medicare
Improving Customer Service at SSA
Improving customer service and the entire beneficiary experience is definitely a priority for the new Commissioner of the Social Security Administration. And that priority was once again emphasized in the recent announcements about changes to SSA’s operating procedures, designed to…
A “Silver Lining” on the horizon for Social Security Beneficiaries?
Lord knows, good news about Social Security is always welcome! Because we so often hear about dark financial clouds hovering over the nation’s most important senior benefit program, positive information is always welcome. And this is the time of the…
The proposal would make Medicare Advantage plans the default
The current administration is considering making Medicare Advantage plans the default coverage option for Medicare enrollees, rather than traditional Medicare. Approximately 69.7 million Americans are enrolled in Medicare in 2026, with 35 million, representing roughly 55 percent, enrolled in Medicare…
What is causing insurers to leave Medicare Advantage markets
Major insurers, including UnitedHealthcare and Humana, have reduced or exited markets in dozens of counties in 2026. Even if you are happy with your Medicare Advantage plans, a new study published in JAMA suggests that the stability of Medicare Advantage…
Democrats To Propose Bill Capping Out-of-Pocket Medicare Costs for Enrollees
(By Julie Appleby for KFF Health News published June 25, 2026) Sen. Ron Wyden and 14 Democratic co-sponsors plan to introduce legislation Thursday to cap consumers’ potential out-of-pocket costs in traditional Medicare, resurfacing a long-running debate over why the program…
What is the Medicare IRMAA surcharge?
IRMAA stands for Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount. It is an extra surcharge applied to Medicare Part B and Part D premiums for beneficiaries with higher incomes. The Social Security Administration determines IRMAA using your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) from…
Appealing the Medicare “IRMAA” Surcharge
In this interesting article , a newly retired senior found that her Medicare premiums for the forthcoming year will be based upon her (and her husband’s) income while they were still working. That’s because Medicare premiums are determined each year…
Medicare Is Not Going Away, but Healthcare Costs Are Definitely Rising!
Those of you on Medicare, who watched as your monthly premium for Part B (outpatient medical services) went from $164.90 per month in 2023 to $202.90 per month in 2026, are acutely aware of the rising cost of American healthcare.…
Choosing Medicare Coverage? Look beyond the monthly premium
With about 10,000 people each day turning age 65, most are faced with a very consequential decision about their healthcare coverage. The choices are: to enroll in either “traditional Medicare” (with a supplement plan to cover medical costs Medicare doesn’t);…
Will Congress finally get serious about fixing Social Security?
If you read these pages regularly, you already know that the nation’s premier retirement benefit program - Social Security - is facing some serious financial challenges very soon (e.g., in 2032). We’ve published numerous articles at this site both describing…