Reading Your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC)
Every August/September, your Medicare Advantage (MA) or Part D drug plan drops a thick envelope in your mailbox titled “Plan Annual Notice of Change (ANOC).” It’s the plan’s yearly “heads-up” on what will look different starting January 1, and by rule it has to reach you no later than September 30. Why the deadline? CMS wants to give you at least two weeks to digest any surprises before the Annual Election Period (AEP) opens Oct
Vaccinations: What Medicare Covers At No Charge
August might still feel like pool-weather, but it’s the perfect month to lock in the vaccines that will carry you safely through flu-season and the winter COVID-wave—and, new this year for many of us, RSV protection. Here’s the quick low-down for Medicare beneficiaries 65-plus (and younger friends with certain conditions). Why Book in August? Peak protection on time. It takes about two weeks for your immune system to build top-shelf antibodies after a shot, so
Life Changes? Here’s How to Use a Mid‑Year Special Enrollment Period (SEP)
July is the halfway point in the Medicare calendar—smack between last fall’s Annual Election Period (AEP) and this October’s next round. If you’ve had a big life change since January, you don’t have to wait until October 15 to tweak your coverage. Medicare gives you a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) so you can pivot mid‑year and still keep costs (and stress) under control. What Exactly Is a SEP? When certain events happen—think moving, losing other insurance, or
Beat the Heat: Hydration & Safety Tips for Older Adults
Summer is here, and forecasters are calling for another stretch of above‑average temperatures across much of the country. That’s more than just an inconvenience if you’re 65 or older: heat‑related deaths in our age group jumped 85 percent between 2000 and 2021—a reminder that hot weather deserves real respect. Below are quick, actionable steps to stay cool, stay hydrated, and stay out of the ER this July. 1. Hydrate Before You’re Thirsty Aim for a glass of water
Medicare and Dental
Why Doesn’t Medicare Cover Dental? Plus Options for Seniors When it comes to healthcare in retirement, many seniors are surprised to learn that Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) does not cover most dental services. This means routine exams, cleanings, fillings, dentures, and other essential dental care are out-of-pocket expenses for most beneficiaries. Why Isn’t Dental Covered by Medicare? Medicare was designed in 1965 primarily to cover hospital and medical insurance, focusing on urgent