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Medicare Supplement plans, also known as Medigap, are designed to fill the gaps left by Original Medicare. Still, for many people, the benefits of having a Medigap/Medicare Supplement Policy are sadly never made clear to them, especially if they self-enrolled or worked with a Medicare Agent/Broker who wasn't as thorough or detailed as they should have been.

Navigating the world of Medicare can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially when the costs change each year. Understanding these adjustments is essential for budgeting and The official 2026 numbers have been released by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). We are here to walk you through these new costs, explain what they mean for you, and show you how to manage them effectively.

In today's article, we will discuss and explain what pre-existing conditions are covered and accepted by Medicare. Yes, Medicare does cover pre-existing medical conditions. From the moment you enroll, Medicare ensures that you receive the treatment and care you need, regardless of your health. However, certain exceptions and specifics apply depending on the type of Medicare plan you choose.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Everything you need to know about Medicare starts here: there are three ways to receive Medicare coverage: Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, and Medicare Part D. Each option has its own benefits and costs. 

Original Medicare includes Medicare Part A  (Hospital Insurance) and Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance).  The Government pays for 80% of all Medicare-covered and Medically Necessary procedures, while you, the Medicare Beneficiary, pa for the other 20% of health services not paid for by Medicare. You typically pay for services as you receive them. When you get services, you’ll pay a deductible at  the start of each year, and you usually pay 20% of the cost of the  Medicare-ap

Medicare uses Prior Authorization to ensure that certain medical services or prescription drugs meet specific coverage criteria before they are approved and paid for. Prior Authorization rules are implemented as cost-saving measures. Medicare wants to ensure that every Medical Procedure is medically necessary for the beneficiary's health.