Medicare

We’ll help you cut through the clutter of Medicare and provide you with up-to-date content about enrollment periods, plan comparisons, and all the basic information you need to help you choose the right Medicare plan for you.

Call for a FREE Medicare review from a licensed insurance agent. No obligation to enroll.

Medicare includes four parts: hospital insurance, medical insurance, prescription drug coverage, and Medicare Advantage.

Medicare is America's federal health insurance program. It was originally designed to provide health insurance to U.S. citizens aged 65 and older.

What Is Medicare

What Is Medicare: Understanding the Basics of Medicare

The entire SilverSneakers experience, from membership to fitness classes, is designed specifically for the 65+ crowd's overall health.

Are you making the most of your SilverSneakers benefit? Follow these 6 tips to make the most out of one of the most popular fitness programs around!

6 Tips to Make the Most of SilverSneakers

With the vast majority of Parkinson’s diagnoses occurring after age 60, it’s important to understand your Medicare coverage.

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive disorder typically diagnosed after age 60, so understanding your Medicare coverage for the condition is vital.

Parkinson’s Disease and Medicare

Parkinson’s Disease & Medicare: What You Need to Know

Thanks to the Affordable Care Act (ACA), the donut hole closed completely in 2020. 

The coverage gap, aka the Medicare donut hole, is the third phase of your Part D coverage. Your out-of-pocket costs in every stage are 25% of your plan's.

Medicare Donut Hole

If you’re turning 65 and already have health or prescription drug insurance, you may be able to delay Medicare enrollment without late penalties – as long as you have creditable coverage. In this post, we’ll explain what Medicare means by creditable coverage and how it can help you avoid costly late enrollment penalties.  

What is Medicare creditable coverage? Basically, coverage that is as good as and costs about the same as what you get with Original Medicare is creditable.

Medicare Creditable Coverage | What to know in 2024

Not sure if you have Creditable Coverage? Our knowledgable, licensed insurance agents can help!

Many Medicare Advantage plans' benefits include flex cards that can be used for a variety of over-the-counter healthcare items.

Many Medicare Advantage plans' benefits include Flex Cards that can be used for many approved healthcare items.

How Can I Get a Flex Card?

Find a Medicare plan that includes flex spending cards

If your itemized deductions are higher than the standard, you should talk to your tax accountant about deducting your Medicare expenses.

Medicare costs, including premiums and copayments, can sometimes be tax deductible. Find out the details so you can save more during tax season.

Is Medicare Tax Deductible? What to Know in 2024

Medicare is great, but no insurance plan covers everything. The biggest gaps missing from Original Medicare are routine dental, vision, and hearing services. But you can get that coverage by adding an insurance plan commonly referred to as “ancillary” insurance.

Adding a dental, vision, and hearing insurance plan can help cover those additional out-of-pocket expenses not covered by Original Medicare.

Dental, Vision, and Hearing Insurance

Our dental needs change as we get older. Dental insurance helps you pay for these often-costly services.

Dental insurance saves you from paying the full cost of dental care yourself. Medicare beneficiaries have a couple of options for dental coverage.

How to Get Dental Coverage if You Have Medicare

Looking for a Medicare Plan with dental coverage? Call us today to speak to a licensed agent.

If you’re looking for an easy way to help your loved ones pay for your funeral, final expense insurance may be just what you’re looking for.

Final expense insurance offers low premiums and guaranteed coverage, even if you’re over 50 or have pre-existing conditions, and policies build cash value.

Final Expense Insurance

Cancer, Heart Attack, Stroke, & Hospital Indemnity Insurance

A cancer, heart attack, and stroke insurance plan can cover those out-of-pocket expenses not covered by Medicare.

Cancer, Heart Attack, Stroke, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance

Medicare covers a variety of preventive services, including immunizations against flu, pneumonia, and COVID-19.

Medicare Part B covers a number of immunizations at 100%, including the flu shot, pneumococcal vaccine, and the COVID-19 vaccine.

Does Medicare Cover Immunizations?

Our ultimate guide to Medigap answers all your Medicare Supplement Insurance questions - plus a few you didn't even know you had.

We created the ultimate guide to help you compare Medicare Supplement plans, including what each Medigap plan covers and how Plan G compares to Plan F.

Compare Medicare Supplement Plans

For the first time, Medicare has the right to negotiate prescription drug prices to help lower healthcare costs for tens of millions of Americans.

