Medisupps.com

For married couples, Social Security isn't just about when you claim. It's about how you and your spouse coordinate your claims together.

Here's what that looks like in practice:

➡️If one spouse earned significantly more over their lifetime, delaying that spouse's benefit can pay off in two ways. First, it grows by roughly 8% for every year you wait past full retirement age, up to age 70. Second, it sets the survivor benefit. If the higher earner dies first, the surviving spouse keeps that larger monthly check for the rest of their life.

➡️The lower-earning spouse, on the other hand, may have good reasons to claim earlier. They can collect on their own record first, then switch to a spousal benefit worth up to 50% of the higher earner's benefit once that spouse files.

There's no single right answer. The best strategy depends on both of your ages, your health, the gap between your expected benefits, and what other retirement income you have available.

❗What is worth knowing: the decisions you make now are largely permanent. It pays to understand your options before you file for Social Security.

We are here to help you understand the pros and cons of various strategies. Give us a call!

Finding the right home health agency for yourself or a loved one is one of those decisions that can feel overwhelming, especially when it needs to be made quickly.

That's why we're excited to share that U.S. News & World Report has released its first-ever Best Home Health ratings, evaluating more than 12,000 Medicare-certified agencies across the country. Using real data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the ratings score agencies on care quality, patient outcomes, and patient experience so you can make a more informed choice with confidence.

Here's what stood out: patients treated by top-rated agencies showed greater improvement in everyday activities like getting out of bed, bathing independently, and managing their medications. That's real progress that makes a real difference.

Knowing which agencies are highly rated is a great first step, but knowing how your insurance or Medicare plan covers home health care is just as important. We're here to help you understand your options before you need them.

Do you have questions about home health care coverage? We'd love to help.

Did your Medicare Advantage plan get discontinued for 2026? You are not alone.

Research published in JAMA found that nearly 2.9 million Medicare Advantage enrollees nationwide had their plans discontinued this year, a significant increase from prior years. If you were among those affected, it is important to understand that you have options, and that some of those options come with time-sensitive deadlines.

Depending on your situation, you may be able to enroll in a new Medicare Advantage plan, return to Original Medicare, or purchase a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policy. If your plan was discontinued, you may also have guaranteed issue rights that allow you to purchase certain Medigap policies without medical underwriting, but those rights apply within a specific window defined by federal law.

Navigating these choices on your own can feel overwhelming. That is what we are here for. Our team can walk you through your options, help you compare plans, and make sure you understand the deadlines that apply to your situation. 📋

📩 FREE Monthly Medicare Newsletter

Sign up here:
https://form.jotform.com/261247217181150

Medicare updates, health tips, coverage news, and insurance information delivered to your inbox each month.

Questions? Call 1-888-891-0229.

🏥 ER, Urgent Care, or Your Doctor? Here's a Quick Cheat Sheet

When something unexpected happens, knowing where to go can save you time, money, and stress. A quick guide:

🚨 Go to the ER for: Chest pain, stroke symptoms, major trauma, uncontrolled bleeding, difficulty breathing, or anything that feels severe or unusual. When in doubt, call 911.

⚕️ Choose urgent care for: Minor injuries, sprains, mild infections, sore throats, ear pain, rashes, low-grade fevers, or anything that can't wait for a regular appointment but isn't an emergency.

💻 Try telehealth for: Mild symptoms, prescription refills, or quick consultations. Many insurance plans include it as a covered benefit.

👩‍⚕️ Call your primary doctor for: Chronic conditions, ongoing care, preventive visits, or anything that can wait a day or two. Many offices keep same-day sick slots open.

Pro tip: ER visits average $1,200–$3,000+, while urgent care visits typically run $100–$250 for the same kind of non-emergency issue. Choosing the right "door" can make a big difference.

Have questions about what your plan covers? Drop us a message. 💬

Big news for Medicare Part D members 💊

Starting July 1, 2026, a new pilot program called the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge may make certain weight loss medications more affordable for eligible beneficiaries.

Here are the highlights:
🔷 Covered medications currently include Wegovy, Zepbound (KwikPen formulation), and Foundayo
🔷 Eligible members would pay a flat $50 monthly copay, compared to typical retail prices that can exceed $1,000
🔷 Eligibility is based on BMI plus related health conditions
🔷 Prior authorization from a doctor is required
🔷 The program runs through December 31, 2027

This is one of the most significant Medicare drug coverage changes in years. If you've ever wondered whether GLP-1 medications might fit your health picture, this is worth a closer look.

🧠 June is Alzheimer's & Brain Health Awareness Month

Alzheimer’s affects more than 7 million Americans, and Medicare gives you some good tools to support it.

✅ Your yearly Medicare "Wellness" visit includes a no-cost cognitive check-in to screen for early signs of memory or cognitive issues. ✅ If your provider notices anything, Medicare also covers a separate, more in-depth cognitive care planning visit. ✅ Caregivers are welcome to attend these visits, ask questions, and help build a care plan together.

There is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s, but early diagnosis can open the door to better treatment and support options. So don’t put it off. 💛 This June, consider scheduling your wellness visit and starting an open conversation with your loved ones about brain health.

Questions about what your Medicare plan covers? Send us a message anytime. 💬

On Memorial Day, we honor and remember the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. Their sacrifice makes the freedoms we enjoy today possible.

As we gather with family and friends for the long weekend, we hope your day is filled with gratitude, reflection, and meaningful connection with loved ones.

Happy Memorial Day!

If you’re a Veteran, did you know VA benefits and Medicare don’t work the same way?

It is important to understand how VA and Medicare benefits may, or may not, work together.

VA coverage is typically used at VA facilities, while Medicare can give you access to providers nationwide. Having both may offer more flexibility, especially if you travel frequently or want a broader choice of healthcare providers.

In addition, delaying Medicare Part B enrollment in favor of VA benefits could lead to a lifetime penalty if you eventually do decide to enroll in Medicare.

Understanding how these benefits work together can help you avoid gaps in coverage, and potential financial penalties.

Have questions? We’re here to help.

Graduation season is a milestone—not just for your child, but for you, too. 🎓

After years of busy schedules and daily routines as a family, the house can suddenly feel very quiet. Becoming an empty nester brings a mix of emotions: pride, excitement, uncertainty… and a real sense of loss. All of that is completely normal.

But this transition isn’t just an ending, it’s also a beginning. It’s a chance to reconnect with yourself, strengthen relationships, and explore goals that may have taken a back seat over the years. At the same time, your role as a parent evolves, from guiding every step to becoming a steady source of support (and hopefully wisdom) as your child navigates their own path.

This season of life holds new opportunities for growth, connection, and purpose… for both of you. Good luck!

➡️Do you have a child heading off to college, a new job, another big adventure? Please share your story. We’d love to hear about it!