Turning 65? How to Set Up Medicare (Without Lifetime Penalties)

by Matt Feret | Sep 12, 2025 | Medicare Advice, Original Medicare

A Medicare card might arrive automatically… or nothing shows up at all. If you’re not sure which bucket you’re in, it’s dangerously easy to miss your enrollment window and rack up lifetime penalties. This guide walks you through exactly what to check and what to do—...

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...

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...

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...

IRMAA Appeals (SSA-44): How to Lower Your Medicare Premiums in 2026

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...

How to Avoid Medicare Late Enrollment Penalties

by Matt Feret | Apr 1, 2025 | Medicare Advice, Original Medicare

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. Understanding Medicare Late Enrollment Penalties First,...