Medicare Joe

09/02/2026

Check this video out!

The Medicare plan you choose when you're healthy could determine what options you have when you're sick.

In this video, I go over a common Medicare decision that many people don't fully understand until their health changes. By that point, their window of opportunity may have already closed.

I go through the story of "Linda", a 68-year-old client who originally chose a $0-premium plan while she was healthy and rarely needed medical care. For three years, the coverage worked well for her. Then she developed a health condition, needed specialists, and wanted different coverage.

In this video you'll learn:
• Why your first Medicare coverage decision matters
• How your health can affect your ability to change coverage later
• What medical underwriting means for Medicare Supplement coverage
• What to consider before choosing Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement

The Medicare plan you choose when you're healthy could determine wh...

09/02/2026

Going back to work after retirement can change the Medicare equation.

Employer coverage, IRMAA, Part B, Part D, and Social Security can all factor into the decision. Before assuming you need to keep everything the same, understand how your current coverage and income affect your options.

09/01/2026

An extra $400 a month in Medicare costs adds up fast.

If your income has changed because of a qualifying life changing event, you may be able to request an IRMAA reconsideration. Knowing that option exists could make a major difference in your Medicare costs.

08/31/2026

A large IRA withdrawal today can affect your Medicare premiums later because IRMAA generally looks back two years at your income.

But don't focus only on lowering IRMAA. If you're considering delaying Medicare, make sure you have qualifying coverage in place so you don't create a late enrollment penalty.

08/30/2026

Have you had the same Medicare Supplement plan for years?

Plan G is standardized. Plan N is standardized. What can change is the premium you're paying for that coverage.

If you haven't reviewed your rate in several years, you may be paying more than necessary.

08/30/2026

Check this out!

If you're turning 65 and currently covered by COBRA, don't assume that having health insurance automatically means you can delay Medicare.

In this video, I break down a story involving a client of ours who believed his COBRA coverage allowed him to delay enrolling in Medicare. Months later, he discovered that he had missed his Medicare Initial Enrollment Period and was facing consequences that could follow him for the rest of his life.

In this video you'll learn:

• Why COBRA can create problems when delaying Medicare
• What happens if you miss your Medicare Initial Enrollment Period
• The difference between COBRA and coverage from active employment
• Why waiting multiple years can make the consequences even greater
• What to check before deciding to delay Medicare

If you're retiring, turning 65, leaving employer coverage, or currently using COBRA, don't wait until after your Medicare deadline to figure out your options.

If you'd like help understanding your Medicare enrollment timeline, schedule a complimentary call with our team using the link below.

If you're turning 65 and currently covered by COBRA, don't assume t...

08/29/2026

Selling your business and retiring can create a unique Medicare situation.

The sale may increase your income for the year, but if you're also permanently stopping work, retirement may qualify as a life changing event for an IRMAA reconsideration.

Don't assume a temporary income increase tells the whole story of your future Medicare costs.

08/28/2026

Turning 65 with retiree health coverage? Don't assume you automatically need Medicare.

Your retirement plan may have specific rules about Part A and Part B. Check with your HR department or plan administrator before making a decision.

08/27/2026

Still working when you turn 65? Don't assume you can simply ignore Medicare.

Employer coverage can change which Medicare deadlines apply to you, and some decisions still require action. Understanding the rules before retirement can help you avoid problems later.

08/26/2026

Retiring can change more than your paycheck. It can also affect your Medicare IRMAA.

Because Medicare generally looks at income from two years earlier, your premiums may be based on income from when you were still working. Retirement can qualify as a life changing event that allows you to request a reconsideration.