The Money Maze

Choosing a Medigap plan — the lettered plans decoded

This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or financial advice. Every family situation is different, and you should consult with appropriate professionals about your specific circumstances. At some point during your research into Medigap, you're going to see a chart with plans

The Money Maze

Medicare enrollment periods — the windows that matter and the penalties for missing them

This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or financial advice. Every family situation is different, and you should consult with appropriate professionals about your specific circumstances. If there's one thing that will reliably mess up your parent's Medicare situation in

The Money Maze

Original Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage — the choice that shapes everything

This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or financial advice. Every family situation is different, and you should consult with appropriate professionals about your specific circumstances. When your parent turns 65, Medicare becomes available, but here's what nobody tells you straight: it&

The Money Maze

Medigap plans — supplemental insurance that fills the holes

This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or financial advice. Every family situation is different, and you should consult with appropriate professionals about your specific circumstances. When you start learning about Medicare, everyone talks about Original Medicare, and then everyone mentions Medigap in the

The Money Maze

Medicare Part C — Medicare Advantage plans and the trade-offs nobody explains

This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or financial advice. Every family situation is different, and you should consult with appropriate professionals about your specific circumstances. Medicare Part C — Medicare Advantage Plans and the Trade-Offs Nobody Explains When my uncle turned 65, he got

The Money Maze

Medicare Part D — prescription drug coverage and the coverage gap

This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or financial advice. Every family situation is different, and you should consult with appropriate professionals about your specific circumstances. Medicare Part D — Prescription Drug Coverage and the Coverage Gap My neighbor's mother takes five medications

The Money Maze

Medicare Part A — hospital coverage and what it actually pays for

This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or financial advice. Every family situation is different, and you should consult with appropriate professionals about your specific circumstances. Medicare Part A — Hospital Coverage and What It Actually Pays For The first time my father went to

The Money Maze

Medicare Part B — outpatient coverage and the monthly premium reality

This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or financial advice. Every family situation is different, and you should consult with appropriate professionals about your specific circumstances. Medicare Part B — Outpatient Coverage and the Monthly Premium Reality My mother's first shock with Medicare

Understanding What They're Facing

Depression and chronic illness — the cycle that feeds itself

This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or financial advice. Every family situation is different, and you should consult with appropriate professionals about your specific circumstances. Your father sits in the same chair for hours without turning on the television. Your mother, who used

The Money Maze

Medicare explained — what it is, who qualifies, and when to enroll

This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or financial advice. Every family situation is different, and you should consult with appropriate professionals about your specific circumstances. Medicare Explained — What It Is, Who Qualifies, and When to Enroll When my mother turned 64, she started

Understanding What They're Facing

Malnutrition in the elderly — when they stop eating enough

This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or financial advice. Every family situation is different, and you should consult with appropriate professionals about your specific circumstances. Your mother sits across from you at lunch and drinks maybe half a glass of water the entire

Understanding What They're Facing

Dehydration in seniors — the hidden danger

This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or financial advice. Every family situation is different, and you should consult with appropriate professionals about your specific circumstances. You notice your mother's clothes hanging loose. Not just a little loose—the way they did