Medicare

Do You Know Your ABCDs? The Essential Medicare Parts Quiz

Test your basic knowledge of different parts of Medicare in our quick quiz....

Medicare Changes To Know As This Year’s Open Enrollment Period Begins

The Open Enrollment Period for 2026 Medicare is Oct. 15 – Dec. 7. As was the case last year, expect to find significant changes in the available plans and policies....

Medicare Open Enrollment: Why You Need to Pay Extra Attention to Part D, From a Financial Adviser

The lowest premium for prescription drug coverage might not actually save you the most money. Make sure you take copays into consideration and do the math....

Don't Miss Out! A Quiz on Medicare Enrollment Deadlines

Test your basic knowledge of Medicare enrollment periods in our quick quiz....

What to Do About These Three Medicare Changes During Open Enrollment

With costs due to rise sharply next year, look for coverage that protects your wallet as well as your health....

Accurate info on Medicare for retiring after 65

For anyone born after 1937, full retirement is not 65. Yet every source I've consulted is written as if the default retirement AND Medicare age is 65, when now they are 2 different things. Husband and...

How To Use Your Health Savings Account To Pay Medicare Premiums

Using a Health Savings Account can be tax efficient way to pay for Medicare. Your CFP can help you get set up to use tax-free income to pay your Medicare premiums....

Your Medicare Part D Plan: How to Save by Switching

The drug coverage provided by Medicare Part D is a key part of a retiree’s health insurance, and there are many options to choose from for those who have standalone Part D plans. Since these pla...

Medicare Open Enrollment 2025: Live Updates, Tips and News

Medicare Open Enrollment starts October 15, through December 7. We're covering everything you need to know to get the best plan for your health and budget....

Major Insurers Scale Back Medicare Advantage and Part D Plans for 2026

Beneficiaries enrolled in Medicare Advantage and Part D prescription drug plans might be losing their plan as UnitedHealthcare, Humana, and Aetna (CVS Health) scale back offerings for 2026....

Fight Fraud First: A Bipartisan Path To Save Medicare’s Home Health Benefit

Aging seniors and those with chronic conditions have been able to rely on Medicare for home health care. Now, the benefit may be at risk, writes Debbie Stabenow....

As Congress Fights Over Benefits, Here’s A Quick Look At Medicare And Medicaid

As the government shutdown continues, Congress can’t come to terms on spending. It’s easy to confuse Medicare with Medicaid, but there are several key differences....

The Medicare Surcharge: Test Your IRMAA Knowledge

Test your basic knowledge of the income-related monthly adjustment amount in our quick quiz....

Your Medicare Costs Are Set to Soar: What to Expect Over the Next Decade

Medicare beneficiaries will face higher premiums, deductibles and surcharges starting in 2026 and continuing over the next decade. Here's what you need to know....

Roth IRA Conversions: Are You Factoring In IRMAA Medicare Surcharges?

An in-depth look at the hidden costs of IRMAA, Medicare, their related Surcharges, and how you may not be as prepared for retirement as you think you are....

Don’t Make This Medicare Advantage Mistake

A high percentage of Medicare Advantage plan members make a critical mistake that increases their costs and reduces their benefits....

Take Advantage Of This Medicare Advantage Feature: Test It First

Learn how Medicare Advantage trial periods work, who qualifies, and what deadlines apply....

3 Medicare Traps For The Unwary

Save your money and health by making smart Medicare choices with these traps in mind....

Understand The Key Differences Between Original Medicare And Medicare Advantage

Make smart choices for electing Medicare for your health and longevity....

Quiz: Do You Know What Medicare Gives You for Free?

This quiz tests your knowledge of the services that Medicare provides at no cost to you....

Confused About the New COVID Vaccine and Medicare? What You Need to Know

Getting the new COVID-19 vaccine covered by Medicare isn't as easy this year as it was in the past. Here's what you need to know before you take a trip to your pharmacy....

This Is What You Really Need to Know About Medicare, From a Financial Expert

Health care costs are a significant retirement expense, and Medicare offers essential but complex coverage that requires careful planning. Here's how to navigate Medicare's various parts, enrollment p...

Don't Toss It! Why Your Medicare Annual Notice of Change Matters

If you have Medicare Part D or a Medicare Advantage plan, reviewing your Annual Notice of Change is crucial. It can save you money and ensure you can still see your preferred doctors and hospitals....

Medicare Prior Authorization Expands to Ambulatory Surgical Centers

Prior authorizations are becoming more common in original Medicare. In December, Medicare will begin requiring prior authorization for certain procedures when performed in ambulatory surgical centers ...

