News
The Only State With No Medicare Advantage: Inside Alaska's Health Care Defiance
1+ day, 9+ hour ago (428+ words) While the Lower 48 shift to private plans, Alaska is proving that original Medicare can still deliver high-quality care at the edge of the world. There were attempts in 2022 and 2023 to introduce individual plans in certain zip codes, but they were…...
We're retiring at 63 with $5. 7 million. My wife wants to buy long-term care insurance, but I want to self-insure. Who's right?
2+ week, 3+ day ago (974+ words) Even with our solid nest egg, it's not clear how we should pay for long-term care. Question: We're retiring at 63 with $5. 7 million. My wife wants to buy long-term care insurance, but it's very expensive. I think we can just self-insure....
Why Your Medicare Premiums Are $200 Higher Than They Should Be
2+ week, 3+ day ago (214+ words) Here's how overpayments to Medicare Advantage plans are driving up Part B costs for every Medicare beneficiary. This fiscal gap doesn't just impact the federal deficit; the alleged overpayments trigger a mandatory "premium pass-through" that forces those in original Medicare…...
Regret Your Move to Medicare Advantage? Two 'Safety Nets' Can Help: But Act Fast
3+ week, 3+ day ago (838+ words) Discover the federal protections (one expires on April 1) and state-level hurdles you'll face when switching from Medicare Advantage back to original Medicare. However, once that 12-month clock expires, the path back to original Medicare becomes significantly more treacherous in most…...
Prior Authorization for Traditional Medicare Patients Has Started in 6 States
9+ mon, 1+ week ago (519+ words) The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has implemented prior authorization requirements for certain traditional fee-for-service Medicare services in six states starting this year. Six states " New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, Texas, Arizona, and Washington " were selected to use the…...
We're retired with $4. 6 million. My wife chose our Medicare Advantage plan for the $0 premium, but I want original Medicare's freedom. Is it too late?
1+ mon, 13+ hour ago (614+ words) Our Medicare Advantage plan limits coverage when we travel or see a specialist. How can I convince my wife to switch? Question: We are retired with $4. 6 million and are comfortable, but health care is still complicated and expensive. My wife…...
Feeling Frustrated With Your Medicare Advantage Plan? You're Not Alone " Member Trust Is Falling
1+ mon, 1+ week ago (355+ words) Satisfaction with Medicare Advantage plans dropped last year, with overall satisfaction among members declining amid a drop in trust and policy changes. Sent five days a week Kiplinger A Step Ahead Sent twice a week Sent weekly for six weeks…...
How Medicare Advantage Soaks Taxpayers " and Retirees
1+ mon, 2+ week ago (342+ words) With private insurers set to receive $1. 2 trillion in excess payments by 2036, retirees may soon face a reckoning over costs and coverage. The latest comes from the nonpartisan Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, which projects $1. 2 trillion in overpayments over the…...
Quiz: Do You Know How to Avoid the 'Medigap Trap?"
1+ mon, 3+ week ago (579+ words) Test your basic knowledge of the "Medigap Trap" in our quick quiz. Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more delivered daily. Smart money moves start here. Get practical help…...
Turning 65 in 2026? Here Is Exactly How to Sign Up for Medicare
3+ mon, 2+ day ago (800+ words) Whether you're months away from your 65th birthday or plan to work past retirement age, here are the steps to secure your Medicare coverage and avoid costly mistakes. This article will focus on those who become eligible for Medicare upon turning…...