Posts by Medicare Planning
How to Shop Medicare Advantage Plans: 5 Key Benchmarks
Choosing the Right Medicare Advantage Plan Shopping for a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. Every plan offers a unique mix of costs, benefits, and provider access, so understanding what matters most to you is key. Below are five benchmarks to help guide your decision and ensure you…
Read MoreTitle: What Is TrumpRx? A New Way to Save on Prescription Drugs
What Is TrumpRx? TrumpRx is a new federal initiative designed to give consumers access to lower prescription drug prices. Set to launch in early 2026, TrumpRx will be a government-run website where consumers can compare and purchase medications directly from participating drug manufacturers. The goal is to improve transparency in drug pricing and reduce out-of-pocket…
Read MoreKeep Your NKC Health Providers in 2026: How Medicare Planning Can Help
Keep Your NKC Health Providers in 2026: How Medicare Planning Can Help If you receive care at NKC Health, formerly North Kansas City Hospital and Meritas Health, there are important changes to your Medicare Advantage coverage in 2026. NKC Health will no longer accept: Cigna Medicare Advantage plans (effective January 1, 2026) UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage…
Read MoreThe Bill That Could Change How You Get Medicare
The Bill That Could Change How You Get Medicare Navigating Medicare can be a complex journey, but a new bill in Congress could completely change the landscape for future retirees. A proposed piece of legislation, H.R. 3467, aims to make Medicare Advantage the default enrollment for new beneficiaries. This isn’t just another small tweak;…
Read MoreMedicare prior authorization 2026
New Medicare Prior Authorization Rules Coming in 2026 Medicare is preparing for some of its biggest changes in years. Starting in 2026, both Traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans will operate under updated prior authorization rules. These changes are designed to increase transparency, speed up decisions, and test new methods for reducing unnecessary services. Here’s…
Read MoreWill Medicare Be Cut Under PAYGO? | 2025-2026 Medicare Funding Explained
Understanding PAYGO and Its Impact on Medicare With the passage of large federal legislation—like the One Big Beautiful Bill (H.R. 1)—there is growing concern about how it could affect Medicare. While the bill aims to reduce healthcare costs and improve transparency, it could unintentionally trigger automatic cuts under a budget rule called PAYGO. Here’s what…
Read MoreMedicare Drug Price Negotiations for 2026: What You Need to Know
Big Savings Ahead: 2026 Medicare Drug Price Negotiations Starting January 1, 2026, Medicare beneficiaries may see meaningful savings at the pharmacy counter. Thanks to provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), Medicare will begin implementing negotiated prices on select prescription drugs—targeting those with the highest costs and widespread usage in the Part D program. The…
Read MoreMedicare Part B 2026
Medicare Part B 2026 Premium: Projected Costs, IRMAA, and Planning Tips As healthcare costs continue to rise, many Medicare beneficiaries are looking ahead to 2026. According to official estimates, the standard Medicare Part B premium is projected to increase to $206.50 per month in 2026, up from $185.00 in 2025. This represents an 11.6% increase,…
Read MoreHow the 2025 House Budget Bill Affects Medicare: Eligibility, PAYGO, and Immigrant Coverage
How the House Budget Bill Could Impact Medicare: What You Need to Know The U.S. House of Representatives recently passed a budget bill that has raised concerns about potential Medicare 2025 changes. If you’re a Medicare beneficiary, healthcare provider, or someone planning for retirement, it’s important to understand the facts behind the headlines. Here’s a…
Read MoreWhy Did I Get a Medicare Late Enrollment Penalty When I Had Creditable Drug Coverage?
Why Did I Get a Medicare Late Enrollment Penalty When I Had Creditable Drug Coverage? If you’ve recently received a Medicare Late Enrollment Penalty (LEP) letter and you’re confident you’ve always had creditable drug coverage, you’re not alone. Many Medicare beneficiaries find themselves confused and frustrated by these unexpected notices. This blog post will help…
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