Medicare

Original Medicare vs Medicare Advantage Quiz: Which is Right for You?

Personal Finance /
Original Medicare vs Medicare Advantage Quiz: Which is Right for You?

Choosing the right Medicare path is one of the most critical financial decisions you will make regarding your health care in retirement. The debate boils down to two fundamentally different approaches: original Medicare (Parts A and B, plus Medigap insurance), which prioritizes flexibility and eliminating out-of-pocket costs, versus Medicare Advantage (Part C), which bundles benefits […]

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15 Costly Drugs Will Get Medicare Price Cuts in 2027: Will You Save?

Investment Tips /
15 Costly Drugs Will Get Medicare Price Cuts in 2027: Will You Save?

On November 25, 2025, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced significant price reductions for 15 high-cost prescription drugs used by millions of Medicare beneficiaries. That’s a major win for older Americans. The negotiated “maximum fair prices,” made possible by the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, promise to save the program $12 billion annually

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Are You Ready for 65? The Medicare Initial Enrollment Period Quiz

Personal Finance /
Are You Ready for 65? The Medicare Initial Enrollment Period Quiz

Turning 65 marks the start of your journey into Medicare, but the enrollment process is a critical window with permanent financial consequences. Missing your deadlines or making the wrong choice between original Medicare and employer coverage can result in lifetime penalties. This 10-question True/False quiz covers the essential facts about the Initial Enrollment Period (IEP),

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Will Your County Lose Medicare Advantage Coverage in 2026? Key Insights You Need to Know

Investment Tips /
Will Your County Lose Medicare Advantage Coverage in 2026? Key Insights You Need to Know

Key Takeaways Major insurers, including Aetna CVS Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Blue Cross Blue Shield, are reducing their 2026 Medicare Advantage (MA) offerings. Counties across Minnesota, Ohio, Illinois, and Georgia will lose the most plans, while those in Alabama, West Virginia, and Kansas will gain plans; but overall, the country will see a net loss. Areas

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Don’t Choose a Medicare Advantage Plan Until You Read This: 5 Trade-Offs Few Discuss

Investment Tips /
Don't Choose a Medicare Advantage Plan Until You Read This: 5 Trade-Offs Few Discuss

Key Takeaways Medicare Advantage (MA) plans are private, government-approved alternatives to Original Medicare.   They often feature low or no premiums, annual out-of-pocket limits, and extra benefits like dental and vision coverage. Downsides include limited provider networks, prior authorization hurdles, and frequent plan changes. If you decide to switch back to Original Medicare later, you might

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Rising Medicare B Premiums May Mean Your Social Security Raise Doesn’t Go as Far

Investment Tips /
Social Security COLA to Boost Retiree Benefits This Year, But Rising Medicare B Premiums May Offset Gains

Key Takeaways Social Security recipients will see a 2.8% COLA increase in 2026, but some of that boost is to be offset by rising Medicare Part B premiums. The monthly Medicare Part B premium will rise almost 10% to $202.90 per month, cutting into the 2026 COLA announced last month. That extra cash landing in

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Social Security COLA to Boost Retiree Benefits This Year, But Rising Medicare B Premiums May Offset Gains

Investment Tips /
Social Security COLA to Boost Retiree Benefits This Year, But Rising Medicare B Premiums May Offset Gains

Key Takeaways Social Security recipients will see a 2.8% COLA increase in 2026, but some of that boost is to be offset by rising Medicare Part B premiums. The monthly Medicare Part B premium will rise almost 10% to $202.90 per month, cutting into the 2026 COLA announced last month. That extra cash landing in

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9 Smart Medicare Cost-Cutting Moves to Make During 2026 Open Enrollment and All Year Long

Personal Finance /
9 Smart Medicare Cost-Cutting Moves to Make During 2026 Open Enrollment and All Year Long

Key Takeaways With Medicare open enrollment underway, you can shop for and switch to a more affordable 2026 plan until Dec. 7.    You can also save by applying for assistance programs, checking drug formularies and provider networks, and tapping a licensed expert. Cut costs throughout the year by using preferred pharmacies, staying within your

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Medicare Premiums 2026: IRMAA Brackets and Surcharges for Parts B and D

Personal Finance /
Medicare Premiums 2026: IRMAA Brackets and Surcharges for Parts B and D

If you have Medicare Part B and/or Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage, you could owe a monthly surcharge based on an income-related monthly adjustment amount (IRMAA). This surcharge is paid by Medicare beneficiaries for Parts B and D Medicare, in addition to the standard premiums, if their taxable income exceeds certain thresholds. For 2026,

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