Plan N Copays: Which Office Visits Trigger the $20 (and Which Don’t)
Plan N covers most Medicare costs but leaves a $20 office visit copay and a $50 ER copay. Here’s the exact list of what triggers each – and what doesn’t.
The COBRA Trap: Medicare’s Late Enrollment Penalty
You turn 65 and decide to retire. Your employer offers COBRA so you can stay on the company health plan for up to 18 months. Why not take it – you already know the doctors, the deductibles, and you can put off the Medicare paperwork. Eighteen months later your COBRA runs out, you call Social … Read more
Medicare Enrollment & Change Windows Explained
Medicare has several enrollment windows that determine when coverage starts and when you can change it. New enrollees use the Initial, General, or Special Enrollment Periods (IEP, GEP, SEP). Once you’re enrolled, the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) is the main yearly window for changes, with one more chance in early spring for Medicare Advantage members … Read more
Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Plan Comparison
Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) is a private policy that pays your share of costs after Original Medicare. Medigap is sold by private insurance companies, but the benefits each plan covers are set by federal law. That standardization is what makes Medigap straightforward to shop: every insurer’s Plan G covers the exact same benefits as every … Read more
SSA Form 44 and IRMAA
If you’re paying higher Medicare Part B and Part D premiums due to IRMAA (Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount), you may be able to reduce them using SSA Form 44. What is IRMAA? IRMAA is an additional premium you pay if your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) from your tax return 2 years ago exceeds certain … Read more
Medicare Enrollment After Age 65: Required Forms
If you’re over 65 and leaving employment or ending your employer/spouse’s group health plan, you’ll need to complete two forms to enroll in Medicare Part B using the Special Enrollment Period (SEP). Note: If you already have both Medicare Part A and Part B, no further action is needed at Social Security. Two Required Forms Form … Read more
Medicare Education Guide 2026
Important: When to Enroll in Medicare You can delay Medicare Part B past age 65 without penalty IF: If you’re delaying enrollment, have HSA contributions, or have individual/family insurance, please read the CMS publication “Medicare and You” Section 1 at medicare.gov. How to Apply for Medicare Part A & Part B Application Process: Timeline Example: If your 65th … Read more