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.
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To your wealth, wisdom, and wellness!
What if I Can’t Afford My Medicare Prescriptions?
If you’ve been fortunate enough to have good insurance most of your life, you may have gotten in the habit of picking up a prescription for $20, $15, or even a dollar without giving a second thought to it. Look a little closer at your receipt, however, and you might...
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....
Medicare and COBRA
Hi Matt, I'm retiring soon and am currently on my employer's health insurance plan. I plan on electing COBRA when my employer coverage ends. I know there are Medicare Part B late enrollment penalties, and I don't want to mess anything up! I have Medicare Part A, but...
Get Your Medicare Part D Prescription Refills Before the End of The Year
Matt, Do I need Medicare Part D for prescriptions, or is that covered with regular Medicare? If I need Part D, how can I sign up? Lastly, when should I refill my prescriptions for next year if I’m using the Medicare Part D plan? Archie Archie, You...
What Do I Need to Know About the 2023 AEP?
Hi Matt, I’d like to know more about the AEP. What advice or information should I know before I choose my benefits? Eugene Hi Eugene, The AEP begins every year on October 15 and ends on December 7. This is why your mailbox, web browsers, and TV...
How Can I Use 2023 Medicare Star Ratings to Choose Medicare Coverage?
Hi there Matt! I've read both of your previous blogs on Medicare ratings - these are so informative; thank you! I'll be reading about the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period too! Based on your knowledge of the Medicare Star Rating system, what Star...
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...
How Much Should I Pay Attention to Medicare Star Ratings?
Hello Matt, Thank you for providing the information in your previous blog about Medicare Star ratings. I understand how they work, but why are they important? How are Star ratings in real-time? Thank you for all your wonderful information! Betty V. Hello Betty, The...
A Guide to Medicare Ratings
Hi Matt! I’m looking at different Medicare packages, and I see a Star rating system. Still, I don’t quite understand how the Medicare Star rating system works. Can you please shed some light on this subject? Thanks, Donald Z. Donald, These days, it’s hard to avoid...
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...
What is the Annual Election Period in Medicare?
Hello Matt, I know there is an annual election period for Medicare, but I’m unsure of the specific dates. I’ve heard it starts in October and ends in December. Can you give me a window of time that I can change my benefits for Medicare? Thanks, Patty Hello Patty, The...
2023 Medicare Star Ratings
Matt, I’m curious about the star ratings for Medicare for 2023. What’s different about next year, if there is a difference for Medicare star ratings? Thank You, Grace Grace, This can be complicated, but let me explain some of the details...