Amy Peacock Insurance and Medicare Tips

08/26/2026

Let's talk about what Original Medicare Does NOT Cover!

Medicare covers a lot — but it doesn’t cover everything.
Here are some of the expenses people are often surprised to learn aren't generally covered by Original Medicare:

• Long-term custodial care
• Disability income protection
• Routine dental care
• Routine eye exams and eyeglasses
• Routine hearing exams and hearing aids
• Massage therapy
• Routine foot care (with some exceptions, including certain diabetes-related services)

And, most prescription drugs you pick up at a pharmacy. Those are typically covered through a separate Part D prescription drug plan - which you have to get. Some drugs administered in a doctor's office or hospital are covered under Original Medicare Part B.

Depending on your situation, there are insurance options from approved Medicare carriers that can help cover some of these expenses.

You can add a Medicare Supplement policy plus prescription drugs, dental, vision and hearing - this comes with a premium but offers flexibility.

You could consider a Medicare Advantage policy that is an umbrella policy that covers Original Medicare + prescriptions drugs, dental, vision and hearing. Often 0 premium, but you will have some copays and work within a PPO or HMO network.

If you have limited income and resources, you may qualify for Medicaid or a Medicare Savings Program, which can help with certain Medicare costs.

Medicare is not one-size-fits-all. Understanding what it covers — and what it doesn't — is an important part of planning for retirement.

Have questions about what Medicare actually covers? That's what I'm here for. Message me.

Send a message to learn more

08/24/2026

Have you heard of AEP? That's the upcoming Medicare and Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage) annual enrollment period - October. 15-Dec. 7, 2026.

You don't have to do anything if you are on a plan you like. HOWEVER you should review your plans for changes and premium increases so you are not surprised (watch your mail - you should get the carrier's Annual Notice of Change in September).

Things are changing for 2027.

While I can't share specific Medicare Advantage plans yet, here is an overview of how Part D works and Medicare's 2027 Part D Final Rule changes.

💊 2027 Medicare Part D:

If you take prescription medications, there are FOUR things you need to understand when comparing Part D plans:

1️⃣ Deductible
The standard Part D deductible will be $700 in 2027 (up from $615).

Some plans may have different deductibles or may waive the deductible for certain tiers of drugs.

2️⃣ Copay vs. Coinsurance
After the deductible, you may pay:
➡️ A copay — a set dollar amount, such as $5 or $25
OR
➡️ Coinsurance — a percentage of the drug's cost, such as 25%

3️⃣ Drug Tiers

This is a BIG one.

Medicare drug plans place medications into different tiers on their formulary. A plan may have tiers such as:

Tier 1: Preferred generics
Tier 2: Generics
Tier 3: Preferred brand-name drugs
Tier 4: Non-preferred drugs
Tier 5: Specialty drugs

But here's the catch:
👉 The tier structure is not the same for every plan.
And the same medication can be on a different tier with a different plan.

That means you can't simply look at the premium and say, "This is the cheapest plan."

4️⃣ $2,400 Out-of-Pocket Limit (up from $2100 in 2026!)
For 2027, your annual out-of-pocket costs for covered Part D drugs are capped at $2,400. Once you reach that amount, you pay $0 for covered Part D drugs for the rest of the year.

The bottom line:
💊 Your medications
💰 Your deductible
🏷️ Your drug tiers
💳 Your copays/coinsurance
🏪 Your pharmacy
📋 Your plan's formulary
ALL matter.

That's why the Part D plan with the lowest monthly premium isn't necessarily the plan that will cost you the least for the year. It's the premium and total estimated drug cost you will pay.

I know - It's a lot to comprehend and it can feel so overwhelming. If you'd like help comparing your prescription coverage for 2027, I'm happy to help you during AEP. Message me to set an appointment.

Send a message to learn more

08/20/2026

⭐ Have questions about Medicare? 𝗬𝗼𝘂’𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝘃𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗮 𝗙𝗥𝗘𝗘 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗘𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿 𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗹𝗶𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗿𝘆, presented by Amy Peacock, a local, independent, licensed agent.

