Extra Benefits in 2026: Which Ones Really Matter?
Everyone talks about the “extras” — but do they really help you? Every fall, when Medicare Advantage plan updates come out, people focus on the shiny extras — grocery cards, dental coverage, gym memberships, even help paying for utilities. It all sounds great on...
Avoid the IRMAA Medicare Surcharge Trap: How $1 Can Raise Medicare Costs
Here’s a question most people don’t know to ask until it’s too late: “Why did my Medicare premiums suddenly go up hundreds of dollars?” You didn’t change your plan, you didn’t make a mistake—yet your bill jumped. The culprit might be a little-known rule called...
Comparing Medicare Advantage Networks: HMO vs PPO in 2026
Every year around Annual Enrollment, I hear the same concern: “If I change plans, will I still be able to see my doctor?” That’s the right question to ask — and it usually comes down to which type of Medicare Advantage plan you pick: an HMO or a PPO. The letters sound...
Q&A: Answering the Top 10 Questions from 2026 Plan Changes
You’re not imagining it. The 2026 Medicare changes feel bigger. Every fall, people tell me the same thing: “I just got my plan notice and I have no idea what any of this means.” If that’s you, you’re not alone. Medicare plans change every year — sometimes a little,...
Medicare Giveback Plans: Why “More in Your Check” Can Cost You Later
Let’s cut to it: Will a giveback plan actually save you money—or take it back somewhere else? If you’re seeing “lower your Part B cost” ads, that sounds great. But the real question is: What happens to your doctors, your drug costs, your network, and your...
How to Switch from Medicare Advantage to Medigap in 2026
Thinking about switching back to Medigap? You’re not alone. Every year, I talk to people who say the same thing: “I thought Medicare Advantage would save me money — but now I’m not so sure.” Maybe your out-of-pocket costs are adding up, or you’re tired of network...
Special Enrollment Periods After a Plan Termination or SAR
When your Medicare plan ends, you’re not stuck. Imagine checking your mail in October and seeing a letter that says your Medicare plan won’t be offered next year. It’s confusing, stressful, and your first thought might be: “Am I losing my coverage?” The good news is —...
Star Ratings 2026: How to Use Them When Comparing Medicare Plans
Every fall, people start seeing stars — literally. “My plan has 5 stars!” “This one only has 3.5!” But most folks aren’t exactly sure what those Medicare Star Ratings actually tell them. If you’ve ever wondered whether you should pick a plan just because it has more...
Exposing Medicare Scams: The 2026 Tricks You Need to Know
Let’s get to what you actually care about: Is someone trying to hijack your Medicare, your money, or your identity? During AEP the noise gets loud—calls, texts, door-knocks—and scammers hide inside that chaos. This guide shows you the exact playbook they’re using for...
Medicare Advantage Extra Benefits in 2026: What’s New, What’s Going Away
The “extras” everyone talks about are changing again. Every fall, people ask me the same question: “Are they adding more benefits this year?” The short answer: some are, some aren’t. In 2026, Medicare Advantage (MA) plans are shuffling the deck again — tweaking...
The Biggest Mistakes People Make During Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period
Every Year, Millions of People Get This Wrong. Let’s be honest — Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) can feel like a chore. The ads start flying, your mailbox fills up, and suddenly everyone’s talking about “reviewing your coverage.” But here’s the thing: this...
All the Hidden Costs of Medicare (and How to Avoid Them)
You care about one thing: “Am I going to pay more next year?” Maybe your premium looks the same and you got a “nothing’s changing” letter. Reality check: costs often move somewhere else—in your out-of-pocket limit, drug tiers, specialist visits, extras, or networks....
Out-of-Pocket Maximums in 2026: What They Cover (and Don’t)
If you’ve ever said, “I picked a plan with a $0 premium, so I’m covered,” you’re not alone — but you’re not exactly right, either. The truth is, your premium is just one piece of the puzzle. What really matters when something major happens — a hospital stay, surgery,...
Your AEP Game Plan: How to Review Plans Without Getting Overwhelmed
The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) is your once-a-year chance to review your Medicare coverage and make it work for you. Will your doctor still be in-network next year? Will your medications cost more? If you skip the review, you could wake up to surprises. Here’s how...
2026 AEP: Should You Switch Your Medicare Plan?
If you’re wondering, “Will my plan change next year? Will my doctors stay in-network? Am I going to pay more?” — you’re not alone. AEP is noisy on purpose. Mailers, commercials, and phone calls all say “switch now.” Truth: most people don’t need to switch. Also true:...
Your Medicare Plan Checklist Before Oct. 15
Don’t wait until it’s too late to review your Medicare plan – and this Medicare plan checklist will help you out. Every year, people tell me the same thing: “I meant to look at my plan earlier.” Then it’s mid-November, call centers are jammed, and they’re stuck...
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
Copyright © 2021-2025. MF Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
19 North Grant Street Suite 3A Hinsdale, IL 60521
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.















