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...
by Matt Feret | Aug 20, 2025 | Medicare Advantage, Medicare Advice, Service Area Reductions
In 2026, millions of people enrolled in Medicare Advantage will lose their current plan. Why? Because of something called a Medicare Service Area Reduction (SAR). That’s the technical term. What it really means for you is simple: your insurance company has decided...
by Matt Feret | Aug 12, 2025 | Medicare Advantage, Medicare Advice, Medicare Part D
Every fall, people shopping for Medicare Advantage or Part D drug plans run into the “Medicare Star Rating” system. It looks simple — one to five stars, just like Amazon reviews. But here’s the real question: Do these stars actually help you figure out which plan is...
by Matt Feret | Aug 10, 2025 | Medicare Advantage, Medicare Advice
If you’re on Medicare Advantage, you’ve probably seen the term Maximum Out-of-Pocket (MOOP).But do you know how high it can go in 2026 — and what that means for your wallet? Let’s break it down in plain English. What is a MOOP (and why does it matter)? Every Medicare...
by Matt Feret | Aug 7, 2025 | Medicare Advice, Original Medicare
Short version: If your Medicare bill jumped because of IRMAA but your income has dropped, you may be able to appeal and pay less. The appeal runs through Social Security using Form SSA-44. Below is the plain-English, step-by-step. If you’re new to IRMAA and want the...
by Matt Feret | Aug 4, 2025 | Medicare Advice
Short version: Most calls claiming to be “Medicare” are junk. But does Medicare call you at home ever? Sometimes—in limited situations, usually after you’ve contacted them or when a contractor is following up on something you already received in the mail. Everything...
