Medigap helps reduce out-of-pocket costs for ~12.5M, or 42% of Original Medicare beneficiaries.
All plans with the same letter offer identical benefits, but premiums vary by state, insurer, and pricing method.
Average Medigap premium: $217/mo in 2023; Plan G avg. $164/mo, but ZIP code impacts cost.
Switching plans can be difficult due to medical underwriting outside the six-month Open Enrollment Period, except in some states.
Review risk pool size, pricing method, and loss ratios to anticipate long-term costs before choosing a plan.
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Tips to Help You Choose the Best Medigap Plan | I’m Mike Harrington, assisting you to get the coverage that fits your needs Contact me today.
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Do You Qualify for Medicare Benefits? | I’m Mike Harrington, assisting you to get the coverage that fits your needs Contact me today.
Most qualify at age **65**; some earlier with disability or certain health conditions.
U.S. citizens or lawful residents (≥ five years) are eligible; work history affects premium-free Part A.
Disabilities, ESRD, or ALS can qualify people under **65**; ALS has no waiting period for coverage.
Dual eligibility: Some get both Medicare and Medicaid; Medicaid covers costs Medicare doesn't.
Initial Enrollment Period lasts **7 months** around your **65th** birthday; late enrollment can mean penalties. -
Medicare Supplement or Medicare Advantage? Which is best for you?
Medicare Advantage (Part C) combines Parts A, B, and D with extra benefits like dental and vision, offered by private insurers with network restrictions. Private-Fee-For-Service plans offer more provider flexibility but variable costs. Special Needs Plans target specific health conditions. Medicare Supplement (Medigap) fills gaps in original Medicare, allowing any provider accepting Medicare. Choose based on travel, provider preferences, health needs, and cost predictability.
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2026 COLA vs. Medicare Hike: How Much of Your Raise Will You Actually Keep?
In 2026, Social Security benefits will rise by 2.8%, adding about $56 monthly, but Medicare Part B premiums will increase by 9.7% to $202.90, reducing the net benefit gain to around $38. The annual Part B deductible also rises to $283. The "hold harmless" rule protects some low-benefit recipients from premium hikes exceeding their COLA, but new enrollees, high earners, and those with separate premium deductions are not protected. Rising Medicare Advantage and Part D premiums add further financial strain.
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The Best Medicare Plans for Your Needs | I’m Mike Harrington, assisting you to get the coverage that fits your needs Contact me today.
Advantage: lower premiums, extra benefits, but network limits and preauthorization often required.
Medigap: higher premiums, broad provider choice, covers more out-of-pocket costs, no referrals needed.
Enrollment periods are critical; missing deadlines can mean penalties or limited plan options.
Switching plans may be restricted, especially for Medigap if you have pre-existing conditions.
Use Medicare.gov tools and open enrollment to compare plans and avoid penalties. -
Get Ready for 2026 Medicare Enrollment | I’m Mike Harrington, assisting you to get the coverage that fits your needs Contact me today.
AEP runs now through Dec. 7; review your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) for 2026 coverage updates.
Ignoring ANOC can cost you: one woman faced a $20,000 bill after her doctors left her plan's network.
Major insurers plan to cut benefits, exit markets, and reduce plan choices; United Healthcare expects ↓ **1M** MA enrollees.
Prescription drug plans: fewer options (**8–12** in 2026 vs. **32** before), higher premiums, and some drugs dropped.
Act by Dec. 7: compare plans, beware of scams, and seek unbiased help from SHIP for best coverage. -
3 Medicare Moves That Could Save Retirees Big Money
Retirees face rising healthcare costs, with a 65-year-old expected to spend $172,500 in retirement. To save money, enroll in Medicare on time to avoid lifetime surcharges, review plan options annually during open enrollment to find better coverage, and buy Medigap early to avoid denial or higher premiums. Smart Medicare planning can help reduce health expenses and stretch retirement savings.
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Happy Thanksgiving | I’m Mike Harrington, assisting you to get the coverage that fits your needs Contact me today.
Thanksgiving is commonly known to commemorate the colonial Pilgrims’ harvest meal that they shared with Wampanoag Indians in 1621But it wasn’t a holiday until 1853 that Abraham Lincoln declared it a national holiday and kept Thanksgiving as the last Thursday in November.In many American households, the Thanksgiving celebration centers on cooking and sharing a bountiful meal with family and friends.Parades have also become an integral part of the holiday, featuring marching bands and performers.
Happy Thanksgiving. May the autumn glow and delicious harvest of the season bring you happiness and prosperity. -
Maximize Your Medicare Advantage Flex Card Benefits Today
Medicare Advantage enrollees with flex cards must use their prepaid health benefit funds by December 31, 2025, or lose them. These cards cover approved health-related expenses like OTC medicines, dental, vision, hearing, and some groceries. Funds typically don’t roll over, so beneficiaries should spend remaining balances on essentials or durable medical equipment before the deadline. Check your plan for specific rules and balances.
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Choose Medicare Coverage: Medigap or Advantage | I’m Mike Harrington, assisting you to get the coverage that fits your needs Contact me today.
Medicare Advantage enrolls **54%** of beneficiaries, offering low or $0 premiums and bundled perks.
Medigap has higher premiums (Part B: **$185/mo** in 2025) but offers predictable out-of-pocket costs.
Medigap allows access to ~**99%** of U.S. doctors; MA plans restrict to private networks (<**50%** of doctors).
Switching from MA to Medigap later may require medical underwriting, risking denial or higher premiums.
MA often includes dental, vision, hearing, and **~90%** offer drug coverage; Medigap does not bundle these.