Medicare & Insurance

Lots of changes are happening in Medicare Advantage plans and Prescription Drug Plans for 2025.  Notices of change are beginning to go out before open enrollment begins the middle of October. Don’t just look at the premiums - look at the details of the plan and just make sure you have one that meets your needs be that meds on a formulary, its price or pre-qualifications of getting it or a network provider - doctors and hospitals - or even your MA deductible limit and of course, premiums.. Remember IF your specific Medicare Advantage insurer or plan disappears from your geographical area for some reason, this might open up a guaranteed period for you. It is just real important that you review everything for this 2025 policy period because of all the legislative and CMS rule changes that have gone into place for the up and coming year.  As with all insurance products - expand the benefits and everybody share in the cost of coverage. In addition, Part B premi

Hi, I am going to be turning 64 this October. I have been receiving medical insurance through my STBX's former employer, but that situation has gotten tenuous since we are close to getting divorced. I am too young for medicare, but will need insurance. Does AARP have any health care plans that will cover me? After all, not everyone waits to retire at 65/66. Thank you.

I'm 62 and currently on COBRA while I look for a new job. My wife is 69 (retired) and was covered under my ex-employers plan, she currently has Medicare Part A only. I know the COBRA coverage covers my wife as well but I'm not clear if she's REQUIRED to sign up for part B immediately or we can wait until I get a job (or I retire) I greatly appreciate any info/pointers  that clears this up for me! Darrell

 I was watching a video that discussed the pros and cons of both Medicare supplements and Advantage Plans (MAPs). On the topic of networks, this person said, as an example, that the Mayo Clinic is not in-network for many MAPs. I looked on the Mayo Clinic web site and found a Commercial Insurance Plan Contracts document for the Mayo Clinic campus in Rochester, Minnesota. That document says, "Mayo Clinic providers and hospitals are contracted with the organizations listed below". Included in that list is something that says, "UnitedHealthcare - Medicare Advantage (select plans)".  Question: Is the AARP UHC PPO MAP one of the "select plans" that are contracted with the Mayo Clinic?

 I started Medicare this year. Our modified gross adjusted income in 2022 was 6 thousand over into the next IRMAA category so we have to pay extra. I received the letter about this on September 15 and it says I have 60 d to appeal. Well, this year my wife and I are making a bit more than 2022 so no reason to appeal now. BUT next year we both retire and will have a substantially lower MGAI and certainly low enough to eliminate the IRMAA charge.So--no reason to appeal now but the letter says if I don't appeal within 60 days, we better have a good reason to appeal later. Does this just mean appealing this year? I plan to appeal next year when we are both retired.They reassess every year depending on our taxes 2 years past, right? So eventually, we will naturally lose the IRMAA charge...but I would rather not wait 2 years. Do I have this right?? Thanks!

When it comes to Medicare, one of the most misunderstood topics is the Part D late enrollment penalty. This penalty can be a costly surprise for those who didn’t sign up for Medicare Part D (prescription drug coverage) when they first became eligible. Fortunately, with the right information and planning, you can avoid this penalty altogether. In this detailed guide, we'll walk through everything you need to know about the Medicare Part D penalty, how it works, and the steps you can take to avoid it.What Is Medicare Part D?Medicare Part D is prescription drug coverage offered to people with Medicare. It helps pay for prescription medications, which are not covered under Original Medicare (Part A and Part B). Part D plans are sold by private insurance companies approved by Medicare, and they can be standalone plans (if you have Original Medicare) or included in a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C).Having prescription drug coverage is important for many Medicare beneficiaries, particularly

As the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) approaches, it's time to carefully consider your Medicare options. One common question that beneficiaries face is whether to stick with Original Medicare, enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan, or consider a Medicare Supplement (also known as Medigap) plan. With so many choices, it’s essential to understand the differences, especially when it comes to out-of-pocket costs, coverage flexibility, and long-term financial planning. Let's take a deep dive into what makes Medicare Advantage different from Medicare Supplements, and explore which option might be right for you.What Is Medicare Advantage?Medicare Advantage (Part C) is an alternative to Original Medicare (Parts A and B), offered through private insurance companies approved by Medicare. These plans bundle hospital insurance (Part A), medical insurance (Part B), and often include prescription drug coverage (Part D), along with additional benefits like vision, dental, and hearing.The appeal of Medi

