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...
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...
Copyright © 2021-2026. 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.