Straight answers to common Medicare questions

Medicare Advantage (Part C) bundles your hospital, medical and often drug coverage into one plan through a private insurer, typically with a regional network of doctors. Medicare Supplement (Medigap) has no networks so you can see any doctor that accepts Medicare, works alongside Original Medicare and helps pay the costs that Medicare doesn't cover. Arlyne can walk you through which approach suits your lifestyle and budget best.

Most people are better off enrolling in a Part D plan, even with no current prescriptions. Skipping it can lead to permanent Part D late enrollment penalties if you sign up later. Plus, healthcare needs can change quickly.

Most people become eligible the month they turn 65. Your Initial Enrollment Period runs for seven months: three months before your birthday month, your birthday month and three months after. If you're under 65 and have a disability, you'll automatically get Medicare after your 24th month of receiving disability benefits. People with End-Stage Renal Disease or ALS become eligible based on the date of their diagnosis and other factors; not their age.

This is where Medicare gets its reputation for being a maze. There are dozens of factors to consider with different triggers at every turn. It pays to plan ahead. Do-it-yourselfers often miss small details that can lead to a lifetime of Medicare-related penalties later. Arlyne is a Certified Medicare Insurance Planner with over ten years of focused experience in the Medicare arena and has been a licensed health insurance broker for over 25 years. She knows the ropes, the red tape and all the deadlines. She explains all this in her complimentary Medicare Basics Overview, personalized to address your specific concerns. Then, whenever the time is right, she'll be there to navigate the appropriate Medicare enrollment path with you, without cost or obligation.

Here are some standard Medicare costs for 2026, as determined by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). These figures change, universally, from year to year. Stay tuned for 2027 updates.

Part A: typically $0

If you've paid enough into your Medicare taxes during your working years (or are the spouse of someone who did) and have been a U.S. resident for at least five years by the time you enroll in Part A, you pay nothing. In less common circumstances, Medicare enrollees may pay $311 or $565 per month.

Part B: typically $202.90 (2027 to be determined)

If you earn what Social Security considers to be average annual income, your Part B monthly premium is $202.90/mo. People with above-average income pay more. If you qualify for financial assistance, you'll pay less or nothing.

Annual Part B deductible: $283 (2027 to be determined)

This one-time cost per year is clearly itemized in Medicare Supplement plans. However, with Medicare Advantage, you won't see "Part B deductible" noted anywhere in your plan information. It's inconspicuously rolled into your total out-of-pocket costs for the year as a result of its all-in-one structure.

Maximum annual Part D deductible: $615 ($700 in 2027)

Regardless of whether one has a stand-alone Part D plan or their Part D is bundled into a Medicare Advantage plan, not all plans charge the highest allowable maximum. This is one way that Arizona-based plans compete for your business. Some set lower deductibles or even have a $0 deductible. Arlyne can save you time, effort and money by assessing all these options on your behalf.

Part D maximum out-of-pocket limit: $2100 ($2400 in 2027)

This is consistent across all Part D coverage; not a line item you need to compare. Once your out-of-pocket spending reaches $2100 ($2400 in 2027), you pay $0 for your covered meds for the rest of the calendar year.

Medicare Supplement, Medicare Advantage and Part D plan premiums vary widely based on the plan type, your healthcare needs and where you live. Many Medicare Advantage plans have a $0 monthly premium, while Medigap plans typically carry a monthly cost in exchange for lower out-of-pocket bills. Arlyne compares real numbers for your situation.

It depends. All Medicare Advantage plans have networks, so Arlyne checks whether or not your doctors are covered before recommending anything. In many cases, you can keep your current doctors. The vast majority of doctors accept Original Medicare combined with Medigap, so you're good here too.

Yes. Many plans include dental, vision, hearing, fitness benefits and a variety of other perks. The plans are all uniquely different. Tell Arlyne which extras are your top priority and she'll find you the perfect match.

It's spotty, at best, with lots of limitations. For example, Original Medicare doesn't cover healthcare services on a cruise ship that's more than six hours away from a U.S. port. It doesn't cover follow-up doctor services after being released from a foreign country hospital. It doesn't cover return ambulance trips back home or emergency flights back home either.

Some Medigap plans cover foreign travel medical emergencies; with a maximum lifetime coverage limit of $50,000. Medicare Advantage limits can be lower and worldwide coverage may not be covered at all. The incident must begin within the first 60 days of your trip. Typically, you must first pay out-of-pocket costs, save your paid receipts, then wait to get reimbursed many months later.

If Medicare's limited international coverage is a concern, be sure to visit the Travel Insurance section before planning your next trip abroad.

The Annual Enrollment Period runs October 15 through December 7 each year, which is when anyone can switch Medicare Advantage or Part D plans; to be effective January 1 of the following year. There are special situations that allow for changes outside of this timeframe. Medicare Supplement plans can be changed at any time of year. However, approval is not guaranteed. If you're shopping for a Medigap plan outside of your initial opportunity, you'll have to answer medical questions and be healthy enough to qualify. Arlyne tracks these dates and every applicable opportunity to make changes, so you won't have to.

Missing a deadline can mean waiting until the next enrollment period and, in some cases, a late enrollment penalty added to your premium. "Arlyne's Silver Bulletin" includes deadline reminders so this doesn't happen.

Yes, it happens. Although uncommon, plans can be discontinued, increase their out-of-pocket costs, reduce or eliminate extra benefits and even change their covered drugs from year to year. Arlyne recommends a quick annual review to assess whether your plan still suits your needs. Her clients find peace of mind knowing that she'll always reach out when there are major plan changes for the upcoming year.

No. Consultations and plan reviews are always free, with no obligation to enroll in anything.

No. Arlyne is an independent broker with access to multiple top-rated carriers, so her recommendations are based on what matches your healthcare needs and budget; not a sales quota.

Absolutely not! We're not a call center and you're not on some list shared with other agents. Your privacy is respected and your information stays with Haraburda Benefits. Arlyne follows up with you herself, one-on-one.

Arlyne is happy to answer your question with no pressure to schedule anything further. However, the only responsible way to answer any Medicare-related question, even a quick one, is to start with "It depends" and continue with "Tell me about your situation." Medicare is complicated; Arlyne's makes it easy. She gets to the core of what you need to know based on your unique circumstances; not someone else's.