What is Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) ?
The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) is a nonpartisan, independent legislative branch agency that provides the U.S. Congress with analysis and policy advice on the Medicare program. In 1997, Congress created the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) as an independent congressional agency to advise it on Medicare issues. Additionally, MedPAC advises Congress on Medicare’s traditional […]
If I have Medicare, can I get a stand-alone dental plan through the Marketplace?
In most cases, no. If the Marketplace in your state is run by the federal government, you won’t be able buy a stand-alone dental plan unless you’re also buying a health plan. If your state is running its own Marketplace, you may be able to purchase a stand-alone dental plan. For a long time, dental […]
The Pros and Cons of Medicare Advantage
Medicare Advantage plans offer several benefits that make them attractive to many beneficiaries. These Part C plans combine Parts A, B, and often D coverage into one plan, typically with lower copayments than Original Medicare. Many include extra benefits not covered by Original Medicare, such as dental, vision, hearing aids, and fitness programs. Monthly premiums […]
Medicare: Can I be penalized if I don’t register on time?
Yes, you can face significant financial penalties if you don’t register for Medicare on time. These penalties can permanently increase your monthly premiums and create gaps in your coverage. For Medicare Part B, the late enrollment penalty is 10% of the current premium for each full 12-month period you delay enrollment. For example, if you […]
How to Reduce Medicare IRMAA and Medicare Supplemental Insurance Premiums
Medicare beneficiaries can reduce IRMAA surcharges by managing their income to stay below key thresholds. For 2026, IRMAA begins at $109,000 for single filers and $218,000 for joint filers, adding extra costs to your standard $202.90 monthly Part B premium. Strategic planning can help minimize these surcharges through Roth IRA conversions, which create tax-free retirement […]
Medicare Coverage of Kidney Dialysis & Kidney Transplant Services
The Original Medicare program may be available to you if you suffer from end-stage renal disease requiring dialysis at any age. When you enroll for Medicare health benefits, your effective date of coverage will be determined by the type of treatment you receive. The Medicare program is a health insurance program available to people who […]
Medicare Part B Premiums for 2026
The standard Medicare Part B premium for 2026 is $202.90 per month. The annual deductible is $283, which you must pay before Medicare begins covering its share of your outpatient services. After meeting the deductible, you typically pay 20 percent of the Medicare-approved amount for covered services. Not everyone pays the same premium. Medicare uses […]
Medicare – how to appeal paying extra if your income has dropped
If your income has dropped since retiring, you can appeal the extra charges added to your Medicare Part B and Part D premiums. These surcharges, called IRMAA or Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amounts, may no longer apply to your current financial situation. Medicare bases IRMAA on your tax return from two years ago. Your 2024 income […]
What are the requirements for Medicare agents and brokers in 2026?
Medicare agents and brokers must follow updated rules in 2026 to ensure transparency and compliance when helping beneficiaries. Agents cannot use superlative terms like best, largest, or most affordable in marketing materials unless they can substantiate these claims with verified data. Since October 1, 2024, all marketing, sales, and enrollment calls must be recorded and […]
Will a Medicare Advantage plan with prescription drugs prevent the extra Part D premium?
When your income is higher than the IRS-defined limit, you cannot avoid the additional IRMAA (income-related monthly adjusted amount) premiums, whether you are enrolled in Original Medicare and a Medicare Supplement or a Medicare Advantage plan. When your income exceeds the limit and your Medicare prescription drug plan is either Medicare Advantage with Prescription Drug […]