This 𝗰𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿, 𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘆-𝘁𝗼-𝗳𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 is designed to help you better understand Medicare and feel more confident navigating your choices. 𝐿𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑠𝑛𝑎𝑐𝑘𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑟𝑒𝑓𝑟𝑒𝑠ℎ𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑠 𝑤𝑖𝑙𝑙 𝑏𝑒 𝑠𝑒𝑟𝑣𝑒𝑑.

𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲’𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘄𝗲’𝗹𝗹 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗰𝘂𝘀𝘀:
✅ When and how to enroll in Medicare
✅ What Parts A, B, C & D really mean (and whether you need them)
✅ How prescription coverage works
✅ Key differences: Original Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage vs. Medicare Supplement
✅ Expert guidance to help you understand your options

👉 𝗦𝗲𝗮𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗱—Use my information below to RSVP today!

🗓️ Tues., September 8th | 5 PM – 6 PM
📍 SouthPark Regional Library
7015 Carnegie Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28211

🌟 This is an educational event only. Come learn, ask questions, and feel empowered about your healthcare choices.

✨ 𝗛𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘆:
Amy Peacock, Independent Licensed Agent
(704) 299-8134 | TTY:711
[email protected]

08/17/2026

Make sure to keep up with your yearly Wellness visit! It’s a conversation-based visit with your doctor to create a plan to help you stay healthy. You can talk about family and medical history, develop a screening schedule, and create your prevention plan. https://go.medicare.gov/3QnXQxn

08/13/2026

If you don't love your current Medicare Plan or Part D plan, did you know you may be able to change them during the upcoming AEP aka Annual Enrollment Period this October 15-December 7?

Yes! It's true. It's a good idea to review your plans every year with your agent or yourself. Lots of change is happening in the Medicare and prescription drug arena.

Message me with questions!

Send a message to learn more

08/13/2026

Curious about Medicare Supplement aka "Medigap" and what it covers?

See this official guide from Medicare.

08/07/2026

Know your enrollment windows! You will avoid penalties and much more.

Not retiring yet? If you plan to work past 65, you might not need to sign up for Medicare Part B (medical insurance) until you retire or lose your employer coverage. Find out when you can sign up for Medicare by answering a few questions at https://go.medicare.gov/4fywr6h.

07/13/2026

Do you have an HSA? I get a lot of questions on HSAs for those who are turning 65 or retiring after 65. Please read this so you know how it relates to Medicare.

First, you will want to stop ALL contributions to your HSA account six months prior to enrollment in Medicare. Don't just stop your own HSA contributions—this is important.....make sure your employer stops contributing too.

Otherwise, you could end up with excess contributions and an unexpected tax issue

If you have an HSA and plan to enroll in Medicare AFTER age 65, keep this six month timestamp in mind.

You can keep that money in the account when you retire. Think of your HSA as a healthcare retirement account. You stop contributing once you enroll in Medicare, but the money stays invested, grows tax-free, and can be used tax-free for many medical expenses for the rest of your life on things such as:

Medicare Part B premiums
Medicare Part D prescription drug premiums
Medicare Advantage premiums
Deductibles, copays, and coinsurance
Dental care
Vision care and glasses
Hearing aids
Long-term care insurance premiums (up to IRS annual limits based on age).

Unfortunately HSA covered expenses does not cover Medicare Supplement premiums.

But, it does cover a lot! That's good news. So, talk to your benefits manager and or CPA if you have an HSA and will soon be retiring so you meet that six month line in the sand to stop contributing. You will save yourself a hassle find clearer skies and sunshine in your retirement.

07/11/2026

Confused about Medicare? Join me this Thursday July 16 4-5PM at SouthPark Library's Community Room for a free Medicare 101 Education Workshop.

06/25/2026

Doing my annual Medicare AHIP certification and this came up. "The 4 Rs for fighting Medicare fraud!" If you or your loved ones are on Medicare...You need to know this info:https://www.medicare.gov/publications/11610-4rs-for-fighting-medicare-fraud.pdf

Send a message to learn more