Medicare can now negotiate prescription drug prices. It's one of several key provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act to help lower healthcare costs.

Medicare Names First 10 Drugs for Price Negotiation

First 10 Prescriptions with Lower Negotiated Prices (30-Day Supply)

This year, Medicare plans will see major changes, including higher costs, reduced benefits, and smaller provider networks. Review your Annual Notice of Change to adjust your coverage accordingly.

Discover how Medicare plans will change this year, including shifts in costs, coverage, and provider networks. Learn what to expect and how to prepare for these updates.

How Medicare Plans are Changing in 2025

If you collect RRB or Social Security benefits, your Part B premium is deducted automatically.

Deducting your Part B premiums from your Social Security check is a great perk of Medicare. Learn all of the details and the issues to avoid when enrolling.

Is Medicare Part B Automatically Deducted from Social Security?

Does Social Security Automatically Deduct Medicare Part B? 

Try these tips today to help avoid unexpected expenses related to routine or planned care.

A little preparation now can help you avoid surprise health costs later. For example, studies prove that preventive screenings lower healthcare spending.

How to Avoid Surprise Health Costs

A 5-Step Plan to Avoid Surprise Health Costs in 2024

Until someone tells you you've been admitted to the hospital, you're under observation status - which could literally cost you.

Hospital observation is mainly a billing designation - but it's one that could cost you big bucks if you don't understand Medicare and observation services.

Medicare Coverage for Observation Services

When it comes to easy Medicare enrollment, preparation is the key.

We offer 9 tips on how to prep for Medicare enrollment. Your Initial Enrollment Period lasts for 7 months, beginning 3 months before your 65th birthday.

How to Prep for Medicare

Whether we like it or not, we need to account for healthcare expenses during our golden years. Understanding how Medicare works is an important part of retirement planning.

With rising medical and health insurance costs, Medicare retirement planning is an important part of ensuring there's enough gold for your golden years.

Medicare & Retirement

Medicare Annual Enrollment (Oct 15-Dec 7) lets you adjust coverage: switch plans, enroll in or drop Part D. Use our checklist to find the best option for you.

Using a Medicare enrollment checklist helps ensure you get the best plan for your unique needs. It includes checking the network, drug formulary, and costs.

Medicare Enrollment Checklist

Medicare Enrollment Checklist: The Best Plan for Your Needs

At any age, it’s important to eat a diet of healthy, nutritious foods to protect against many chronic condition and diseases. Eating healthy can help you live longer, support your muscles and bones, boost your immunity, and make it easier to perform day-to-day activities. 

The Medicare Grocery Benefit is a quarterly allowance you can spend on qualifying items at participating grocery stores – but not all plans offer it.

Medicare Grocery Allowance | What Is the Medicare Grocery Benefit?

Find a Medicare plan that includes the grocery benefit

Find out if you're eligible for a Medicare Advantage Plan with Grocery Benefit. Call now!

With the 2024 Presidential Election approaching, find out what changes may be on the horizon and how they could affect millions of Americans' healthcare coverage.

Discover how the 2024 election could shape the future of Medicare. Learn about the current landscape of Medicare, historical reforms, and potential changes to health care coverage that may emerge based on election outcomes.

How the 2024 Election Could Impact Medicare

Looking for a new Medicare Advantage plan? Call us today!

The Annual Notice of Change is the most important piece of Medicare mail you receive all year. In it, you'll find every change to your Medicare plan for the coming year.

Your Medicare Advantage and/or Part D plan send you an Annual Notice of Change every fall to help determine whether your plan will work for you next year.

Medicare Annual Notice of Change Letter

Need help understanding your ANOC? Call our licensed insurance agents today!

The Annual Notice of Change Makes Annual Enrollment Easier

Congratulations on enrolling in your new dual special needs plan, now what? Let's look at the basics of most DSNP plans and help you understand your benefits.

You have a new dual special needs plan, now what? We'll help you understand your new benefits and explain how you can make the most of your DSNP plan.

What You Need to Know About Your New Dual Special Needs Plan

Looking for a Dual Special Needs Plan (DNSP)? Call our knowledgeable licensed sales agents today! 

Fewer than 5% of Medicare beneficiaries ever reach the catastrophic coverage phase.

Once you pay a certain amount out-of-pocket for prescription drugs, you enter the Catastrophic Coverage phase of Medicare Part D and have minimal copays.