As we approach the next enrollment period for Medicare, it’s crucial to be aware of the upcoming changes in both Medicare and prescription drug plans. These updates can significantly impact beneficiaries, so staying informed will help you make the best decisions for your healthcare coverage. Below, we’ll cover what’s changing, how it might affect you, and what to keep an eye on for the future.Changes to Medicare in 2024Part B Premium and Deductible AdjustmentsOne of the first things people often ask about is whether Medicare Part B premiums and deductibles are increasing. In 2024, the Medicare Part B standard premium will rise slightly, as is typically the case year over year. The exact increase will depend on final announcements from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Historically, these increases are aligned with rising healthcare costs and inflation. Deductibles for Part B will also see a minor uptick, which will apply to outpatient services such as doctor visits,

I have been on AARP UHC Advantage since May 2022, when I first became eligibile. I would like to switch to AARP UHC Medigap plan G during Open Enrollment. Is that allowed? How do I go about it?

Hello All,I am Krishna and 81 years old. I did not enroll in Medicare at age 65 as I was working and covered by the employer's insurance plans. I worked with three companies in these 16 years and one company does not exist in USA now. I am working with the current employer for the past 8 years. All through this period, my wife and I were covered by employer's insurance plans. I am planning to retire next year and opt for Medicare. Do I have to pay a penalty for late joining? I remember reading a clause that says if I have creditable insurance coverage for two years before joining Medicare, the penalty does not apply. I do not remember receiving any forms of separation from previous two companies. Will someone clarify what will be my position? Thank youKrishna Kandala

Hi All, My wife and I have had the AARP UHC Medicare Advantage Plan (MAP) for about 4 years now. We have been relatively happy with the service and coverage. The dental plan has caused a few problems which we have overcome. I had some minor surgery that was initially denied. But the reason for the denial suggested some miscommunication. The doctor's office resubmitted the claim and I never heard anymore about it. But most (if not all) I hear about MAPs is horror stories about poor service and denied claims. Are there no good experiences, are there no successes, are there no benefits, are there no good reasons to choose a MAP? Is it all that bad? Just asking. 

I have  a general question about how AARP UHC’s Community-rated Medicare Supplements actually work, with regard to premiums. I’ll ask by example. For purposes of this question, assume that any enrollments I refer to are under guaranteed issue rights OR that the enrollee fully meets underwriting requirements for acceptance at “regular” pricing. 65-year-old Carol and 70-year-old Laura are both female non-smokers that live in single-member households in the same zip code. They both enroll in the same AARP UHC Medicare supplement in October 2024. I know that they will have the same BASE premium, and that differences in their net premiums will be due completely to differences in discounts (especially the age-based discounts). My question: If Laura instead enrolled in that same plan in October 2019, when she was 65, would her BASE premium in October 2024 still be the same as Carol’s? I guess what I’m really asking is, are people who enrolled in different years considered

I have been trying to get UHC to provide me my Medicare Supplement rate for 2024. I have called customer service to see if there is any document outlining the rates for 2024 but it is like pulling teeth. The people in the UHC customer service center are very hard to understand and I have had no luck getting any info from them or an email with the details. Any guidance is greatly appreciated. 

FROM THE ARTICLE - SEE ARTICLE FOR MORE!!! Medicare Open Enrollment: Everything You Need to Know. When it starts and ends, how to choose a Part D or Medicare Advantage plan and why it’s important to compare your options this year. By Dena Bunis and Kimberly Lankford, AARP. Published September 22, 2022.Updated September 18, 2024. Every October, Medicare gives its more than 67 million beneficiaries a chance to review coverage and make changes for the coming year. While experts say too many enrollees overlook this opportunity, evaluating your options this year is especially important because of big changes coming to Medicare in 2025. https://www.aarp.org/health/medicare-insurance/info-2022/open-enrollment.html

Hello, this is been an on going issues with me now for several months. I am over 65, not on Medicare, and I had insurance through my employer. When my work was discontinued, I signed up for COBRA to continue my existing insurance for the last 3 months of 2023. Even though the statement from COBRA and Cigna both state this is the same insurance I had when I was employed, Cigna is only paying as secondary and not covering me as the primary. They are saying that I am "eligible" for Medicare so they will only pay as the secondary even though they know I do not have Medicare. I only continued the insurance for 3 months to continue the year with same insurance until I signed up for Medicare in 2024. How can I get help with this because nowhere in any of the documents was it stated that the purchaced COBRA insurnace thru Cigna would be Secondary. I am being giving the run around by Cigna and no one is helping (not my previous employer nor COBRA). I am at the mercy is Cigna and they are not bu

