Medicare & More

Learn how to navigate Medicare with expert articles, advice, podcasts, and other senior resources.

Medicare is government-provided health insurance for people who are 65 and older. It also provides coverage for some younger people with certain disabilities and those with End-Stage Renal Disease. Established in 1965, Medicare helps cover the cost of healthcare, including hospital stays, doctors’ services, outpatient care, and prescription drugs. Here’s everything you need to know about Medicare and all of its parts!

On this page, you will find:

Medicare Part A

Part A of Original Medicare provides coverage for inpatient services. It covers:

Inpatient hospital care
Skilled nursing facility care
Nursing home care that is not long-term
Hospice care
Some home healthcare

5 Things Medicare Does NOT Cover

2 Min read

While it’s a valuable healthcare resource for seniors, it’s important to understand its limitations and the areas where it falls short.

Caregiver with Veteran Husband Shocked to Find Out Her Medicare Premium is an Extra $506

2 Min read

Did she make a mistake when enrolling in Medicare? Toni King explains why this caregiver’s premium is a shocking $506 per month and what she can do about it.

Nearing Age 65? Here are the Simple Facts About Medicare Part A You Should Know Before Enrolling

5 Min read

Medicare can be confusing. Let’s break it down! If you’re approaching 65, here’s everything you need to know about Part A.

I’m Laid-Off! What Are My Medicare Options?

2 Min read

Medicare expert Toni King explains the Medicare Special Enrollment Period and what to do if you or your spouse is laid-off.

Medicare Part B

Part B of Original Medicare provides coverage for medically necessary services and preventive services. It covers:

Ambulance service
Clinical research
Durable medical equipment
Services or supplies that are needed to diagnose or treat a condition
Some mental health services
Specialist visits

If I’m Self-Employed, Should I Enroll in Medicare Part B?

4 Min read

Even though the Medicare & You handbook states that there is an 8-month period that one can enroll without receiving a Medicare Part B penalty, the handbook does not clarify that those who delay will not have any of the benefits that Medicare Part B covers.

“Still Working:” Medicare’s Magic Words for Part B

3 Min read

Medicare expert and columnist, Toni King explains how two simple words mean so much when enrolling in Part B.

Ultimate Guide to Understanding Medicare Part B, Plus 5 Ways to Make the Most Out of Your Coverage

3 Min read

Navigating Medicare Part B can be overwhelming; from its coverage to its out-of-pocket costs, it can be easy to get lost in the details.

Unmarried Couple Facing Thousands of Dollars in Medicare Penalties

3 Min read

Gail and Richard have been together for 25 years, but never married. Now, Gail’s health plan won’t cover Richard’s medical bills. What can they do?

Medicare Part D

Each Part D plan covers a variety of prescription drugs. A plan’s list of covered drugs is called a formulary. In addition to the formulary, all Part D plans must cover certain protected classes of medication such as:

Vaccines
HIV/AIDS treatments
Antidepressants
Antipsychotics
Immunosuppressant medications

Medicare Part D Penalty Costs WHAT?

3 Min read

Did you wait to long to enroll in Medicare Part D? Medicare expert, Toni King explains Part D penalties and what you can do about them.

Will A Medicare Advantage Plan with Prescription Drugs Prevent the Extra Part D Premium?

3 Min read

Can you avoid an income-related monthly adjusted amount (IRMAA) if you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan? Toni King explains everything you need to know!

How to Find a Better Medicare Prescription Drug Plan

2 Min read

Even if you’re happy with your current coverage, there may be other plans out there that you’re not aware of that offer better coverage at a lower cost. You never know until you look. Here are some tips to help you shop and compare Medicare drug plans.

What is an Annual Notice of Change?

3 Min read

Savvy Senior author, Jim Miller explains what an ANOC is and what you should expect.

Medicare Advantage

Medicare Advantage Plans are Medicare-approved bundles offered by private companies. Advantage Plans usually include Parts A, B, and D.

What Happens If I Choose The Wrong Medicare Advantage Plan?

2 Min read

Can I return to regular Medicare and apply for a new Medicare supplement?

Why is My Medicare Premium an Extra $499?

2 Min read

Medicare expert, Toni King explains Medicare premiums and what to do if you think yours is wrong.

Can I Delay Medicare Enrollment?

2 Min read

If you turned 65 and enrolled in Medicare, but are still covered under an employer’s healthcare plan, I have good news for you!

Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap)

Medigap is insurance sold by private companies to supplement what is not covered by Original Medicare. Medigap can help pay for copays, deductibles, and coinsurance.

Did I Make a Mistake Changing My Medicare Supplement?

2 Min read

Meet Terry. He has end-stage renal disease and is enrolled in Medicare. A couple of years ago, Terry switched his Medicare Supplement after talking with a telemarketer. Now, he’s quite literally paying the price!

Medicare Enrollment & Traveling Through Retirement

2 Min read

What do you do if you’re 65, retired, and ready to travel, but need assurance that wherever you go, your medical needs will be taken care of?

Turning 65…Is Medicare Annual Enrollment For Me?

2 Min read

Medicare expert Toni King explains how Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period (AKA Open Enrollment) works.

How to Choose a Medicare Supplemental (Medigap) Policy

3 Min read

Here are some tips to help you choose an appropriate supplemental plan!

Toni King is an author, columnist, and radio and TV personality who specializes in Medicare, Social Security, and long-term care planning. While conducting a Medicare workshop in 2009, Toni was approached by a member of the audience who had received incorrect information about his Medicare Part B enrollment from Social Security. After taking a couple of days to help the gentleman straighten out his overwhelming problem, Toni’s new mission had become clear. Following more than 27 years as a top sales leader in the Medicare insurance industry, Toni would become an advocate for Americans receiving Medicare. Since then, Toni has devoted her life and career to putting Medicare into “people terms” with the help of her books, consultations, workshops, and website. Toni King is from Houston, Texas, where her family’s restaurant, Angelo’s Fisherman’s Wharf, was a community landmark. As a dedicated native Houstonian, Toni often says she bleeds red, white, and blue!

Listen to the Medicare Moments with Toni King Podcast

Visit the Medicare Moments page.

What Are The Parts of Medicare?

16 Min read

Medicare expert, Toni King explains Parts A, B, C, and D. Feeling overwhelmed about enrolling? Toni can help! She puts the rules of Medicare into “people terms.” In this episode, join Toni as she guides listeners through the Medicare alphabet soup! Thank you for listening to today’s Medicare moments podcast. Hi, I’m Toni King. I took the Medicare and new handbook that many find hard to understand and put it in people terms. I help America personalize their Medicare. Today, together we are exploring Medicare’s different parts: Medicare parts A, B, C, and D. With Medicare, it’s what you don’t know that will hurt you. So let’s get started exploring the maze of Medicare together. Get your pen and paper out

Medicare Penalties That Last a Lifetime

17 Min read

In this episode, Toni explains Medicare enrollment and how to avoid penalties. Over 700,000 Boomers currently receive Medicare penalties because they didn’t understand the rules when signing up! How much in penalties? The numbers will shock you! Listen now to learn the rules and how to enroll the right way! Hi, I’m Toni King. Thank you for listening to today’s Medicare Moments podcast. I took the Medicare and You Handbook and put it into “people terms” so that America can personalize their Medicare just for themselves. Today I am discussing Medicare enrollment rules and penalties because, you know, there are over seven hundred thousand – do you hear me? There are over seven hundred thousand people receiving a Medicare penalty. Why?

Traditional or Original Medicare – What’s The Difference?

12 Min read

What’s the difference between Traditional and Original Medicare? The answer is simple, though it may surprise you! Join Toni King on this episode of Medicare Moments to learn about Medicare Parts A and B and why so many Americans are confused. Hello, thank you for listening to this Medicare Moments podcast. Hi, I’m Toni King. I took the Medicare and You handbook that many find hard to understand. I put it into “people terms.” I helped America personalize their Medicare because, with Medicare, it’s what you don’t know that will hurt you. So today, on Medicare Moments podcast, we’re gonna talk about original or traditional Medicare. What is the difference? I will tell you, so let’s get started together. I write

5 Ways to Stay Out of The “Donut Hole”

11 Min read

The costs of brand-name prescriptions have risen dramatically. And, if you have a Medicare Part D prescription plan, that could mean BIG expenses when you reach the Coverage Gap. Here’s what you need to know about the infamous Medicare Donut Hole! Hi, thank you for listening. This is Toni King, and welcome to this Medicare Moments podcast. You know, I took the Medicare and You handbook, and I put it in “people terms”, because people have a hard time trying to understand Medicare, the Medicare and You handbook. So I’m here to help you personalize your Medicare. Today, together, we are discussing Medicare’s “donut hole” and what it is all about. With Medicare, it’s what you don’t know that will hurt