Episode 313: Medicare in 2026: What to Know Before You Turn 65 with Cameron Giardini

Medicare is a cornerstone of most retirement plans, but it’s also a brand-new system for people who’ve spent decades on employer coverage. Melissa Joy, CFP® sits down with Cameron Giardini of to break down what Medicare is, when you actually need to enroll, and how to avoid the most common (and costly) mistakes.

They cover the major coverage paths (Original Medicare + Medicare Advantage vs Medigap), why your first enrollment decision at 65 can affect your options later, and what higher earners need to know about IRMAA surcharges. Cameron also explains a key HSA pitfall, shares what’s changing heading into 2026, and points listeners to free education resources to start learning without overwhelm.

What You’ll Learn

• What Medicare is (and isn’t), and when it typically starts
• When to begin planning, and how to check eligibility and costs
• When you can delay Medicare past 65 without penalties
• The key decision: Medicare Advantage vs Medigap (and what each really means)
• Why your first Part B enrollment window matters for lifetime flexibility
• What IRMAA is, how it’s calculated, and how to appeal it after retirement
• How HSAs interact with Medicare and what not to do at 65
• What’s getting more expensive in 2026 and why “choice” may continue shrinking
• How adult children can help parents by first identifying what coverage they actually have

Connect with Cameron: https://gmedicareteam.com/

Youtube: www.youtube.com/@GiardiniMedicare

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