Thinking About an Upgrade? How the 5-Star Special Enrollment Period Works
If a 5-Star Medicare Advantage or Part D plan is offered where you live, you can use a one-time Special Enrollment Period to switch anytime from Dec 8 through Nov 30—including right now in February. It’s a handy option if you missed AEP or your January experience wasn’t what you expected. What “5-Star” means Medicare…
New Year, Strong Heart: A Simple Routine You’ll Actually Keep
January’s perfect for a reset you can do at home (or at a mall, rec center, or hallway on rainy days). For adults 65+, aim for 150 minutes of moderate activity a week, 2+ days of muscle-strengthening, and regular balance work. Think brisk walking + light resistance + a few minutes standing on one foot…
Protect Your Medicare in 2026: Scam watch + breach checklist
Scammers ramp up right after Open Enrollment. Add in a couple of big 2025 security headlines, and January is the perfect time to tighten up your defenses. Here’s a quick, plain-English guide you can send to clients. What changed lately (and why it matters) Top Medicare scams we’re seeing now Quick steps to protect yourself…
The “Do-Over” Window: Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment (Jan 1–Mar 31)
If you’re already in a Medicare Advantage (MA) plan, you get a once-per-year chance (Jan 1–Mar 31) to switch to a different MA plan (with or without drug coverage) or return to Original Medicare and join a Part D plan. Any change generally starts the first day of the month after the plan gets your…
AEP’s Over — Now What?
AEP is officially in the rear-view, and now it’s all about making sure your 2026 coverage starts smooth on Jan 1 and knowing your options if something isn’t right. 1) Look for your plan welcome kit & Evidence of Coverage (EOC) Your plan mails an EOC each fall that spells out what’s covered, copays, rules…
Healthy Holidays: Smart Eating & Low-Stress Celebrations
The holidays should feel warm and easy, not exhausting or derailing your health. Here’s a simple guide to enjoy the season without the sugar crash, sniffles, or stress spiral. 1) Build a better holiday plate 2) Keep leftovers safe (avoid the “two-hour” trap) 3) Plan for calm, not perfect 4) Quick vaccine check Bottom line…
What You’ll Pay for Medicare Part A & B in 2026: A Simple Breakdown
CMS has announced the official 2026 costs for Medicare Part A and Part B, including premiums, deductibles, and some coinsurance amounts. If you’re on Medicare now or about to enroll, here’s a simple explanation of what’s changing and what it might mean for your budget. Medicare Part A: Hospital Coverage Medicare Part A helps cover…
Part D in 2026: What the New $2,100 Limit Means—And What To Do This Fall
Big Part D changes kicked in for 2025, and they keep evolving for 2026. Use September to review your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) (arrives by Sept 30) and prep for the fall shopping season. The headline numbers How the redesigned benefit works What to do in September Why this matters even if you don’t…
Important SSA Update: No More Paper Benefit Checks Starting September 30, 2025
If you currently receive your Social Security benefits by paper check, you’ll need to take action soon. Starting September 30, 2025, federal benefit payments will switch almost entirely to electronic payments. This change is happening to make payments safer, faster, and easier for everyone. What This Means for You How to Get Your Benefits Electronically…
Stay on Your Feet: Fall-Proof Your Home Before Autumn
September is prime time to tidy up tripping hazards and get ready for Falls Prevention Awareness Week (Sept 22–26, 2025)—a national push to help older adults stay independent and injury-free. Why this matters: Falls are the leading cause of injury in adults 65+; about 1 in 4 older adults reports falling each year. In 2023…