Tag: Medicare

July 28, 2025 Off

Medicare Mistakes: How to Avoid Costly Errors in Retirement

By The Admiral Staff

The article highlights common and costly mistakes retirees make with Medicare, emphasizing the importance of research and planning. Key mistakes include missing the initial enrollment window (leading to late enrollment penalties), assuming Medicare is free (it has premiums and deductibles), delaying Part B when employer coverage isn’t “creditable,” skipping prescription drug coverage (Part D), not understanding the differences between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage, and failing to review coverage annually. The article also suggests additional ways to save money beyond Medicare, like using

May 17, 2025 Off

Navigating Medicare & Social Security at 65

By The Admiral Staff

A reader approaching 65 is concerned about affording Medicare Part B and asks if taking Social Security now, with deductions for Medicare, is better than waiting. Experts advise that while filing for Social Security before full retirement age (66 and 7/8) will reduce monthly payments, prioritizing healthcare needs or financial stability outweighs maximizing benefits. Social Security budgets for lifetime payments, so early filing simply spreads the total amount over a longer period. Alternatives for lowering Medicare costs are also available at Medicare.gov.

June 5, 2024 Off

Navigating the Medicare Donut Hole: A Guide to Lower Prescription Costs

By The Admiral Staff

The article explains Medicare’s “donut hole” or coverage gap, which occurs after you’ve spent a certain amount on prescription drugs ($5,030 in 2024). During this gap, you’ll pay a percentage (up to 25%) of medication costs until you reach a further threshold ($8,000), at which point catastrophic coverage kicks in. To mitigate this, the article suggests: choosing a Part D plan with a favorable formulary,

April 26, 2024 Off

Social Security Abroad: Can Benefits Follow Your Spouse to Russia?

By The Admiral Staff

U.S. citizens living in Russia can still receive full Social Security benefits, with payment options including mail or direct deposit. However, benefits may be affected in other countries, and Medicare coverage does not extend outside the U.S. The Social Security Administration periodically verifies eligibility through questionnaires.