Prepare for Medicare
  • Home
  • Blog
    • Medicare Basics
    • Medicare Advantage
    • Medicare Supplement (Medigap)
    • Medicare Part D
    • Service Area Reductions
  • Resources
    • About Matt Feret
    • IRMAA
    • Podcast
    • Helpful Links
    • Sources
  • Newsletter
  • Online Courses
  • Free Consultation
Select Page
Does Medicare Cover Alzheimer’s Care? What Families Need to Know

Does Medicare Cover Alzheimer’s Care? What Families Need to Know

by Matt Feret | Aug 15, 2025 | Medicare Coverage

“What does Medicare actually cover if my loved one has Alzheimer’s?” That’s usually the very first question I hear after a diagnosis. And it’s a fair one. Alzheimer’s doesn’t just affect memory—it changes daily life, finances, and the type of care someone will need...
Medicare Star Ratings: What They Really Mean for You

Medicare Star Ratings: What They Really Mean for You

by Matt Feret | Aug 12, 2025 | Medicare Advantage, Medicare Advice, Medicare Part D

Every fall, people shopping for Medicare Advantage or Part D drug plans run into the “Medicare Star Rating” system. It looks simple — one to five stars, just like Amazon reviews. But here’s the real question: Do these stars actually help you figure out which plan is...
Medicare Advantage MOOP: What to Watch for in 2026

Medicare Advantage MOOP: What to Watch for in 2026

by Matt Feret | Aug 10, 2025 | Medicare Advantage, Medicare Advice

If you’re on Medicare Advantage, you’ve probably seen the term Maximum Out-of-Pocket (MOOP).But do you know how high it can go in 2026 — and what that means for your wallet? Let’s break it down in plain English. What is a MOOP (and why does it matter)? Every Medicare...
IRMAA Appeals (SSA-44): How to Lower Your Medicare Premiums in 2026

IRMAA Appeals (SSA-44): How to Lower Your Medicare Premiums in 2026

by Matt Feret | Aug 7, 2025 | Medicare Advice, Original Medicare

Short version: If your Medicare bill jumped because of IRMAA but your income has dropped, you may be able to appeal and pay less. The appeal runs through Social Security using Form SSA-44. Below is the plain-English, step-by-step. If you’re new to IRMAA and want the...
Does Medicare Call You at Home? (2026 Guide to Real vs. Scam Calls)

Does Medicare Call You at Home? (2026 Guide to Real vs. Scam Calls)

by Matt Feret | Aug 4, 2025 | Medicare Advice

Short version: Most calls claiming to be “Medicare” are junk. But does Medicare call you at home ever? Sometimes—in limited situations, usually after you’ve contacted them or when a contractor is following up on something you already received in the mail. Everything...
« Older Entries
Next Entries »

Schedule Your Free Consultation

Book a Free Consultation

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Learn with Our Medicare Programs

Explore Medicare Courses
  • Three doctors in white coats and stethoscopes are smiling and looking at a tablet. They appear engaged and happy in a clinical setting.
    Your Doctor Might Not Be In-Network for 2026 — Here’s Why (And How to Check Properly)
  • A doctor in a white coat and blue gloves discusses a document with an elderly man in a striped shirt. They appear engaged and focused.
    The Overrated Medicare Advantage Benefits You Should Never Pick a Plan For (and the Ones That Actually Matter)
  • Smiling elderly woman in a light pink blouse hands over an insurance document on a clipboard while another hand offers a stack of dollar bills.
    Why Your 2026 Medicare Advantage Costs Are Going Up — Even If Your Plan Stayed ‘The Same.’

Additional Resources

Join The Matt Feret Newsletter to Get 7 FREE Helpful Checklists.

Get the “Prepare for Medicare” book
for additional assistance.

Prepare for Medicare by Matt Feret

Get the “Prepare for Medicare” companion workbook.

Prepare for Medicare Workbook by Matt Feret

Other Books by Matt Feret

Prepare for Social Security by Matt Feret

Prepare for Social Security Workbook by Matt Feret

Prepare for Medicare Username and Password Book by Matt Feret

Medicare Supplement vs. Medicare Advantage – Book by Matt Feret

podcast icon Check Out Matt’s Podcast for updates & advice

Resources

Prepare For Medicare Book

Prepare for Medicare Workbook

Prepare for Social Security Book

Prepare for Social Security Workbook

Medicare Supplement vs. Medicare Advantage Book

Matt’s Corner Blog

Helpful Links

Quick Links

About Us

IRMAA

Sources

Terms & Conditions

Privacy Policy

Free Consultation

MF Media, LLC

19 North Grant Street Suite 3A
Hinsdale, IL 60521

Prepare for Social Security

The Matt Feret Show

Copyright © 2021-2025. MF Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
19 North Grant Street Suite 3A Hinsdale, IL 60521
  • Follow
  • Follow
  • Follow
  • Follow

This publication is in no way associated, endorsed, or authorized by the Social Security Administration, the Department of Health and Human Services, or the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. This publication is in no way sponsored, associated, authorized, approved, endorsed nor, in any way affiliated with any company, trademarked names or other marks. Any such mention is for purpose of reference only. Any advice, generalized statistics, or opinions expressed are strictly those of the author, utilizing nearly two decades of daily Medicare insurance experience. Although every effort has been made to ensure the contents of this publication are correct and complete, Medicare rules, premiums, and coverages change quickly and often. The publication isn’t meant to replace the sage advice of healthcare, insurance, financial planning, accounting, or legal professionals. You are responsible for your financial decisions. It is your sole responsibility to independently evaluate the accuracy, correctness or completeness of the content, services, and products of, and associated with this publication. The thoughts and opinions expressed in this publication are those of the author only, and are not the thoughts and opinions of any current or former employer of the author. Nor is this publication made by, on behalf of, or endorsed or approved by any current or former employer of the author.

PrepareForMedicare.com may contain affiliate or referral links. MF Media LLC may receive a referral fee for IRMAA-related services. If you book a Medicare consultation through this site and choose to enroll in a Medicare plan, the licensed agent—through Brickhouse Agency, LLC—may earn a commission. Learn more in our Privacy Policy and Terms.