Medicare 2026: The Changes Coming (and How to Protect Yourself)

by Matt Feret | Sep 5, 2025 | Medicare Advice, Medicare Coverage, Original Medicare

Medicare isn’t “set it and forget it.” In 2026, plans are shrinking benefits, raising costs, and — in many counties — disappearing altogether. If you wait until October to pay attention, you could end up locked into a plan that doesn’t fit your doctors, budget, or...

Medicare’s Doctor Search Tool Still Broken in 2026

by Matt Feret | Sep 2, 2025 | Medicare Advice

Wondering if you’ll finally be able to search for your doctor on Medicare’s website in 2026? Spoiler alert: probably not—at least not if you’re like most people enrolled in a Medicare Advantage HMO. Medicare’s plan to fix its broken provider search tool sounds...

5 Medicare Mistakes to Avoid in 2026 (Especially If You’re Turning 65)

by Matt Feret | Aug 29, 2025 | Medicare Advice

Medicare isn’t “set it and forget it.” A wrong tur, like assuming it’s free, missing a deadline, or trusting a slick ad—can cost thousands and limit your future options. Here are the five mistakes I’ve seen over and over in 20+ years, and how to avoid them so you keep...

Understanding IRMAA (2026): What It Is and How It Affects Your Medicare Premiums

by Matt Feret | Aug 29, 2025 | Medicare Advice, Medicare Part D, Original Medicare

Short version: If your Medicare bill is higher than you expected, you may have been hit with IRMAA — an extra charge on top of your Part B and Part D premiums because of your income. Let’s answer what most people actually care about: Why am I paying more? Will this...

Medicare Advantage Changes in 2026: What You Really Need to Know

by Matt Feret | Aug 28, 2025 | Medicare Advantage, Medicare Advice

There’s a lot of noise out there about Medicare Advantage in 2026. You may have even seen headlines about a “5.06% CMS payment boost.” Honestly? That number matters to insurance companies, not to you. What matters to you is: Will my plan still be available? Will my...

IRMAA Thresholds and What Counts Towards IRMAA

by Matt Feret | Aug 26, 2025 | Medicare Advice, Original Medicare

Short version: IRMAA is an income-based surcharge added to your Medicare Part B and Part D premiums. It’s based on your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) from two years ago—so your 2024 tax return is used for 2026. The higher your income bracket, the larger the...