Medicare Is Simple

06/03/2026

Your HSA Is One of the Best Financial Accounts You're Probably Not Using

If you have a high-deductible health plan and no HSA, you're paying more in taxes than you need to. Here's how a Health Savings Account works and why starting early makes a big difference.

06/02/2026

On Medicare and worried about expensive prescriptions? 💊

One option that can help is the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan, which allows people with Medicare Part D drug coverage to spread their out-of-pocket prescription costs into interest-free monthly payments instead of paying the full amount at the pharmacy. Unfortunately, this option is unknown to many Medicare beneficiaries.

It can be especially helpful in two common situations:

• At the beginning of the year, when Medicare drug plan deductibles reset and patients may face large upfront costs.
• After a new diagnosis, when someone suddenly needs high-cost medications and may not have planned for the expense.

Instead of paying hundreds or even thousands of dollars all at once, the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan allows those costs to be spread across the remaining months of the year. While it doesn’t reduce the total cost of medications, it can make those costs much easier to financially manage.

If you or a loved one are enrolled in Medicare Part D and expect high prescription drug costs, it may be worth asking your plan about the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan.

Learn more:
https://www.medicare.gov/prescription-payment-plan

05/28/2026

In Medicare Advantage plans, the "advance coverage decision" is a communication provided in advance of a service or procedure to inform you whether it will be covered according to the terms of your plan.

05/27/2026

Is No-Exam Life Insurance Really Worth It?

Thinking about no-exam life insurance? Learn the pros, cons, costs, and who it’s best for before choosing a policy to protect your family.

05/26/2026

👁️ Glaucoma is sometimes called the “silent thief of sight.” That's because about half of people who have it don’t even know it, and vision loss is usually permanent. The early stages of glaucoma typically have no symptoms.

The only way to detect glaucoma early is through a painless eye exam. Medicare Part B covers a glaucoma screening once every 12 months if you’re at high risk. This includes those with diabetes or with a family history of glaucoma, as well as those of African American ancestry over 50 and of Hispanic ancestry over 65.

If you’re in a high-risk group, talk to your doctor about scheduling a screening.

Medicare covers screenings every 12 months for people at high risk for glaucoma. Learn more.

05/21/2026

In Original Medicare, a "benefit period" begins on the date you start receiving inpatient care at a hospital or skilled nursing facility. The period ends after 60 consecutive days of not receiving such services. There is no limit to the number of benefit periods a beneficiary may have.

05/20/2026

How to Handle an Inheritance

Learn how to handle an inheritance wisely. Explore smart steps to protect assets, reduce taxes, and make informed financial decisions for your future.

05/19/2026

💊 Medicare drug cost rules changed in 2026. To recap:

✔️ Part D now has a $2,100 annual out-of-pocket cap.
✔️ The maximum deductible is $615 (many plans charge less).
✔️ Insulin costs are capped at $35 or less per month for covered products.
✔️ Medicare negotiated lower prices on 10 high-cost drugs, including Eliquis, Jardiance, Xarelto, Januvia, Farxiga, Entresto, Enbrel, Stelara, Imbruvica, and certain insulin products.
✔️ Many adult vaccines remain $0 under Part D.

Your actual cost still depends on your plan’s structure, pharmacy network, and drug tier placement. If you’re taking prescriptions, especially any one of the negotiated drugs, it’s worth reviewing your coverage. That's what we're here for!

05/14/2026

In Original Medicare, the "excess charge" is the billing balance or the amount that is owed. It refers to the difference between a provider's legal charge for a service and the Medicare-approved reimbursement rate. 💸

05/13/2026

It’s Graduation Season: Preparing for Life as an Empty Nester

Learn how to cope with empty nest emotions, support your child’s independence, and embrace new opportunities during this next stage of life.