Insurance Blog

Shawn Ray

Grantsville, Utah

Turning 65 with VA or TRICARE benefits? Learn how Medicare Parts A and B, TRICARE For Life, VA health care, Part D, and Medicare Advantage may work together. This guide explains what to consider before delaying Medicare, how military prescription coverage affects Part D, and when another Medicare plan may or may not make sense. Shawn Ray has helped many veterans and military families review their Medicare options.

Laura Peery, Advisor | Medicare | Long-Term Care | Personal Pension | Estates & Trust

Merritt Island, Florida

A cheap plan is not always the deal it appears to be.

Don Lilly III

Roanoke, Virginia

Understanding how to qualify for Medicare and Medicaid is vital, especially as you approach retirement age. These two programs provide essential healthcare coverage but differ in their eligibility requirements and benefits. Here’s a comprehensive look at who qualifies for Medicare and Medicaid and how the two programs can work together.

Don Lilly III

Roanoke, Virginia

The Annual Wellness Visit (AWV) is one of Medicare recipients’ most important, often overlooked benefits. It is a yearly opportunity that can make a difference in long-term health, of which, surprisingly, many people do not take full advantage. These visits matter more than you might think.

Don Lilly III

Roanoke, Virginia

If you are enrolled in Medicare, moving to another state means navigating the healthcare system across state lines. It does not have to be stressful, but it may require some planning to keep your Medicare coverage intact while enjoying your new home. Here are some practical tips to help you make the transition as smooth as possible.

Don Lilly III

Roanoke, Virginia

June is National Great Outdoors Month, the perfect time to celebrate the benefits of nature and its positive impact on senior health. Spending time outdoors isn’t just enjoyable; it offers many physical, mental, and social benefits that can improve the quality of life as we age.

Don Lilly III

Roanoke, Virginia

Managing diabetes requires the right tools, resources, and ongoing care. For seniors living with diabetes, Medicare plays a crucial role in ensuring access to needed supplies and services. This guide provides an overview of Medicare’s coverage for diabetes, helping you understand how the program can support your health and wellness.

Don Lilly III

Roanoke, Virginia

Navigating Medicare can be overwhelming, with all its parts and coverage options. To select the right plan that fits your healthcare needs and budget, it is crucial to understand the differences between Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D. We have broken down each part to make it easier to understand how the program works and how it could work for you.

Don Lilly III

Roanoke, Virginia

Prevention is a key to maintaining good health. Medicare plans are built on this principle, offering a wide range of preventive services to help its beneficiaries identify health issues early to avoid problems from advancing to more serious conditions later. Understanding these services can help you make the most of your Medicare coverage.

Don Lilly III

Roanoke, Virginia

Original Medicare, comprising Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance), offers essential health coverage to millions of seniors. However, it doesn’t cover everything. Beneficiaries are often surprised to discover they are still responsible for significant out-of-pocket expenses.

Don Lilly III

Roanoke, Virginia

Whether you are retiring to a sunnier state, downsizing to be closer to family, or simply changing ZIP codes, moving to a new home can bring unexpected challenges, especially when it comes to your Medicare coverage. Different states and even different counties may have variations in plan availability, costs, and networks. Understanding how a move affects your Medicare coverage is crucial to avoiding gaps and maintaining protection.

HealthWise Insurance Group

Marquette, Michigan

Understanding why some dentists choose not to participate in insurance networks—and what patients can do about it.

Sonya Tomovich

Roseville, California

Confused about Medicare's gaps? Discover how Medicare Supplement plans provide essential coverage, filling in costs Original Medicare doesn't cover for seniors 65+.

Shawn Ray

Grantsville, Utah

Still working at 65? Before delaying Medicare Part B, confirm whether your job-based coverage qualifies, which plan pays first, how Medicare affects HSA contributions, whether your drug coverage is creditable, and when your Special Enrollment Period begins. These seven Medicare questions can help you avoid late penalties, coverage gaps, and costly enrollment mistakes.

