Medicare & Health Insurance Insights

October 15 marks the official start of Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), running through December 7, 2026. This annual window allows beneficiaries to make adjustments to their Medicare Advantage and prescription drug coverage for the upcoming calendar year, with any changes taking effect on January 1, 2027. A common question during this season is whether people who already like their coverage need to take action. Staying with your existing plan is often a sensibl

If you are satisfied with your current Medicare coverage, that is great news. Having doctors you trust and predictable healthcare costs brings genuine peace of mind. Because of that satisfaction, many Arizona beneficiaries assume they can simply overlook Medicare Open Enrollment, which runs from October 15 through December 7 each year with changes taking effect on January 1. The thinking is understandable: if your coverage worked well this year, why look at anything else?

If you take prescription medications regularly, do not assume that a Medicare drug plan that worked well this year will work exactly the same way next year. Medicare Part D prescription drug plans and Medicare Advantage plans that include prescription drug coverage can change from one plan year to the next. Your plan’s covered drug list, pharmacy network, medication cost tier, coverage rules, premium, deductible and other out-of-pocket costs may be different for the coming

As you approach age 65, become eligible for Medicare, or review coverage during Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period, you have the option to choose the coverage path that best fits your situation, and there are a few options to consider. Today, we’ll focus on: Traditional Medicare: Includes Part A and Part B and can be paired with a Medicare Supplement policy and a standalone Part D prescription drug plan. Medicare Advantage (commonly referred to as Part C): A common alterna

When people first start exploring Medicare, one assumption comes up more than almost any other: "Once I turn 65 and get my red, white and blue card, all my healthcare is covered." It is easy to see why so many people think this. You have paid Medicare taxes throughout your working life, and Traditional Medicare (Original Medicare) provides strong foundational coverage. But believing Medicare pays for 100% of your medical expenses is one of the most common and costly misunde

Every year around early to mid-September, beneficiaries across Arizona open their mailboxes to find a thick envelope from their insurance carrier. Inside is one of the most critical documents you will receive all year: your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC), often accompanied by your Evidence of Coverage (EOC) booklet. If you are like many families I speak with across the East Valley and Greater Phoenix, it is tempting to set that packet aside or file it away with the rest o

At Esra Health, we help individuals and families across the country navigate Medicare every year. One question we hear more than any other is: “Do I really need to sign up right when I turn 65?” The short answer is yes—if you want to protect your wallet, your coverage, and your peace of mind. That critical window is called your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) , and missing it can cost you hundreds or even thousands of dollars over time. Read more to learn all about the import

Selecting the right health insurance plan can feel overwhelming. With countless options, complex terms, and varying coverage levels,...