McMichen Insurance Services

10/10/2025

The standard Medicare Part B premium is projected to increase by $21.50 per month in 2026, from $185 in 2025 to $206.50 per month.

The Part B deductible is also expected to rise from $257 to $288. These costs are projections and will be officially announced by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) in the fall of 2025.
Key 2026 Projections

Standard Monthly Premium: $206.50
Annual Premium: $2,478
Part B Deductible: $288

Important Considerations

Final Costs: The final 2026 Part B premium and deductible amounts are not yet set and will be announced by CMS in the fall of 2025.

07/17/2025

🔔 Big Change Coming to Traditional Medicare in 2026 🔔

For the first time ever, Traditional Medicare will begin requiring prior authorization for certain high-cost outpatient services like MRIs, surgeries, and power wheelchairs. 😮

This change is aimed at preventing fraud and ensuring medical necessity—but it could also mean more paperwork and possible delays in care for seniors.

🩺 Make sure you're informed and working closely with your doctor to avoid denied claims.

📌 Learn more about how this could affect you: https://mcmicheninsurance.com/free-medicare-help/f/prior-authorization-is-coming-to-traditional-medicare-in-2026

For decades, one of the key differences between Traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage has been the lack of prior authorization requirements in Original Medicare. That’s about to change. Beginning in 2026, the Cente...

07/09/2025

📢 Big Changes Are Coming for Seniors! 💙📘

The Big Beautiful Bill is here—and it’s packed with benefits designed to protect and empower America’s seniors. From adding dental, vision, and hearing coverage to lowering prescription drug costs, this bill is a game-changer. 🙌

💊 Out-of-pocket caps on meds
🦷 Coverage for essential services
💰 New tax deductions for seniors
👵👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Tax credits for caregivers

This bill offers real relief for those living on a fixed income and shows America is serious about caring for its aging population with dignity and respect.

📖 Learn how this bill could impact your life or your loved ones: https://mcmicheninsurance.com/free-medicare-help/f/the-big-beautiful-bill-a-bright-future-for-seniors%F0%9F%A7%93

The Big Beautiful Bill is a bold step forward in supporting the health and financial security of America’s senior citizens. Designed to enhance Medicare benefits, reduce prescription drug costs, and increase access to...

07/04/2025

Happy 4th of July! 🎆
Today, we celebrate freedom, bravery, and the generations who helped shape this great nation.

To our Baby Boomers — the generation that stood tall through change, led with courage, and carried the American dream forward — we salute you. 🙌

From Woodstock to the Moon landing, from protest to progress — your resilience, spirit, and dedication helped build the freedoms we cherish today.

As fireworks light the sky, let’s remember:
🇺🇸 Freedom isn’t free.
🇺🇸 Unity makes us stronger.
🇺🇸 Every generation plays a part in the American story.

Here’s to you, Boomers — and to a future as bold as our past.
Happy Independence Day! 🎇❤️🤍💙

07/01/2025

🚨 Largest Healthcare Fraud Bust in U.S. History 🚨
Over $14.6 BILLION in fake claims. Hundreds of arrests. Patients exploited.

The Trump administration just led the biggest crackdown on healthcare fraud ever—doctors, telehealth companies, and medical suppliers were caught red-handed in an operation that exposed just how deep the corruption runs.

💰 Stolen taxpayer money
💊 Fake prescriptions
🧪 Unnecessary testing
👮‍♂️ Dozens of professionals arrested

This is a story every American needs to read. The numbers are staggering, and the consequences are real.

👉 Read the full breakdown of Operation Gold Rush on our blog: https://mcmicheninsurance.com/free-medicare-help/f/%F0%9F%8F%9B%EF%B8%8F-a-historic-crackdown-operation-gold-rush

Don’t miss the shocking details. Your healthcare system depends on staying informed.

On June 30, 2025, the Department of Justice (DOJ), in collaboration with the FBI, DEA, HHS-OIG, CMS, and 50 U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, announced what is now the largest healthcare fraud takedown in U.S. history. The operat...

06/30/2025

🎉 Big News for Virginia Medicare Supplement Policyholders! 🎂

Starting July 1, 2025, Virginia is introducing a new "Birthday Rule" for Medigap plans! That means every year, starting on your birthday, you’ll have 60 days to switch to another plan with the same benefits — no health questions asked! 💥

✅ Guaranteed acceptance
✅ No medical underwriting
✅ More flexibility to find a better rate

If you have a Medigap plan in Virginia, watch your mailbox around your birthday for your official notice. This is your chance to shop smart and save—without risking your coverage.

