What plan provides both Medicare and Medicaid coverage?

Medicaid vs Medicare: You can have both A Dual Special Needs Plan is a special Medicare Advantage coordinated-care plan. It is an all-in-one plan that combines your Medicare Part A and Part B benefits, your Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage, your Medicaid benefits and additional health benefits such as vision, dental or fitness. Medicare-Medicaid […]

How is the Social Security COLA for 2026 going to affect Medicare premiums?

The Social Security cost-of-living adjustment for 2026 is 2.8 percent, giving most beneficiaries a modest increase in their monthly benefits. At the same time, the standard Medicare Part B premium is rising to $202.90 per month, an increase of $17.90 from the $185.00 premium in 2025. While the COLA provides extra income, it may not […]

2026 Medicare Parts A and B Premiums and Deductibles

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has announced the 2026 Medicare Parts A and B premiums and deductibles, which reflect increases from 2025 levels. Starting January 1, 2026, the standard monthly premium for Medicare Part B will be $202.90, up from $185 in 2025. The annual deductible for Part B will increase to $283, […]

What Happens if You Miss Your Medicare Enrollment Deadline?

If you miss your Medicare Initial Enrollment Period, you can enroll during either a Special Enrollment Period or the General Enrollment Period, but you may face late enrollment penalties that permanently increase your premiums. A Special Enrollment Period allows penalty-free enrollment if you have qualifying job-based insurance. You have eight months to enroll after losing […]

What changes to Medicare Part D for 2026?

Medicare Part D continues its major improvements in 2026, building on the changes from 2025 to help lower out-of-pocket drug costs for beneficiaries. The $2,000 annual cap on what you pay for covered prescription drugs remains in place. Once you hit that amount, you won’t pay anything more for the rest of the year. The […]

What are Medicare Savings Programs?

Your state may be able to help you pay your Medicare premiums. Medicare Savings Programs may also pay Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance). If you meet certain conditions, you may not have to pay deductibles, coinsurance, or copayments. There are four kinds of 4 kinds of Medicare Savings Programs. […]

What is the Medicare State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) ?

The State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) is a federally funded network of trained counselors who provide free, unbiased Medicare guidance to beneficiaries, their families, and caregivers. Available in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, SHIP serves as a trusted resource for navigating complex Medicare decisions. SHIP counselors offer personalized […]

How do I report Medicare Fraud and Abuse?

Medicare fraud and abuse can happen anywhere, and usually results in higher health care costs and taxes for everyone. Some examples include: – A provider that bills Medicare for services or supplies they never gave you, like charging you for a visit you never had, or a back brace you never got. – A provider […]

What are the Medicare Enrollment periods ?

‘- Initial enrollment period The initial enrollment period is a seven-month period that includes three months before you turn 65, your birthday month, and three months after you turn 65. – Annual election period The Medicare annual election period (AEP) happens every fall from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7. During this time, you can join, […]