Blog Posts
Do I Need a Medicare Insurance Agent or Can I Enroll on My Own?
You can enroll in a Medicare insurance plan on your own through Medicare.gov, and for some people with straightforward situations, that works fine. But for most people approaching Medicare eligibility, working with an independent Medicare insurance agent/broker costs...
What Is a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) for Medicare?
A Special Enrollment Period (SEP) is a limited window of time outside the standard enrollment periods during which you can sign up for or change your Medicare coverage because of a specific qualifying life event. Common triggers include losing employer health...
Medicare Part B Premium: Why It Changes Every Year
The Medicare Part B premium is the monthly amount you pay for Medicare medical insurance, which covers doctor visits, outpatient services, and preventive care. The standard premium changes annually and is set each fall by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid...
Should I Choose a Medicare HMO or PPO Plan?
When comparing Medicare Advantage plans, choosing a Medicare HMO or PPO plan comes down to flexibility versus cost. An HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) requires you to use a defined network of doctors. It typically requires a referral to see a specialist. A PPO...
What Is Long-Term Care and Will Medicare Pay for It?
Long-term care refers to ongoing assistance with daily activities, like bathing, dressing, eating, and managing medications, that becomes necessary due to aging, chronic illness, or disability. Medicare provides very limited long-term care coverage and will not pay...
What Is Final Expense Insurance and Who Needs It?
Final expense insurance is a type of whole life insurance designed to cover the costs associated with a funeral, burial, and related end-of-life expenses. Policies are typically smaller in face value than traditional life insurance, usually ranging from $5,000 to...
What Is the Difference Between Medicare and Medicaid?
Medicare and Medicaid are two separate government health programs that are often confused because their names sound similar. Medicare is a federal health insurance program primarily for people 65 and older, regardless of income. Medicaid is a joint federal-state...
Does Medicare Cover Dental, Vision, and Hearing? Here’s What You Need to Know
Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) does not cover routine dental care, routine eye exams, or most hearing services. However, many Medicare Advantage plans do include these benefits — and knowing the difference could save you thousands of dollars per year. What Does...
How to Enroll in Medicare: Deadlines, Penalties, and Everything You Need to Know
You can first enroll in Medicare during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP), which is a 7-month window that begins 3 months before the month you turn 65, includes your birthday month, and ends 3 months after. Missing this window without qualifying for a Special...
Medicare Advantage vs Medigap: Which Plan Is Right for You?
If you're trying to choose between Medicare Advantage and a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan, here's the key difference in one sentence: Medicare Advantage replaces your original Medicare, while a Medigap plan supplements it. Both help cover costs that original...