Podcasts about medicare advantage plans

What role can annuities play in retirement planning, and how do you know if they may be worth considering? In this episode, we break down the pros, cons and complexities of annuities in a practical, easy-to-understand way. From income features and potential downside protection to fees, surrender charges and liquidity concerns, you'll learn why annuities may be a helpful tool for some retirees, but not the right fit for others.The episode explores different types of annuities, including variable annuities, fixed indexed annuities and income-focused strategies that may help create a personal pension-style income stream in retirement. You'll also hear why some retirees value annuities for the added predictability they may provide, especially during market volatility or for those concerned about outliving their money.Most importantly, this discussion emphasizes that a product should never replace a comprehensive retirement plan. Whether you already own an annuity or are considering one for the first time, this episode offers educational insight to help you better understand whether an annuity may fit into your retirement strategy.--

This episode of the Agent Survival Guide podcast explores 5-Star Medicare Advantage plans. We'll break down what they are, how they became 5-star plans, and why you can sell them throughout the year!   Read the text version   Get Connected:

What does it take to build a retirement plan designed to support you for 20, 30 or even 40 years? In this episode, Loren Merkle, Molly Nelson and Haley Gutschenritter explain why owning IRAs, 401(k)s, annuities and savings accounts does not automatically create a retirement strategy. Using the analogy of construction blueprints versus tools, they explain how a written retirement plan can help coordinate income, taxes, inflation, health care and long-term financial decisions into one cohesive plan built for the realities of retirement.The episode dives into how inflation can quietly erode purchasing power over time, why taxes may become one of the key challenges to long-term retirement wealth, how the bucket strategy can help balance short-term income needs with long-term growth and how recent tax law changes, including the senior bonus deduction, may affect planning decisions.Whether you're nearing retirement or already retired, this episode offers practical insights into building a retirement blueprint designed to help support income needs while adapting to inflation, taxes, market volatility and the unexpected challenges that can come with a long retirement.--Loren Merkle, CFP®, RICP®, Certified Financial Fiduciary®https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/loren-merkle/Haley Gutschenritter, CFP®https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/haley-gutschenritter/Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today with Loren Merklehttps://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/molly-nelson/--This video does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation of any security or any other product or service by Merkle Retirement Planning LLC, Elite Retirement Planning LLC, MRP Insurance LLC, or any other third party regardless of whether such security, product or service is referenced in this episode. Furthermore, nothing in this episode is intended to provide tax, legal, or investment advice and nothing in this episode should be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any investment or security or to engage in any investment strategy or transaction. Merkle Retirement Planning, LLC does not represent that the securities, products, or services discussed in this episode are suitable for any particular investor. You are solely responsible for determining whether any investment, investment strategy, security or related transaction is appropriate for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial circumstances and risk tolerance. You should consult your business advisor, attorney, or tax and accounting advisor regarding your specific business, legal or tax situation. Medicare services provided through MRP Insurance, LLC. Any and all other services related to insurance are an outside business activity and are not offered through or supervised by Elite Retirement Planning, LLC. MRP Insurance, LLC, is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency. This is an advertisement for insurance. By responding to the ad, you will be put in contact with a licensed insurance agent offering Medicare Advantage Plans, Medicare Supplement Plans, and Prescription Drug Plans. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent [5] organizations which offer [22] products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.

MEDICARE ADVANTAGE MINUTE:                                                                    YOUR 2026 MEDICARE ADVANTAGE PLAN MY DENY YOUR NEXT REQUEST FOR AN EMERGENCY MRI. HERE IS WHY: PRIOR AUTHORIZATION DENIAL. THE ULTIMATE "I AM TURNING 65" CHECKLIST MARGY SENT ME A VERY TEMPTHING INVITATION TO BECOME A PODCAST GUEST. FINALLY, WE DISCUSS THE PERSONALITY TRAITS OF OUR NEW AI ASSISTANTS: SEAN AND CLAUDE RESPECTIVELY. Contact me at: DBJ@MLMMailbag.com (Most severe critic: A+)                   Visit us on: BabyBoomer.ORG Inspired by: "MEDICARE FOR THE LAZY MAN 2026; SIMPLEST & EASIEST GUIDE EVER!" "MEDICARE ENROLLMENT GUIDE" - DOWNLOAD FREE "MEDICARE DRUG PLANS: A SIMPLE D-I-Y GUIDE" ....AND A PODCAST! @ DBJ@M4TLM.com W medicareforthelazyman.com T (630) 878-5055   Review Us On Google   For sale on Amazon.com. After enjoying the books, please consider returning to leave a short customer review to  help future readers. Official website: https://www.MedicareForTheLazyMan.com.

