Medicare is the federal health insurance program for Americans 65+. It has four parts: A (hospital), B (doctors/outpatient), C (Medicare Advantage private plans), and D (prescription drugs).
Medicare covers about 80% of most medical costs in retirement — but the remaining 20% can be unlimited without supplemental coverage. Understanding the parts, enrollment windows, and IRMAA surcharges is one of the highest-value decisions a pre-retiree can get right.
Medicare Advantage (Part C) is private health insurance that replaces Original Medicare. Plans bundle Parts A, B, and usually D, often add d…
Medigap (Medicare Supplement) is private insurance that covers the 20% coinsurance and other out-of-pocket costs Original Medicare doesn't p…
Medicaid is a joint federal-state program that covers healthcare and long-term care for people with limited income and assets. For retirees,…
An HSA is a tax-advantaged account for medical expenses, available only to people enrolled in a high-deductible health plan (HDHP). Contribu…