Will be turning 65 this Nov and I need help in choosing the plan...united/,humana?? I am still active healthy, playing tennis, pickleball, fishing, gardening, outdoors....don't drink or smokeI need vision and dental--as usual- had cataract surgery 2 yrs ago and might need to go for a check upI heard about the Healthy choice program-- free $$$ for food and etc Any info will be helpful. Thanks

For those who just want to stay informed - kind of dry reading but informative. CMS.gov 04/01/2024 - Final CY 2025 Part D Redesign Program Instructions Fact Sheet The above is kind of technical. CMS.gov Part D Improvements The above gives added details on the changes to Part D plans for 2025 CMS.gov - 04/04/2024 - Contract Year 2025 Medicare Advantage and Part D Final Rule (CMS-4205-F) Tells more about changes happening in the Medicare Advantage part of Medicare and Part D plans whether a MAPD (Medicare Advantage with included Prescription Drug plan) or PDP (free standing prescription drug plans)   

 Hello,  If I keep Plan G Medigap insurance but change companies, would that require underwriting?  Just learned about underwriting and not sure if it applies to Plan letter changes or if it applies to any kind of change such as changing to another company offering Plan G.  I have UHC Plan G and unhappy with their mid-year rate increases for two years now.   Thank you.

Just curious what others pay for Medicare Part D.My wife and I have AARP Medicare RX Preferred from United Health Care.Our policy went from $58/mo in 2023 to $108/mo  this year and now going up to $180 for 2025.Thats more than tripled in 2 yrs 9 2023 to 2025). I hate to change but this is getting out of hand . Any thoughts most appreciated. Tnx

We received the letter from UnitedHealthcare. It is announced that the rate for our AARP UHC Supplemental Insurance plan N will increase 12.4% for the year 2024. The inflation rate in June was 3%, in July 2023 3.3%. How can the medical insurance get the rate increase 4 times higher than  the inflation rate?  Who profits from such a business decision?  Who cares about retirees with a fixed income?What does AARP do to protect American retired persons from greedy insurers? Or the AARP activity is advertisement only?   

 A friend of mine said her Plan D with Bakers has not had any mid-year increases since she has had it since 2021 like my UHC Plan G.   Wondering if mid-year is only specific to Plan G UHC?  Anyone have UHC Plan D mid-year increases?   My Plan G with UHC had a mid-year premium increase of 12% and another 4% starting Jan 1, 2025.   I am thinking of changing to a Plan D not necessarily with UHC.  Will I have an issue switching?  I don't understand what underwriting means and if it will affect me. Thank you.

  FYI   TELOS Actuarial - Medicare Supplement Rate Actions – 2024 Q2 Update These are open booked plans not closed booked. 

So many insurance companies offering Medigap (Medicare Supplement) insurance plans routinely close their plans to new enrollees (known as "closed books" or "closed blocks of business") after about 5 years of business.The reason for this is as claims come in, they have to start raising rates to cover costs; once their rates are no longer competitive, they "close" the plan and open another under a different name under a shell company.  Their initial rates may be really cheap compared to other plans, to sucker newcomers into their plan.  But as they raise rates, and then close the plan to new enrollees, the rates really skyrocket since there are no new healthy people signing up.  Those who cannot pass underwriting are stuck in that plan along with its jaw-dropping rates.So my question is, does AARP's branding agreement with UHC for Medigap plans preclude UHC from closing books and playing the plan shell game?  It seems if AARP is looking out for their members' int

 Hi, Rather new to Medigap and have United HealthCare's Medigap Plan G.  This is the second year I got  the increase letter for mid-year and another increase in Jan 2025..  Do other Medigap insurance companies also do Mid-year increases?  Thank you.

  I'm (69) on premium free medicare  part A (not part B) and my husband's work insurance. My husband was let go and will need to get insurance soon. He is 62. Can we get an ACA plan that covers us both (and not get Part B for me)?.  What happens when he applies for Social security later? I assume we lose the ACA insurance, right? Thanks!Karen