medicare
Some potential changes to your new Medicare Advantage plan
Were you one of the over 2.6 million seniors whose Medicare Advantage plan was terminated in 2026? Or are you one of the many seniors -no exact number yet – that switched their Medicare Advantage coverage for other reasons that…
Should you have both Medicare and VA benefits?
Roughly 300,000 veterans will turn 65 each year. Veterans who have VA benefits often find themselves confused about whether they should sign up for Medicare. The VA encourages veterans to enroll in Medicare when they turn 65. Brandon Wile, writing…
The Hospital Inpatient Services Modernization Act
According to a federal report, 366 hospitals nationwide participated in the Acute Hospital Care at Home program, which allows patients who would otherwise be hospitalized to receive care at home with a combination of healthcare providers and medical technology. During…
Unused Medicare Advantage benefits
The Commonwealth Fund reports that three in 10 Medicare Advantage beneficiaries have not used any supplemental benefits in the past year. Although one in four Medicare Advantage enrollees reported choosing their plans because of them. The Centers for Medicare and…
Thinking about making a change?
Medicare Advantage (also known as “Part C”) is a Medicare-approved plan offered by a private company that offers an alternative to Original Medicare. Medicare Advantage plans “bundle” Medicare Parts A, B, and usually Part D. Many plans offer extra benefits…
Is a Medigap plan right for you?
We are in the final days of the Medicare Open Enrollment period. The Medicare open enrollment period ends on December 7th. With all the changes happening in the Medicare Advantage market for 2026, including fewer Medicare Advantage plans, trimmed-down or…
Ask Rusty – About Tax Filing Status and Medicare
Dear Rusty: I’m trying to figure out if I should change my IRS filing status to “Married – Filing Jointly” prior to getting reviewed for my Medicare Part B and Part D. My current IRS status is “Married – Filing…
Medicare changes for 2026
Medicare is the federal health insurance program for people who are 65 and over. Medicare is divided into four parts: Medicare Part A, Part B, Part C (Medicare Advantage), and Part D. Like many things this year, it has been…
Medicare Changes for 2026
It likely not news, but healthcare costs continue to take a big chunk out of every senior’s pocketbook, and the forthcoming 2026 year certainly reflect that ongoing trend. Medicare Part B and Part D premiums are going up, and deductibles…
Don’t Spend that extra SS money yet – Medicare will cut into your COLA increase!
In an announcement by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), we were told that the new cost of our Medicare Part B coverage for 2026 would be $202.90, instead of the $185 per month we paid in 2025.…