Even if you already have an estate plan in place, there's a good chance it may not work the way you think. In this episode, Loren Merkle, Molly Nelson, and guest attorney Charlie Bottenberg of Brick Gentry P.C. discuss how estate planning has evolved — and why outdated documents, old trust language, and overlooked beneficiary designations could create unintended tax consequences, probate issues, or family complications.They explain why estate taxes are no longer the primary concern for most families, how the SECURE Act changed inherited retirement accounts, and why modern estate planning is now focused on flexibility, protection, and control. You'll also learn what probate really is, common mistakes people make with IRAs and trusts, and why regularly reviewing your plan is so important.Whether you're updating an old will, thinking about how to protect your family, or simply trying to better understand how your assets may transfer someday, this conversation offers practical insights to help you make more informed decisions about your legacy.--Ready to take the next step? Schedule a RetireReady Call at https://bit.ly/4d9P6neGet the tools you need to prepare for retirement with the Retire Your Way Toolkit: https://bit.ly/4uWAwFL--Loren Merkle,CFP®, RICP®, Certified Financial Fiduciary®https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/loren-merkle/Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today with Loren Merklehttps://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/molly-nelson/Charlie Bottenberghttps://brickgentrylaw.com/attorneys/charlie-bottenberg--This video does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation of any security or any other product or service by Merkle Retirement Planning LLC, Elite Retirement Planning LLC, MRP Insurance LLC, or any other third party regardless of whether such security, product or service is referenced in this episode. Furthermore, nothing in this episode is intended to provide tax, legal, or investment advice and nothing in this episode should be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any investment or security or to engage in any investment strategy or transaction. Merkle Retirement Planning, LLC does not represent that the securities, products, or services discussed in this episode are suitable for any particular investor. You are solely responsible for determining whether any investment, investment strategy, security or related transaction is appropriate for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial circumstances and risk tolerance. You should consult your business advisor, attorney, or tax and accounting advisor regarding your specific business, legal or tax situation. Medicare services provided through MRP Insurance, LLC. Any and all other services related to insurance are an outside business activity and are not offered through or supervised by Elite Retirement Planning, LLC. MRP Insurance, LLC, is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency. This is an advertisement for insurance. By responding to the ad, you will be put in contact with a licensed insurance agent offering Medicare Advantage Plans, Medicare Supplement Plans, and Prescription Drug Plans. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent [5] organizations which offer [22] products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.

Most retirees no longer have a pension, and that changes everything about how you build retirement income. If you've ever felt like retirement planning is harder than it used to be, this episode explains exactly why, and what you can do about it.Ready to take your first step in retirement planning? Schedule a RetireReady Call at https://bit.ly/42nu7qPDownload your copy of the Retiring Today Magazine at https://bit.ly/4nDw5eERetirement used to rest on the three legged stool: Social Security, a pension, and personal savings. Today, with only 15% of private-sector workers having access to a pension, the responsibility of building reliable retirement income falls on you. This episode breaks down how income diversification and tax diversification work together to bring stability back to your retirement plan, and how structuring income for now, later, and forever changes how confidently you can retire.Chapters0:00 – The Three-Legged Stool2:30 – Why Retirement Feels Off-Balance8:00 – Income Diversification10:30 – Tax Diversification14:00 – Tax Laws Keep Changing16:00 – Social Security18:00 – Creating a Personal Pension--Loren Merkle, CFP®, RICP®, Certified Financial Fiduciary®https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/loren-merkle/Chawn Honkomp, CFP®, RICP®, Certified Financial Fiduciary®, CPA® https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/chawn-honkomp/Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today with Loren Merklehttps://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/molly-nelson/--This video does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation of any security or any other product or service by Merkle Retirement Planning LLC, Elite Retirement Planning LLC, MRP Insurance LLC, or any other third party regardless of whether such security, product or service is referenced in this episode. Furthermore, nothing in this episode is intended to provide tax, legal, or investment advice and nothing in this episode should be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any investment or security or to engage in any investment strategy or transaction. Merkle Retirement Planning, LLC does not represent that the securities, products, or services discussed in this episode are suitable for any particular investor. You are solely responsible for determining whether any investment, investment strategy, security or related transaction is appropriate for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial circumstances and risk tolerance. You should consult your business advisor, attorney, or tax and accounting advisor regarding your specific business, legal or tax situation. Medicare services provided through MRP Insurance, LLC. Any and all other services related to insurance are an outside business activity and are not offered through or supervised by Elite Retirement Planning, LLC. MRP Insurance, LLC, is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency. This is an advertisement for insurance. By responding to the ad, you will be put in contact with a licensed insurance agent offering Medicare Advantage Plans, Medicare Supplement Plans, and Prescription Drug Plans. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent [5] organizations which offer [22] products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.

