The Medicare Guy

The Medicare Guy Your local Insurance agent providing health plans for all ages.

Medicare Tip of the Day: Don’t Toss That Medicare Mail!It’s easy to assume Medicare mail is just another advertisement—b...
08/31/2026

Medicare Tip of the Day: Don’t Toss That Medicare Mail!

It’s easy to assume Medicare mail is just another advertisement—but some of those envelopes contain information you really need to know.

Your Medicare plan may send you notices about:

• Changes to your premiums, copays or benefits
• Changes to the medications your plan covers
• Changes to your doctor or pharmacy network
• Important enrollment information
• Your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC), which explains what will change with your plan for the upcoming year

The Medicare Guy’s Tip: Before throwing Medicare related mail away, take a minute to read it. A notice that doesn’t seem important today could contain a change that affects your healthcare or your wallet next year.

And if you receive something you don’t understand, don’t guess. Ask!

Reach out to The Medicare Guy. I’m happy to help you understand what your Medicare notices mean and whether you need to take action.

Medicare Tip of the Day: Ask About Lower-Cost Prescription Options!Prescription costs can add up quickly, but sometimes ...
08/30/2026

Medicare Tip of the Day: Ask About Lower-Cost Prescription Options!

Prescription costs can add up quickly, but sometimes a simple question can help you save money.

When your doctor prescribes a medication, ask:

1. Is there a generic version available?

2. Is there another medication that treats the same condition but is covered better by my Medicare drug plan?

3. Is my medication on my plan’s formulary, and what tier is it on?

Generic medications generally contain the same active ingredients as their brand-name versions and must meet FDA standards, but they can often cost considerably less.

And remember—the cheapest option isn’t always just about generic vs. brand name. Your Medicare drug plan’s formulary and tier system can make a big difference in what you actually pay.

Don’t be afraid to ask your doctor or pharmacist about alternatives. And never stop or switch a prescription without talking to your healthcare provider first.

Paying too much for prescriptions? Reach out to The Medicare Guy. We can take a look at your Medicare drug coverage and see whether your plan still fits your medications and needs.

Medicare Tip of the Day: Moving? Don’t Forget About Medicare!When you move, changing your address with the post office i...
08/29/2026

Medicare Tip of the Day: Moving? Don’t Forget About Medicare!

When you move, changing your address with the post office isn’t always enough. Make sure your information is also updated with Social Security and your Medicare health or drug plan, when applicable.

Why does it matter?

Important Medicare notices could be sent to your old address.

A move may affect your Medicare Advantage or Part D plan because these plans have specific service areas.

Moving outside your plan’s service area may even qualify you for a Special Enrollment Period, giving you an opportunity to change coverage outside the normal enrollment periods.

The Medicare Guy’s Tip: If you’re planning a move, don’t wait until after you’ve settled in to think about your Medicare coverage. Check ahead of time to make sure your current plan will still work where you’re going.

Moving or recently moved? Reach out to The Medicare Guy. I can help you review what the move means for your Medicare options.

Medicare Tip of the Day: Inpatient vs. Outpatient — Know the Difference!Did you know you can spend the night in a hospit...
08/28/2026

Medicare Tip of the Day: Inpatient vs. Outpatient — Know the Difference!

Did you know you can spend the night in a hospital and still be considered an outpatient?

Your hospital status matters because it can affect which part of Medicare covers your care and how much you may have to pay.

If you’re formally admitted as an inpatient, your hospital stay is generally covered under Medicare Part A.

If you’re receiving outpatient or observation services, even if you stay overnight, those services are generally covered under Medicare Part B.

Your status can also be important when it comes to Medicare coverage for care in a skilled nursing facility after leaving the hospital.

The Medicare Guy’s Tip: If you’re in the hospital, don’t be afraid to ask: “Am I admitted as an inpatient, or am I here under observation?”

Knowing your status can help you understand your coverage and avoid surprises later.

Have Medicare questions? Reach out to The Medicare Guy. I’m happy to help you understand your Medicare options.

Medicare Tip from the Medicare GuyMark Your Calendar — Medicare Annual Enrollment Is Coming!Medicare’s Annual Enrollment...
08/27/2026

Medicare Tip from the Medicare Guy

Mark Your Calendar — Medicare Annual Enrollment Is Coming!

Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period runs October 15 through December 7 each year.

During this time, you can review your current Medicare coverage and, if needed, make changes for the upcoming year.

You may be able to:

1. Switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another
2. Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan
3. Leave Medicare Advantage and return to Original Medicare
4. Join, switch, or drop a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan

Even if you’re happy with your current coverage, it’s still a good idea to review it. Plan premiums, benefits, provider networks, and prescription drug coverage can change from year to year.

Changes made during Annual Enrollment generally take effect January 1.

October 15 will be here before you know it! Start gathering your medication list and thinking about what worked, or didn’t work, with your coverage this year.

Have Medicare questions? Reach out!

