How to Defer Medicare Part B

by Matt Feret | Jan 2, 2024 | Medicare Advice, Original Medicare

*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...

Using Medicare While Traveling

by Matt Feret | Jun 24, 2023 | Medicare Advice, Original Medicare

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?

by Matt Feret | May 3, 2023 | Medicare Advice, Original Medicare

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?

by Matt Feret | Nov 9, 2022 | Medicare Advice, Original Medicare

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...

Does IRMAA Apply to Medicare Advantage Plans?

by Matt Feret | May 6, 2022 | Medicare Advice, Original Medicare

Dear Matt, I understand IRMAA impacts both my Medicare Part B premiums, as well as my Medicare Part D costs. I turn 65 soon and am considering buying a Medicare Advantage Plan. If I buy a Medicare Part C plan (Medicare Advantage), can I avoid an IRMAA charge? Thanks,...

How Do I Drop Medicare Part B?

by Matt Feret | Apr 13, 2022 | Medicare Advice, Original Medicare

Dear Matt, I turn 65 in a few months but plan to keep working. How do I decline or drop Medicare Part B if I stay on my employer’s health insurance plan? I don’t need to have Medicare Part B if I have “real” insurance provided by my employer, do I? Thanks, Lucas M....