Blog & News

It’s that time of year again! The Medicare Annual Election Period is here and will continue until the December 7th deadline. This is the time when you check your Medicare Plan and its plan changes to see if it still takes care of your medical needs. This is also the time when you will be bombarded with false and misleading information. Misleading TV commercials Sneaky direct mail disguised to look like Medicare official documents. Unsolicited phone calls Misleading internet a

If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan or Medicare Part D prescription drug plan, you’ll receive an important document every fall called your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC). It may look like just another piece of Medicare mail, but don’t toss it in a drawer! The ANOC tells you what is changing with your plan for the upcoming year—and those changes could affect what you pay and the doctors, hospitals, pharmacies and medications you use. What Is an ANOC? The Annual Notice of Ch

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. For individuals t

One of the questions I'm asked most often is: "What's the difference between Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans?" It's an important question because while both options help cover your healthcare needs, they work very differently. Medicare Supplement (also known as Medigap) is designed to work alongside Original Medicare, helping pay many of the out-of-pocket costs Medicare doesn't cover. Medicare Advantage, on the other hand, is an alternative, more affordable

Divorce can affect many aspects of your finances, but can it affect Medicare? In some situations, it can. Most people don't think about Medicare when going through a divorce, but changes in health insurance coverage, household income, and even an ex-spouse's work history can sometimes affect your Medicare options. Here are some rules that may help you avoid surprises and make informed decisions. Can I qualify for Medicare based on my ex-spouse's work history? Possibly. I

When leaving a job after age 65, some people are offered COBRA and assume it works the same as employer health insurance when it comes to the timing of enrolling in Medicare. COBRA is a federal law that allows you to continue your employer's health insurance for a limited time after leaving your job or losing coverage, typically at your full expense. While it may seem like you're simply keeping the same insurance, your Medicare rights and responsibilities change once your ac

If you’re turning 65 and still working, one of the most important Medicare questions you may not even realize to ask is: “What happens to my Health Savings Account (HSA) when I enroll in Medicare?” This is an area where many people accidentally make costly mistakes. First, What Is an HSA? A Health Savings Account (HSA) allows people with qualifying high-deductible health plans to contribute pre-tax money to help pay for medical expenses. Many working adults continue contrib

There has been a lot of recent discussion about Medicare and coverage for certain weight-loss medications such as Wegovy and Zepbound. Beginning in July 2026, Medicare is expected to launch a temporary program called the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Program that may help some eligible Medicare beneficiaries access certain GLP-1 weight management medications at a lower cost. At this time, details are still developing, including: • Eligibility requirements • How enrollment will work

Getting ready to enroll in Medicare can feel confusing at first. Between understanding the costs and benefits, deadlines, enrollment periods, late enrollment penalties and all the plan choices, many people aren’t sure where or when to begin. The good news is that enrolling in Medicare can be much simpler when you understand the steps. Step 1: Determine Whether You Need Medicare at 65 Not everyone needs to enroll in Medicare immediately at age 65. If you’re still working an

The Medicare Savings Program (MSP) is a Medicaid-administered program that can assist people enrolled in Medicare with limited income. You can qualify for different benefits depending on your income level. The MSP can help pay for Medicare premiums and for other cost-sharing expenses. When you qualify you may also automatically get Extra Help, the federal program that helps pay most of your Medicare prescription drug (Part D) plan costs. Important Note: There is no resourc

This is a huge area of confusion and anxiety for people approaching Medicare. Most seniors don’t really understand the penalties—they just know they’ve heard they can be “penalized for life,” which creates fear. There are common misunderstandings about a Medicare LEP, late enrollment penalty, which is an amount that is added to your monthly premium. The amount of the penalty is determined by the length of time you were not enrolled and were supposed to be. Medicare penalti

It’s one of the most common questions people ask about Medicare. The answer depends on several factors including your medications, your pharmacy, and how you prefer to receive your Medicare coverage. Here’s what you need to know. Medicare Part D provides prescription drug coverage in two main ways: • A stand-alone Part D plan (PDP)- pairs with Original Medicare, has a monthly premium • A Medicare Advantage Plan (MAPD) that includes drug coverage as part of the plan. These

Retirement opens the door to adventures — whether that means visiting family in another state, taking a road trip cross-country, or setting sail on a bucket-list cruise. But here’s the big question: Will your Medicare coverage go with you? Let’s look at how Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, and Medicare Supplements (Medigap) work when you’re traveling in the U.S. and abroad. Medicare in the U.S Original Medicare (Parts A & B) Original Medicare works almost everywhere in

When most people think about Medicare, they assume it covers just about everything. After all, you’ve paid into it for years, so it should take care of you now, right? While Medicare is good medical coverage, it might surprise you that some important things are not covered. Original Medicare Original Medicare (Parts A and B) is designed to cover hospital care, doctor visits, and medically necessary services. It also has Part D -Prescription Drug coverage, whether it’s a s

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

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

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