Medicare & Insurance

Please read the link to the well written opinion piece in The Hill.  House Bill 3467 now in committee proposes automatic enrollment for new Medicare signups into the lowest cost Medicare Advantage plan which would be irrevocable for 3 years.  There would be an optout button, as long as people were able to find it. https://thehill.com/opinion/healthcare/5617927-congress-medicare-reform-dangers/ Here is the link to the bill: https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/3467.  You can read the full text.  Even more telling is the remarks of the AZ rep (Repub Schweiekert) a bloated verbosity. Here are the pertinent provisions.  The text speaks for itself.  CONTACT YOUR LEGISLATORS TO STRONGLY OPPOSE THIS. (From the Bill)(a) Automatic enrollment.—“(1) IN GENERAL.—Notwithstanding any other provision of this title, for plan years beginning on or after January 1, 2028, the Secretary shall provide for the automatic

I finally had enough of the poor quality of customer service with UHC.  Both their supplemental plan and drug plan need a make over in properly handling customer questions.  They are extremely frustrating and their phone representatives are not trained well to handle the basic of questions.  For example, my wife and I had to go through multiple hoops to give me authorization to conduct business with UHC regarding my wife.  Each time I had to speak on her behalf, we had to go through a long winded process before they allowed this to happen.  They also do not seem to log their calls so that there's a record of previous issues and how those issues were resolved.  I just off the phone with them trying to get my January premium refunded since I had canceled and gone with another carrier -- for a lot less money and a more reasonable customer service experience.  Their Part D side handled the cancelation without issue but the supplement side was a horrible,

About five years ago, I bought Genworth long-term care insurance based on AARP's affiliation with Genworth. Concerns about the company's viability are now great: there is a class-action lawsuit against them (2016), it was sold to a Chinese company, and one can read about dismal responses to filed claims. I tried to contact someone in AARP to see if AARP had any recommendations about what policy holders can do (as of about a year ago, New York Life became AARP's long-term care insurance associate). I've not had a response to the question: does AARP have a recommedation regarding Genworth, and, if so, what is it? Does anyone have suggestions for what to do about Genworth? Does anyone have a suggestion as to whom to contact in AARP for some advice in this matter? Thank you.

A deer ran into my car Feb 2025 and cause some damage to the left front quarter panel of my car.  I claimed the damanged on my Auto-Owners insurance and they paid to have it fixed.  I went to a chiropractor for a back adjustment for 8 months and Auto-Owners paid for that.  Auto-Owners called me and tried to get me to accept home health care which I refused.  I didn't need help bathing or getting dressed or cleaning my house.  I no longer see the Chiropractor. Now in October 2025, I receive paperwork requesting my signature so that Auto-Owners can obtain my medical records going back to January 2020 to the present and including all radiology reports including my mammograms, CT scans, Pet scan, Ultrasounds, any Nuclear Medicines,x-rays, MRIs, Interventional Rediology.  Plus they want all other health care providers records too and the paperwork says this information may no longer be protected by HIPAA. Is this a scam? Can they ask for this informat

CMS.gov 11/14/2025 - Newsroom - 2026 Medicare Parts A & B Premiums and Deductibles  November 14, 2025, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the 2026 premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance amounts for the Medicare Part A and Part B programs, and the 2026 Medicare Part D income-related monthly adjustment amounts. Tried to highlight it all but ead the link in case I forgot anything - PART A Medicare Part A inpatient hospital deductible that beneficiaries pay if admitted to the hospital will be $1,736 in 2026In 2026, beneficiaries must pay a coinsurance amount of $434 per day for the 61st through 90th day of a hospitalization in a benefit period and $868 per day for lifetime reserve days. For beneficiaries in skilled nursing facilities, the daily coinsurance for days 21 through 100 of extended care services in a benefit period will be $217.00 in 2026. Enrollees age 65 and older who have fewer than 40 quarters of coverage, and cer

