Medicare Insights from Agents
Insights and Expertise from Leading Medicare Agents
Explore expert perspectives on Medicare from top agents across the country. This page features a curated collection of articles written by Medicare agents, offering valuable advice, tips, and insider knowledge to help you make informed decisions about your Medicare options. Stay up-to-date with insights directly from the professionals who understand Medicare best.
Healthcare Wars: The 2023 CMS Expenditure Report, Congressional Budget Blunders, and the Fight for Health Information Transparency
Written by Brian Moore
This article unpacks the 2023 CMS Healthcare Expenditure Report and over 60 pressing healthcare issues, highlighting the urgent need for transparency, reform, and equitable access in the U.S. healthcare system.
Understanding Medicare PPOs, HMOs, and POS Plans: A Guide for Seniors
Written by Shiloh Carpentier
Medicare Advantage plans offer alternatives to Original Medicare, covering medical services and often extras like dental. PPOs provide flexibility at higher costs, HMOs focus on affordability within a network, and POS plans balance cost and flexibility. Choose based on your healthcare needs, budget, and lifestyle.
Turning 65 and New to Medicare: What To Do Next
Written by Charles Wheeler
The time has come, you are turning 65 and eligible for Medicare. This is called your Initial Enrollment Period. Most people dread this news as they feel they are getting old, but the truth is these are the “golden years” and should be the most enjoyable time of your life. That being said, now you need to figure out what to do about Medicare.
The Annual Medicare Maze: Why Reviewing Your Coverage is Crucial
Written by Robert Moore
Medicare’s complexity makes annual reviews crucial to align your plan with changing health needs, costs, and coverage options. This guide provides clear steps to maximize benefits, minimize expenses, and navigate Medicare confidently, guided by expert insights from Robert Moore.
Medicare Supplements vs. Medicare Advantage Plans: Key Differences
Written by Jennifer Robbins
Both Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans and Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans aim to reduce out-of-pocket costs and provide more comprehensive coverage, but they work in very different ways. Understanding the distinction between the two can help you make an informed decision about which option is best for your healthcare needs.
2024 Medicare Landscape: What You Need to Know About Medicare Changes and the Inflation Reduction Act
Written by Justin Brock
This year has brought some serious updates—particularly through the Inflation Reduction Act and changes affecting Medicare Advantage plans—that might impact your coverage and out-of-pocket costs. Let’s cut through the noise and break down the key changes so you can stay prepared and well-covered.
The Pros and Cons of Medicare Supplement Insurance
Written by Tammy Burns
Medicare Supplement Insurance, commonly known as Medigap Insurance, is designed to help cover some of the out-of-pocket costs associated with Original Medicare (Parts A and B). While Medigap can offer valuable benefits, it’s essential to weigh its pros and cons before deciding whether it’s the right choice for you.
Medicare When Living with Chronic Conditions: What Your Agent Needs to Know
Written by Kate Spilsbury
Medicare can be complex, especially for those with chronic conditions, due to its multiple parts and coverage gaps. A knowledgeable agent can help navigate these options, ensuring you find a plan that aligns with your specific health needs and covers necessary treatments and medications.
Medicare Planning: A Critical Part of Your Holistic Retirement Plan
Written by Aaron Patten
When it comes to retirement planning, most people focus on financial investments, savings, and lifestyle changes. However, one crucial aspect often overlooked is Medicare planning. Integrating Medicare into your holistic retirement strategy can provide peace of mind in your golden years.
Navigating Annual Enrollment Period Successfully
Written by Steve Wilson
With the Medicare Annual Enrollment period now here you have likely noticed those more changes within your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) letter. A carrier may have eliminated your plan. Copays, deductible, and premiums increases. The key change for 2025 the Inflation Reduction Act and its impact on prescription drug plans and pricing.