Shawn Ray

Grantsville, Utah

Turning 65 soon? Use this six-month Medicare timeline to learn when to review Parts A, B and D, compare Medicare Advantage and Medigap options, check doctors and prescriptions, apply through Social Security and confirm coverage before your birthday month. Preparing early can help you avoid missed deadlines, penalties and costly coverage surprises.

Frank D’Ambrosia

Rochester, New York

If you're managing diabetes, heart disease, COPD, arthritis, or another chronic condition, choosing the right Medicare coverage is one of the most important healthcare decisions you'll make. Learn the key differences between Medicare Advantage and Medigap to help you decide which option may fit your needs.

HealthWise Insurance Group

Marquette, Michigan

Understanding the Difference Between VA Benefits and Medicare

Don Lilly III

Roanoke, Virginia

Turning 65 soon? Discover how a financial advisor can help you seamlessly integrate Medicare into your broader retirement plan, ensuring comprehensive coverage and peace of mind.

HealthWise Insurance Group

Marquette, Michigan

Strengthening Tribal Health: The Benefits of Medicare Advantage for Tribal Medicare Members

HealthWise Insurance Group

Marquette, Michigan

No one wants to imagine a critical illness striking their family. Discover how specialized insurance provides vital financial support when it matters most, through inspiring real-life stories.

Don Lilly III

Roanoke, Virginia

The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) comes around every fall, but for many beneficiaries, it still brings confusion, stress, and missed opportunities. If you’re enrolled in Medicare or about to become eligible, understanding how to make the most of this window can mean better coverage, lower costs, and greater peace of mind. Here’s how to take control of your Medicare decisions this AEP.

Don Lilly III

Roanoke, Virginia

Medicare provides broad coverage for many essential healthcare needs, but it does not cover everything. It is important to understand what is and is not included, so you can plan ahead, avoid unexpected expenses, and decide whether a Medicare Advantage plan or a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan is right for you. In this post, we outline what Original Medicare covers, where the gaps are, and what options you have for protection from unexpected out-of-pocket costs.

Don Lilly III

Roanoke, Virginia

Enrolling in Medicare to secure affordable healthcare coverage is a milestone for many individuals approaching retirement. The Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) is a crucial time in this process. It is a limited window of time during which you can sign up for Medicare without facing penalties or gaps in coverage. To make informed choices and avoid costly mistakes, it is important to understand how the IEP works.

Don Lilly III

Roanoke, Virginia

Enrolling in Medicare can seem overwhelming, particularly when life changes occur outside the standard enrollment windows. Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs) offer flexibility for individuals who experience certain qualifying events. They allow these individuals to enroll in, drop, or change Medicare coverage without waiting for the next Open Enrollment Period. Knowing how SEPs work can help you make timely decisions and avoid gaps in your healthcare coverage.

Don Lilly III

Roanoke, Virginia

Living with a chronic health condition often involves juggling medications, frequent doctor visits, and ongoing care. Medicare Special Needs Plans (SNPs) are designed to make these challenges easier by offering coordinated healthcare and personalized coverage for individuals with specific medical needs.

Don Lilly III

Roanoke, Virginia

Home health is designed for short-term, medically necessary recovery at home. It supports a recent illness, injury, or surgery when you need skilled nursing or therapy to regain function. Hospice is for a life-limiting illness when the focus shifts from cure to comfort and quality of life. You can receive many of the same disciplines (nurse, aide, social work), but the goal is symptom control, not rehabilitation or curative treatment for the terminal diagnosis.

Don Lilly III

Roanoke, Virginia

Facing cataract surgery? Discover how Medicare covers this common procedure, including benefits and what to expect regarding your out-of-pocket costs. Get informed before your appointment!

Don Lilly III

Roanoke, Virginia

Emergencies happen suddenly and move fast. Families naturally focus on getting a loved one to the hospital and worry later about the costs. Medicare does cover many ambulance trips, but the rules are specific, and misunderstandings can lead to surprise bills.