Medicare Catastrophic Coverage

Every year, Medicare beneficiaries have from October 15 through December 7 to make necessary changes to their Medicare coverage.

The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period is your yearly opportunity to make changes to your Medicare coverage. You do not have to change your plan, however.

Medicare Annual Enrollment Do I Need to Change My Plan?

Medicare Annual Enrollment: Do I Need to Change My Plan?

Is Medicare eligibility still tied to Social Security? Are you automatically enrolled? When can you sign up? You better know the answers if you don't want to face late enrollment penalties.

Enrolling in Medicare can be complex or simple, depending on your timing. Find out what you can expect, no matter when you enroll.

Medicare Elections Periods Coverage and Eligibility

Unlike Part B, you can have more than one Medicare Part A deductible in a calendar year.

Medicare deductibles are part of the program's cost containment measures. The Part A deductible is per benefit period while Part B's deductible is annual.

Medicare Deductibles

Medicare Deductibles: Your Medicare Out-of-Pocket Costs

If you're still working when you turn 65, you may be able to delay Medicare enrollment without penalty.

How Medicare and employer coverage work together depends on the size of your employer (20 or more employees) and whether you're actively working or retired.

Medicare and Employer Coverage

Medicare and Employer Coverage: Who Pays First?

No, the Medicare program is not free; its cost-sharing model includes a variety of out-of-pocket costs for beneficiaries.

Although most people qualify for premium-free Medicare Part A, the program isn't free. Out-of-pocket costs include premiums, coinsurance, and deductibles.

Is Medicare Free at Age 65?

The most common type of Medicare Advantage plan is a Health Maintenance Organization, or HMO.

Medicare Advantage plans vary greatly, so consider your medical needs carefully before choosing a plan and look at the full cost, not just monthly premiums.

Types Medicare Advantage Plans

Are you ready to learn about your Medicare plan options? Call today and one of our licensed sales agents will answer all of your Medicare questions!

Signing up for Medicare is fairly simple - especially if you do it online.

Do you know how to sign up for Medicare at age 65? It starts with your initial enrollment period, which covers the 7 months surrounding your 65th birthday.

How to Sign Up for Medicare at Age 65

No part of Medicare is "mandatory," but if you wait to sign up until you think you need it, you may face steep late enrollment penalties.

For most people, enrollment in Medicare Part B is automatic. Although it isn't mandatory, deferring Part B coverage can be complex.

Is it Mandatory to Have Medicare Part B?

Knowledge is power! We help you avoid the 10 most common Medicare complaints.

The most common Medicare complaints, like costs, coverage, and enrollment, nearly always come down to a misunderstanding of how the Medicare program works.

Medicare Complaints | What to know in 2024

The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (OEP) occurs every year from January 1 through March 31.

Medicare Advantage enrollment occurs twice a year: October 15-December 7 and January 1-March 31. You can change to a new plan or back to Original Medicare.

Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period

When Is the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period?

Most people get premium-free Medicare Part A, but that doesn't mean there are no out-of-pocket costs.

Most people don't have a premium for Medicare Part A but you may have a monthly premium if you didn't pay Medicare taxes for 10 years.

Is Medicare Part A Free?

Medicare Advantage plan premiums can vary widely depending on your area and any additional benefits.

The average Medicare Advantage plan costs between $20 and $70 in 2023. Benefits and costs vary according to the plan and insurance company you choose.

Medicare Advantage Plan Cost

If you're getting ready to turn 65, chances are you have a few questions about Medicare. One of the more common ones is whether enrolling in Medicare is mandatory when you turn 65.

Signing up for Medicare when you turn 65 is not mandatory if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. Otherwise, you face late enrollment penalties.

Is Medicare Mandatory at Age 65

Is Medicare Mandatory at Age 65? What If You Have Coverage?

Original Medicare's out-of-pocket costs include premiums, deductibles, and co-insurance.

Medicare costs include deductibles, monthly premiums, copays, and coinsurance, although most people qualify for premium-free Medicare Part A.

Medicare Cost: What to know in 2023

With very few exceptions, your Medicare coverage does not travel with you when you leave the United States.

Unexpected medical emergencies can put a damper on your travels. Knowing whether those services are covered by Medicare is an important part of trip planning.

Medicare Coverage Outside the US

The Inflation Reduction Act is about to save you a bunch of money on healthcare.

The Inflation Reduction Act includes several provisions to lower Medicare costs, like capping insulin at $35 per month and covering vaccines at 100%.

