Blog

HELPING YOU TO UNDERSTAND MEDICARE PDP PLANS Prescription drug plans help cover the costs of medications not included in original Medicare. They are offered by private insurance companies that contract with the Medicare program. These plans may come with various premiums, deductibles, and copayments. It's essential to understand how these different components work to select the most beneficial plan.

Selecting the best Medicare plan depends on your health needs, budget, and preferences. Here are some practical tips: Assess Your Health Needs: Consider your current health status, medications, and preferred doctors. Compare Costs: Review premiums, deductibles, copayments, and out-of-pocket maximums. Check Provider Networks: Ensure your doctors and hospitals are in the plan's network. Review Extra Benefits: Some plans offer vision, dental, hearing, or wellness programs.

THE QUESTION "HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT MEDICARE PLAN FOR YOU AND YOUR NEEDS" MAY SOUND SIMPLE, BUT IT IS SO TRUE. YOU NEVER WANT TO GET A PLAN BASED ON OTHER PEOPLE'S RECOMMENDATIONS, BECAUSE OTHER PEOPLE AREN'T YOU.

S MEDICARE FREE WHEN YOU TURN 65? Many people wonder about the costs associated with Medicare after reaching 65. The short answer is: no, Medicare is not entirely free of charge. Here’s a breakdown of expected expenses: Part A Costs: Most people do not pay a premium for Part A because they have paid Medicare taxes throughout their working years. However, some may be required to pay a premium if they do not qualify based on their work history. Part B Costs: Part B requires a

UNDERSTANDING MEDICARE ENROLLMENT DEADLINES Medicare enrollment deadlines are specific periods when you can sign up for or make changes to your Medicare coverage. These deadlines are crucial because they determine when you can enroll in Medicare Part A (hospital insurance), Part B (medical insurance), Part C (Medicare Advantage), and Part D (prescription drug coverage). Here are the main enrollment periods to keep in mind: Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): This is a

Understanding health coverage options can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to Medicare. This federal program provides essential health insurance to millions of Americans, primarily those aged 65 and older, as well as certain individuals with disabilities younger than 65. Knowing what Medicare covers, the benefits it offers, and the choices available can help you make informed decisions about your healthcare.

How Medicare Works with Your FEHB (Federal Employee Health Benefits) Many individuals working for Governmental Agencies or Departments have Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB). This article explains how Medicare interacts with FEHB plans and what federal employees should know about aligning their benefits with Medicare.

We wrote this to help you better understand Medicare concisely and transparently. Medicare consists of four parts. Medicare Part A,  Part B, Part C, and Part D  MEDICARE PART A - Pays for Inpatient Hospitalization, Hospice, and Skilled Nursing Care. MEDICARE PART B - Pays for outpatient doctor visits, Lab Tests, Screenings, and DME. MEDICARE PART C - Is Medicare Advantage MEDICARE PART D - Covers Prescription Medications.

The Medicare AEP (Annual Enrollment Period) runs from October 15th through December 7th every year. During AEP, about 48 million Medicare Beneficiaries will make at least one change to their Healthcare portfolio for the 2026 Plan Year. The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) occurs each fall. During the AEP, Medicare beneficiaries can change their current Medicare Advantage Plan or their Stand-Alone Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan.

WHY ARE MEDICARE ADVANTAGE PLANS BAD? Misinformation and a lack of understanding can lead to Medicare Advantage nightmares. So, we are here to help clear the air. Medicare Advantage plans are not always problematic. However, they are certainly not a good fit for everyone. You should only enroll in Medicare Advantage coverage if it is the best fit for your unique situation. Below, we clarify why these seemingly too-good-to-be-true plans have a less-than-stellar reputation an

The easiest way to avoid excess charges is to use physicians who accept Medicare assignment. You will never be billed more than Medicare allows for your healthcare services. It’s always a good idea to ask your doctor if they accept assignment before you make an appointment. Don’t forget to ask the same question of any Medicare provider, such as lab facilities and home health care companies. You can also find providers in your area that participate with Medicare using the Med

Once you start receiving Social Security benefits or Railroad Retirement benefits, Medicare premiums will be automatically deducted from those payments. But until then, you may be better off paying Medicare online by using Medicare’s automatically deducted monthly payment system called Easy Pay If you did not work enough quarters to qualify for Premium Free Medicare Part A, or if you are a High Wage Earner who has been assessed with an IRMAA surcharge, you will be billed for

Looking for the Best Medicare Supplement Plan? The best plan for you is not always the cheapest plan. However, working with a Certified Medicare Planner like Michael Braden at Braden Medicare Insurance is a great start,

Thankfully, there are not nearly as many new concerns as last fall, but I think it's still good to share the information.  The most significant nationwide trend is that healthcare costs continue to rise rather than level off. We have seen that MOOP amounts continue to increase, along with Medicare Advantage, Part B Premiums, Part B Deductibles, Medicare Supplement Premiums, and Medicare Part D Deductibles.

Once you’re enrolled in Parts A and B, the next step is determining how you want to receive your benefits. You have two primary options: stick with Original Medicare, which allows you to visit any provider and any hospital in the US, or choose Medicare Part C, also known as Medicare Advantage, which bundles hospital, medical, and often drug coverage into one plan.

Medicare is the most widely used health insurance program for individuals aged 65 and older. If you are nearing eligibility, it is essential to understand what Medicare is and how its four parts work. However, Medicare does not cover everything. You may need to enroll in additional plans to obtain full coverage.

Everything you need to know about Medicare Supplement Insurance plans, including how to change plans and keep your premiums as low as possible which is very important as we age.

What are Medicare Advantage Plans? Medicare Advantage Plans cover all Medicare services.  Some Medicare Advantage Plans also offer extra coverage, such as vision, hearing, and dental coverage.   

Perhaps the most significant benefit is choice and portability. A Medicare Supplement or Medigap plan allows you to choose ANY Doctor, go to ANY Hospital ANYWHERE in the United States, and you are covered, as long as the Doctor and Hospital both accept Medicare's Assignment/Fee Structure.

MEDICARE PRESCRIPTION DRUG PLANS You must be enrolled in Medicare Part A and/or Part B to be eligible to enroll in Part D. Medicare drug coverage is only available through private plans. If you have Medicare Part A and/or Part B and you do not have other drug coverage (creditable coverage), you should enroll in a Part D plan.