Key Points Enrolling in Medicare on time could save you money down the line. Buying supplemental insurance is crucial, but get your timing right. Certain Medicare costs apply universally, and it's important to know what they entail. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › Medicare, like Social Security, is a program that millions of older Americans rely on heavily. Whereas Social Security pays monthly benefits to eligible retirees, Medicare provides health coverage t ...

Key Points With fall open enrollment coming to an end, there's limited time to choose a Medicare Advantage plan for 2026. Pay attention to factors that include plan benefits, providers, and costs. Use Medicare's star ratings system as a guideline, but do your own research separately. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › At this point, there's only about another week left in Medicare's fall open enrollment period. So, if you still haven't narrowed down your choices ...

Core Insights - The Medicare enrollment process is confusing, as individuals must sign up on Social Security's website rather than Medicare's [2] - There are significant conflicts of interest in the sale of Medicare plans, particularly regarding commissions for agents [3][4] Enrollment Process - Individuals do not sign up for Medicare on Medicare's website, which is counterintuitive; instead, they must use Social Security's website [2] Commission Conflicts - Licensed agents can earn up to three times more in commissions for selling Medicare Advantage plans compared to Medigap policies, creating a financial incentive to promote plans that may not be in the best interest of consumers [3][4] - Agents may not present Medigap plans if they do not receive a commission for them, further complicating beneficiaries' choices [7] Plan Comparisons - Medicare Advantage plans are not inherently bad, but they may not be the best option for every individual, and the choices are often not presented equally [6]

Core Insights - The article discusses the complexities and changes in Medicare Advantage plans, emphasizing the importance of understanding the benefits and costs associated with different plans offered by private insurers [1][2][3]. Group 1: Medicare Advantage Overview - Medicare Advantage, also known as Part C, is a Medicare-approved plan provided by private insurers that combines hospital insurance (Part A), medical insurance (Part B), and usually prescription drug coverage (Part D) into a single package [2]. - The number of Medicare Advantage plans has decreased, and many plans have weakened in terms of benefits, creating challenges for beneficiaries during the open enrollment period [3]. Group 2: Enrollment and Costs - From October 15 to December 7, beneficiaries can enroll in, switch, or drop Medicare Advantage or drug plans, or revert to Original Medicare [2]. - In 2025, over 76% of enrollees in individual Medicare Advantage plans with drug coverage paid no premium beyond the standard Part B premium [7]. - The annual out-of-pocket maximum for Medicare Advantage plans in 2025 is capped at $9,350 for in-network services and $14,000 for combined in- and out-of-network services, with average out-of-pocket maximums of $5,320 for in-network care and $9,547 for PPO plans [8]. Group 3: Choosing the Right Plan - Beneficiaries should focus on total healthcare costs rather than just premiums, as a $0-premium plan may end up costing more in the long run due to higher out-of-pocket limits [9]. - It is crucial to ensure that all necessary prescriptions are covered in the chosen plan, as this significantly impacts annual out-of-pocket costs [5][9]. - Additional benefits such as vision, dental, and gym memberships can influence the decision, but their importance varies by individual needs [6]. Group 4: Understanding Coverage and Penalties - Beneficiaries without prescription drug coverage face a Part D penalty, which is a permanent surcharge added to monthly premiums if they go without coverage for 63 days or more after their initial enrollment period [4]. - Insurers cannot deny coverage based on health status, ensuring that individuals can enroll in Medicare Advantage plans regardless of their healthcare needs [11]. Group 5: Consumer Protection - Scammers often target older adults during open enrollment with misleading ads and calls, highlighting the need for vigilance and verification of caller credentials [11][12]. - Consumers can verify the legitimacy of callers by asking for their National Producer Number (NPN) and checking it through their state insurance commissioner's office [13].

Medicare enrollment is open now until Dec. 7. Here's what you need to know as you assess your options. https://t.co/ch9bMZc9wk ...

Group 1 - The article discusses various threats to online sports-betting platforms, highlighting potential regulatory changes and market saturation as significant concerns for the industry [1] - There are growing fears regarding an AI bubble, with experts warning that the current hype may not be sustainable and could lead to significant market corrections [1] - The article mentions the ongoing Medicare enrollment process, emphasizing its importance for healthcare companies and the potential impact on their financial performance [1] Group 2 - The Moneyist offers financial advice, which may influence consumer behavior and spending patterns, thereby affecting various sectors including retail and financial services [1]

Core Insights - Medicare Advantage enrollment is projected to decline to 34 million subscribers in 2026, down from 34.9 million in 2025, resulting in a market share drop from 50% to approximately 48% [1][2] - The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) expects enrollment to be more stable than projected, contrasting with the historical growth trend where Medicare Advantage captured 25% of the market in 2010 and has gained share annually since then [2][3] - The upcoming open-enrollment period from October 15 to December 7 may influence beneficiaries to reassess their health and drug coverage due to rising healthcare costs and recent political events affecting healthcare affordability [4] Industry Trends - Medicare Advantage plans have historically expanded benefits, but current focus has shifted towards profitability rather than growth, potentially leading to less generous benefits and a shift back to original Medicare among seniors [6] - The political climate, including the recent federal government shutdown, may impact beneficiaries' decisions regarding their healthcare plans, as they seek to manage costs amid uncertainty [4][5]