Medicare Knowledge for Professionals & clients
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With the rapid-fire changes coming out of the Trump administration since January, many of our clients are worried.
"Will Medicare still be there in a year... or even six months from now?" "Is Medicare Advantage going to take over?" "Should I make changes to my retirement plans and get Medicare now, rather than wait?"
In the IRMAA notification letter, the requirement to respond within 10 days specifically applies , “This notice does not contain appeal rights but will invite beneficiaries to contact SSA within 10 days if the beneficiary believes the information is incorrect before SSA applies IRMAA (e.g., SSA used PY-3 data and the beneficiary has a copy of the Federal income tax return filed for PY-2).
Per a December 2024 post in the Social Security Update Archive, as of January 6, 2025, Social Security "will require customers to schedule an appointment for service in our local offices, including requests for Social Security cards."
COVID lay offs can create a great deal of confusion around Medicare enrollment. But, one of the biggest pain points for some can be the sudden increase in Medicare premiums related to one’s income, known as IRMAA. But, there may be something people can do about these increases.
“If I enroll in Medicare during this national crisis, can I un-enroll when I go back to work and resume the employer coverage?” Yes, that is possible... BUT you must know about some important complications and potentialy costly repercussions for "temporary" enrollment into Medicare Part A, Part B and COBRA.
One of the seemingly fastest-growing alternatives to marketplace plans are Health Care Sharing Ministries (HCSMs). Some of the most commonly-known among these are Medi-Share Christian Care Ministry, Samaritan Ministries, and Christian Healthcare Ministries. But, just how viable are these programs as alternatives to healthcare marketplace plans?
According to a recent study, just 18% of Baby Boomers are placing a high priority on planning for receiving nursing or long-term care during retirement. Yet, in the same group of people, 45% expected they would need long-term care at some point.
Despite all the extra benefits and low premiums, not everything may be rosy with Medicare Advantage plans. The Office of Inspector General found that 75% of denied Medicare Advantage plan claims are successfully appealed immediately upon review.
Each year between Oct. 15 and Dec. 7, Medicare beneficiaries have an opportunity to review and change their coverage — either a Part D drug plan or Medicare Advantage plan. Just one simple plan change could literally save your clients thousands in the coming year!
Each year, Medicare Advantage or Part D drug plans can make significant changes for coming year, including monthly premiums, the medications they cover, pharmacy networks, doctor networks, out-of-pocket costs, deductibles and more. As a result, it’s critical that your seniors review their plan options during Medicare's Open Enrollment period in order to potentially save BIG!