medicare
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.…
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…