Medicare can feel overwhelming, especially when every plan, commercial, and phone call seems to say something different. The Savvy65 Education Center gives you simple, practical explanations so you can better understand your options before making a decision.
Are you receiving calls claiming they need to update your Medicare records? Learn how these spam callers operate, why they're asking about Medicare Part B, and the simple steps you can take to protect yourself from scams and reduce unwanted calls.
Rate increases that once averaged around 5% are now reaching 20% or more in some areas. Have Medicare Supplement premiums reached a tipping point?
CMS has released new details about the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Program, including provider forms, eligibility requirements, and a new requirement that beneficiaries show their insurance has denied coverage. The program has also been extended through December 31, 2027. Watch for the latest updates and important information before applying.
CMS has released new information about the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Program, including eligibility requirements, covered medications, and how the prior authorization process will work. Learn what beneficiaries need to know before the program's planned July 1, 2026 launch.
Medicare Supplement premiums will increase over time, and sometimes those increases are significant. In this video, I explain why it may be worth reviewing your options, what to watch for, and why you should never cancel your current coverage until you know whether a new plan is approved.
Clear Spring Health is exiting the Medicare Advantage market, and affected members may need to choose new coverage. In this short video, Donna Lee with Savvy65 explains what members should know, why timing matters, and why reviewing doctors, prescriptions, and plan options carefully is so important.
CMS has announced the new Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program expected to begin July 1, 2026.
In this video, Donna explains what Medicare beneficiaries should know about eligibility, Part D coverage, prior authorization, and why the details matter before assuming you qualify.
Many people are surprised to learn that Original Medicare provides very limited coverage outside the United States. In this video, Donna explains what Medicare may — and may not — cover while traveling abroad, how Medicare plans can differ, and why it’s important to understand your protection before you leave home.
I help seniors with Medicare every day — and then I turned 65 myself. This video is a personal reminder that Medicare can feel confusing, even when you know the system. The most important thing is to ask questions, slow down, and make sure your choices actually fit you.
Choosing Medicare coverage? Learn the difference between working with an independent broker and a call center, and why personalized guidance can make all the difference before and after enrollment.
Knowing when to enroll in Medicare can help you avoid late penalties, coverage delays, and costly mistakes. Learn when your Initial Enrollment Period begins, when your Medicare coverage starts, and the important timing rules that can affect your effective date.
Still working at age 65 and wondering if you need Medicare? Learn how employer size, creditable coverage, and Medicare enrollment rules affect your decision. Understand when you can delay Medicare and how to avoid costly late enrollment penalties.
Learn how Medicare affects your Health Savings Account, when to stop HSA contributions, and how to avoid potential tax penalties when enrolling in Medicare.
Learn what Medicare Part A and Part B cover, what Original Medicare doesn't cover, and why understanding these coverage gaps is important when making your Medicare decisions.
Think you can skip Medicare Part D because you don't take prescriptions? Learn how Part D works, who needs drug coverage, and how to avoid costly late enrollment penalties.
Learn how Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans work with Original Medicare, what Plan G covers, and why many people choose supplemental coverage to help reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Learn how Medicare Advantage plans work, including provider networks, prior authorizations, prescription drug coverage, and the pros and cons of Medicare Advantage.
Compare Original Medicare, Medicare Supplement (Medigap), and Medicare Advantage plans to understand the differences in costs, coverage, provider access, and out-of-pocket expenses.
Learn about Medicare enrollment periods, including the Initial Enrollment Period, Annual Enrollment Period, Special Enrollment Periods, and when you can make changes to your coverage.
Learn about the biggest gaps in Original Medicare, including dental, vision, hearing, long-term care, prescription drugs, and foreign travel coverage.
Learn how Medicare premiums, deductibles, copays, and out-of-pocket costs can affect your healthcare budget in retirement. This episode explains Medicare costs, including IRMAA, so you can make informed decisions before enrolling.
Learn how IRMAA can increase your Medicare Part B and Part D premiums and why Social Security uses your tax return to determine whether you pay more. This episode explains the income limits, life-changing events, and appeal options that can affect your Medicare costs.
Prescription costs can hit hard, especially early in the year. Medicare’s prescription payment option may help spread those costs into monthly payments instead of paying a large amount all at once. In this video, I explain the basics in plain English.
You may have seen Medicare Advantage plans advertising a Part B Giveback benefit. In this short video, Donna Lee with Savvy65 explains what the benefit really means and why it is important to review your doctors, prescriptions, costs, and coverage before making a Medicare decision.
Dental benefits can be important, but they should never be the only reason you choose a Medicare Advantage plan. In this video, Donna Lee with Savvy65 explains why provider access, cost sharing, prescriptions, and the overall structure of the plan matter just as much as the advertised dental allowance.
Traveling this Memorial Day weekend or this summer? Donna with Savvy65 explains how Medicare coverage works away from home, including important differences between Original Medicare, Supplements, and Medicare Advantage plans.
Educate Yourself Before Enrolling in Medicare
Many people assume they can delay Medicare while keeping employer coverage, but the rules aren't always that simple. Learn when it's safe to postpone Medicare and how to avoid costly penalties and coverage gaps.
