap.

What You Need To Know About The GLP-1 Medicare Bridge, $50 Drugs

Learn who qualifies for Medicare’s GLP-1 Bridge, when $50 Wegovy and Zepbound access begins, and key rules beneficiaries need to know before July 2026.

What A Medicare Home Care Benefit Could Look Like

The plan would shift much long-term care from Medicaid to Medicare. It would for anyone with a significant need for care but tie benefits amounts to income and assets.

New Report Forecasts Medicare Premiums Will Double In 10 Years

Medicare Part B premiums could double to about $5,000 annually per beneficiary in 2035, according to a new report.

The Decline Of Social Security, Medicare Trust Funds Is Accelerating

The trust funds for Social Security and Medicare Part A seem likely to run out of money faster than was projected last year, the Congressional Budget Office estimates.

How Alaska Became the Only State With No Medicare Advantage

While the Lower 48 shift to private plans, Alaska is proving that original Medicare can still deliver high-quality care at the edge of the world.

Social Security and Medicare Decisions That Can Cost You for Life

Original Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage, Social Security timing, and the enrollment mistakes that follow you permanently. The post Social Security and Medicare Decisions That Can Cost You for Life ap...

Trump Administration Weighs Default Medicare Advantage Plans For Seniors

Trump administration is considering auto-enrollment for Medicare enrollees in Medicare Advantage. This suggests a preference for the program over traditional Medicare.

We're 59 and Retired With $5.3 million. We Want to Spend $250,000 a Year Until Medicare and Social Security Start. Are We Nuts?

We are retired and want to spend $250,000 a year, but once Medicare and Social Security start, we'll need less. Are we nuts?

Switching From Landline To Cellphone Can Create A Medicare Catch-22

New login rules at Medicare.gov can cause problems.

Why Your Medicare Premiums Are $200 Higher Than They Should Be

Here's how overpayments to Medicare Advantage plans are driving up Part B costs for every Medicare beneficiary.