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Retirement | Clearmatch Medicare

Our goal is to provide you with valuable insights and advice on retirement. From financial information and retirement plans to new hobbies and travel ideas, our goal is to help you navigate the many paths and opportunities that come with this exciting phase of your life. 

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

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

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

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?

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

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

Learn how to avoid scams and build a happier, more positive community online.

Avoid scams, aggressive marketing, and offensive content: Here’s how to use Facebook like a pro.

How to Be a Better Facebook User

From tax breaks to saving on gas, there are countless ways you can save money by going electric. 

From tax breaks to saving on gas, there are countless ways you can save money by going electric. Here are a few factors to consider.

7 Ways Getting an Electric Car May Save You Money

As you get older, you probably have most of the things you need. That’s why regifting, done right, can be a great option.

As you get older, you probably find you already have most of the things you need. That’s why regifting can be a great option — if it’s done the right way.

The Art of Regifting

Break the loop of forgetting passwords and making new ones. Try these tips for creating safer passwords and keeping track of them.

How often do you use the “Forgot Password” button? Put the hassle behind you! Try these tips for making safer passwords – and keeping track of them.

Keep Safe with Super Secure Passwords

Retirement coaches assist in a range of decisions and often act as life coaches for people transitioning into their post-career years.

Retirement coaches assist in a range of decisions, from finances to behavior. They often act as life coaches for people entering their retirement years.

Do You Need a Retirement Coach?

Bucket lists are often unrealistic, but they don’t have to be. Take your pie-in-the-sky dreams and make them do-able.

We all have bucket list dreams that are too expensive or impractical. Here’s how to right-size them and put them in reach.

10 Bucket List Dreams You Can Make Happen

Is finding the right Medicare plan for you on your bucket list? We can help. Call us today!

If you’re a music lover, your city should not only have great benefits for retirees but also a thriving music scene for your ears.

If you’re a music lover, the place where you retire should not only have great benefits for retirees but also a thriving music scene to satisfy your ears.

Three Great Retirement Cities for Music Lovers

Take advantage of your age and start saving money every time you shop, dine, or have fun. Here’s how.

Your age is your ticket to major deals and discounts for everything from retail therapy to meals to travel. Here’s how to use it to your advantage.

Senior Discounts Every Retiree Should Know About

30+ Discounts You Can Get When You Reach Retirement Age

There’s no way around it: If you want to age in place, you need a plan. Here’s what to put on that to-do list.

Most Americans want to stay in their homes for as long as possible as they get older. These are the steps to take now.

16 Tips for Aging In Place

Aging in Place: What to Do Now to Stay in Your Home Later

Whatever you’re interested in, there’s probably someone out there who will pay you to do it.

Get a job at a golf course, teach classes online, cook for people, and other ways to make money during retirement.

10 Fun Ways to Earn Money in Retirement

10 Side Hustles That Will Earn You Money in Retirement

New rules make 529 savings plans an even smarter choice to save for school for your grandkids.

The latest updates to 529 education savings plans just made them an even better way to save for school for your grandkids and save on your taxes.

College Savings for Your Grandkids Just Got Better

Keeping a close eye on your finances? Getting the right Medicare plan for you can make a big difference. Give us a call to review your Medicare options today.

How to keep your documents and valuables safe at home and in the cloud.

With safety deposit boxes on the decline, what’s the best way to keep your documents and valuables? Follow these tips to keep them safe and streamlined.

How to Keep Your Papers and Valuables Safe

Pets are good for your physical and mental health.

Pets offer numerous benefits besides being cute. They can promote socializing, improve health, and give a sense of purpose for older adults.

Five reasons to get a pet when you retire

Social Security benefits are indeed taxable if your yearly income exceeds certain thresholds.

If your yearly income is over $25,000, a percentage of your Social Security benefits will likely be considered taxable income at the federal level.

Is Social Security Taxable?

Tips on deciding the best streaming services for you—and how to get them for the best price.

You’ve decided to cut the cable cord. Now what? Here are some tips on deciding the best streaming services for you—and how to get them for the best price.

Saving Money on TV Streaming

Got Medicare questions? We’ve got answers! Call us today to find a plan in your area.

Cut the Cable: Saving Money on TV Streaming

From the proper way to shovel snow to ways to stay warm, here are four tips to read before the next snowstorm strikes.

Winter weather can be dangerous for anyone, but especially for older adults who live alone. Here are four tips for staying safe and warm this season.

4 Essential Tips for Snowstorm Safety

From winter flu to summer allergies, a Medicare Advantage plan may help you manage your healthcare needs all year long. Call us to find a plan in your area!

Your Social Security retirement benefit is based on 35 years’ worth of earnings.

The Social Security Administration calculates your retirement benefit based on your average indexed monthly earnings over a 35-year period.

How Is Social Security Calculated?

