Matt’s Corner – Blog
Welcome to the Prepare for Medicare blog! I’m thrilled you’re here. I’ll use this blog space on the website to keep you up-to-speed with things that affect your Medicare coverage, current events and important dates and timelines.
I wrote my book, Prepare for Medicare – The Insider’s Guide to Buying Medicare Insurance to help you quickly understand Medicare, narrow down your choices, purchase a plan with the help of an expert Medicare insurance agent or DIY, and move on with your life.
That said, Medicare rules change all the time and there’s always something new! Keep paying attention to this space and I’ll post updates regularly.
If you’d like to submit a question, please email it to questions@prepareformedicare.com.
Thanks for reading! Don’t forget sign up for the Prepare for Medicare newsletter.
To your wealth, wisdom, and wellness!
Medicare Part A Only and COBRA – A Cautionary Tale
Hi Matt, I want to relay a cautionary tale about Medicare and COBRA coverage. The background: I’m over age 65 and eligible for Medicare, so I took Medicare Part A and waived Medicare Part B and kept my employer’s group health insurance while I was still working. As...
Switching Medicare Advantage Plans: When, How, and Optimal Strategies
Welcome, my friends! I'm Matt Feret, and if there's one thing my inbox is full of, it's heartfelt questions from many of you feeling anchored down by your current Medicare Advantage plans. You want to navigate these waters confidently, seeking clarity on switching to...
Understanding Medicare: A Comprehensive Guide
2024 IRMAA Rules for Medicare: What You Need to Know
Introduction The landscape of Medicare is ever-evolving, and one crucial aspect that Medicare beneficiaries must stay abreast of is the Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA). As we step into 2024, understanding the nuances of the latest IRMAA rules is very...
When is the 2024 Medicare Open Enrollment Period?
*Updated 1/11/2024 2024 Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period Although the Annual Election Period (AEP) ends on December 7 every year, that does not necessarily mean that you’re completely out of luck if you still want to make a change to your Medicare insurance...
How to Defer Medicare Part B
*Updated 1/2/24 Medicare Part B - How to Defer or Decline Until You're Ready Working past age 65? Have a spouse on your health insurance that isn't 65 yet? If you’re deferring Part B for any reason, when you eventually do sign up for Medicare Part B, Medicare is...
Special Edition: The Medicare AEP is Here! (with Changes) Updates
If you have a mailbox, watch TV, own a phone, or spend any time online, you’re very likely aware The Medicare Annual Election Period (AEP) started on October 15! This is a special time of the year when you can make changes to your Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part...
The 65+ Guide: Balancing Work and Making Medicare Work for You
Treading the Waters of Medicare and Employment at 65 So, you’re approaching the big 6-5 but aren’t quite ready to hang up those work boots? Well, you’re in great company. While many envision retirement paired with Medicare enrollment, a growing number of...
Using Medicare While Traveling
Matt, My husband and I are finally taking a trip we’ve talked about for years, a Caribbean cruise. There will be port calls in the Bahamas, the Virgin Islands, St. Vincent, St. Lucia, and Trinidad and Tobago. How does Medicare work if we have an emergency at sea or in...
What Alzheimer’s Treatments Does Medicare Cover?
Dear Matt! My Dad hasn’t seemed like himself for the past few months. Last week we got the diagnosis and it was what we feared–Alzheimer’s. He is 72 and on Social Security and Medicare. What coverage does Medicare offer for Alzheimer’s treatments? Brad Hi Brad, I’m...
Does Medicare Cover Home Health Care Services?
Hi Matt, My father’s Alzheimer's has become much worse. He can’t be left unsupervised during the day. Everyone in our family works and can’t afford to provide him with round-the-clock care. We’ve looked into what it would cost to hire someone to cook and do some light...
What If You Can’t Afford Medicare Premiums?
What If You Can’t Afford Medicare Premiums? Hi Matt, Like most people today, I’m working with a limited income and need to save money where I can. However, I also don’t want to compromise on my Medicare needs. Can you give me a breakdown of how much premiums cost as...