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 any added expenses.
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...
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...
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....