2025 Changes to Medicare Resulting from the Inflation Reduction Act
Written by Vincent Murray
The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) is set to bring significant changes to Medicare benefits in 2025, particularly for those with prescription drug coverage. This article breaks down why these changes are happening, what they entail, and what steps you need to take to prepare for updates to your Medicare Advantage plan.
Avoid a Costly Surprise: Medicare's Limited Coverage for International Travel
Written by Jerry Cohen
Medicare doesn’t cover most foreign travel situations, so new beneficiaries should plan to buy short-term medical coverage when traveling outside the U.S. These plans offer flexible options for deductibles and coverage limits to fit any budget, and having the right medical coverage could be a lifesaver if something goes wrong during your trip.
A Closer Look At Medicare Eligibility For Those Under 65 With Disabilities
Written by Brian Moore
If you’re under the age of 65 and have a disability, you may qualify for Medicare coverage. A qualifying disability is almost any health condition that prevents you from being able to work enough to access employer-sponsored health care benefits. Medicare was designed to cover adults over 65 and some people younger than 65 with disabilities that meet certain criteria.
2025 Medicare Open Enrollment Period: Key Dates and Changes to Know
Written by Kevin Truebenbach
This is a critical time for Medicare beneficiaries to review their current coverage and make necessary adjustments for the upcoming year. This enrollment window is your opportunity to assess whether your current plan still meets your healthcare and budgetary needs.
New to Medicare 2024: Feeling lost? You are not alone
Written by Patti Goldfarb
Change isn’t always easy. For some people. moving from employer-sponsored health insurance to Medicare is one of those rites of passage that can leave them frazzled. Instead of one packaged plan, Medicare is broken into three parts – Part A covers hospitalization, Part B covers doctor’s visits and Part D covers prescriptions.
Conversations about Medicare with your parents are crucial as they age
Written by Alan Faerber CFP® CRPC®
Here are some valuable tips for approaching a discussion about Medicare in a helpful and considerate manner with your parents, ultimately making the Medicare decision-making process more manageable and less stressful for our loved ones.
Simplifying Medicare: What Seniors Need to Know
Written by Tammi Lopez
This guide simplifies the most critical aspects of Medicare, offering personalized advice to help you choose the right plan, avoid common pitfalls, and stay informed about important changes.
Medicare Supplements: Improving Your Healthcare Coverage
Written by Nathan Curry
While Medicare provides health benefits it doesn't cover all expenses. This is where Medicare supplement plans, also known as Medigap policies play a role. These plans fill in the gaps left by Original Medicare by assisting with costs such, as copayments, coinsurance and deductibles.
What are some 2025 changes in the Medicare Prescription Drug Plan?
Written by Sandra Teel
With the Inflation Reduction Act (IRS) we saw significant changes to some prescription drugs in 2024. More vaccines were covered at no cost and the $35.00 cap on a one month supply of Part B & D covered insulins were put into effect. In 2025 we are going to see a significant change again.
When Can I Change My Current Medicare Plan?
Written by John Billetdoux
Learn when and how to change your Medicare plan, the rules for switching plans, the Annual Enrollment Period's role, and the importance of understanding underwriting requirements and consulting a Medicare broker.
How Medicare Beneficiaries Can Save Money on Prescriptions
Written by Mary Hiatt
Remember, you're your own best advocate with prescription medication. Don't hesitate to ask your doctor and pharmacist questions about any prescriptions. A single conversation about drug costs can lead to significant savings now and in the future.
About Your Teeth: Understanding Medicare Dental Coverage
Written by Helena Foutz, RSSA
Learn about Medicare dental coverage, the differences between DHMO and PPO plans, and how to choose the right dental insurance for your needs. Get tips on maintaining your dental health and navigating insurance options.
Medicare May Not Pay Your Bills When Traveling Internationally
Written by Duaine Owings
As an international traveler, you should be aware that Medicare Coverage outside the U.S. is limited. Basically, to have Original Medicare pay for services you have only 3 situations where Medicare will pay for certain types of services in a foreign hospital.