🕒 Mark your calendar. This could mean big savings with less stress!

https://mcmicheninsurance.com/free-medicare-help/f/%F0%9F%8F%A5-virginia%E2%80%99s-new-%E2%80%9Cbirthday-rule%E2%80%9D-for-medigap-enrollment

Starting July 1, 2025, the Commonwealth of Virginia will implement a significant update to how residents can manage their Medicare Supplement (Medigap) coverage. This change introduces a “birthday rule” guaranteed‑issue ...

06/26/2025

🌟 Kindness is Free — Sprinkle That Stuff Everywhere! 🌟

In a world where you can be anything, be kind 💛

Hold the door. Compliment a stranger. Send a kind message. Help without expecting anything in return. Small acts of kindness can create big ripples 🌊

Let’s make kindness go viral today. Tag someone who made your day better, or share a moment when someone’s kindness touched your heart ❤️👇

06/19/2025

🌟 Today, we celebrate freedom. We honor strength. We recognize the journey. 🌟

Juneteenth marks the day when the final word of freedom reached the last enslaved people in Texas—two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation. But it's more than just a history lesson. It's a powerful reminder that justice may be delayed, but it cannot be denied.

Today, we celebrate the courage of those who endured. The hope of those who believed. And the legacy of those who never stopped fighting for a better tomorrow.

Let Juneteenth remind us that every step toward freedom matters, and the fight for equality is not over—but it’s worth every effort.

Keep rising. Keep pushing. Keep shining. ✊🏾💫

06/11/2025

🧾 5 Things Medicare Doesn’t Cover (That Might Surprise You!) 🧾

Medicare is a great benefit—but it’s not all-inclusive. Knowing what isn’t covered can save you money and stress down the road. Here are 5 common things Original Medicare does NOT cover:

1️⃣ Routine Dental Care
No coverage for cleanings, fillings, extractions, or dentures. You’ll need separate dental insurance or a Medicare Advantage plan with dental benefits.

2️⃣ Hearing Aids
Medicare doesn’t cover hearing aids or the exams to fit them—even though hearing loss is common among seniors. Many people are caught off guard by this!

3️⃣ Vision Care
Routine eye exams, glasses, and contacts? Not covered. Medicare only helps with vision issues caused by specific medical conditions, like cataracts or diabetes.

4️⃣ Long-Term Custodial Care
Medicare won’t cover help with bathing, dressing, or daily activities in a nursing home or at home if it’s the only type of care you need. This is often the biggest out-of-pocket expense for aging adults.

5️⃣ Overseas Medical Emergencies
Planning an international trip? Medicare usually won’t follow you. Without supplemental or travel insurance, you’re responsible for emergency costs abroad.

➡️ Tip: Medicare Advantage or Supplement (Medigap) plans may help cover some of these gaps.

Have questions or want help reviewing your current coverage? 📞 Send us a message—we’re here to help you get the most from your Medicare benefits!

06/10/2025

🚨 Social Security Supervisor Busted for $3.3 Million Fraud! 🚨
A Houston SSA supervisor was just arrested for running a shocking identity theft scheme involving fake survivor benefits. He used his insider access to scam millions from taxpayers!

👉 Read the full story and what it means for Social Security trust on our blog: [ https://mcmicheninsurance.com/free-medicare-help/f/social-security-supervisor-arrested-in-33-million-fraud-scheme ]

HOUSTON, June 5, 2025 — David Lam, 45, a former operations supervisor and claims specialist at the Social Security Administration (SSA) office in Houston, has pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy to defraud the United...

06/10/2025

🚫Thinking About Ozempic for Weight Loss? Medicare Says No🚫

If you're on Medicare or Medicaid, here's the hard truth: weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy are NOT covered. 💸

Even if your doctor recommends them, federal law still blocks Medicare from paying for medications used solely for weight loss. Most Medicaid programs follow the same rule. 😕

Why? Because these drugs are still labeled as “lifestyle treatments” — not medical necessities. And they come with a hefty price tag: 💰 $1,000+ per month out-of-pocket.

⚠️ Until the law changes, that cost is on you.

👉 Want to know what is covered for weight management under Medicare? Message us today — we’ll help you make sense of your benefits.

With the growing popularity of weight loss medications like Ozempic®, Wegovy®, and others, many Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries are asking the same question: Will my insurance cover it?

06/04/2025

🧠💙 June is Men’s Mental Health Month 💙🧠

Let’s talk about something that doesn’t get enough attention—men’s mental health.

Too many men suffer in silence, taught to "man up" instead of speak up. The truth is, strength isn’t about hiding pain—it’s about facing it. And no one should have to face it alone.

This month, we’re breaking the stigma. It’s okay to not be OK. It’s OK to ask for help. Whether it’s stress, depression, anxiety, or trauma, your mental health matters.

Check in on the men in your life.
Check in on yourself.
Start the conversation.
Be the reason someone feels seen.