A massive $124 trillion is expected to pass from one generation to the next over the next 20 years, but most families aren't talking about it. In this episode, Retirement Planners Loren Merkle and Clint Huntrods break down why inheritance conversations are often avoided, the disconnect between parents and children, and how a lack of communication can impact both finances and family relationships.You'll also hear a hypothetical example of how tax planning can significantly affect what beneficiaries actually receive, and why having a clear plan before the transfer is so important. Whether you plan to share the details or keep things private, one thing is clear: planning ahead can make all the difference.--Ready to take the next step? Schedule a RetireReady Call at https://bit.ly/47ZRb2c

n this Bright Spots in Healthcare episode, host Eric Glazer brings together Medicare Advantage and operational leaders to explore a growing challenge facing health plans: why identifying risk is no longer enough to improve outcomes. As organizations invest heavily in HRAs, predictive analytics, and member insight platforms, many still struggle to convert those insights into timely, coordinated action. This discussion focuses on where execution is breaking down between identification and intervention, and what leading plans are doing differently to reduce friction, align teams, and engage members while the opportunity to act still exists. This is a candid discussion for executives navigating increasing pressure around Stars, affordability, member engagement, and operational efficiency, while trying to turn insight into measurable performance improvement. Our guests include: Vanita Pindolia, PharmD, MBA, Vice President, Stars Program, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Chuck Palermo, Vice President, Operations, Health Alliance Plan Linda Isham, Former Vice President, Operations & Clinical Support, Humana Cory Busse, Vice President, Strategic Solutions, Icario  Together, they explore: Why insight without operational coordination often fails to improve outcomes How leading plans are identifying the small populations that disproportionately impact performance What changes when organizations shift from retrospective reporting to real time intervention How plans are reducing friction by coordinating Stars, quality, operations, and engagement efforts around a shared action plan Why understanding behavioral, social, and operational barriers is becoming critical to improving adherence, experience, and quality outcomes How organizations are designing outreach and engagement strategies that reflect real member behavior, not just clinical gaps This episode offers a practical look at how leading organizations are closing the gap between insight and action, and what it takes to operationalize engagement in a way that consistently improves quality, cost, and member experience.   Panelist Bios: https://www.brightspotsinhealthcare.com/events/closing-the-gap-between-insight-and-action-data-informed-tech-enabled-strategies-for-health-plans/ Download the Episode Guide: Get key takeaways and expert highlights to help you apply lessons from the episode. Download guide: https://www.brightspotsinhealthcare.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Final_May7_Episode_Guide.pdf Key Insights Summary: Find key insights from the discussion, guest takeaways, and detailed moderator notes captured by Eric during the conversation, https://www.brightspotsinhealthcare.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/May_7_2026_KIS.docx.pdf Resources:  Report: Health Plan Playbook for 2027, Part 1: From HRA Completion to Real Action This first report in Icario's Health Plan Playbook for 2027 series examines why Medicare Advantage plans need to rethink the HRA as more than a requirement or data collection exercise. The issue is not that plans lack information. It is that the handoff between what members report and what happens next is often too slow, fragmented, or manual to drive meaningful action. The report focuses on a core shift facing plans heading into 2027: completing an HRA is no longer the goal. Acting on it is. When a member is engaged, self reporting, and open, plans have a short window to intervene. If nothing happens in real time, that moment is lost. Drawing on practical examples, the report shows how real time intervention, automatic enrollment into barrier removal programs, and proactive identification of risk patterns can help plans reduce delays, support care teams, and close the gap between insight and action. Inside, you'll find insights on: Why HRAs should be treated as a moment of influence, not just a compliance requirement Where plans lose momentum between member reported needs and follow up action How automatic enrollment can reduce manual handoffs and connect members to support faster Why delayed intervention creates hidden costs across ED utilization, inpatient stays, Stars performance, and unresolved care gaps How plans can act on SDoH, ADL, and behavioral signals while members are still engaged What changes when real time decisioning is embedded directly into the member experience The broader lesson is operational: plans that improve performance are not just collecting better data. They are reducing the time between signal and action, removing broken handoffs, and helping members get to the right support while the opportunity still exists. To request your copy of the report, please contact show producer Nicole Roberts at nroberts@brightspotsventures.com. Thank You to Our Episode Partner, Icario: Icario is a healthcare engagement platform designed to help health plans move beyond disconnected outreach and fragmented member experiences toward more coordinated, action oriented engagement. By combining behavioral science, real time data, and personalized engagement strategies, Icario helps plans identify where members are most likely to disengage, what barriers may prevent action, and how to intervene at the right moment to drive meaningful outcomes. Rather than simply increasing touchpoints, the focus is on reducing friction, improving coordination across teams and programs, and helping members take the next best step. The result is stronger performance across quality, adherence, cost, and member experience. Schedule a Meeting with a Senior Leader at Icario: To explore how Icario is helping health plans improve engagement, reduce friction, and drive more coordinated action across the member journey, reach out to show producer Nicole Roberts at nroberts@brightspotsventures.com to schedule a conversation with a member of the Icario leadership team. About Bright Spots Ventures: Bright Spots Ventures is a healthcare strategy and engagement company that creates content, communities, and connections to accelerate innovation.   We help healthcare leaders discover what's working, and how to scale it. By bringing together health plan, hospital, and solution leaders, we facilitate the exchange of ideas that lead to measurable impact. Through our podcast, executive councils, private events, and go-to-market strategy work, we surface and amplify the "bright spots" in healthcare, proven innovations others can learn from and replicate. At our core, we exist to create trusted relationships that make real progress possible. Visit our website at www.brightspotsinhealthcare.com.