Medicare Tip from the Medicare GuyDid You Know You Can Appeal a Medicare Decision?If Medicare or your Medicare plan deni...
08/26/2026

Medicare Tip from the Medicare Guy

Did You Know You Can Appeal a Medicare Decision?

If Medicare or your Medicare plan denies coverage for a service, prescription, or other benefit, that doesn’t necessarily have to be the end of the conversation.

You have the right to appeal certain decisions about your Medicare coverage or payment.

For example, you may be able to appeal if:

1. A service or item you believe should be covered is denied.

2. Your plan refuses to cover a prescription.

3. You disagree with the amount Medicare or your plan says you must pay.

4. Coverage for certain services you’re already receiving is being stopped.

If you receive a denial, don’t throw the notice away! It should contain important information about your appeal rights, deadlines, and what steps to take next.

And remember, deadlines matter. If you disagree with a decision, review your notice and take action as soon as possible.

Have Medicare questions or need help understanding your coverage? Reach out!

Medicare Tip from the Medicare GuyHas Your Address or Contact Information Changed?Keeping your information up to date wi...
08/25/2026

Medicare Tip from the Medicare Guy

Has Your Address or Contact Information Changed?

Keeping your information up to date with Social Security is an easy Medicare task that can sometimes get overlooked.

If you move or your contact information changes, make sure your records are updated so you don’t miss important information about your Medicare benefits.

Why does it matter?

1. Important Medicare information may be sent to the address on file.

2. Social Security handles important Medicare enrollment information and Part B premium matters.

3. Missing a notice could mean missing important information or a deadline that requires your attention.

4. If you receive Social Security benefits, keeping your information current helps make sure their records are accurate too.

Moving? Don’t forget to put Social Security and Medicare on your change-of-address checklist.

A few minutes updating your information now could help prevent headaches later.

Have Medicare questions? Reach out!

Medicare Tip from the Medicare GuyDo You Know How Your Medicare Part B Premium Works?Medicare Part B helps cover things ...
08/24/2026

Medicare Tip from the Medicare Guy

Do You Know How Your Medicare Part B Premium Works?

Medicare Part B helps cover things like doctor visits, outpatient care, certain preventive services, and medically necessary services and supplies.

But Part B isn’t free for most people.

Most Medicare beneficiaries pay a monthly Part B premium, and that amount is often deducted automatically from Social Security benefits.

A few things to know:

1. Most people pay the standard Part B premium.

2. Higher-income beneficiaries may pay more because of an income-related adjustment called IRMAA.

3. Your Part B premium is separate from any premium you may pay for a Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement, or Part D plan.

4. Waiting to enroll in Part B when you don’t have qualifying coverage could result in a late enrollment penalty that may last as long as you have Part B.

Understanding your Medicare costs is just as important as understanding your benefits.

Turning 65 soon or confused about what you’ll pay for Medicare? Reach out!

Medicare Tip from the Medicare GuyTurning 65 and Still Have Employer Coverage? Don’t Assume You Have to Make a Change!If...
08/23/2026

Medicare Tip from the Medicare Guy

Turning 65 and Still Have Employer Coverage? Don’t Assume You Have to Make a Change!

If you’re approaching Medicare eligibility and you or your spouse still have health insurance through an employer, don’t cancel that coverage or enroll in something new until you understand how the two work together.

Depending on your situation, you may be able to delay certain parts of Medicare without a late-enrollment penalty, but the rules can vary based on the type of coverage you have.

Before making a decision, find out:

1. Is your coverage based on current employment or is it retiree coverage?

2. How many employees does the employer have?

3. Will Medicare or the employer plan pay first?

4. Is your prescription coverage considered creditable coverage for Medicare Part D?

5. What happens to your employer or retiree benefits if you enroll in Medicare?

6. Can you get that coverage back if you drop it?

This is one Medicare decision you don’t want to make based on assumptions.

Before enrolling, delaying Medicare, or dropping employer coverage, make sure you understand how the decision could affect your benefits and future enrollment options.

Turning 65 soon and not sure what you should do? Reach out!

Medicare Tip from the Medicare GuyMedicare Doesn’t Cover Everything!One of the biggest Medicare surprises can come when ...
08/22/2026

Medicare Tip from the Medicare Guy

Medicare Doesn’t Cover Everything!

One of the biggest Medicare surprises can come when you assume something is covered, only to find out later that it isn’t.

Original Medicare generally does NOT cover:

1. Routine dental care
2. Routine eye exams for glasses or contacts
3. Hearing aids and exams for fitting them
4. Most long-term custodial care
5. Routine foot care in most situations
6. Most healthcare received outside the United States

That doesn’t necessarily mean you’re without options. Some Medicare Advantage plans may offer additional benefits that Original Medicare doesn’t cover, and other types of coverage may help with certain expenses.

The important thing is to know what your coverage includes before you need it.

Don’t assume, ask!

Have Medicare questions or want to better understand your coverage? Reach out!

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