The November 2025 announcement from the Trump administration instantly set off a chain reaction in the media. Suddenly, my news and LinkedIn feed is full of bold headlines, excited “Medicare experts,” and breathless predictions. But, the reality is:
❌ Medicare STILL cannot cover weight-loss drugs.
❌ Nothing in the announcement changed the statute.
❌ No executive order can override Congressional law.
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).
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!
“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?
