Posts by Medicare Planning
Medicare Telehealth Coverage Extended Through 2027: What Seniors Need to Know in 2026
Medicare Telehealth Coverage Extended Through 2027: What Seniors Need to Know in 2026 Telehealth has transformed how many Medicare beneficiaries access healthcare, allowing virtual visits from home via phone, computer, or tablet. After a brief lapse at the end of January 2026 (following prior short-term extensions), Congress restored and extended these flexibilities nationwide. On February…
Read MoreThe Giveback Benefit: A Simple Way to Reduce Your Medicare Part B Premium
The Giveback Benefit: A Simple Way to Reduce Your Medicare Part B Premium The cost of healthcare in retirement is a major concern for many Americans. With the standard Medicare Part B premium set at $202.90 per month for 2026, finding ways to save on these fixed costs is more important than ever. If you…
Read MoreWhat Medicare Part D Must Cover | Required Drug Coverage Explained
What Medicare Part D Must Cover: Understanding Required Drug Coverage Medicare Part D provides prescription drug coverage for people with Medicare, but many beneficiaries are surprised to learn that plans do not have to cover every prescription medication. Instead, Medicare sets specific rules that all Part D plans must follow. Understanding these requirements can help…
Read More2026 Medicare Premiums and Deductibles: Official Part A & Part B Cost Updates
2026 Medicare Parts A & B Premiums and Deductibles: What Every Beneficiary Needs to Know Each year, Medicare updates its premiums, deductibles, and cost-sharing amounts. For 2026, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced new Medicare Part A and Part B costs that will affect all beneficiaries. Understanding these changes is essential…
Read MoreHow 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 More