I don’t have a ton of time at the moment to discuss this - but I wanted to get this out so that beneficiaries will understand the importance of reviewing any Medicare plan they have now for the annual enrollment period for Medicare Advantage and Part D plan switches for 2026 - occurs later this Fall. ALL Medicare plan insurers, not just United Healthcare, are looking over their Medicare marketplace exposure - yes, even Medigap or Medicare Supplemental plans - This may produce a lot of changes for 2026 and from what I am reading about most Medicare plan insurers - MAPD, Part D and even Medicare Supplemental plans - there may be lots of changes - from dropping coverage to an increase in premiums to reconstructing their formularies.   There are also changes that are being made to various programs (as required by law) - The Trump administration is continuing the negotiation for certain drugs as the Biden IRA called for - the Part D out of pocket max will increase to $ 2100 -

So frustrating, my premium is going up substantially again this year. When I signed up the information stated policy premiums where issue age based. Only increase would be due to costs, not age. I noticed last year now the same information states premiums are attained age rated. I spoke with a customer relations person and she basically said it is what it is and they really don’t care whether or not the info and how they rate my premium has changed. I don’t have a copy or screen shot of the issue age statement from them, but she said even if I did it wouldn’t matter. So disappointed and now my premium is jumping again twice what it did last year and I’m only turning 67 in January.

On a medicare agent forum I am on (I am not an agent nor ever have been, I was a college faculty member teaching business and health care administration) there is a lot of complaints that in 2026 a number of medicare D (drug) plans and medicare advantage plans will no longer be paying agents commissions (which means they have no income from helping you sign up if you choose one of those plans).As a result some agents are not planning to tell clients about any plans that won't pay them to sign you up. This means that you may well miss finding out about plans that are a good/best match for you. Others are stating they will tell you about them but then you will need to go online yourself to sign up. Some have said if you have a supplement with them or an advantage plan that doesn't include drugs with them they will sign you up for a D even if they don't get paid because they are getting paid for the other thing you are on.Also many PPO plans are disappearing (and/or agents aren't being pa

FROM THE ARTICLE. ➡️[*** Key takeaways! [*] For this Medicare program, apply at your state Medicaid office. [*] Application process is complex, but you’ll save a bundle. [*] New law puts plan to simplify applying on hold. [*] Experts: More than 10% of people now in it could be dropped. [*] Learn more about the 4 Medicare Savings Programs. Perhaps the toughest part about needing help to pay your Medicare Part B premiums is knowing to ask your state for the aid.That’s right: Medicare Savings Programs, which the federal government helps finance but state Medicaid agencies administer, assist Medicare beneficiaries with limited incomes and assets in paying for the Part B premiums, Part A premiums if you don’t qualify for premium-free Part A, deductibles, copayments and coinsurance associated with Medicare, a federal program. You can apply any time, not just during Medicare open enrollment, Oct. 15 to Dec. 7. USE LINK BELOW TO READ THE ARTICLE.&nb

I am shocked to find out AARP UHC will no longer cover visits in 2025. After 2 injuries the stretch lab has been my greatest success towards healing and improving my health. Please reconsider this benefit. It’s better than taking drugs. The benefit offered 2 25 min sessions or 1 50 minute session per month. I am committed to this treatment. Help reinstate in 2025, now. SG

Our AARP Medicare Rx Walgreens from United Health Care (PDP) went from $35.20 to $80.40 in January 2024 - a 130% increase!!!We only saw the increase when the credit card was charged in January 2024. Their notification was an email that said "your 2024 Annual Notice of Changes is ready for you to review" with no indication on the email of a significant premium change.We believe this is clearly insufficient notice and misleading. Our attempt to terminate the plan or reduce the charge was unsuccessful. We also contacted Medicare and found that there is nothing that can be done.Our interaction with customer care at United Healthcare was very frustrating. We were sent around 5-6 departments and spent hours on the phone on this issue. I realize now that Medicare regulations are very favorable to insurance companies and provide very little protection for the consumer.I expect AARP to sponsor companies that provide better transparency and information to their members. And I ask AARP

I became retired in March of 2025. I needed to create a budget. The first thing I needed to do is look for health insurance. A family member told me about AARP. I'm happy to say AARP members helped me find the best Healthcare insurance for me. However, I'm not done. My car insurance went through the ceiling in 2025. Almost doubled. I'm thrilled to say AARP found me a reasonable car insurance company.  In addition, I bundled my homeowners insurance and got a great deal. I want to pinch myself I can't believe this fortune. 

