If your Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug (MA-PD) plan is ending and you haven’t selected a replacement, keep in mind that Original Medicare will take over automatically on January 1—but prescription drug coverage will end unless you choose a new Part D plan. For those receiving Extra Help, you may be reassigned, but it’s important to review your options carefully.

One key difference: Original Medicare does not include an annual out-of-pocket maximum. In 2026, you can expect Part B to cost $202.90 per month with a $283 deductible, and the Part A deductible will be $1,700. These numbers matter when you’re planning your finances and healthcare for the year ahead.

With one major insurer discontinuing coverage for about 600,000 Medicare Advantage members in 2027, those early notice letters are a good reminder to review your plan choices well before any changes take effect. You have Medigap guaranteed-issue rights from 60 days before your plan ends until 63 days after. But if you go longer than 63 days without drug coverage, you could face permanent Part D penalties.

To stay protected starting January 1, make your choice by December 31. Take time to review every prescription, the drug tiers, and your preferred pharmacy. Then select either a new Advantage plan or Original Medicare with Part D.

As someone who helps people navigate these changes every day, I know how overwhelming it can feel. My goal is always to make your Medicare decisions simpler and more comfortable—so you can focus on what matters most: your health and peace of mind.

One of the most common questions I hear as a Medicare specialist is: who actually pays for hearing aids under Medicare? Here’s what you need to know. Original Medicare—Parts A and B—does not cover hearing aids or the exams needed to fit them. That means, for many, these important devices come with full out-of-pocket costs. If your doctor orders a diagnostic hearing or balance test due to a medical issue, Medicare Part B can help, but you’ll still be responsible for deductibles, about 20% coinsurance, and any outpatient copays.

Many private Medicare plan options do step in with additional hearing benefits. These can include yearly hearing exams, fitting visits, and an allowance toward devices. But every plan is different—limits on coverage, copayments, provider networks, and preapproval requirements all come into play, so it’s important to review these details carefully.

Traditional hearing aids in the US often range from about $1,000 to $4,000 per ear, while over-the-counter options for mild to moderate loss are more affordable, usually $100 to $700 per pair. For those with qualifying severe hearing loss, surgically implanted devices may qualify as prosthetics and receive some Medicare coverage—though there are still deductibles, coinsurance, and follow-up care costs to consider.

Navigating these choices can feel overwhelming, but with the right guidance, you can find solutions that fit your needs and budget. My approach is always personal and supportive—making sure you understand your options and feel confident about the path you choose.

Indigenous Peoples’ Day celebrates, recognizes, and honors the beautiful traditions and cultures of the Indigenous People
We take a stand for and support the indigenous people on this day.
We should also offer our support to those who invest and uplift the indigenous communities.

As we approach Medicare’s annual enrollment window—running from October 15 through December 7—it’s a good time to take a closer look at your current coverage. Each year brings updates, and for 2026, you’ll see Part D out-of-pocket costs capped at $2,100 (with an estimate of $2,400 for 2027). Medicare Advantage plans can have annual maximums up to $9,250. Before making any decisions for the coming year, keep an eye out for your late-Q3 notice; this document spells out changes in cost, benefits, networks, and plan availability.

It’s important not to assume every plan will fit your needs in the same way. When comparing your options, think about how each plan matches your doctors, prescriptions, preferred pharmacies, and even your travel or relocation plans. Your likely care needs matter, too. If you’re already enrolled in Medicare Advantage, remember you also have from January 1 to March 31 to switch plans or return to Original Medicare—and free counseling is available if you’d like guidance.

My approach has always been to reduce the stress and confusion around Medicare choices, so you can feel confident in your decisions. Taking this time to review your options helps ensure your coverage truly fits both your health and your budget.

Something I’m seeing more and more in my work as a Medicare specialist: switching between Medicare Advantage plans is on the rise, especially among folks who are dual-eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid. Between 2016 and 2022, voluntary plan changes within Medicare Advantage jumped from about 12% to 22% for those fully dual-eligible, and from roughly 17% to 30% for partial dual-eligible enrollees. For other Medicare Advantage members, switching also increased, but more modestly—from 10% to 13%.

By 2022, very few people moved away from Medicare Advantage to traditional Medicare: about 4% of fully dual-eligible, 2% of partial dual-eligible, and less than 1% of other beneficiaries. These changes varied by age, health risk, and even race or ethnicity. Generally, older beneficiaries switched less, while those with greater health needs were more likely to opt for traditional Medicare.

What this means in real life is that more people are changing plans and, in doing so, are likely adjusting to new provider networks or plan features. I always remind my clients that finding the right fit can make a big difference in your experience with Medicare. Taking the time to explore your options—and understanding what each change means for your health and budget—is worth it. My focus is on helping you make these choices with confidence, clarity, and a sense of personal support, every step of the way.

Navigating retirement comes with plenty of questions—and, thankfully, some valuable freebies if you know where to look. For example, your annual wellness visit under a federal health plan often comes at no cost when your provider accepts assignment. Just keep in mind that extra tests might bring added charges, so it’s always wise to double-check what’s covered beforehand.

There are also free state counseling programs that walk retirees through comparing their coverage options, making sense of bills, appealing decisions, and uncovering programs that could save money on healthcare. Many folks are surprised to learn about no-cost tax help, recommended vaccines, and even fitness benefits available through certain private health plans—these perks can really help trim routine expenses.

If you’re working with a modest income, there may be even more support: senior meals, monthly food packages, produce benefits, energy assistance, and discounted phone or internet service, depending on where you live. Don’t overlook other savings either, like affordable lifetime park passes, legal aid, educational classes, and helpful resources at your local senior center. Often, the key is simply knowing what to ask for and how to apply.

As someone who guides people through their Medicare choices and supplemental coverage, I see how important it is to be aware of every resource available. It’s all about making informed, confident decisions to support your well-being in retirement.