If you’re hosting the holidays, these 9 games will appeal to your guests, whatever their ages.

Hosting the holidays this year? If you’re worried about family feuds, keep the peace with fun entertainment for all ages. Here are some games that deliver.

9 Games to Make Get Togethers More Fun

Spent too much time at the buffet this holiday? Bounce back with a Medicare Advantage plan that covers gym memberships! 

Although laminating your Social Security card isn’t illegal, it also isn’t a good idea.

Your Social Security card is an important document. Here's how to protect it from damage and what to do if you need a new one.

Can I Laminate My Social Security Card?

Checking your Social Security status is easy – if you know where to look.

Once you know where to look, it’s easy to check the status of your Social Security application. The first thing you need is a my Social Security account.

How Can I Check my Social Security Status?

You can still experience passion after age 60. Here are ten ways to rekindle your relationship and get back that loving feeling.

After decades together, even the most solid relationship can start to feel stale. Here are ten tips for a happily-ever-after romantic life.

Put the Spark Back into Your Relationship

Need a relationship tune-up? Your Medicare plan may be able to help with coverage for family therapy. Call us today to find a plan in your area.

10 Ways to Put the Spark Back into Your Long-Term Relationship

You’ll find some of the biggest shopping deals right after the holidays. Here’s where you’ll save the most.

Now that the holidays are over, ‘tis the season to go shopping! Here’s a look at some of the biggest deals you can score at the end of the year.

Save Money with Post Holiday Sales

Shopping around for deals? Take a minute to compare costs and coverage of Medicare plans, too.

7 Ways to Save Money with Post-Holiday Sales

All you need is a smartphone to use countless tools to make your trip easier and stress-free — from bag tracking to augmented reality. 

Travel is back in full swing this year, and all you need is your smartphone to access countless tools to make your trip easier and stress-free.

New Tech for Easier Travel

Itching to travel? Call us to find a Medicare plan that covers medical emergencies when you’re far from home. 

There are lots of benefits to donating to charity, for both your own well-being and that of others.

There are lots of benefits to donating to charity — for your own well-being and that of others. Here are some tips for donating this holiday season.

Holiday Charitable Donations

The key to a happy retirement is planning.

If a comfortable retirement is your goal (and whose isn't?) then you need to plan for how you'll handle your finances during your golden years.

11 Tips to Manage Your Money in Retirement

Grocery costs are up over the past year, but there are still ways to save. Here are ten ideas to save at the checkout.

Inflation is raising the cost of your groceries, but there are still ways to save at the checkout. Here are ten ideas to lower your supermarket bill.

10 Ways to Save on Groceries

Volunteering helps others – and it can have benefits for you, too. Maybe that’s why so many people do it! Get ideas to join in.

Make donations to charity if you can. But you don’t need to write a check to do good. Volunteering can change lives – with big benefits for you, too.

Ways to Give that Don't Cost a Dime

Always doing for others? It’s also important to take care of yourself with a Medicare plan that covers all your healthcare needs and budget.

One benefit of turning 60 — or even 65? You get access to discounts on everything from dining out to shopping to traveling. 

There are many benefits that go with age. Discounts are one of them! Here’s a look at some goodies you can get at restaurants, traveling, shopping, and more.

25 Discounts You Get Just for Getting Older

Shopping for Medicare? Premiums matter, but so do benefits. Call to compare plans in your area.

To make sure your financial and legal wishes are followed, it’s important to draw up a power of attorney. 

Choosing a power of attorney is an important step to make sure your financial and legal wishes are followed if you become incapacitated.

Power of Attorney

Does your parents’ Medicare plan still meet their needs? To find out what options are available in their area, give us a call.

If you love skiing and snowboarding, your city should not only have great retirement benefits but an active outdoor life in wintertime.

If you love winter, the place where you retire should not only have great benefits for retired people but also an active scene for snow sports.

3 Great Cities for Snow Lovers to Retire

3 Great Retirement Cities for Snow Lovers

Don’t let budget worries prevent you from traveling to places you love. Here are some wallet-friendly ways to satisfy your wanderlust.

More and more of us are holding back on travel plans because of worries about cost. But there are plenty of ways to explore the world on a retirement budget.

8 Ways to Travel on the Cheap

Planning to travel in retirement? We can help you pick a Medicare plan if you plan to be out of your network area.

A living well lets you determine the type of care you receive - even if you're unable to speak for yourself.

As part of an advance directive, a living will provides guidance to health providers who are caring for you or your parents at the end of life.

Living Wills

Have an aging parent? It’s time to talk to them about having a healthcare proxy.

What medical procedures would your parents want if they couldn’t speak for themselves? Get the conversation started by helping them pick a healthcare proxy.

Healthcare Proxies

In 1983, President Reagan signed legislation that imposed income tax on up to 85% of a person's Social Security benefits.

