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October 5, 2026
Bottom Line Retirement may lower your Medicare income surcharge if qualifying work stoppage or reduction lowers your income. Request recalculation with Form SSA-44 and evidence of the event and income; a reduction isn't guaranteed and doesn't change enrollment rights. Get…
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October 5, 2026
Bottom Line Build your married-couple Medicare budget separately for each spouse, then add the totals: Medicare has no family pricing. Include premiums, prescription costs and out-of-pocket reserves; income surcharges can apply to both spouses, and Medigap household discounts aren't automatic.…
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October 5, 2026
Bottom Line Medicare-eligible postal annuitants retiring after January 1, 2025 generally need Part B to retain PSHB, including Medicare-eligible covered family members. Exceptions include employees age 64 or older on that date; confirm your exemption before declining Part B. Get…
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October 3, 2026
Bottom Line Original Medicare follows you across states; Advantage and Part D plans depend on service areas. You can generally keep Medigap; before replacing it, check underwriting protections and any rights triggered by leaving a plan's service area. Get Medicare…
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October 3, 2026
Bottom Line Ask why Part D rejected your prescription, then have your prescriber support an exception request when appropriate. You can appeal a denial or switch plans during an available enrollment window; a transition fill may help if you qualify.…
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October 3, 2026
Bottom Line Neither Wellcare nor SilverScript is universally cheaper. Compare total annual costs for identical prescriptions, doses and pharmacies in the same plan year; preferred pharmacy status, deductible treatment and drug tiers can outweigh a lower premium. Get help comparing…
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October 3, 2026
Bottom Line A Medigap denial doesn't rule out another carrier or a missed federal or state enrollment protection. Medicare Advantage is another option during an eligible enrollment window, but switching may make buying Medigap later harder. Get help comparing Medicare…
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October 3, 2026
Bottom Line Check a Medicare Advantage plan's authorization requirements for your expected care before enrolling; proceeding without required approval can leave you owing the full cost. Referral requirements are separate, so verify both rules for scheduled services. Get help comparing…
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October 3, 2026
Bottom Line A Part D premium increase alone isn't a reason to switch: compare annual premiums, deductibles, and prescription costs at your pharmacy. Staying can make sense if totals are similar and coverage holds; fall enrollment changes take effect January…
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October 3, 2026
Bottom Line Neither Humana nor UnitedHealthcare wins everywhere: compare local plans against your doctors, prescriptions, and hospital costs. A PPO from either offers more out-of-network flexibility; an HMO may cost less if you stay in network, with referral rules worth…
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