Inflation Reduction Act

7 Ways the Inflation Reduction Act May Lower Medicare Costs

If you're an American citizen or permanent legal resident age 65 or older, you qualify for Medicare - even if you don't collect Social Security yet.

The Medicare age requirement is 65. You must also be a U.S. citizen. You can qualify before turning 65 if you collect disability benefits for 24 months.

Medicare Age Requirements

Medicare coverage for dental services - including oral surgery - is extremely limited.

Medicare does not cover most dental care, but oral surgery may be covered if deemed medically necessary and fits specific criteria as outlined by Medicare.

Is Oral Surgery Covered by Medicare?

Do you need a Medicare plan that covers dental services? Call us today to speak to a licensed agent!

Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) covers a variety of out-of-pocket costs under Original Medicare, but it does come with a monthly premium.

Medigap plans cover a unique range of costs, and can also vary widely in price. Find out what you need covered, and how much you can expect to pay.

Medicare Supplement Plan Costs

Medicare Supplement Plan Costs | Ultimate Guide

According to KFF.org, nearly half of enrollees do not change their Medicare coverage during Annual Enrollment.

The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period ends on December 7. If you miss it, though, you may still be able to make changes to your coverage for next year.

What Happens if You Miss Medicare Annual Enrollment?

Missed Medicare Annual Enrollment or not happy with your new plan? Call to speak with one of our licensed insurance agents to see how they can help.

If you're what Medicare calls a "high earner," you'll likely pay a surcharge for both Part B and Part D.

If your modified adjusted gross income is over $97,000, you'll likely pay higher monthly premiums for Medicare Part B and Part B.

Medicare Part D IRMAA and Part B IRMAA

Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) 2025

Failure to maintain creditable drug coverage could land you with late enrollment fees once you do sign up for Medicare Part D.

A lifelong Medicare Part D late enrollment penalty is added to your monthly premium any time you go 63+ days without creditable prescription drug coverage.

Medicare Part D Late Enrollment Penalty

Explore key topics like plan tiers, premiums, pharmacy options, and coverage gap considerations, empowering you to optimize your prescription drug coverage effectively.

Optimize your Medicare Part D plan. Learn about formularies, saving money, and accessing extra help during Open Enrollment and beyond. Make informed decisions for your prescription drug coverage.

How to Make the Most of Your Part D Plan

Looking for a Medicare Advantage plan with prescription drug coverage? Call today!

If you don't yet collect Social Security, you have multiple options for paying your Medicare premiums online.

Paying your Medicare premiums online is easy and flexible. Find out every method you can use, whether you have Original Medicare or Part C.

How Can I Pay Medicare Premium Online?

Medicare Savings Programs offer help paying your Part B premiums and other Medicare costs.

There are a variety of Medicare Savings Programs to help you pay your Medicare Part B premiums and other costs if you meet income and resource limits.

Extra Help Paying Medicare Part B Premiums

With medical alert systems, aging in place is easier than ever. But what will Medicare cover?

Many people prefer to “age in place” rather than move to some sort of retirement community. And with medical alert systems, that’s easier than ever.

Does Medicare Cover Life Alerts?

Auto injuries are not excluded from Medicare coverage. Certain treatments for auto injuries, however, are not covered.

Medicare covers most medically necessary care and services after an auto accident, but some treatments aren't covered, even when recommended by a doctor.

Does Medicare Cover Car Accidents?

Instead of copays, Original Medicare uses coinsurance, which is generally around 20% of the Medicare-approved cost.

Original Medicare typically uses coinsurance rather than copays. Expect to pay around 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for most covered services.

Does Medicare Have a Copay for Doctor Visits?

You can qualify for Medicare before turning 65 if you have end-stage renal disease (ESRD).

To qualify for ESRD Medicare, you must experience kidney failure due to end-stage renal disease and need either regular dialysis or a kidney transplant.

ESRD Medicare | What to Know

Skin cancer screening starts at home. Protect yourself with monthly self-checks and see your doctor if you notice any changes.

Skin cancer is incredibly common. Protect yourself with monthly self-checks and see your doctor if you notice any changes. Here’s what Medicare covers.

Does Medicare Cover Skin Cancer Screening?

Medicare covers most services when deemed medically necessary by a qualified healthcare provider.

Medicare rehab coverage requires a qualifying hospital stay of at least 3 days as an inpatient. This does not include time spent in observation status.

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