TJ Rogers Insurance Agency

05/29/2026

Wow! Closing out May with a bang helping people with Medicare.
I love it!

05/21/2026

Hahaha

05/21/2026

This is an updated version of a post I ran about a month ago. Two additions based on your comments.

The Part B late enrollment penalty is 10% of the standard premium for each full 12-month period you went without enrolling. On the 2026 standard premium of $202.90, a two-year delay adds $40.58 per month permanently.

IRMAA surcharges are based on your 2024 income for 2026 premiums. A one-time capital gain, Roth conversion, or home sale can push you into a higher bracket. What many people don't know: if the income spike was a one-time event, you can appeal using Form SSA-44 and may get the surcharge reduced or eliminated.

The Medigap open enrollment window is exactly 6 months from the date your Part B coverage begins. After that window closes, insurers in most states can charge you more or deny coverage based on health history.

Medicare Savings Programs (QMB, SLMB, and QI) can cover part or all of your Part B premium. The income limits run roughly $1,255 to $1,700 per month for singles in 2026, but most states also have asset limits, so eligibility depends on more than income alone.

COBRA does not count as current employer coverage for Medicare purposes. Staying on COBRA past 65 without enrolling in Medicare starts the clock on the permanent Part B penalty.

Part D formularies change every year. A drug fully covered on your current plan can shift to a higher tier or be dropped from the formulary entirely, so reviewing your plan during open enrollment each fall matters.



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*The content shared here is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not personalized investment, tax, legal, or financial advice. Consult a licensed professional before making decisions based on your specific situation.*

05/12/2026

With Gaylan Hendricks- Queen of the Bundle – I just got recognized as one of their top fans! 🎉

05/12/2026

Referrals are the highest form of compliment. I enjoy helping clients with Medicare.
Thank you!
Call me at 509-317-9444

05/12/2026

Medicare won’t call you unless you contact Medicare first.
Phone scammers try to pose as Medicare to steal your personal information, like your Medicare Number, birthdate, or Social Security Number. If you’re not sure about a caller, hang up and report it to 1-800-MEDICARE. Medicare.gov/fraud

05/08/2026

📊 At age 73, the IRS requires withdrawals from traditional IRAs and 401(k)s whether you need the income or not.

In 2026, a 75-year-old with $1M in a traditional IRA has to take about $40,650 regardless of market conditions.

Social Security works the same way. Once you claim, the check keeps coming.

Roth IRAs, Roth 401(k)s, taxable brokerage accounts, and HSAs after 65 are different. You choose the year and the amount.

The mix matters at three thresholds: IRMAA, which determines Medicare Part B and D premiums; the provisional income formula that controls how much of Social Security is taxed; and MAGI limits for ACA subsidies if you retire before 65.

Building controllable income takes years. Roth conversions during the pre-RMD window, HSA contributions while working, and taxable brokerage buildup are the main levers.

You cannot retrofit it in the year you need it.

05/08/2026

You Earned This: The Social Security & Medicare Podcast! · Episode

04/15/2026