Knowing what Medicare covers is the first step, but scheduling and using your preventive care benefits is what makes the difference for your health. Many Medicare beneficiaries have access to these no-cost services but never use them simply because they are not sure how to get started. Here is a simple guide to help you take action. Step 1: Confirm Your Coverage Before scheduling any preventive service, it is important to confirm how you receive your Medicare coverage: If you

Spring is a great time to take stock of your health, and the good news is that Medicare already has you covered. Many Medicare beneficiaries don't realize just how many preventive services are included in their coverage at no cost. Taking advantage of these benefits every year is one of the best things you can do for your health and your budget. What Are Preventive Services? Preventive services are tests, screenings, counseling sessions, and visits designed to help you stay

Medicare fraud and elder financial abuse are real and growing concerns. Every year, scammers target Medicare beneficiaries in an attempt to steal personal information, bill Medicare for services never provided, or pressure individuals into changing plans.  Knowing how these scams work is one of the most powerful ways to protect yourself. If you are ever questioning if something is a scam, contact SGIA Medicare Consultant to help protect your information and coverage.  Why Med

Choosing a Medicare plan is about more than the monthly premium. Planning ahead can help you avoid surprises and make your healthcare more manageable, and SGIA Medicare Consulting is here to help you navigate these decisions based on your unique needs . Prescription Drug Costs (Part D)  Medicare Part D plans may have a deductible up to $615 (maximum in 2026).  After meeting your deductible, you typically pay coinsurance or copays for covered medications.  Once your true out

Unexpected medical bills can be stressful, especially when you believe something should have been covered. While not every cost can be avoided, many surprise expenses can be reduced with a little preparation. Understanding how your plan works is key, and your SGIA Benefit Consultant is here to help you do just that.  Below are practical steps you can take to better protect yourself financially.  Confirm That Your Provider Accepts Your Coverage  Before scheduling an appointmen

Some people pay more for Medicare based on having a higher income. This extra amount is called IRMAA , which stands for Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount .  Let’s break down each aspect of IRMAA, how it is calculation, and how to know if you are impacted by IRMAA.  What Is the Standard Cost? In 2026:  The standard Part B premium is $202.90 per month .  Part D premiums vary by plan .  Most people pay the standard amount.  IRMAA only applies if your income is above spe

Medicare costs are updated annually by the federal government. Premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance amounts can change each year, which is why reviewing updated figures is important.   Below is a detailed breakdown of 2026 Medicare costs and how they are calculated. Remember that your SGIA Benefit Consultant is always here to help you understand these numbers.  Part A (Hospital Insurance) 2026 Costs Most beneficiaries qualify for premium-free Part A if they or their spouse

Choosing between a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan and a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan is an important decision. Both options help cover costs, but they work very differently.  When a Medigap Plan May Make Sense:  You want the freedom to see any doctor or specialist who accepts Medicare , without network restrictions   You travel often or live in more than one state during the year  You prefer predictable out-of-pocket costs instead of month-to-month  You are comfor

Medicare Part D helps cover the cost of prescription medications . These plans are offered by private insurance companies and can vary widely in coverage and cost.  Medicare Part D plans include:  A formulary, or list of covered medications   A pharmacy network , which may include preferred pharmacies  Copays or coinsurance that vary by medication tier  Important things to know about Part D:  Not all medications are covered the same way  Drug costs and formularies can chan

Medicare Part B covers many of the medical services you use on a regular basis. This is the part of Medicare that helps with everyday healthcare needs outside of hospital stays .  Medicare Part B Helps Cover:  Doctor and specialist visits  Outpatient care and procedures  Preventive services and screenings , such as annual wellness visits  Lab tests, imaging, and diagnostic services  Mental health services  Durable medical equipment like walkers, wheelchairs, or oxygen  W

Medicare Part A helps cover care when you are admitted to a hospital or need certain types of inpatient care. This part of Medicare is often called Hospital Insurance, but it includes more than just hospital stays.  Medicare Part A Helps Cover:  Inpatient hospital stays , including room, meals, nursing care, and medications given during your stay  Skilled nursing facility care after a qualifying inpatient hospital stay  Hospice care for individuals with a terminal illness  

Medicare decisions don’t have to be complicated, but small misunderstandings can lead to big frustrations later.  That’s why SGIA Medicare Consulting is here to help.     Here are some of the most common Medicare mistakes we see, and how to protect yourself from them.  Mistake #1 : Missing Your Enrollment Window  Many people don’t realize Medicare has  strict  enrollment periods.  Enrolling late in Part B (and sometimes Part A) can lead to  permanent penalties   Others experi

Medicare provides excellent coverage, but it’s important to understand the costs associated with your benefits, so you can budget confidently for the year ahead.  Contact your SGIA Benefit Consultant  to find the best plans that meet your needs.  Premiums   A premium is the  monthly amount  you pay for insurance coverage.  Part A is usually  premium-free  for most beneficiaries  Part B has a  monthly premium set by Medicare   Part D and Medicare Advantage plans may also have 

Let's review the basics of  Medicare Enrollment Rules  to help you avoid penalties and ensure your coverage begins when you need it. When preparing to enroll, contact your SGIA Benefit Consultant and they will help you walk through the entire enrollment process, all at no cost to you.  Who Is Eligible to Enroll?  Adults turning  65   Individuals under 65 with qualifying disabilities   People with  ESRD or ALS   U.S.  citizens  or  permanent residents  (5+ years)  Part A & Pa

Medicare is divided into four parts, each with its own role. Our Benefit Consultants are here to guide you through understanding each part of Medicare while prioritizing you each step of the way.  Part A: Hospital Insurance  Helps cover:  Inpatient hospital stays  Skilled nursing facility care (after a qualifying stay)  Some home-health services  Hospice care  Most people receive Part A premium-free based on the Medicare taxes that you or your spouse paid while working fo

To start the year, let’s revisit some basic information about your coverage. Understanding the basics ensures you get the most out of your benefits and feel more confident when reviewing your plan with your SGIA Benefit Consultant throughout the year.  What is Medicare? Medicare is a federal health insurance program that helps cover healthcare costs for:  People age 65 and older   People under 65 with certain disabilities   People of any age with E nd-Stage Renal Disease (ES