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The start of the Medicare Open Enrollment Period is coming soon (Oct. 15 – Dec. 7). It is important that you understand the basic difference between Medicare Advantage and original Medicare. This posting covers the basics of Medicare Advantage. Last week’s posting covered the basics of original Medicare. Medicare Advantage (also known as Part C) plans by private insurers provide…

Our Chapter is part of the National Retiree Legislative Network (the NRLN), which actively pursues legislative changes that will improve the retirement for its members, and for all retirees. The NRLN’s twice annual meeting was held in Washington DC on September 15 through 18, 2024. In addition to a Board Meeting, the NRLN uses this opportunity to actively pursue in…

The National Retiree Legislative Network (NRLN) recently hosted its annual Fly-In event in Washington, D.C., where  attendees met with Congressional representatives to advocate for the protection of retirees’ pensions, Social Security, and Medicare. Participants engaged directly with lawmakers, sharing stories and emphasizing the need for legislation that safeguards the financial security of retirees. NRLN’s executive staff played a key role,…

Visit Medicare.gov to Find a variety of MediGap Plans As we approach the Medicare Open Enrollment Period, Oct. 15 – Dec. 7, it is important to understand the basic differences between original Medicare, also known as fee-for-service (FSS), and Medicare Advantage. This posting covers the basics of original Medicare. Next week’s posting will cover the basics of Medicare Advantage. In-Depth…

One of the options that enrollees in traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage have during the Open Enrollment Period Oct. 15 – Dec. 7 is changing their Medicare Part D prescription drug plan. A prescription drug plan is independent from traditional Medicare while many Medicare Advantage plans include a prescription drug plan. Be sure you understand how your prescription drug plan…

Beginning in January 2025, Medicare beneficiaries with Part D can opt in for the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan (MPPP). Medicare Part D enrollees and Medicare Advantage (MA) plans enrollees with frug coverage will have the option to spread out the costs of their prescription drugs over the calendar year. This eliminates the burden on individuals with high Rx costs of…

Read Your Medicare Notice of Change When Received Medicare’s Open Enrollment Oct. 15 – Dec. 5. https://dxh92vrxakdsl.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Medicare-Open-Enrollment-How-To-2024.mp4#t=1 If you are on Medicare, you’ll be getting one or two Annual Notice of Change letters in your mail or email this September about your 2025 coverage and costs. This information is important for you to make your choices during Medicare’s Open Enrollment…

By March 2009, GM had received billions of dollars in federal government loans and news stories were asking what would happen if GM went bankrupt. That month NRLN helped with the formation of the General Motors Retirees Association.  John Christie was the founding President of GMRA and its website was launched on March 20, 2009. John was elected to the…

Major Benefit Coming for Medicare Part D Beginning in January 2025, Medicare Part D prescription drug plans must cap out-of-pocket spending for drugs at $2,000 per person per year. However, do not think that’s an all-in cost for the year. There are four areas of costs in Part D plans and Medicare Advantage plans with drug coverage and you may…

The annual Medicare Enrollment period, October 15 – December 7, is when seniors with traditional Medicare or Medicare Advantage can shop for a better value in their medical and prescription drugs plans and change their coverage for the next year. People in traditional Medicare can use the open enrollment period to find and enroll in a Medicare supplement plan (Medigap)…