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How Does Medicare Work with TRICARE, VA Benefits, or Retiree Health Plans?
If you’re turning 65 and already have health coverage through the military, the VA, or a retiree health plan, you might be wondering what happens when Medicare enters the picture. Do you need to enroll? Will your existing coverage go away? Do the two work together? The short answer is yes, in many cases, Medicare can work alongside these other plans. But the way they work together depends on the type of coverage you have. Let’s walk through the most common situations. TRICARE
Josh Willink
Nov 14, 20252 min read


What Happens to My Medicare Coverage If I Move States?
If you’re planning a move to a new state, there’s a lot to think about—new address, new doctors, maybe even a new lifestyle. But one question we hear often is: What happens to my Medicare when I move? The good news is, Medicare coverage travels with you. But depending on the type of plan you have, you may need to take a few steps to update or change your coverage. Here’s what to know before the moving truck pulls out of the driveway. If you have Original Medicare (Parts A and
Josh Willink
Nov 14, 20252 min read


A Thanksgiving Tradition Worth Starting This Year
There’s something about this season that reminds us to pause. To slow down, even just for a few minutes, and notice the good. Thanksgiving isn’t about the perfect meal or the full house or the perfect words. It’s about gratitude. And while life rarely feels simple these days, taking a moment to reflect can bring more peace than we expect. This year, we invite you to try something small, but meaningful: a guided gratitude list. Use it around the dinner table. Save it for a qui
Josh Willink
Nov 14, 20252 min read


Year-End Medicare Checklist: What to Review Before January 1
If you're turning 65 soon or already enrolled in Medicare, this time of year is a good moment to hit pause, take stock, and make sure everything is squared away for the year ahead. It doesn’t need to be complicated—just a quick review to make sure your coverage still fits your needs. Here’s a simple checklist to guide you through it. Review your coverage for the new year If you already enrolled or made changes during the fall enrollment window, your new plan will go into effe
Josh Willink
Nov 14, 20252 min read


Can I Switch Part D Plans Mid-Year If My Medication Needs Change?
It happens more often than you’d think. You start the year with a Medicare drug plan that covers your needs just fine. Then your doctor prescribes something new. Or one of your medications suddenly gets more expensive. Or you realize your plan no longer covers a drug you’ve been taking for years. So the natural question becomes:“Can I switch my Medicare Part D plan in the middle of the year?” The answer is: sometimes. But not always. Medicare Part D Plans Are Typically Locked
Josh Willink
Nov 14, 20252 min read


Should I Change Plans During the Annual Enrollment Period?
October 15 through December 7 might be more important than you think. You want to be sure your Medicare plan still fits your needs — but...
Josh Willink
Oct 2, 20252 min read


What Are Medicare’s Telehealth Benefits, and How Can I Use Them?
Healthcare from the comfort of home? It’s more possible than ever. You want to stay on top of your health, but getting to the doctor’s...
Josh Willink
Oct 2, 20252 min read


Are Wellness Visits, Flu Shots, or Mental Health Services Covered by Medicare?
Let’s face it — healthcare isn’t just about treating illness anymore. It’s about staying well in the first place. So it’s fair to ask:...
Josh Willink
Oct 2, 20252 min read


Does Medicare Cover Transportation to Medical Appointments?
Getting to a doctor’s appointment isn’t always as simple as hopping in the car. Not everyone drives. Some folks live out in the country....
Josh Willink
Sep 2, 20252 min read


How Do I Appeal a Medicare Claim Denial?
You open the envelope, expecting a routine update from Medicare. But instead of a paid claim, you see a notice that something wasn’t...
Josh Willink
Sep 2, 20252 min read


Will Medicare Ever Contact Me If There’s a Problem—Or Do Scammers Pretend to Be Medicare?
You’re sitting at the kitchen table when the phone rings. The person on the line says they’re from Medicare. They sound official. Maybe...
Josh Willink
Sep 2, 20252 min read


Can I Switch Part D Plans Mid-Year if My Medication Needs Change?
In most cases, you can’t switch Part D drug plans mid-year — but there are exceptions. Generally, you’re locked in to your plan for the...
Josh Willink
Jul 15, 20251 min read


How Do I Know if My Doctors Are In-Network with Medicare Advantage?
Unlike Original Medicare (which lets you see any provider that accepts Medicare), Medicare Advantage plans use networks . Here's how to...
Josh Willink
Jul 15, 20251 min read


How Can I Compare Different Advantage Plan Networks and Coverage Levels?
With so many Medicare Advantage plans available, comparing them can feel overwhelming. Here's how to make it manageable: Step 1: Know...
Josh Willink
Jul 15, 20251 min read


Are There Cost-Assistance Programs for Low-Income Medicare Enrollees?
Yes — and many people don’t realize they qualify. Here’s a quick checklist of programs that can help lower your Medicare costs: Medicaid...
Josh Willink
Jul 15, 20251 min read


Can My Spouse and I Stay on our Plans If We Move to Another State or Country?
Medicare coverage is individual , not family-based. You and your spouse can and may have different plans. A move can affect coverage for...
Josh Willink
Jul 15, 20251 min read


What Happens If I Enroll Late in Part B — Will I Owe Penalties?
There’s a lot of confusion around Medicare Part B and when to enroll. One of the biggest questions we hear is: “If I sign up late, will I...
Josh Willink
Jul 15, 20251 min read


Should I Change Plans During Open Enrollment Every Year?
Every fall, Medicare Open Enrollment rolls around (October 15 to December 7), and we start hearing the same question from people: “Do I...
Josh Willink
Jun 2, 20252 min read


How Do I Choose the Right Medicare Plan for Me?
Choosing a Medicare plan can feel overwhelming at first — you’re hit with options like Part A, Part B, Part D, Medicare Advantage,...
Josh Willink
Jun 2, 20252 min read


Do I Need a Part D Plan If I’m Not on Many Prescriptions?
We hear this question all the time from people turning 65: “I’m not on any medications right now — do I really need to sign up for...
Josh Willink
Jun 2, 20252 min read
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