The “Do-Over” Window: Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment (Jan 1–Mar 31)

If you’re already in a Medicare Advantage (MA) plan, you get a once-per-year chance (Jan 1–Mar 31) to switch to a different MA plan (with or without drug coverage) or return to Original Medicare and join a Part D plan. Any change generally starts the first day of the month after the plan gets your request. When this is useful Your doctors/pharmacies changed network status on Jan 1. Your meds moved to a higher tier […]

Protect Your Medicare in 2026: Scam watch + breach checklist

Scammers ramp up right after Open Enrollment. Add in a couple of big 2025 security headlines, and January is the perfect time to tighten up your defenses. Here’s a quick, plain-English guide you can send to clients. What changed lately (and why it matters) Change Healthcare breach—now confirmed at ~192.7 million people. HHS says the 2024 hack ultimately affected about 192.7M individuals, the largest U.S. health-care breach on record. If your providers or pharmacies used […]

AEP’s Over — Now What?

AEP is officially in the rear-view, and now it’s all about making sure your 2026 coverage starts smooth on Jan 1 and knowing your options if something isn’t right. 1) Look for your plan welcome kit & Evidence of Coverage (EOC) Your plan mails an EOC each fall that spells out what’s covered, copays, rules (like prior auth), and extras (dental/vision/OTC). Keep it handy for January appointments and refills. Broker tip: If anything looks different […]

Part D in 2026: What the New $2,100 Limit Means—And What To Do This Fall

Big Part D changes kicked in for 2025, and they keep evolving for 2026. Use September to review your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) (arrives by Sept 30) and prep for the fall shopping season. The headline numbers 2025: Your out-of-pocket (OOP) spending on Part D drugs is capped at $2,000 for the year. 2026: The OOP threshold is $2,100 (the 2025 cap, indexed). Once you hit it, you owe $0 for covered Part D […]

Stay on Your Feet: Fall-Proof Your Home Before Autumn

September is prime time to tidy up tripping hazards and get ready for Falls Prevention Awareness Week (Sept 22–26, 2025)—a national push to help older adults stay independent and injury-free. Why this matters: Falls are the leading cause of injury in adults 65+; about 1 in 4 older adults reports falling each year. In 2023 alone, there were 41,400 fall-related deaths among people 65 and older. Quick home fixes (15–30 minutes each) Light it right: […]

Important SSA Update: No More Paper Benefit Checks Starting September 30, 2025

If you currently receive your Social Security benefits by paper check, you’ll need to take action soon. Starting September 30, 2025, federal benefit payments will switch almost entirely to electronic payments. This change is happening to make payments safer, faster, and easier for everyone. What This Means for You Paper checks will be phased out. After September 30, most benefits will be delivered electronically. Faster access to money. Payments are deposited directly into your account […]

Beat the Heat: Hydration & Safety Tips for Older Adults

Summer is here, and forecasters are calling for another stretch of above‑average temperatures across much of the country. That’s more than just an inconvenience if you’re 65 or older: heat‑related deaths in our age group jumped 85 percent between 2000 and 2021—a reminder that hot weather deserves real respect. Below are quick, actionable steps to stay cool, stay hydrated, and stay out of the ER this July. 1. Hydrate Before You’re Thirsty Aim for a glass of water […]

Medicare and Dental

Why Doesn’t Medicare Cover Dental? Plus Options for Seniors When it comes to healthcare in retirement, many seniors are surprised to learn that Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) does not cover most dental services. This means routine exams, cleanings, fillings, dentures, and other essential dental care are out-of-pocket expenses for most beneficiaries. Why Isn’t Dental Covered by Medicare? Medicare was designed in 1965 primarily to cover hospital and medical insurance, focusing on urgent […]

National Nutrition Month

How Medicare Supports Your Nutrition Journey to Better Health March marks National Nutrition Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of healthy eating and making informed food choices. This year’s theme encourages us to “Fuel for the Future,” reminding us that good nutrition plays a key role in maintaining health and well-being, especially as we age. Why Nutrition Matters for Seniors Good nutrition is essential for everyone, but as we get older, […]

Understanding Seasonal Depression (S.A.D) & How your Medicare Coverage Benefits Can Support You

As the days get shorter and the weather grows colder, many people notice changes in their mood and energy levels. For some, these changes may develop into a condition known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression that typically occurs during the fall and winter months. If you’re a Medicare beneficiary, it’s important to know how to recognize the signs of seasonal depression and learn how telehealth services can help manage your mental […]