Medicare Mistakes

Confused by Medicare’s costs? Thinking about delaying enrollment? Don’t think you can afford your Medicare premiumsA premium is an amount that an insurance policyholder must pay for coverage. Premiums are typically paid on a monthly basis. In the federal Medicare program, there are four different types of premiums. ? These are just a few of the questions we answer in our Medicare Mistakes series.

Every day, thousands of Americans make critical mistakes with their Medicare benefits. The following 10 articles will help you sidestep Medicare’s landmines so you can avoid penalties and get the best coverage possible.

Medicare Mistake #1: Thinking It’s Free!

Many people mistakenly believe that Medicare is free for retirees and people with disabilities. After all, during all of the years that we work we paid Medicare taxes, right? So, why isn't it free? In this MedicareWire article, we'll explain how much … [Read More...]

Medicare Mistake #2: Forgetting to Sign Up for Medicare at Age 65

In our first article in the Medicare Mistakes Series, we dispelled a common misconception that Medicare health coverage is free. In Mistake #2, we're going to address an equally important topic, getting enrolled on time and avoiding penalties. Key … [Read More...]

Medicare Mistake #3: Not Signing Up for Medicare If You Have Retiree, COBRA, or Other Health Coverage

In Mistake #2 of the Medicare Mistakes Series, we addressed forgetting to enroll in Medicare at age 65, but we skimmed over the issue of not enrolling if you are still working and have group health coverage through your employer. In some cases, it's … [Read More...]

Medicare Mistake #4: Joining a Medicare Advantage Plan at Age 65 if You Have Chronic Health Conditions

If you are a healthy senior, choosing a Medicare plan at age 65 is relatively straightforward. But what if you have chronic health issues? In the fourth article of our Medicare Mistakes Series, we'll address this very important issue. Key … [Read More...]

Medicare Mistake #5: Getting the Same Medicare Plan as Your Spouse

Medicare health insurance is a very personal product. And, other than a household discount from some Medicare supplement companies, there are no discounts for choosing the same plan as your spouse. In this, the fifth article in our Medicare Mistakes … [Read More...]

Medicare Mistake #6: Not Leveraging Assistance Programs

Medicare offers all of its beneficiaries the ability to gain access to quality health care regardless of their race, color, creed, economic status, or health condition. As we discussed in the first article in our Medicare Mistakes Series, Medicare is … [Read More...]

Medicare Mistake #7: Choosing the Wrong Medigap Plan

In Medicare Mistake #4 we talked about why Medicare Advantage isn't the best option for people with chronic health issues, and how Medicare supplement insurance offers solid protection from deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. In this article, … [Read More...]

Medicare Mistake #8: Not Reviewing and Understanding Your Coverage

In Medicare Mistake #5 we talked about why the best plan for your spouse or friend might not be the best plan for you. In this Medicare Mistakes article, we'll address the importance of reviewing and understanding your coverage to make sure you're … [Read More...]

Medicare Mistake #9: Going Out-of-Network in Your Medicare Advantage Plan

In Medicare Mistake #8 we explained the importance of understanding your coverage and reviewing it annually. In this installment of our Medicare Mistakes Series, we want to explain how costly it can be to go out of network in most Medicare Advantage … [Read More...]

Medicare Mistake #10: Costly Financial Moves when You Retire

In Medicare Mistake #9 we talked about how expensive it can be to go out-of-network in a Medicare Advantage plan and what you can do about it. Similarly, retiring can also be costly with Medicare. In this tenth and final edition of our Medicare … [Read More...]