I came up with at least one way to tell the difference between making a fair profit and profiteering. If someone makes more money when the patients or members they serve are worse off, yeah, call that profiteering. For a full transcript of this episode, click here. If you enjoy this podcast, be sure to subscribe to the free weekly newsletter to be a member of the Relentless Tribe. For more on what is fair profit versus what is profiteering, I would recommend you go back and listen to the episodes on mission and margin with Ben Schwartz, MD, MBA (EP481) and then with Mick Connors, MD (EP495). But it's probably not an accident that I have started an episode about Medicare Advantage in this fashion. To this end, I am very much looking forward to hearing what's up with Medicare Advantage from the one and only Betsy Seals, who is back for her third appearance on Relentless Health Value. And her advice in a nutshell is this: Don't profiteer. There are ample ways to make a fair profit. Just go back to basics and do it the right way. I wanna kind of tick through the list of things that I think about when I think about Medicare Advantage and just how it is relevant to absolutely everybody. The first thing I think about when I think about Medicare Advantage—and this is very obvious—is what Medicare Advantage plans do or don't do are our tax dollars at work or not at work, as the case may be. Along these same lines, the second thing: How does this impact our elders, our family, our friends, our grandparents? These are our senior citizens, getting the care or not getting the care that they may need. Those two are obvious. Now let's talk about a few less obvious things. Here's the third point that I think about as I listen to conversations about Medicare Advantage: cost shifting. Right? It is a well-known fact how big, vertically integrated carriers—and when I say big, vertically integrated carriers, I mean ones that have a Medicare Advantage line of business—when negotiating with big, consolidated health systems, the release valve of those negotiations is commercial rates. These are the rates that the self-insured employers are paying. So, the carrier says, "Look, gimme the best Medicare Advantage rates. I want the best Medicare Advantage rates because I, the carrier, am paying for those." Savings from those lower rates accrues to the Medicare Advantage plan and its shareholders or investors or executives, right? So, the carrier with the Medicare Advantage plan is like, "Look, go as low as we can go on the Medicare Advantage rates, but it's okay, health system, if you make up the difference with the ASO commercial book of business." Because right … ASO means administrative services only. It's not the carrier who's paying those commercial rates at the end of the day. So, the carrier uses its full book of business to negotiate lower rates for itself while, at the same time, cost shifting to commercial members. In fact, there was some research that was cited. It was episode 436 with Elizabeth Mitchell, and I quoted Luke Prettol. But there was research that puts this markup at 4.7% above what employers would otherwise pay if they had an ASO that did not have a Medicare Advantage Plan. So, yeah … number three big thing that I think about when listening to MA insights like the ones that Betsy drops today, I think about will this accelerate or ameliorate or really have anything to do with what is going on around those negotiating tables with ASOs and health systems? Because let's not forget, health systems account for about 50% of most self-insured employers' total health spend. The fourth thing that I think about: Will MA carriers underpay independent practices, especially primary care practices? Will it pay indies less? And then if it pays 'em a lot less, would ultimately manage to put them out of business, ultimately raising the total cost of care for everybody. But if we're thinking about this strictly from Medicare Advantage financial perspective, a really great move here, these are big, vertically integrated companies, don't forget. Many of them own provider organizations. This is why the FTC tends to frown on vertical integration. So, will these Medicare Advantage organizations who own provider organizations pay the provider organizations they own more? By the way, it's the same thing that's going on on the pharmacy side of the house when a PBM pays pharmacies that they own more. Here's a LinkedIn post by Stanley Warren about this topic. And there are a lot of obvious, maybe less obvious reasons for why paying providers the carrier itself owns more is a great short-term move. One of them is intracompany eliminations. Listen to the episode with Preston Alexander (EP482). But here's another reason: Rate increases paid by the government for Medicare Advantage plans are based on fee-for-service benchmarks. So, if fee-for-service rates go up, then the Medicare Advantage plans can negotiate more money for themselves. If the MA plans own the providers that are charging said FFS rates, then this is, I don't know, a great strategy, especially given