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Information Medicare Benefits & Services Preventive Care

Summer Heat and Medicare: Staying Safe with Preventive Services

With record-breaking heat across the U.S., Medicare beneficiaries should take advantage of free preventive services to stay healthy this summer.

Medicare covers annual wellness visits, cardiovascular screenings, and immunizations at no cost—all crucial for preventing heat-related illnesses. Dehydration and heat stroke can exacerbate chronic conditions like heart disease and diabetes, which are common among seniors.

Seniors should also check their Part D plan’s coverage for electrolyte solutions and certain medications that may need heat-protective storage. And don’t forget: telehealth is covered, so you can consult a doctor without leaving your air-conditioned home.

See the full list of free preventive services at Medicare.gov

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Information Medicare Advantage Plan Changes

What to Do If Your Medicare Advantage Plan Exits Your County

If you’ve received a notice that your Medicare Advantage plan is leaving your county at the end of the year, don’t panic — but do act quickly. Millions of seniors have faced similar disruptions in 2026 as insurers reshuffle their offerings.

When a plan exits, you’re granted a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). You can either enroll in another Medicare Advantage plan that serves your area, or return to Original Medicare and purchase a Medigap policy (with guaranteed-issue rights in many cases). The key is to compare your options before the SEP window closes.

Visit Medicare.gov to see all plans available in your ZIP code, or call 1-800-MEDICARE for free, unbiased counseling through your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP).

Compare plans at Medicare.gov

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Information Medicare Benefits & Services resources-health

Medicare Telehealth Flexibilities Extended Through End of 2026

Seniors can continue seeing their doctors virtually from home—Medicare telehealth flexibilities have been extended through December 31, 2026.

The extension covers a broad range of services: routine office visits, behavioral health therapy, diabetes self-management training, and even audio-only calls for those without reliable internet. Geographic restrictions and originating-site requirements remain waived for all beneficiaries.

While telehealth has proven popular and effective, long-term policy is still under debate. For now, the status quo remains safe for the rest of the year.

Learn about telehealth coverage at Medicare.gov

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Information Medicare Benefits & Services Preventive Care resources-health

Free Preventive Services Medicare Covers in 2026: The Complete List

Medicare covers a wide range of preventive services at no cost to beneficiaries, including cancer screenings, cardiovascular tests, immunizations, and annual wellness visits.

The Welcome to Medicare preventive visit is available within the first 12 months of Part B enrollment, followed by annual wellness visits that include personalized prevention plans.

Cancer screenings covered at no cost include mammograms, colonoscopies, lung cancer screenings for eligible beneficiaries, and prostate cancer screenings. Cardiovascular disease screenings and diabetes screenings are also free.

Vaccines covered under Part D now include shingles, tetanus-diphtheria-whooping cough, and RSV, while flu and COVID-19 vaccines remain covered under Part B with no out-of-pocket costs.

See the full list of preventive services at Medicare.gov.

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Information medicare Medicare Plans

Medicare OEP vs AEP: When You Can Actually Switch Plans in 2026

Medicare has multiple enrollment periods with different rules, and confusing them can leave beneficiaries locked into the wrong plan for months.

The Annual Enrollment Period runs from October 15 to December 7, during which beneficiaries can switch between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage, or change Part D plans.

The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period runs from January 1 to March 31, but is more limited — beneficiaries can only switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another, or drop Medicare Advantage and return to Original Medicare.

Outside these windows, Special Enrollment Periods may apply for beneficiaries who move, lose employer coverage, or qualify for a Special Needs Plan. Understanding which enrollment period applies can save beneficiaries from costly mistakes.

View enrollment periods on Medicare.gov.

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Information medicare Medicare Advantage Medicare Plans

Explore your Medicare coverage options

Choosing between Medigap and Medicare Advantage remains one of the most important decisions for new Medicare beneficiaries, and the tradeoffs have shifted in 2026.

Medigap plans offer predictable out-of-pocket costs and access to any Medicare provider nationwide, but premiums are higher and prescription drug coverage requires a separate Part D plan.

Medicare Advantage plans often feature low or zero premiums and include extra benefits like dental and vision, but provider networks are limited and prior authorization requirements can create care delays.

Financial planners recommend that beneficiaries who travel frequently or have complex medical needs consider Medigap, while those who prioritize low monthly costs and supplemental benefits may find Medicare Advantage more suitable.

Compare plans through Medicare.gov.

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Costs Information resources-finance

Medicare IRMAA Brackets for 2026: What Higher-Income Retirees Pay

Higher-income Medicare beneficiaries face additional surcharges known as IRMAA — Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amounts — on top of standard Part B and Part D premiums.

For 2026, IRMAA brackets start at $106,000 for individuals and $212,000 for married couples filing jointly, with surcharges increasing across five income tiers.

The top IRMAA tier applies to individuals earning over $500,000, who pay the maximum surcharge on both Part B premiums and Part D coverage.

Beneficiaries can appeal IRMAA determinations if their income has dropped due to life-changing events such as retirement, divorce, or loss of income-producing property.

View official Medicare cost information.