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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.

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.

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.

Not researching Medicare versus Advantage plans can create unnecessary costs and limit covered providers significantly.

Failing to confirm your doctors and prescriptions are included may trigger thousands in uncovered expenses.

Retirees often underestimate long-term care costs, which Medicare rarely covers, risking major financial strain.

Lacking an emergency fund or safe savings vehicles leaves retirees vulnerable to unexpected medical expenses.

Cashing home equity through reverse mortgages requires caution, planning, and professional financial guidance.

Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans (D-SNPs) are Medicare Advantage plans designed for people who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid. These plans coordinate federal and state benefits, making healthcare more affordable and easier to manage. In addition to standard coverage, many D-SNPs include extra benefits such as dental, vision, hearing, transportation, and care coordination services. By combining resources from both programs, D-SNPs reduce financial burdens and help members access the care they need more smoothly.