Informed Consent: Key To Preventing Big Medicare Advantage Mistakes

Why Medicare Advantage needs informed consent: too many seniors face surprise bills, denied care, and confusing networks with no idea what they’ve signed up for....

Why is My First Medicare Bill So High?

Your first Medicare bill may be higher than expected for several reasons. If your premiums aren't taken out of your Social Security benefit, the bill can be huge....

What decisions as you near retirement are "time-sensitive"?

As you near retirement (say, 65) what decisions are "time-sensitive"? We had a close call with almost being unable to get a Medicare supplement (Medigap). Was not aware you get a one-time 6 month wind...

Tariffs Could Increase Prescription Drug Costs And Premiums For Medicare, Other Insurance

Higher medical costs and insurance premiums are one of the unintended, unexpected effects of the new trade and tariff policies....

I'm 60 With $2.8 Million Saved. I'm Tired of Working, But Need Health Insurance Until Medicare Kicks In.

The 'healthcare desert' is real. We ask financial experts for advice....

As satisfaction drops, is Medicare Advantage still worth it for clients?

Customer satisfaction with Medicare Advantage plans is down, according to a new survey from J.D. Power. But some financial advisors say zero-premium plans remain a lifeline for cash-strapped seniors....

Turmoil In Medicare Advantage Plans Continues

Significant changes occurred in Medicare Advantage plans each of the last couple of years, and more changes are on the way in 2026....

Long-Term Care Costs More Than Many Think And, No, Medicare Won’t Pay

Two recent studies help explain how Americans think about the financial aspects of their long-term care needs, and why they are so poorly prepared....

Plan For Increases, Perhaps Big Increases, In Medicare Part D Premiums For 2026

The final numbers aren’t in, but premiums for Medicare Part D prescription drug insurance policies will increase for 2026, and they could increase substantially....

As insurers axe Medicare plans, here's what advisors should know

As major insurers reduce Medicare Advantage benefits and exit markets, retirees face higher costs and limited options. Advisors need to understand the implications for retirement planning....

I Missed the 2-Year IRMAA Rule, Now My Medicare Costs Are Skyrocketing.

A spike in income could result in costly IRMAA charges on your Medicare premiums. We ask financial planning experts for advice....

How to Navigate Your Medicare Advantage Plan in a Disaster

If you're a Medicare Advantage member in an area that has been impacted by a disaster, you might be worried about access to care and medicine. Here's what you need to know....

Looking Ahead: The Medicare Prescription Payment Plan In 2026

New Medicare rules cap Part D drug costs at $2,000 and offer a payment plan to spread bills over the year. Here’s what enrollees need to know for 2025....

Self-insuring healthcare before Medicare kicks in?

I'm 62 (same job for 23 years) and my wife is 56 (homemaker) and I am contemplating retirement on my 63rd birthday. Our retirement math is close, but we are not quite comfortable, and I am thinking ab...

Let’s Preview 2026 Medicare Part D Premiums, Costs; Prepare To Pay More

Medicare Part D changes are coming in 2026: higher premiums, a new deductible, and updated cost caps. Here are 5 key facts every beneficiary should know....

Plan for Higher Health Care Costs in 2026: Projected Medicare Part B and Part D Premiums

In 2026, Medicare participants will pay more for their health care. Part B costs are expected to rise more than 10%. Here's what you can do....

Avoid Medicare's 'Shadow Tax' With This Financial Expert's IRMAA-Busting Tips

You're cruising along in retirement, and then bam: Your Medicare premiums soar because your income crossed the limit. Take a breath. There could be a solution....

Medicare Advantage vs supplemental insurance and part D

Just wondering what option has worked well for retirees. I’m just turning 65 and this seems like a very difficult decision. Also wondering if anyone has switched back and forth from Advantage to...

Don’t Sever Your Medicare Coverage With A Severance Package

Severance packages can trigger Medicare enrollment deadlines. Learn how to avoid penalties and coverage gaps if you’re over 65 and leaving a job....

Strategies to stop the endless spam/robo calls for Medicare enrollment?

My husband will be aging into Medicare within the next 1.5 years and I know the calls start early. I work in healthcare and legit have seen patients get more than 10 robocolls in one hour. Can we star...

What Older Adults Need To Know About Trump’s Changes To Medicare

Trump is changing Medicare, mostly focusing on providers. But the biggest impact may come from tariffs and deporting immigrants. Combined, these direct and indirect c...