It’s one of the first questions people ask. It’s a great question—and an important one. Medicare Advantage Plans are very similar to the health insurance plans that many people are familiar with through work or the marketplace. They are HMO and PPO Plans and are a more affordable option to Original Medicare with a Supplement. They also offer extra benefits like dental, vision and hearing, which are not covered under Original Medicare. The good news is, many people are able

If you're planning a move to a new state, or even just across the county line, you might feel ready to head off for a brand-new life. Your Medicare plan, however, doesn’t always travel so easily.  Let’s take a look at what happens to your Medicare coverage when you change your address, and how to make sure your plan doesn’t get left behind.   How Medicare Plans Work With a Move If you’re in a Medicare Advantage or Part D Prescription Drug Plan, those plans are location-based.

If you are struggling to pay the high cost of your prescription drugs, you may be able to get help.  Medicare’s Low-Income Subsidy (LIS), also called Extra Help, is a federal program designed to help people with limited income and resources pay their Medicare Part D prescription drug costs. What Extra Help Covers If you qualify, Extra Help can save you hundreds, or even thousands of dollars by covering: Your Part D premium — often $0 Your Part D deductible — $0 Lower prescrip

Turning 65 often comes with one big question: “How much is Medicare actually going to cost me to have the coverage?” The answer depends on which parts of Medicare you enroll in, your work history, the prescription drug plan you choose, and even your income. While some people assume Medicare is free, there are still premiums and other costs to think about. Let’s break down the cost of Medicare Part A, Part B, Part D, and something called IRMAA. Medicare Part A: Hospital Covera

You might assume that if a medication was covered by your employer plan, retiree plan, or other insurance, it will be covered the same way once you enroll in Medicare. Unfortunately, that is not always the case.  Some medications may still be covered the same.  Some might have a different cost, depending on the plan.  Others may be covered under a different part of Medicare than you expect.  Some medications may not be covered by Medicare at all. That is why it is so importan

If you’ve had health insurance through an employer or through the Marketplace, Medicare Advantage may feel familiar.  A Medicare Advantage plan is a type of Medicare coverage offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. Instead of using Original Medicare by itself, you receive your benefits through one plan with one ID card.  For many people, it can be a more affordable way to receive Medicare coverage because many plans have low or even $0 monthly premiums, b

An unexpected hospital stay can bring more than just stress—it can also bring significant out-of-pocket costs.  One of the biggest misunderstandings about Medicare is thinking it covers everything. While Original Medicare Part A provides important hospital coverage, there are real gaps—and those gaps can add up quickly.   Here’s How It Works in 2026 Each benefit period begins with an inpatient hospital deductible of $1,736.   After that, your share of the costs depends on ho

Let’s Get  Moving!  Exercise can be fun, encouraging, and doable — no matter your age or fitness level!  Staying active is one of the best things you can do for your health as you get older. The good news is that Medicare may help support your wellness goals in more ways than you realize.  From preventive screenings to fitness benefits included in some plans, today’s Medicare options can play a role in helping you stay strong, mobile, and independent.  When it comes to health

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...