the lobbying budget that some of these entities have. So, look … on today's show, I get the distinct opportunity to speak with Betsy Seals, my guest today, as I mentioned earlier; and we go through her advice for MA plans and what they need to get busy with and ensure, make a fair profit, go back to basics, and do it the right way. That's her bottom-line advice. Don't be putting your hands in the cookie jar. Sooner or later, you're gonna get caught. Focus on the members that you're really good at serving. And lastly, when it comes to STARS or other quality measures, lift them the right way—like, actually through better member health and actually better member experience, not some engineered mechanism by which one can check a box that honestly doesn't deserve to get checked. Because now we're back to the beginning and you're gonna get caught with your hand in the cookie jar, and it's profiteering. Let's just get real about that. If somebody's checking boxes that they don't deserve to check, member health is not improving. Betsy Seals, my guest today, as I have said at least three times, co-founded Rebellis Group, which is a Medicare Advantage consultancy. She became CEO of its parent company, Alerion Advisors. Now she is a board member, and also she works with start-ups in our industry. This podcast is sponsored by Aventria Health Group with an assist today from Payerset to help us with the financial support that we need to stay on the air. And with that, here is my conversation with Betsy Seals. Also mentioned in this episode are Alerion Advisors; Rebellis Group; Benjamin Schwartz, MD, MBA; Mick Connors, MD; Elizabeth Mitchell; Luke Prettol; Luke Trocchio; LoVasco; Stanley Warren; Preston Alexander; Aventria Health Group; Payerset; Eric Bricker, MD; Scott Conard, MD; Bob Herman; and Vivian Ho, PhD. For a list of healthcare industry acronyms and terms that may be unfamiliar to you, click here.   You can learn more by visiting the Rebellis Group blog and by connecting with Betsy on LinkedIn. You can also email her at bseals@rebellisgroup.com.     Betsy Seals is the co-founder of Rebellis Group, former CEO of Rebellis Group and Alerion Advisors, and a current board member of the Alerion Advisors family of companies. With over 25 years of experience across Medicare and Medicaid programs, Betsy is a nationally recognized leader known for her regulatory expertise, strategic vision, and ability to deliver measurable results. Betsy's work spans mergers and acquisitions, compliance, enterprise strategy, sales and marketing, supplemental benefits, and innovative benefit design that optimizes health plan performance and improves health outcomes. Betsy brings a strong blend of executive leadership, business acumen, and deep regulatory knowledge, with a focus on driving operational excellence and meaningful member impact.   00:00 Introduction to this episode. 00:43 Past episodes on profiteering: EP481 with Benjamin Schwartz, MD, MBA, and EP495 with Mick Connors, MD. 01:25 How Medicare Advantage is relevant to everyone. 06:15 A preview of today's conversation. 07:49 The "state of the state" of Medicare Advantage plans. 08:49 Video by Eric Bricker, MD, on the financial performance of the U.S. healthcare system. 09:32 Does Medicare Advantage's losses matter to the patients? 10:29 A recap of Betsy's insights so far. 11:19 The underlying strategic through line that needs to be considered. 13:04 The impact of Goodhart's Law. 14:12 What the players that are succeeding right now are doing. 14:22 The first pillar of a back-to-basics strategy: Don't get caught with your hand in the cookie jar. 16:07 EP463 with Betsy Seals. 16:50 Why short-term strategies don't work. 18:26 Stats report on prior authorizations serving the beneficiary. 19:32 EP482 with Preston Alexander. 19:38 Why prior authorization needs change. 21:28 The better strategy to use. 21:43 EP462 with Scott Conard, MD. 23:17 The second pillar of a back-to-basics strategy: Focus on the beneficiaries you actually serve well. 24:37 What it looks like to implement this focus on the beneficiaries you serve well. 25:29 How special needs plans play into this. 27:43 The third pillar of a back-to-basics strategy: Think about how STARS in clinical programs improve health. 30:04 The ethical component to implementing a Medicare Advantage program. 31:04 Betsy's advice for independent practices dealing with prior authorizations. 33:37 STAT article by Bob Herman about the effectiveness of Medicare Advantage lobbying on policy. 34:08 Betsy's final notes for all players impacted by what's currently happening.   @betsyseals discusses the impact of #medicareadvantage news on our #healthcarepodcast. #healthcare #podcast #financialhealth #commercialpayermarketplace #digitalhealth #healthcareleadership #healthcaretransformation #healthcareinnovation   Recent past interviews: Click a guest's name for their latest RHV episode! Patrick Nelli; Lee Lewis; Stacey Richter with 15 experts (EP507); Jerry DiMaso; Dr Ahilan Sivaganesan; Ryan Jacobs; Stacey Richter (INBW46); Ryan Wells, Dr Leo Spector, and Adam Stavisky  

