Are you confused about Medicare and looking for clear answers to your most pressing questions? In this informative Q&A episode, hosts Cameron Giardini and Joanne Giardini-Russell from Giardini Medicare answer real questions from their audience to help you navigate the complexities of Medicare.

Whether you're unsure about enrolling in Medicare Part B, dropping Medigap coverage, or how the IRMAA surcharge impacts your premiums, this episode covers it all. We also dive into topics like:

- Returning to Work After Medicare Enrollment: What happens if you enroll in Medicare, but later gain access to employer coverage? Can you drop Part B? What happens when you want to re-enroll?

- Medicare Advantage Changes for 2025: Find out about the new rules, including how plans will be required to notify enrollees about unused benefits.

- Medigap and Maximum Out-of-Pocket (MOOP): Does Medicare Supplement Plan N have a maximum out-of-pocket limit? Learn about the differences between Medigap plans and how you can protect yourself from high medical bills.

- IRMAA Surcharges Explained: How does your income affect your Medicare premiums, and can you appeal if your income drops after retirement?

- Medicare Enrollment Timing: Do you need to enroll in a Medicare Supplement or Medicare Advantage plan at the same time as you apply for Medicare?

Our hosts break down these important topics with simple, step-by-step guidance. Whether you’re a first-time Medicare enrollee or currently re-evaluating your coverage, this episode offers actionable advice that can save you from costly mistakes.

Who is this episode for?

- Individuals turning 65 and navigating their Medicare Initial Enrollment Period.
- People who want to understand their options for Medigap or Medicare Advantage.
- Those returning to work after retirement and wondering about dropping Part B.
- High-income earners dealing with IRMAA surcharges and wanting to know their options for appeal.
- Anyone looking for clear, accurate Medicare advice in an easy-to-understand format.

- Leave a review on your favorite podcast app to help others discover this episode.
- Visit our website gmedicareteam.com
- Follow us on YouTube or TikTok by searching "Giardini Medicare" for more helpful content.
- Email us your Medicare questions at info@gmedicareteam.com

Episode Sources:

Cancelling Medicare Part B

MA Supplemental Benefit Notification

More MA Extra Benefit Information

IRMAA Information

Are you approaching your transition to Medicare and feeling overwhelmed by all the potential pitfalls and complexities? You’re not alone! In this episode of the "Client Scenarios Podcast," we go beyond hypothetical examples and dive into five real-life Medicare scenarios our clients have faced. Learn how to avoid costly mistakes and make smarter decisions when enrolling in Medicare.

Join hosts Cameron Giardini and Joanne Giardini-Russell from Giardini Medicare, an independent insurance agency serving clients in over 13 states, as they share real stories—from clients who faced Medicare enrollment traps to those who found unique ways to maximize their Medicare benefits. Whether you’re concerned about moving states with a Medicare Advantage plan, navigating COBRA insurance complications, managing Medigap payments, avoiding last-minute Medicare enrollments, or understanding marketplace subsidies and Medicare eligibility, this episode offers practical advice for anyone transitioning to Medicare.

Episode Highlights:

1. Moving Out of State with Medicare Advantage: Discover how relocating can impact your Medicare Advantage plan and what to do before you move to avoid losing coverage.

2. COBRA Insurance Pitfalls: Learn the hidden risks of relying on COBRA coverage after retirement and how it affects your Medicare Part B enrollment.

3. Risks with Medicare Supplement Payments: Understand the critical importance of setting up automatic payments for your Medigap premiums to avoid losing coverage.

4. Last-Minute Medicare Enrollments: Why waiting until the last minute to enroll in Medicare could cost you more than you think, and how to avoid these common mistakes.

5. Marketplace Subsidies vs. Medicare Eligibility: Find out why keeping your subsidized marketplace health plan after turning 65 could result in significant financial penalties.

Who Should Listen?

- Individuals approaching age 65 or currently planning their transition to Medicare.
- Those currently enrolled in a Medicare Advantage or Medigap plan and considering a move to a new state or county.
- Retirees relying on COBRA insurance who need to understand how it affects their Medicare options.
- People enrolled in the marketplace (ACA) health plans receiving subsidies who are nearing Medicare eligibility.
- Caregivers and family members assisting loved ones with their Medicare decisions.

More Content:

- Visit our website: gmedicareteam.com
- Connect with us on YouTube and TikTok by searching "Giardini Medicare" for more valuable Medicare content.
- Send us your questions or feedback at info@gmedicareteam.com

Episode Sources📖

Choosing a Medigap Policy

Medicare and You Handbook

Part B SEP Special Circumstances

Medicare and Marketplace Webinar

Feeling overwhelmed by Medicare’s Annual Election Period (AEP)? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! In this episode, Cameron Giardini and Joanne Giardini-Russell are here to simplify the process and guide you through the key changes coming for 2025. Whether you’re happy with your current plan or unsure about what’s next, we’ll help you prepare and make confident decisions for the upcoming year.

We’ll walk you through:

The AEP timeline is October 15 - December 7, 2024. What can you and can’t do during this period?

Medicare Advantage & Medigap updates: How to know if it’s time to switch plans or stay with what you have.

What to look for in your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC): We’ll explain how to interpret the updates to your coverage and whether your plan still meets your needs.

Part D prescription drug coverage: Changes in formularies, premiums, and how to ensure your medications are still covered.

What happens if your Medicare Advantage plan is terminated: We’ll walk you through your options if you’re affected by major plan changes for 2025.

Medigap underwriting tips: Learn how to switch to a Medigap plan, and what to know about medical underwriting.

Even if you’re completely satisfied with your plan right now, we’ll show you why taking 15 minutes to review your coverage can save you from surprises next year. This episode is packed with practical advice for navigating Medicare’s Annual Election Period, and we’ll make sure you feel supported throughout the process.

Take control of your Medicare coverage for 2025 with the help of this episode! Whether you’re new to Medicare or just reviewing your current plan, we’ve got you covered. Tune in, and if you have questions, reach out to us at gmedicareteam.com or send an email to info@gmedicareteam.com. Don’t forget to subscribe for more helpful tips, and check out our YouTube channel for even more Medicare content.

Helpful Links 🔗

Medicare.gov Plan Finder Tool