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Medicare & Health Care

Medicare parts and plans, IRMAA, health insurance before 65 and health care costs.

Facing Medigap Rate Hikes: 3 Ways to Cut Your Medicare Costs

Video May 13, 2026

Facing Medigap Rate Hikes: 3 Ways to Cut Your Medicare Costs

Medigap policyholders face significantly higher premiums, up to 20% year-over-year, due to rising healthcare costs and higher usage. Seeking the same coverage across carriers and understanding plan differences can help reduce costs. Switching carriers, leveraging birthday rules, and strategic downgrading are key strategies for managing Medigap expenses.

Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Ending March 31st

Video May 13, 2026

Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Ending March 31st

Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment until March 31: Existing members can switch plans or return to Original Medicare, but new enrollments not allowed. Beware of unsolicited plan change offers.

Understanding ACA and Medicare Changes

Video May 13, 2026

Understanding ACA and Medicare Changes

Stay informed about the latest ACA and Medicare changes to protect yourself from fraud and unsolicited calls. Educate yourself to make informed decisions.

Understanding Medicare Changes in 2025

Video May 13, 2026

Understanding Medicare Changes in 2025

Prepare for Medicare changes in 2025. Learn what employees should know about health insurance, penalties, and how to protect their healthcare and finances.

Secrets of Medical Divorce Unveiled

Video May 13, 2026

Secrets of Medical Divorce Unveiled

Discover how medical divorce can help couples facing high healthcare costs protect assets and qualify for benefits while maintaining their relationship.

Medicare Coverage is Changing - Medicare Tips for Women

Video May 13, 2026

Medicare Coverage is Changing - Medicare Tips for Women

Actionable Advice for Women on Medicare: Medicare's coverage of breast cancer scans is changing, leading to potential out-of-pocket costs for beneficiaries. The cost-sharing burden can change over time, impacting Medicare Advantage and Medigap plans. Additional screenings recommended after a mammogram may incur extra costs. Medicare's focus on preventative measures may seem counterintuitive in this case. The complexity of balancing the needs of stakeholders, including doctors, hospitals, pharmaceuticals, and insurance carriers, contributes to ongoing challenges. Actionable advice for women on Medicare includes checking with their carrier and ensuring Original Medicare approves secondary screenings.

Federal Employee Health Benefits and Medicare

Video May 13, 2026

Federal Employee Health Benefits and Medicare

Federal Employee Health Benefits and Medicare: In this video, Jae Oh, author of Maximize Your Medicare, discusses the coordination of federal employee health benefit plans (FEHB) with Medicare and the considerations for enrollment decisions. It highlights the complexity of FEHB options and the rules regarding enrollment and switching plans. The similarities and differences between FEHB and Medicare are explored, including the availability of Medicare Advantage plans within FEHB. The cost of FEHB compared to the private market is also mentioned. Prescription drug coverage is included in most Medicare Advantage plans within FEHB. The importance of location in determining FEHB costs is emphasized, as well as the possibility of suspending FEHB benefits.

Should I enroll in Medicare if I still work full time past 65?

Video May 13, 2026

Should I enroll in Medicare if I still work full time past 65?

Should I enroll in Medicare if I still work full time past 65? Should You Stay on Employer Insurance or Switch to Medicare After 65? Confused about Medicare and employer insurance after age 65? In this video, Jae Oh, author of Maximize Your Medicare, explores the factors to consider when making this important decision; Should you stay on Employer Insurance or switch to Medicare after 65?

How Wellness Programs Boost Productivity

Video May 13, 2026

How Wellness Programs Boost Productivity

How Wellness Programs Boost Productivity: Financial Stress Hurting Your Employees? How Wellness Programs Boost Productivity and improve mental health. Mental health and financial health are interconnected:

How to Complete SSA-44 to Appeal IRMAA

Video May 13, 2026

How to Complete SSA-44 to Appeal IRMAA

How to Complete SSA-44 to Appeal IRMAA: If you received a notice that your Medicare premiums are increasing due to income-related monthly adjustment amounts (IRMAA), you may be able to file an appeal and reduce your costs. This video explains what IRMAA is, who it applies to, what constitutes a qualifying "life changing event" for appeal purposes, and step-by-step instructions for completing and submitting the Medicare IRMAA Life-Changing Event form (SSA-44).