Social Security is the elephant in the room when it comes to retirement planning. Everyone knows the decision is there, but between your neighbor who claimed at 62 and your coworker waiting until 70, it's hard to know what you should actually do. For a married couple, this decision can impact over a million dollars in lifetime retirement income. For a single filer, it can impact $500,000 or more.This episode cuts through the noise and shows you how to prioritize Social Security decisions based on your life, your income needs, and your retirement plan. If you're 55 or older and asking yourself "when should I claim Social Security?" this episode is for you.--Download the Social Security guide from this episode here: https://bit.ly/4tz4PleReady to take the next step? Schedule a RetireReady Call at https://bit.ly/4vvLVxt

MEDICARE ADVANTAGE MINUTE:                                                                      92% OF SENIORS DROPPED: THE MEDICARE ADVANTAGE COLLAPSE THAT IS ROCKING VERMONT! CONCIERGE MEDICINE: NOW BEING CALLED "DIRECT PRIMARY CARE" A PRODICAL PROSPECT RETURNS 4 YEARS AFTER TRYING TO MAKE ME HER PATSY! FINALLY, A QUIZ ABOUT THE MOST & LEAST OVERWEIGHT, OBESE CITIES IN AMERICA! Contact me at: DBJ@MLMMailbag.com (Most severe critic: A+)                   Visit us on: BabyBoomer.ORG Inspired by: "MEDICARE FOR THE LAZY MAN 2026; SIMPLEST & EASIEST GUIDE EVER!" "MEDICARE ENROLLMENT GUIDE!" (Free download from site below) "MEDICARE DRUG PLANS: A SIMPLE D-I-Y GUIDE" For sale on Amazon.com. After enjoying the books, please consider returning to leave a short customer review to  help future readers. Official website: https://www.MedicareForTheLazyMan.com.