Some Doctors who treat Medicare beneficiaries are getting a 2.5% raise next year under a regulation the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services issued Friday 10/31/2025. The 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule final rule implements provisions from the new tax law enacted in July, which mandated a pay hike and reversed a multiyear trend of reimbursement cuts..  Also CMS on Friday finalized a controversial plan to reevaluate how Medicare calculates doctor payments that will result in lower rates for specialty services. Medicare will implement a 2.5% cut next year to payments for services like radiology and gastroenterology that are based on more than time spent delivering the service. CMS also spells out its plans for an “efficiency adjuster” that will reduce some payments with a new payment model, and new flexibilities for telehealth coverage. CMS Modernizes Payment Accuracy and Significantly Cuts Spending Waste while Improving Chronic Disease Management for Medicare

Who is eligible and who is not?   What are the rules in your state?  

Yes, you are offered a SPECIAL guaranteed issue period for a Medigap plan when this happens. HOWEVER, there are only specific Medigap plans offered in this situation.Medicare.gov- Choosing A MEDIGAP POLICY  SEE SPECIFICALLY SECTION 3, “YOUR RIGHT TO BUY A MEDIGAP POLICY”  on page 18 chart -  of this pdf booklet.   What is the reason for this - to keep down the cost of those who have been in the other Medigap  plans since their initial enrollment because adding people later on with perhaps health issues without underwriting is gonna increase the cost of those plans that they can get during this special enrollment period.   Guess this is one of the reasons that Plan N is becoming much more popular as an option - it is supposed to be insulated somewhat insulated to this.    

FROM THE ARTICLE. Open Enrollment: What to Know About Getting Marketplace Health Insurance for 2026.Higher premiums, plus the potential expiration of enhanced premium tax credits for ACA plans, will make health coverage more expensive for many older adults. By Rachel Nania, AARP. Published October 28, 2025. ➡️[*** Key takeaways! [*] Premiums are expected to increase.[*] Customer service may be interrupted.[*] Changes in eligibility requirements.[*] What to look for in a plan.[*] Where to sign up for coverage.[*] Key dates and deadlines. Open enrollment for state and federal health insurance marketplaces begins Nov. 1, kicking off a critical time for millions of Americans to secure or change their health coverage for 2026.But with rising premiums, expiring subsidies and new eligibility rules, this year’s enrollment period will bring changes for many consumers navigating the marketplaces. USE LINK BELOW TO READ THE ARTICLE. https://www.aarp.org/health/h

Several complaints here. #1-Using foreign-born people or companies when a large # of your clientele are aging and various degrees of hearing-impaired. Foreign accents do NOT help matters.   #2-If United is using Indian-based customer service, you are simply  legitimizing scammers who call with the same Pacific-rim accents. The cold facts are that 65 to 75 percent of the WORLD'S illegal scam  phone calls originate from India, Pakistan , and Sri Lanka.  These are THIEVES who rob Seniors with no remorse. So please, don't even think about mentioning Prejuidice, or bias, in using the services from that area, you are doing a dis-service to your American clients.

FROM THE ARTICLE. You’ll need to plan to pay for some common medical expenses. By Tony Pugh and Dena Bunis, AARP.➡️[*** Updated October 23, 2025. Published August 08, 2018. Key takeaways! [*] Not everything’s covered, but here’s how to plan.[*] You’re out of luck on root canals, most eye care, hearing aids.[*] Most chiropractor, cosmetic surgeon services are off-limits.[*] No massage therapy for pain, but some acupuncture allowed.[*] Pay more for podiatry, foreign trips, long-term care, concierge care. Medicare covers most health care needs for older Americans, from hospital care and doctor visits to lab tests and surgery.Though great strides were made in recent years on paying for prescriptions, whether you have a Part D plan with original Medicare or drug coverage tucked into a Medicare Advantage plan, you should be prepared to pay $2,100 in 2026 for your covered medications before the limit kicks in. The federal government will help you finance that amount o