What is IRMAA and How Does It Work?

Video May 13, 2026

What is IRMAA and How Does It Work?

High-income earners, be aware: your Medicare premiums could see an increase due to the Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA).

Does Transferring a House to a Disabled Child Protect It From Medicaid Estate Recovery?

Video May 13, 2026

Does Transferring a House to a Disabled Child Protect It From Medicaid Estate Recovery?

Does Transferring a House to a Disabled Child Protect It From Medicaid Estate Recovery? Elder law expert Harry S. Margolis addresses a query about protecting a house from Medicaid estate recovery by transferring it to a disabled child. The individual in question has a parent covered by VA benefits due to a service-connected disability and another parent with Medicare and ChampVA, but no long-term care insurance. The concern arises from the possibility of needing Medicaid for nursing home care and the associated estate recovery implications.

Can I Still Contribute to My FSA After Enrolling in Medicare?

Video May 13, 2026

Can I Still Contribute to My FSA After Enrolling in Medicare?

Can I Still Contribute to My FSA After Enrolling in Medicare? In this episode of "Ask the Hammer," Jeffrey Levine from Buckingham addresses a question about Medicare and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) for individuals working past the age of 65. The viewer, who plans to work until 70 and is covered under an employer's health plan, inquires about the necessity of giving up their FSA after enrolling in Medicare Part A.

Why Are Medicare Advantage Plans Being Rejected?

Video May 13, 2026

Why Are Medicare Advantage Plans Being Rejected?

Why Are Medicare Advantage Plans Being Rejected? Hospitals, physician groups, and other healthcare providers across the country are growing increasingly frustrated with Medicare Advantage plans offered by major insurers like UnitedHealthcare and Humana. As author Jae Oh explained in an interview, the healthcare system involves many complex stakeholders, and Medicare Advantage plans must negotiate details of healthcare services and prices with providers on one hand while also setting co-pays and co-insurance costs for consumers on the other.

10 Drugs Drive a Big Share of Medicare Spending

Video May 13, 2026

10 Drugs Drive a Big Share of Medicare Spending

A new report from the Kaiser Family Foundation disclosed that 10 drugs accounted for $48 billion in Medicare Part D spending in 2021. Drugs for cancer treatment and diabetes-related weight loss medications dominated Medicare's prescription budget with their high sticker prices.

Medicaid Disenrollment

Video May 13, 2026

Medicaid Disenrollment

Medicaid Disenrollment: What happens if you've been disenrolled from Medicaid? Jae Oh discusses a new report from the Kaiser Family Foundation finding Medicaid disenrollment is rising.

Switching Between Medigap and Medicare Advantage

Video May 13, 2026

Switching Between Medigap and Medicare Advantage

Medigap and Medicare Advantage are two different types of health insurance plans that can be used to supplement Original Medicare. Medigap plans are private plans that can help to pay for things like copayments, deductibles, and coinsurance. Medicare Advantage plans are managed care plans that provide all of your Medicare benefits in one plan.

HHS Updates 2024 Medicare Advantage Program and Part D Payment Policies

Video May 13, 2026

HHS Updates 2024 Medicare Advantage Program and Part D Payment Policies

HHS Updates 2024 Medicare Advantage Program and Part D Payment Policies: Jae Oh, author of Maximize Your Medicare, explores the trend of rising payments to Medicare Advantage plans, which are private health insurance plans that provide Medicare benefits to seniors. Oh discusses the factors driving the growth in Medicare Advantage enrollment, including the plans' lower out-of-pocket costs, extra benefits, and provider networks. It also examines the recent increase in payments to Medicare Advantage plans and the potential impact on seniors, taxpayers, and the overall healthcare system. Oh concludes by noting that while Medicare Advantage plans may offer advantages for some beneficiaries, it's important to carefully consider the costs and benefits before enrolling in one.

What You Need to Know about Medicare’s Annual Election Period

Video May 13, 2026

What You Need to Know about Medicare’s Annual Election Period

Each year, from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7, Medicare beneficiaries can join, switch, or drop a plan. Your coverage will begin on Jan. 1, 2022 (as long as the plan gets your request by Dec. 7). So, what do you need to consider during Medicare's annual election period, or what some call Medicare's open enrollment period? In this video, Jae Oh, author of Maximize Your Medicare, describes the importance of searching for a plan that better meets your needs. In addition, he explains the step-by-step process of switching from Medicare Advantage to original Medicare with Medigap policy. Of note, Medicare beneficiaries can begin evaluating the 2022 plans on Oct. 1 at Medicare's website.

