When it comes to Medicare, people find themselves deciding between two main approaches: Medicare Supplement (Medigap) with a Stand-Alone Prescription Drug Plan   or  Medicare Advantage Both provide solid coverage, but they appeal to people differently when it comes to costs, flexibility, and how healthcare is used.   A Little Bit Supplement  Medicare Supplement plans help cover many of the deductibles, copays, and coinsurance of Original Medicare.  Many people like this opti

Trying to keep up with Medicare information can feel like a full-time job — and the conveyor belt never stops!  If you're turning 65 or already enrolled in Medicare, chances are your mailbox has become a war zone. Postcards, booklets, flyers… oh my! Add in the non-stop TV ads, robocalls, and maybe even a neighbor who insists their plan is the best, and it’s no wonder some people feel overwhelmed.  Here’s the truth: Medicare is complicated, but you don’t have to figure it out

More adults today are continuing their careers well past traditional retirement age of 65.  Some continue working by choice, for some it’s necessary, others often simply enjoy staying active and engaged.  A large number are waiting for full retirement age of their Social Security Benefits, which is now age 67.  If you’re still working and covered by an employer health plan when you turn 65, does Medicare automatically replace your current insurance?  The answer is: not always

EPIC stands for Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage . It is a New York State program administered by the Department of Health that helps income-eligible residents age 65 and older supplement their out-of-pocket Medicare Part D prescription drug costs .  You can apply for EPIC at any time during the year as long as you have Medicare Part D coverage — either through a standalone drug plan or a Medicare Advantage plan that includes prescription coverage. Who Is Eligible? T

Under Original Medicare (Part A and/or Part B) , home health care is covered when specific conditions are met. You must: Need part-time or intermittent skilled care Be considered “homebound” Have an in person eval by a doctor certifying that you need home health services Receive care from a Medicare-certified home health agency   What Does “Homebound” Mean? Being homebound means that leaving home requires a major effort or assistance because of illness or injury.  For example

Turning 65 brings up two big questions:         “Do I start Social Security?”          “And what do I do about Medicare?” These are two separate government programs — but they often work together. Understanding how they connect can save you time, money, and confusion.   Social Security: When Should You Start? You can begin collecting Social Security as early as age 62 . However, if you start before your Full Retirement Age, your monthly benefit will be permanently reduced.  F

Welcome to the Medicare Malt Shop!  Pull up a red stool, the jukebox is humming, and you were just handed the menu. Instead of sundaes and banana splits, today’s specials are Medicare Part D drug plans. Because, just like a malt shop menu, these plans come in different “flavors” and prices —knowing what you’re ordering makes all the difference. The Menu: Tiers Explained Every drug plan starts with its “menu” — officially called a formulary.  That’s just a fancy word for the l

What if Your New Medicare Advantage Plan Coverage Isn’t “Just Right”? When it comes to Medicare Advantage Plans, many people find their coverage works beautifully. The benefits fit. The costs feel manageable. Their doctors are in network. And if that describes you, there may be no reason to make a change at all.  Medicare Advantage Plans Offer Valuable Benefits: Affordable premiums Prescription drug coverage built in Dental, vision, and hearing benefits Extra services such as

What’s New in Medicare for 2026 Medicare is always evolving, and 2026 brings some updates that can affect what you pay and how your benefits work. Here’s a breakdown of the most important changes, written in plain language so you can understand and plan ahead. 1. Higher Monthly Costs for Medicare Part B If you have Original Medicare, Part B (your medical insurance) costs are increasing in 2026: The standard monthly premium  for Part B is $202.90 — up from $185.00 in 2025. Th

Every fall, Medicare gives us a ticket for the same ride: the Annual Election Period (AEP) . From October 15 through December 7 , it’s...

Lately, my phone has been ringing with the same concern: rate increases on Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans.  Understandably, this has...

It’s That Time of Year Again — Time to Review Your Medicare Plan Each fall, the Annual Election Period (AEP)  gives everyone already...

Your plan may be changing — let’s make sure it still fits you Hello, neighbor!  It’s that time of year again — time to watch for an...

Getting ready to enroll in Medicare can feel overwhelming. Here’s the good news: you don’t have to rush, and you don’t have to do it...

Medicare Low-Income Subsidy (LIS)  - Extra Help If you are struggling to pay the high costs of your prescription drugs, you can apply for...

Medicare and Medicaid may sound alike, but they serve different purposes. Each is valuable on its own — like peanut butter and chocolate....

The “Godfather of Fitness,” once said: “The only way you get that fat off is to eat less and exercise more.”  His boundless energy and...

Medicare penalties aren’t just a one-time fee — they can last a lifetime  and add up quickly. Here’s a quick rundown of the “wrong...

Behind these curtains could be the prescription coverage you need… or a costly surprise. Which will you choose? Medicare Part D — your...

This is Medicare. Millions enroll every year. Most pay the standard premium. But for some, there’s an extra charge. My job: cut through...