Medicare Advantage Plan Exits in 2025
Several insurers made the decision to exit the Medicare Advantage market in 2025 due to various financial pressures and changes in reimbursement rates. Here are some of the major exits: Aetna: Exited several counties and is expected to lose up to 10% of its Medicare...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Frown, Smirk, or Smile: Your Options for Dental Insurance on Medicare
It has become a cliché: someone gets a great-sounding job offer, and their first question is, “Yes, but does it come with dental?” Without dental insurance, a routine exam and cleaning can cost $300. Skipping that preventative care can cost you much more, though....
Why the MOOP Is Important
Hey Matt, How much does it really matter to invest in a Medicare plan with a low Maximum Out-Of-Pocket? On the other hand, should I just stick with what you call Bare-with-Medicare? Charles S. Hey Charles, To answer your question, we need to explain a MOOP. This is...
What are the Different Types of Medicare Special Enrollment Periods?
Matt, I know there are different types of Special Enrollment Periods for Medicare. Can you review these for me? And what is a Special Enrollment Period, anyway? Thanks, Shirley J. Shirley, Simply put, a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) lets you make changes to your...
How Much Does Medicare Cost?
Matt, I’ve been reading information online about the cost of Medicare, but the numbers seem to be all over the place! Do you have a decent estimate on how much Medicare should cost me? Thanks for your help and information on your blogs! Benjamin J....
What Is Medicare? Can You Get Medicare Under Age 65?
Matt, We all know that Medicare is an insurance policy the government provides older folks, such as myself. However, I’ve also heard you can get Medicare if you’re under 65. Is that correct? Edward S. Hi Edward, While most Medicare applicants are...
What Does a Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan Cover?
Dearest Matt, I’ve read online about a Medicare Part D plan covering prescriptions. What else does Medicare Part D cover? Thanks for your website and information; it’s very helpful! Patricia D. Hello Patricia, Medicare Part D covers most “retail”...
How to Get Extra Help Assistance for Medicare Premiums
Hi Matt, Medicare can be expensive! I’ve heard that you can get assistance for your Medicare insurance premium payments each month. I’ve looked around online, but I can’t figure out what step to take first. Can you direct me on how to find help with the cost of...
Does IRMAA Apply to Medicare Advantage Plans?
Dear Matt, I understand IRMAA impacts both my Medicare Part B premiums, as well as my Medicare Part D costs. I turn 65 soon and am considering buying a Medicare Advantage Plan. If I buy a Medicare Part C plan (Medicare Advantage), can I avoid an IRMAA charge? Thanks,...
How Do I Drop Medicare Part B?
Dear Matt, I turn 65 in a few months but plan to keep working. How do I decline or drop Medicare Part B if I stay on my employer’s health insurance plan? I don’t need to have Medicare Part B if I have “real” insurance provided by my employer, do I? Thanks, Lucas M....
What Is the Medigap (Medicare Supplement) Birthday Rule? Can I Switch Medigap Plans around My Birthday?
What Is the Medigap (Medicare Supplement) Birthday Rule? Can I Switch Medigap Plans around My Birthday? Dear Matt, I have an AARP Medicare Supplement, which is a United Healthcare Medigap Plan G. My Medicare insurance agent has talked to me about the Medigap...
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