People often mix up parts, plans, and abbreviations, but the structure gets clearer when coverage is grouped into Original coverage, supplements, drug coverage, and alternatives. Everyone starts with Part A and Part B, called Original coverage, then chooses whether to keep only that coverage, add supplements, or elect Advantage. Keeping Read more
Healthcare costs remained a major pain point nationally, and nearly two-thirds of Americans said costs were rising while few saw current federal leaders prioritizing them. Many Americans said elected officials shape the economy more than outside forces, and one opposition party was more often seen as focused on healthcare. Affordability-focused Read more
A new Medicare pilot program will allow certain plans to cover approved GLP-1 weight loss medications for eligible beneficiaries, expanding access beyond previous coverage limited to diabetes and cardiovascular conditions. The program targets obesity, affecting over 40% of U.S. adults, aiming to improve health outcomes and reduce long-term costs. Eligibility Read more
In 2024, higher retirement income pushed more US retirees into federal health coverage surcharges tied to modified adjusted gross income threshold levels. The first bracket applied above $103K for individuals and $206K for joint filers, with another meaningful surcharge jump starting at $129K and $258K. Advisors said cost-of-living boosts, required Read more
A new podcast, Wise Guys Retirement Talk, helps adults aged 60 to 75 navigate retirement beyond Medicare. It covers topics like healthcare, financial planning, estate law, real estate, long-term care, fitness, fraud prevention, and caregiving. The show features vetted experts providing practical, educational guidance without sales pressure, aiming to empower Read more
A Texas physician group said the proposed rule could shorten prior authorization decisions and ease paperwork across major public and marketplace health plans. If finalized, changes could reach plans before the end of 2027, with urgent reviews capped at 24 hours and standard reviews at 72. Texas physicians welcomed faster Read more
The traditional federal program focuses on hospital and physician care, so routine dental, vision correction, and hearing aids are generally excluded today. Dental care is a major gap: routine cleanings, fillings, dentures, implants, and most standard services usually require separate planning by retirees today. Routine eye exams, lenses, frames, hearing Read more
A new Medicare pilot program starting July 1 will provide weight-loss drugs at $50 monthly to eligible enrollees with specific BMI and health criteria, marking the first Medicare coverage for these medications. The program covers Wegovy, Zepbound, and Foundayo but excludes those with type 2 diabetes or already receiving GLP-1 Read more
A new Medicare GLP-1 Bridge pilot program will allow about 14 million Medicare Part D recipients to access certain GLP-1 weight loss medications for $50 per month from July 1, 2026, through December 31, 2027. The program lifts previous Medicare restrictions on weight loss drug coverage but excludes some forms Read more
At age 65, retirees can keep the federal employee health program without enrolling, so the real question is whether Part B adds enough value. Current 2026 standard Part B premiums are $202.90 monthly, and higher-income retirees face added surcharges above $109K single income or $218K joint income. Delaying Part B Read more