Is Medicare being cut in 2023?

Yes, Medicare physician payments faced a 2% cut in 2023, reduced from a larger proposed cut due to Congressional action, though other cuts and changes affecting providers and beneficiaries, such as delays in Medicare Savings Program rule implementation, also occurred. While not a general benefit cut, these payment adjustments to providers, along with other legislative actions, impacted access to care and costs for some low-income beneficiaries.

Why are doctors dropping Medicare patients?

Physician Medicare reimbursement dropped 33% since 2000, when adjusted for inflation, according to the AMA. As a result, Ferguson said, many practices—particularly small, independent ones—can no longer afford to absorb the losses. "It's gotten to a point where you can't absorb it.

Does everyone have to pay $170 a month for Medicare?

If you don't get premium-free Part A, you pay up to $565 each month. If you don't buy Part A when you're first eligible for Medicare (usually when you turn 65), you might pay a penalty. Most people pay the standard Part B monthly premium amount ($202.90 in 2026).

What is going on with Medicare for seniors?

Premiums on the rise

In 2026, Medicare beneficiaries will see an increase in their Part B premiums, a rise to $2,100 in the Part D out-of-pocket cost cap and a higher Part D deductible of $615.

What are the big changes coming to Medicare?

Big changes coming to Medicare in 2026 focus on lowering prescription drug costs (with a $2,100 Part D cap and negotiated prices), expanding preventive care (like mental health & vaccines), streamlining MA plans by removing some perks, and introducing new tech/pilot programs for approvals, while generally increasing Part A & B premiums and deductibles. Key areas include a new automatic prescription payment plan, improved support for dual-eligible individuals, and adjustments to Medicare Advantage benefits and provider rules. 

Is Medicare Advantage Being Cut?

Is Medicare changing in 2025 for seniors?

In 2025, the biggest Medicare changes for seniors focus on Prescription Drug coverage (Part D) with a new $2,000 annual out-of-pocket cap, eliminating the "donut hole," allowing monthly payments for drug costs, and introducing price negotiations, while Medicare Advantage plans face potential benefit adjustments, and Part B premiums and deductibles will increase. Expect some MA plans to reduce extra perks to offset new drug costs, plus updates to telehealth and integrated care options. 

Who qualifies for an extra $144 added to their social security?

You qualify for an extra ~$144 on your Social Security check if you have a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan with a "Part B Giveback" benefit, which refunds some or all of your Medicare Part B premium, appearing as extra cash in your check, but eligibility depends on living in the plan's service area and paying your own Part B premiums. The "144" figure was common when the Part B premium was around that amount, but the actual refund varies by plan and location, potentially exceeding the full premium. 

Is it better to go on Medicare or stay on private insurance?

Neither Medicare nor private insurance is universally "better"; the best choice depends on individual needs, but Medicare often offers lower overall costs and simplicity for seniors, while private insurance excels in covering dependents and potentially offering more choice with networks/out-of-pocket caps, though at higher premiums. Medicare boasts lower admin costs and standardized coverage, but Original Medicare lacks an out-of-pocket maximum, a feature typically found in private plans and Medicare Advantage (Part C). 

Will seniors pay more for Medicare in 2026?

Yes, most seniors will pay more for Medicare in 2026, with the standard Part B premium increasing to $202.90 (up from $185 in 2025) and the annual deductible rising to $283, though some Medicare Advantage plan premiums will decrease, and negotiated drug prices for certain drugs will offer savings. These premium increases are driven by rising costs, but savings opportunities also exist, particularly with drug price caps and lower average Medicare Advantage premiums. 

What are the biggest mistakes people make with Medicare?

The biggest Medicare mistakes involve missing enrollment deadlines, failing to review plans annually, underestimating total costs (premiums, deductibles, copays), not enrolling in a Part D drug plan with Original Medicare, and assuming one-size-fits-all coverage or that Medicare covers everything like long-term care. People often delay enrollment, get locked into old plans without checking for better options, or overlook financial assistance programs, leading to higher out-of-pocket expenses and penalties. 

What are the 5 things Medicare doesn't cover?

Medicare generally doesn't cover long-term care, most dental care, routine vision services (like glasses), hearing aids/fittings, and cosmetic surgery, though it does provide strong coverage for hospital and doctor services; you can often get coverage for these gaps through Medicare Advantage (Part C) or supplemental plans. 

Why is my Medicare $500 a month?

Medicare Premiums Over $500

However, if you have a higher-than-average income, your Part B premiums start going up on a sliding scale. How much extra you pay is based on the income you reported to the IRS two years ago.

