Medicare Tips and Advice

Helping you choose and make the most of your Medicare plan.

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Author: Bek Johnson

A woman checks her temperature after catching a respiratory virus.

Health & Wellness

What you need to know about respiratory illnesses

Respiratory illnesses like flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) tend to ramp up from fall all the way through the end of spring. And people over the age of 75, or even over the age of 50 with other risk factors, are even more susceptible. That’s why it’s especially important to keep up with respiratory vaccines as you get older. They not only help keep you from getting sick—they also help protect your family, friends and community. Let’s explore your preventive options and answer some frequently asked questions about respiratory illnesses.

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People 65+ learn attend a local event.

Turning 65

National vs. Local Medicare Plans: What’s the Difference?

When choosing a Medicare plan, there’s a lot to consider: Premiums. Prescriptions. The difference between Medicare Advantage and Original Medicare. Another factor to consider is whether your plan is from a national or a local insurance company. While big-name recognition might feel reassuring, there are significant advantages to choosing a health plan that’s rooted in your community.

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Two people on Medicare Advantage enjoy traveling.

Benefits & Coverage

What’s the ‘Advantage’ of Medicare Advantage?

When it comes to health plans, finding the right balance between cost and benefits can be difficult. While Original Medicare offers a reliable way to cover out-of-pocket costs, you don’t get coverage for essential services like dental, vision and hearing care. Not to mention, it doesn’t offer any special perks to keep you healthier in the years to come. Many Medicare Advantage plans, on the other hand, offer extra benefits and perks at a lower cost than paying out of pocket.

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An older couple look at the Medicare Advantage PPO options.

Benefits & Coverage

Medicare Supplements vs. PPO Plans—What Should You Choose?

If you’re currently on a Medigap plan, you might be feeling the pinch of high premiums, or your insurer might be leaving your area entirely next year. As stressful as that can be, you don’t need to worry. You have options and time to make the right decision for your health—especially now, during the Annual Enrollment Period.

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Have Questions? Ready to Enroll?

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A woman talks to a broker about the five types of Medicare Advantage plans.

Benefits & Coverage

The Five Types of Medicare Advantage Plans

With the Annual Enrollment Period right around the corner, it’s time to start deciding whether you want to stick with Original Medicare, opt in to Medicare Advantage (Part C) or switch to a new Medicare Advantage Plan. How do you distinguish between different plans in your area to decide what’s best for you?

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A woman uses AEP shopping tips to choose a Medicare Advantage plan.

Benefits & Coverage

Getting Ready for the Annual Enrollment Period

The Annual Enrollment Period happens October 15 through December 7—your primary opportunity to review your Medicare coverage and make changes. Prepare effectively by reading your Annual Notice of Change, confirming your doctors are in-network, checking your drug formulary, and reviewing value-added benefits to make informed decisions for the coming year.

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Medicare options if you lose your job after 65.

Eligibility & Enrollment

Losing Your Job After 65: Medicare Options

Losing your job when you are 65 or older can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re navigating the world of Medicare for the first time. You might be wondering how to avoid gaps in your health coverage and what steps you need to take right away. The good news is that Medicare has built-in protections specifically for situations like yours, and you have more time and options than you might think.

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An older woman checks her current prescriptions with a new insurance plan's formulary.

Eligibility & Enrollment

How to Read a Formulary with Baylor Scott & White Health Plan

With drug prices increasing, it’s more important than ever to understand what medications your Medicare Part D coverage includes. As a member, you have a right to know your medication benefits from start to finish, but it can feel unclear without all the facts. This blog will teach you how to read a formulary, so you can understand your benefits better.

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