Medicare Advantage Plans Are Ending in 2026 for Millions: Here’s What to Do
In 2026, millions of people enrolled in Medicare Advantage will lose their current plan. Why? Because of something called a Medicare Service Area Reduction (SAR). That’s the technical term. What it really means for you is simple: your insurance company has decided...
Can You Use GoodRx With Medicare?
How Does GoodRx Work With Medicare? If you’re on Medicare and you’ve seen GoodRx ads, you might wonder: should I use a discount card at the pharmacy, or my Medicare Part D benefit? Here’s the plain-English answer: GoodRx can lower a cash price, but it does not work...
What Does Medicare Part D Cover in 2026?
If you’re on Medicare, you’ve probably asked yourself: Will my prescriptions still be covered next year? How much will I pay at the pharmacy? Let’s cut through the jargon and get right to it. Medicare Part D is the part of Medicare that covers retail prescription...
Does Medicare Cover Alzheimer’s Care? What Families Need to Know
“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
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
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
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)
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...
What Is the Medigap (Medicare Supplement) Birthday Rule?
Will My Birthday Let Me Switch Medigap Plans Without Health Questions? If you already have a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan, you may have heard about something called the “Birthday Rule.” In short, it gives some people a once-a-year chance to switch Medigap plans...
Medicare and COBRA – What You Need to Know Before Making a Costly Mistake
Will COBRA Cover You After 65? If you’re retiring or just lost your job, you may be offered COBRA coverage. Sounds good, right? A little safety net before figuring out your next step. But here’s the catch: once you’re Medicare-eligible, COBRA doesn’t work the way you...
Understanding the Difference Between Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement Plans
Navigating the world of Medicare can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to choosing between Medicare Advantage (Part C) and Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans. Let's break down the differences, benefits, and considerations for each to help you make an informed...
Navigating HSA Contributions
When Should I Stop HSA Contributions Before Medicare? (Part A vs. Part B) Short answer: You must stop contributing to your HSA when you enroll in Medicare Part A or Part B. Because Part A is retroactive up to six months (but not earlier than your 65th birthday), you...
HSA Medicare Penalty: Can You Defer Part B and Keep Contributing?
If you’re still working on an HSA-qualified HDHP and approaching Medicare, you’ve probably heard about the HSA Medicare penalty. Here’s the plain-English version: once you enroll in any part of Medicare—Part A or Part B—you can’t make new HSA contributions. Enrolling...
The Inflation Reduction Act and Its Impact on Medicare Advantage (MAPD) and Medicare Part D Plans
Navigating the world of Medicare can be overwhelming, especially when significant policy changes come into play. One such change is the Inflation Reduction Act, which has introduced several key updates that affect Medicare Advantage (MAPD) and Medicare Part D plans....
How to Avoid Medicare Late Enrollment Penalties
Medicare late enrollment penalties can be a costly surprise if you’re not careful. Let’s explore how to avoid these penalties and ensure you have the coverage you need — without paying extra. Understanding Medicare Late Enrollment Penalties First, let’s look at what...
How and When to Enroll in Medicare if You’re on SSDI
Enrolling in Medicare when you're receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) comes with its own set of rules and timelines. Let's explore how and when to enroll in Medicare if you're on SSDI to ensure you get the coverage you need. Understanding the Basics...
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