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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

One of the biggest mistakes Medicare beneficiaries make is assuming all Medigap plans cost the same. While benefits are standardized, monthly premiums vary widely by insurance company. For example, two carriers may offer identical Plan G policies, but one could cost $40–$60 more per month. Over the course of a year, that adds up to hundreds of dollars in unnecessary spending. By comparing quotes from multiple companies, you can ensure you’re not overpaying. Working with a

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,

Please keep an open mind when evaluating quotes from each carrier. There are well-known insurance companies and those that are less well-known; however, all Medigap plans are standardized, and carriers must offer the same coverage. To compare insurance carriers, consider their financial rating to assess their reliability. Work with an Independent Medicare Broker in your area to ensure you are maximizing your discounts.

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.

However, some differences between the G and N can impact your healthcare expenses and decision about which is more suitable for you. In this article, we’ll compare Medigap Plan G vs Medigap Plan N to help you decide what best suits your needs. 

When your Medicare card arrives, the first thing to do is verify your Part A and Part B effective dates. These dates are essential because they determine when your coverage begins. Mistakes, although rare, can still occur, so be sure to double-check your Medicare Card for accuracy.

Short-Term Care Insurance (STC) is an essential financial tool that provides coverage for individuals who require temporary care services. Also known as recovery or post-hospitalization insurance, short-term care insurance protects against the high costs associated with short-term care needs. Here, we will delve into the details of short-term care insurance, including its purpose, cost, benefits, and other key aspects.  

Vaccines play a crucial role in preventing several serious infectious diseases. Luckily, Medicare covers the cost of most vaccines. However, Medicare itself is comprised of four different parts, so it's helpful to know which parts cover which vaccines.

There can be consequences and penalties if a new Medicare Beneficiary does not enroll in Medicare within their IEP, provided they have no other "Creditable Medical Coverage", such as a Group Employer Health Plan from a company with more than 20 Employees, or FEHB Members.

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.