medicare
Steps for changing your address with Medicare
If you have permanently changed your address, you must update Medicare and Social Security. Especially Medicare Advantage plan members, since moving to a new county or state could affect your coverage. What are the steps for changing your address with…
Medicare’s “enrollment periods” explained
Although most people enroll in Medicare during their “Initial Enrollment Period” (IEP), which starts three months before the month you turn 65 and ends three months thereafter, there are other times which you can also sign up for Medicare healthcare…
Medicare Advantage vs. “original Medicare” and “Medigap”
Managing healthcare costs in retirement can be a daunting task. And no less daunting is how to chose between “original Medicare” provided by the federal government and “Medicare Advantage” provided by private insurers. There are obvious advantages and disadvantages to…
Turmoil in the privatized version of Medicare
Humana, Inc., has reported $1.2 billion in 2024 profits, which included a $693 million fourth-quarter loss as the health insurer exits unprofitable Medicare Advantage markets for 2025. However, Humana is not alone. CVS and Centene have also warned that they…
Are You 65 Or Older and Need Medicare Part B? Sign Up Now Through March 31
(Source: SSA.gov) If you’re 65 or older and didn’t sign up for Medicare Part B during the automatic, initial or special enrollment periods, now’s your chance. You can sign up for Part B (medical insurance) during the annual Medicare General Enrollment…
Unretiring? Make sure you understand the Implications for Social Security & Medicare
The chaotic years of the COVID pandemic led to many folks leaving the workforce earlier than planned. Now that the landscape has leveled, many are rethinking that decision and looking toward rejoining the workforce. As indicated in a ThinkAdvisor post…
5 Things Nobody Told You About Medicare
When you become eligible for Medicare, there’s a lot to learn in a short amount of time. Moreover, there’s many things that no one tells you, like when you can apply for Medicare or how much it costs. But don’t…
Social Security Customer Service Update: Actions You Can Take Online
Facing continued staffing shortages and a growing need for improved customer contact, the Social Security Administration is making strides in its online “self-help” features. Tasks that previously were handled through on-site, in-person contact are steadily being made available for website…
Reaching Age 65 Typically Creates Some Questions
In terms of life cycles, arriving at age 65 for many marks the beginning of a new phase. Whether you plan to retire from the workforce at that point or not (and lately, the trend is to continue employment either…
What are the Medicare Part D changes in 2025?
On July 30, 1965, when President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the bill that led to the creation of the Medicare and Medicaid program, the programs changed. One of the biggest changes to the Medicare program was to include an optional…