If 65 has been your retirement target, ask yourself why. For most people it comes down to one thing, health care before Medicare kicks in. The good news is there are more options than most people realize.Retiring before 65 involves more than just solving the health care gap. You also need a plan for your taxes, your investments, your income, and how long that money needs to last. This episode walks you through seven steps to address all of it.What We Cover:00:00 The Seven Steps to Retire Before 6501:41 Get Clear on Your Lifestyle04:57 Plan for a Longer Retirement Than You Think07:43 Determine What Enough Really Means11:27 Increase Your Savings Power15:39 Use the Bucket Strategy17:31 Adjust Your Investment Strategy19:37 Solve the Two Big Gaps: Health Care and TaxesIf you're 55 or older and asking yourself, “Can I retire before 65?” this episode is for you.--

Imagine retiring with $750,000 and watching it drop by 30% in year one. A market drop like that can have a real impact on your retirement income.In this episode, we break down the bucket strategy, a way to divide your money into three buckets designed to help protect your income during market downturns. We also cover how to evaluate the risk you're currently taking and how it may need to change in retirement, plus why your tax strategy and Social Security decisions play a key role in making your money last.If you're 55 or older and concerned about what a market drop could do to your retirement income, this episode is for you.--Ready to take the next step? Schedule a RetireReady Call at https://bit.ly/3PKQseH

Last year, 1.1 million people were laid off, numbers not seen since 2020. And 40% of people retire earlier than they planned. If a layoff or buyout is on your radar, the decisions you make about health care, taxes, and your 401(k) will follow you for the rest of your retirement.Key Takeaways:✅ Losing your job doesn't mean losing your health insurance. COBRA can keep you covered for up to 18 months.✅ The money in your HSA can be used tax-free to pay for qualified health care expenses in retirement.✅ The Rule of 55 lets you take money from your 401(k) early without the 10% penalty.✅ An example of how a family that got a $150,000 severance ended up in a higher tax bracket.If you're 55 or older and worried about a layoff, buyout, or early retirement, then this episode is for you.--

You saved. You planned. You built a $2 million IRA, but every dollar in that account has never been taxed before. The question was never if you'd pay taxes on it, the question is how much? With proactive strategies in place, you may be able to keep a lot more of that money than you'd expect.In this episode, Loren Merkle and Clint Huntrods walk through three strategies for pre-retirees sitting on a large, all pre-tax IRA so you can make decisions on your terms, not the IRS's.What We Cover:✅ Why the window between retirement and your RMD age (73 or 75) may be your biggest tax planning opportunity✅ An example of how one family divided $2 million into four purposeful buckets and cover a $4,500/month income shortfall✅ The in-service rollover strategy that can give you more investment control at age 59½✅ How a Charitable Remainder Unitrust (CRUT) can stretch distributions beyond the SECURE Act's 10-year rule✅ Why tax planning is not a "set it and forget it" decision and what to review every single yearIf you're 55 or older with a significant amount saved in a traditional IRA or 401(k), this episode is for you.--Ready to take the next step? Schedule a RetireReady Call at https://bit.ly/4l6ORM9

If you'd like to work with us on your Medicare health plan, we're licensed in 45 states and actively helping clients across the country. Christian and the team at Everything Senior Insurance represent many of the top insurance companies in the Medicare space. We're happy to help—just reach out! ➡️ Visit our site: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.eseniorinsurance.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠✅ Call us: (801) 255-5340

If retirement taxes feel confusing, you're not alone. Pre-tax accounts, Roth accounts, required minimum distributions (RMDs), Social Security taxes—there are a lot of rules, and they don't always work the way people expect.In this episode, we explain retirement taxes in plain language so you can understand how your accounts are taxed, why confusion is so common, and how planning ahead can create more clarity and control.Retirement taxes don't have to feel overwhelming. Understanding how the rules work is the first step toward making more confident retirement decisions.--Ready to take the next step? Schedule a RetireReady Call at https://bit.ly/4jJyPqKDownload your copy of the Retiring Today Magazine at https://bit.ly/4nDw5eE--Loren Merkle, CFP®, RICP®, Certified Financial Fiduciary®https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/loren-merkle/Chawn Honkomp, CFP®, RICP®, Certified Financial Fiduciary®, CPA® https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/chawn-honkomp/Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today with Loren Merklehttps://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/molly-nelson/--This video does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation of any security or any other product or service by Merkle Retirement Planning LLC, Elite Retirement Planning LLC, MRP Insurance LLC, or any other third party regardless of whether such security, product or service is referenced in this episode. Furthermore, nothing in this episode is intended to provide tax, legal, or investment advice and nothing in this episode should be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any investment or security or to engage in any investment strategy or transaction. Merkle Retirement Planning, LLC does not represent that the securities, products, or services discussed in this episode are suitable for any particular investor. You are solely responsible for determining whether any investment, investment strategy, security or related transaction is appropriate for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial circumstances and risk tolerance. You should consult your business advisor, attorney, or tax and accounting advisor regarding your specific business, legal or tax situation. Medicare services provided through MRP Insurance, LLC. Any and all other services related to insurance are an outside business activity and are not offered through or supervised by Elite Retirement Planning, LLC. MRP Insurance, LLC, is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency. This is an advertisement for insurance. By responding to the ad, you will be put in contact with a licensed insurance agent offering Medicare Advantage Plans, Medicare Supplement Plans, and Prescription Drug Plans. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent [5] organizations which offer [22] products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.