What part of Medicare is free for seniors?

Part A is free if you worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years. You may also be eligible because of your current or former spouse's work.

Is it better to have plain Medicare or Medicare Advantage?

Neither Original Medicare nor Medicare Advantage (MA) is universally "better"; the best choice depends on your healthcare needs, budget, and preference for provider choice, with Original Medicare offering nationwide provider freedom but requiring separate drug/supplement plans, while MA provides all-in-one coverage with networks and extra benefits like dental/vision but often requires referrals and has regional limits. 

What health insurance denies the most?

In 2023, roughly one third of all in-network claims made to AvMed were denied by the medical insurance company. In this year, AvMed and United HealthCare were the medical insurance companies with the highest denial rate for in-network claims in the United States, at 33 percent each.

Can I drop my medicare advantage plan and go back to original Medicare?

Yes, you can drop your Medicare Advantage (MA) plan and return to Original Medicare, typically during the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) (Oct 15–Dec 7) or the MA Open Enrollment Period (OEP) (Jan 1–Mar 31), though you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) if you move or have other qualifying life events, but be aware you'll need to get a Part D plan and might want a Medigap plan to help with costs. 

How will Medicare change in 2025 for seniors?

In 2025, the biggest Medicare changes for seniors focus on Prescription Drug coverage (Part D) with a new $2,000 annual out-of-pocket cap, eliminating the "donut hole," allowing monthly payments for drug costs, and introducing price negotiations, while Medicare Advantage plans face potential benefit adjustments, and Part B premiums and deductibles will increase. Expect some MA plans to reduce extra perks to offset new drug costs, plus updates to telehealth and integrated care options. 

Does Medicare cover 100% of hospital bills?

No, Original Medicare (Part A & B) does not cover 100% of hospital bills; beneficiaries pay deductibles, coinsurance, and copays, but you can get full coverage by adding Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans or choosing a Medicare Advantage plan. Part A covers the first 60 days of a hospital stay (after a deductible), but after that, you pay daily coinsurance, and there's no limit on your total costs unless you have supplemental coverage.
 

Why was my social security check reduced this month?

Your Social Security check likely decreased due to Medicare premium increases (Part B/D), recovery of a past overpayment, higher earnings (if working), or new deductions for debts like student loans, with SSA notices by mail explaining changes, especially if it's an overpayment. Other causes could be changes in living situations for SSI, or if you're on SSDI and your income jumped, affecting benefits or Medicare costs. 

What is the best secondary insurance if you have Medicare?

Best Medicare Supplement Insurance Companies in 2026

• UnitedHealthcare / AARP – Best Plan Pairing: Plan G or Plan N.
• Cigna Healthcare – Best Plan Pairing: Plan G.
• Humana – Best Plan Pairing: Plan N.
• Aetna (CVS Health) – Best Plan Pairing: Plan N.

How to lower Medicare premiums?

To lower Medicare premiums, report income drops from life events like retirement (Form SSA-44), apply for low-income help like Extra Help or Medicaid, use HSA funds for premiums, deduct premiums from taxes, switch to a cheaper Medicare Advantage or Supplement plan, or check if you qualify for Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) through your state. 

What states have the worst Medicare Advantage plans?

States often cited for weaker Medicare Advantage performance include Louisiana, Mississippi, Kentucky, West Virginia, and Florida, due to challenges with care access, provider shortages, and quality issues like higher rates of avoidable hospitalizations and inappropriate medication prescriptions, though specific rankings vary by report and focus (e.g., satisfaction vs. overall system). Other states like New York, California, Texas, and Michigan appear on lists for low member satisfaction with specific plans, not necessarily the whole state's system. 

How to get $3000 a month in Social Security?

To get $3,000 a month from Social Security, you generally need a high lifetime income, averaging around $9,000+ monthly over your best 35 years, and ideally wait until at least your full retirement age (FRA), or even age 70, for maximum benefits, as claiming early reduces payments significantly; increasing high-earning years by working longer or in higher-paying jobs are the main strategies to reach this goal. 

How to get $800 back from Medicare?

To get up to $800 back from Medicare, you likely have a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan or a Federal Employee Program (FEP) plan offering a Part B Premium Giveback or Medicare Reimbursement Account (MRA); you must be enrolled in both Medicare Part A & B, and then submit proof of your Part B premium payments via the plan's app, website, or forms to get reimbursed, often as a credit on your Social Security check or direct deposit.