Your neighbor may love their Medicare plan, but that doesn't mean it's the right choice for you. In this video, Donna explains why Medicare decisions should be based on your doctors, prescriptions, and healthcare needs—not someone else's experience.
Missing your Medicare Part B enrollment window can lead to late enrollment penalties and gaps in coverage. In this video, Donna explains who needs to enroll, common mistakes people make when turning 65, and how to avoid costly Medicare enrollment errors.
Prescription drug plans can change every year. Reviewing your medications during enrollment may help you avoid higher costs and make sure your coverage still meets your needs.
Many people are surprised to learn that Medicare Supplement plans and Medicare Advantage plans work very differently when it comes to provider access.
Many beneficiaries assume that if their doctor orders a test, procedure, medication, or medical equipment, Medicare will automatically cover it. Unfortunately, that's not always the case.
Many people are surprised to learn that Medicare generally does not cover long-term custodial care in a nursing home, assisted living facility, or at home.
Many people immediately call the insurance company, but that may not always be your best resource. Your agent knows how to navigate the Medicare landscape.
Learn what IRMAA is, how Medicare determines whether you owe it, why a one-time income event can impact your premiums years later, and how some beneficiaries may be able to appeal an IRMAA determination using Form SSA-44.
Many people choose a Medicare plan and never look at it again. Learn why reviewing your coverage each year can help you avoid unexpected costs and ensure your plan still meets your needs.
Extra Help can significantly reduce prescription drug costs, including premiums, deductibles, copays, and other out-of-pocket expenses for those who qualify.
Know the difference between observation status and inpatient admission matters, how it can affect your out-of-pocket costs, and why it may impact coverage for skilled nursing facility care after a hospital stay.
Many Medicare beneficiaries mistakenly pay an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) thinking it is a medical bill. Learn how to tell the difference between an EOB and an actual bill so you can avoid overpaying, reduce confusion, and protect yourself from costly Medicare mistakes.
he way you file your taxes can affect your Medicare costs. Learn how filing jointly may trigger IRMAA surcharges on Medicare Part B and Part D premiums and why discussing your filing status with a tax professional could help you avoid unexpected Medicare expenses.
If you're not collecting Social Security, Medicare may bill you directly for your Part B premium. Missing those payments can lead to cancellation of your Part B coverage and even loss of your Medicare Advantage plan. Learn how Medicare billing works and how to avoid this costly mistake.
During the visit, your doctor may review your medications, blood pressure, memory concerns, fall risks, and preventive care needs. You may also receive a personalized plan for recommended screenings, vaccines, and wellness services covered by Medicare.
Learn about the preventive services Medicare may already cover, including the Welcome to Medicare and Annual Wellness visits. This introductory video helps you make the most of your Medicare benefits.
Depression can affect anyone, and Medicare helps cover depression screening as part of its preventive benefits. Learn who qualifies, what's covered, and why early detection is important for your overall health and well-being.
Depression can affect anyone, and Medicare helps cover depression screening as part of its preventive benefits. Learn who qualifies, what's covered, and why early detection is important for your overall health and well-being.
Did you know Medicare may cover bone density testing for eligible beneficiaries? Learn who qualifies, how often the screening may be covered, and why early detection is important for protecting your bone health.
Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths, but early detection can make a big difference. Learn who qualifies for Medicare-covered lung cancer screening, why it matters, and how this simple test may help find cancer before symptoms appear.
Many people have prediabetes or diabetes without realizing it. Learn who qualifies for Medicare-covered diabetes screenings, why early detection matters, and how this simple test could help protect your long-term health.
Learn how Medicare covers screening colonoscopies, when costs may apply, and why this important preventive test can help detect problems before they become serious.
Many people are surprised to learn that HIV testing is considered an important preventive health service and may be covered at no cost when Medicare guidelines are met.
Medicare covers Hepatitis C screening for eligible beneficiaries and may also cover ongoing screenings for those at higher risk. Medicare also covers Hepatitis B screening for individuals who meet certain risk criteria.
Medicare covers cardiovascular disease screening blood tests that check cholesterol, lipid, and triglyceride levels. It also covers a yearly cardiovascular risk reduction visit with your primary care doctor to help review your risk factors and discuss ways to support your heart health.
Many serious conditions have no symptoms in their early stages. That's why Medicare covers a variety of preventive services designed to help detect problems before they become more serious. Many Medicare beneficiaries miss out on valuable preventive benefits simply because they don't understand how Medicare screenings and wellness visits work. In this video,
Learn how Medicare covers prostate cancer screening, including annual PSA blood tests for eligible men. This video explains who qualifies, what the screening involves, and why early detection is important for protecting your health.
This simple ultrasound can help detect a potentially life-threatening condition before it becomes an emergency. Many aneurysms cause no symptoms, making early detection critical for those at risk.
Learn how Medicare covers preventive mammograms, who qualifies, and why early breast cancer screening is so important. Donna explains Medicare mammogram coverage in simple, easy-to-understand terms.
Learn how Medicare covers cervical cancer screenings, including Pap tests and pelvic exams. Watch this short video to learn more about this valuable Medicare preventive benefit.
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