medicare
CMS Announces 2026 Medicare Costs
Somewhat delayed by the recent government shutdown, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has finally announced the costs seniors will be required to pay for their healthcare coverage. As you likely know, Medicare consists of several “parts” called…
Don’t overlook providers network
We are currently in the Medicare Open Enrollment period, during which Medicare recipients can make changes to their Medicare coverage. While most people consider the financial aspects of their coverage, many overlook a crucial factor: in-network providers. Julie Carter, writing…
Medicare premiums are being pushed by rising payments to Medicare Advantage plans
According to a recent report by the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPaC), the cost of Medicare Part B premiums is being pushed by rising payments to Medicare Advantage plans. “Medicare will spend about 20 percent more on Medicare Advantage enrollees…
The Cost of Medicare Part B is Still Delayed, but Expect a Substantial Increase
Due to the government shutdown, the release of the actual increase for Medicare Part B in 2026 is still delayed. The current estimate is still expecting it to increase from the current premium of $185 to $206.50. An increase of…
Medicare will cover weight-loss drugs
Medicare will cover weight-loss drugs under a new deal with drugmakers Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk. Approximately 10 percent of Medicare enrollees who meet certain medical criteria, such as a diagnosis of obesity or related health conditions, will be eligible…
Will you lose all your COLA increase to Medicare?
On October 24th, the Social Security Administration announced a 2.8 percent cost-of-living adjustment. This announcement means that, on average, the monthly Social Security benefit will increase by $56. However, many people are awaiting the announcement of the Medicare Part B…
The true cost of health care
Let’s face it, Medicare will not cover all your health care needs in retirement. Plus, there is a cost associated with it. Suze Orman, financial expert, says many Americans underestimate this critical cost in retirement. What is it? Moneywise outlines…
What You Can Do If Your Medicare Advantage Insurer Leaves
Insurers are reducing the number of Medicare Advantage health plans offered in 2026. However, analysis from Investopedia found that in the Medicare Advantage marketplace, “while 1,949 counties in the US lost at least one Medicare Advantage plan in 2026, 798…
Where to start during Medicare open enrollment
The Medicare Open Enrollment Period for 2026 is from October 15 to December 7, 2025. During this time, beneficiaries can enroll in a new plan, switch plans, or drop their current coverage, with changes taking effect on January 1, 2026.…
Demystifying Medicare
Medicare, part of President Lyndon Johnson’s “Great Society,” was first enacted in 1965. As it has evolved over the decades, Medicare now consists of four unique “parts,” each designed to provide specific healthcare insurance coverage to American seniors. “Original Medicare”…