Source: MedPage Today.com - 10/20/2025 - Physician Exits From Medicare Increased in Vulnerable Areas  This is a real problem - How do you encourage medical providers to set up shop and stay in vulnerable areas of our country?  How should we encourage them to continuously accept Medicare (or Medicare and Medicaid [dual eligibles]) especially since the numbers of beneficiaries are growing exponentially. Maybe we need to pay them  more - especially those who choose to locate in these medical deserts -Perhaps those beneficiaries who live in urban or metro areas should subsidize those in rural setting MORE. We already have program to try to entice them to these underserved areas but their long ranch goals of their careers just does no materialize.  What good is it to have a rural hospital or clinic, if there are not enough medical doctors to staff them and treat the patients - especially those on Medicare (or Medicare and Medicaid).   excerp

Source: MedPage Today 10/20/2025 - Primary Care Docs Spend This Many Hours Per Week Caring for Patients Key TakeawaysPCPs clocked a median of 62 weekly hours caring for their patient panel.That figure translated to a median of 1.7 hours per patient per year.The findings come on the heels of other research showing PCP burnout also is high.All I can say, is you better find one, treat them well and then hold on to them as long as you possibly can - Try not to wear them out.    

IF you are not one of the millions that currently has their Part B premiums paid by your state’s Medicaid program, then you will see an increase in these premiums for 2026.  Estimates that I have seen, but yet have been announced, shows that we could top over $200 a month for this cost in 2026 for just regular Part B premiums.  Then, of course, those with higher income will be paying a whole lot more for their Part B premiums in the form of IRMAA payments (Income Related Monthly Adjusted Amount). So do you have any suggestions on how to hold down these Part B cost?  In that regard, you have to know what Medicare Part B covers, how waste, fraud and abuse affects the program financially and the coverage determinations that affect it in usage.   Like this one:It has long been the process of moving procedures that were at once considered major operation (Medicare Part A) to being done on an outpatient (ambulatory) status (Medicare Part B).  To me, that is

One of the most popular (non-profit) Medicare Advantage plan insurers in  Minnesota and Wisconsin is exiting the MAPD marketplace in 2026. Modern Healthcare.com 09/04/2025 - Ucare to Exit Medicare Advantage in 2026I do not have full access to this publisher so this is just the highlights to give a heads up so that you can look up more info if it involves your plan Synopsis: UCare will exit the Medicare Advantage market in 2026, the company announced Thursday, citing financial challenges in the business. As of Aug. 1, the nonprofit carrier had 186,700 Medicare Advantage members across Minnesota and Wisconsin, up 31.3% from the same period last year, according to data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Overall, the company is one of Minnesota’s largest health insurers, with 600,000 total enrollees. It is the state’s second-largest Medicare Advantage carrier, trailing Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota, which has 242,500 members. (Tepper, 9/4)

 My wife and I signed up for AARP United Health Care Medicare Supplement plan G in 2020. During the first year our premiums were from January thru December. However, starting from 2021 our premiums increased twice a year from January thru May and again June thru December. I was informed when we signed up that my premiums will change on the month of my birth. My question is, do the premiums increase twice a year? We live in Michigan. Some of my friends with the same plan thru AARP UHC tell me that they are billed once a year. I will appreciate if someone can let me know if this is mistake that we are billed twice a year. I have tried to call their  customer service several times to no avail as I haven’t received a satisfactory explanation. I sent a certified letter to them four months ago and have't heard from them. TIA..

Do not waste your money on AARP Dental insurance plans!!!!  I signed up for a PPO plan that states routine dental procedures covered with no deductible.  I had a routine exam with xrays, oral evaluation and cleaning.  The AARP Deltal Dental PPO plan only covers 80% of this expense leaving you liable for the balance.  This is not the coverage I want At $48 per month.

  AARP should not be selling the Dental Dental Plans as Ins, They are NOT Ins. The doctor I saw did not tell me until I was in the chair that I was not covered for a deep cleaning. This is after he took full xrays and after he sent me to endodontist for a root canal, which was not covered nor were the xrays of $400 plus dollars. I must pay for it. The whole thing has left me with a very bad taste in my mouth. Oh, the dentist I saw would not do the cleanings I was intitled under the plan. I am canceling the Ins. Be warned, do not buy this insurance.