Medicare Isn’t Free

Video May 13, 2026

Medicare Isn’t Free

Dana Anspach of Sensible Money explains Medicare Part B premiums and the Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amount.

Is a 5-Star Medicare Advantage Plan Right for You?

Video May 13, 2026

Is a 5-Star Medicare Advantage Plan Right for You?

There's an increasing number of 5-star Medicare Advantage plans. But it's not wise to pick a plan based solely on the number of stars it has, says Jae Oh, author of Maximize Your Medicare.

Inflation Reduction Act on Obamacare

Video May 13, 2026

Inflation Reduction Act on Obamacare

Jae Oh, author of Maximize Your Medicare, reviews the benefits of the Inflation Reduction Act, including the advanced premium tax credit (APTC) extension.

Inflation Act on Medicare Beneficiaries

Video May 13, 2026

Inflation Act on Medicare Beneficiaries

Bob talks to Jae Oh, author of Maximize Your Medicare, about how the Inflation Reduction Act will have a positive impact on Medicare Beneficiaries.

How Tax Loss Harvesting Helps You

Video May 13, 2026

How Tax Loss Harvesting Helps You

What is tax loss harvesting? How can it help you? Jae Oh, author of Maximize Your Medicare, explains tax loss harvesting.

Hospital Pricing Transparency

Video May 13, 2026

Hospital Pricing Transparency

Jae Oh, CFP and Author of Maximize Your Medicare discusses hospital pricing transparency and how it can affect your budget.

From Medicare Advantage to Medicare & Medigap

Video May 13, 2026

From Medicare Advantage to Medicare & Medigap

Switching from Medicare Advantage to original Medicare and Medigap: Is it possible to switch from Medicare Advantage to original Medicare with a Medigap plan. The answer depends on a few things. Jae Oh, author of Maximize Your Medicare, explains.

ACA Open Enrollment Period Ends Jan 15

Video May 13, 2026

ACA Open Enrollment Period Ends Jan 15

For 2022 coverage, the open enrollment period for HealthCare.gov closes at the end of the day on Jan. 15, 2022, for coverage that will take effect on Feb. 1, according to Jae Oh, author of Maximize Your Medicare.

What the End of Open Enrollment for ACA Means For You

Video May 13, 2026

What the End of Open Enrollment for ACA Means For You

What the End of Open Enrollment for ACA Means For You. Open Enrollment for ACA has ended. Jae Oh, author of Maximize Your Medicare, discusses what that the end of open enrollment for Affordable Care Act insurance means for you.

What is a Health Care Proxy?

Video May 13, 2026

What is a Health Care Proxy?

What is a Health Care Proxy? A health care proxy or durable power of attorney for health care is a legal document that allows a person to appoint someone else (known as a proxy or agent) to make medical decisions on their behalf in the event that they are unable to make decisions for themselves, according to Harry Margolis, author of Get Your Ducks in a Row.

HHS Proposes Eliminating Federal Medicare SHIP Funds

Article January 14, 2026

HHS Proposes Eliminating Federal Medicare SHIP Funds

The DOGE 2026 draft budget proposes eliminating federal funds for all State Health Insurance Assistance Programs and seven other federal programs that serve as health care safety nets for older Americans, MedPage Today reports.

Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Ends March 31

Video November 16, 2025

Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Ends March 31

The Medicare Advantage open enrollment period starts on Jan. 1 and continues through March 31. During this window, Medicare Advantage enrollees can pick a different Advantage plan or switch to Original Medicare, according to Jae Oh, author of Maximize Your Medicare.

Why You Need a HIPAA

Video November 16, 2025

Why You Need a HIPAA

What's a HIPAA release and why do you need one? Harry Margolis, author of Get Your Ducks In A Row reviews HIPAA - Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.

Job Loss & Health Insurance

Video April 21, 2025

Job Loss & Health Insurance

Expert guide on health insurance options after job loss. Learn about COBRA and ACA coverage. Watch video with Jae Oh on FinStream TV.

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