Not everyone is auto-enrolled at 65. Use this step-by-step guide to confirm your status, hit the right deadlines, avoid lifetime penalties (Part B & Part D), and choose the coverage path that fits your doctors, meds, and budget.
Medicare 2026: The Changes Coming (and How to Protect Yourself)
Medicare’s long-overdue doctor search tool upgrade sounds helpful—but it leaves most enrollees out. Here’s what the 2026 changes mean for your coverage, and why the system is still falling short.
Understanding IRMAA (2026): What It Is and How It Affects Your Medicare Premiums
If your Medicare bill is higher than expected, IRMAA may be the reason. This guide explains what IRMAA is, who pays it, how the two-year lookback works, and when you can appeal after a life-changing event — with links to thresholds, appeals, and Part D basics.
IRMAA Thresholds and What Counts Towards IRMAA
IRMAA is an income-based surcharge added to Medicare Part B and Part D premiums using your tax return from two years ago. This guide explains what counts toward MAGI, how IRMAA brackets work for 2026, and the moves that commonly trigger a surcharge—plus when an appeal may lower your costs.
IRMAA Appeals (SSA-44): How to Lower Your Medicare Premiums in 2026
If your income dropped and you’re paying extra for Medicare, you may qualify to reduce IRMAA. This step-by-step guide shows how to file SSA-44, what documents to include, and what to expect in 2026—with links to thresholds, Part D basics, and our IRMAA hub.
How to Avoid Medicare Late Enrollment Penalties
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 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...
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...