The US government first imposed income tax on Social Security benefits in 1984. The amount varies, but you may owe taxes on up to 85% of your benefit.

Do You Pay Taxes on Social Security?

You may be able to save money if you switch cell phone providers. It can seem overwhelming, though. Here’s what to keep in mind.

More than half of people who switch cell phone plans see a drop in their monthly bill. Here’s what to consider before you make the move.

Saving Money On Your Cell Phone Plan

Buying medications online can be confusing. Here’s what to expect and how to know which online pharmacies are safe and legal.

Buying medications online can be convenient and even save you money. Here’s what to expect and how to know which online pharmacies are safe and legal.

Is It Safe to Buy Medications Online?

American workers are promised a comfortable retirement if they work hard and remain loyal to their employer. Unfortunately, if you're over 50, getting fired before retirement is the norm, not the exception.

More than half of workers aged 50+ will be fired at least once before they retire. And looking for work after age 50 is the WORST. So, what can you do?

Getting Fired Before Retirement

Getting Fired Before Retirement: What Happens Next?

It’s hard to talk to your parents about estate planning. But making plans can bring you and your parents peace of mind. 

It’s hard to talk to your parents about estate planning. But having the right documents in place can mean peace of mind for everyone in the family.

Talking to Parents About Estate Planning Docs

With interest rates rising, now may be a good time to invest in certificates of deposit (CDs). Here’s what you should know.

Certificates of deposit (CDs) can be a profitable part of your investment polio. Here’s how to weigh the options and manage CDs to maximize returns.

CDs Make a Comeback

Looking for love? You may find it on a dating app. More and more people over the age of 65 turn to them. Here’s some tips for success.

More and more older Americans are trying dating apps. A few simple strategies can help you find Mr. or Ms. Right. Here’s how to swipe with success.

Tips for Dating App Success

Experts recommend saving around 10X your annual salary to ensure an enjoyable, comfortable retirement.

Social Security will only cover around 40% of your income after retirement; that's why it's so important to start retirement savings as early as possible.

Best Retirement Investments

Looking to save at the drugstore? Switching to lower cost store brands for your OTC purchases is the smart money move.

With inflation taking a bigger bite out of your retirement income, switching to lower cost store brands for your OTC purchases is the smart money move.

Save Money with Store Brands

Potential Annual Savings with Store Brands

Strong friendships have been proven to boost both physical and mental health - even after you retire.

Feeling lonely or isolated is bad for your health – both physically and mentally. Here’s how to get out there and meet new people, even after retirement.

6 Tips for Making Friends During Retirement

6 Ways to Make New Friends After You Retire

Growing your nest egg is important even if you have debts to pay when you retire. Here’s how to manage the debt and still live well. 

Growing your nest egg is important even if you have debts to pay when you retire. With careful planning, you can manage the debt and still live well.

Retiring When You Still Have Debt

You’re never too old to keep learning. Here’s why it’s good for your brain, along with some easy ways to incorporate it into your life.

Lifelong learning is good for your brain. It will help keep you sharp, focused and on the ball. Here’s how to keep your brain going, even during retirement.

Lifelong Learning

Survivor benefits are based on the amount the deceased paid into Social Security during their lifetime.

It may be the last thing you want to think about after losing a loved one, but it's important to know who qualifies for Social Security survivors' benefits.

Who Is Entitled to Death Benefits in Social Security?

Documents you need for the survivor benefits application

How long do you receive survivor benefits?

If you have a lot of photos on your phone or in your house, getting them organized can feel daunting.

If you have a lot of photos on your phone or in your house, it can be hard to know what to do with them all. Here are some tips to help you get organized.

What to Do When You Have too Many Photos

What to Do When You’re Drowning in Photos

Life insurance may seem like an unnecessary expense after you retire, but there may be good reasons that policy.

If you’re retired, you may not want to pay life insurance premiums.  Depending on your financial situation, you may not need to. Here’s what to keep in mind.

5 Reasons You May Still Need Life Insurance

5 Reasons to Keep Your Life Insurance Policy After Retirement

Starting a garden in a small space may take some organizing, but you can still get a lot of variety out of it if you plan it right.

Starting a garden in a small space like a balcony or patio may take some organizing, but you can still get a lot of variety out of it if you plan it right.

How to Start a Garden in a Small Space

If you struggle to make ends meet every month, digital budgeting tools can help. They may even let you save money, too.

Inflation hurts your wallet, especially if you are retired and on a limited income. Digital budgeting tools can help you track spending and save.

Digital Budgeting Tools

Find a Medicare plan that saves you money

If you’d like to make new friends and connections, starting your own club is a great way to meet like-minded people.

If you’re looking to make new friends and connections, starting your own club is a great way to pursue your interests and meet like-minded people.

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