MEDICARE ADVANTAGE MINUTE:                                                            ASSISTING CLIENTS IN SWITCHING FROM MEDICARE ADVANTAGE PLANS TO ORIGINAL MEDICARE WITH A MEDICARE SUPPLEMENT PLAN. GLP-1 drugs: 5 things to know about their use in Medicare. Hard to believe but those subjects plus some lessons in sheep husbandry take up the whole episode! Contact me at: DBJ@MLMMailbag.com (Most severe critic: A+)                   Visit us on: BabyBoomer.ORG Inspired by: "MEDICARE FOR THE LAZY MAN 2026; SIMPLEST & EASIEST GUIDE EVER!" "MEDICARE ENROLLMENT GUIDE!" (Free download from site below) "MEDICARE DRUG PLANS: A SIMPLE D-I-Y GUIDE" For sale on Amazon.com. After enjoying the books, please consider returning to leave a short customer review to  help future readers. Official website: https://www.MedicareForTheLazyMan.com.

​Larry Jones is the Executive Director of the IP Network, and CEO of HPOF Holdings, LLC, doing business as Independent Healthcare Partners, a healthcare company headquartered in Maitland, Florida. As the CEO of HPOF Holdings/IHP, his main mission is to preserve and protect the independent practice of medicine. Larry has been on both the payer and provider side of healthcare. He served on the Business Advisory Board of Seminole County Public Schools for 12 years, representing the insurance committee and 9000 employees' lives and almost $60M in premium. He is a founding board member of the Florida Association of ACOs. His organization currently runs our large Multi Specialty IPA - the IP Network - and Physicians Trust MSO, overseeing two Commercial ACO contracts and four Medicare Advantage Plan agreements for our Network.Larry has spoken all over the Country on physician issues and opportunities.​He is a true physician advocate. Mark Steven Chaet, M.D. serves as the Orlando Regional Campus Dean. In this role, he oversees all campus functions including supervising clerkship directors, student education and performance, and student counseling. The regional campus dean's role at the FSU College of Medicine is unique as he plays an expanded role with students, including direct contact, comprehensive mentoring, and one-on-one interaction when needed. Additionally, fundraising is an increasingly important role of the campus dean in efforts to fund local operations and scholarships for students. Dr. Chaet, a pediatric surgeon on staff at both Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children and Advent Health Children’s Hospital, has been practicing in the Orlando area since 1997. Serving as an FSU Orlando community faculty member since 2003, Dr. Chaet has shown a commitment to education throughout his career. He has served on the teaching faculty for general surgery residents at both Orlando Health and Advent Health, been a preceptor for physician assistant and nurse practitioner candidates from Nova Southeastern University, the University of South Florida, and the University of South Alabama, and continues to serve as faculty for the Surgical Intern Program at the University of Central Florida. Dr. Chaet has shown great community involvement over the years, both on a local and national level, serving on various committees in the Orlando area and working as consultant for opioid reduction. As a Lt. Colonel in the United States Army and Reserve from 1991-2007, Dr. Chaet trained as a field trauma surgeon and supported medical deployments during both Operation Desert Storm and Operation Enduring Freedom. Dr. Chaet has been involved in a number of research efforts over the years focusing on pediatric surgery and gastroenterology and continues to display a commitment to leadership and ongoing professional development. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

​Larry Jones is the Executive Director of the IP Network, and CEO of HPOF Holdings, LLC, doing business as Independent Healthcare Partners, a healthcare company headquartered in Maitland, Florida. As the CEO of HPOF Holdings/IHP, his main mission is to preserve and protect the independent practice of medicine. Larry has been on both the payer and provider side of healthcare. He served on the Business Advisory Board of Seminole County Public Schools for 12 years, representing the insurance committee and 9000 employees' lives and almost $60M in premium. He is a founding board member of the Florida Association of ACOs. His organization currently runs our large Multi Specialty IPA - the IP Network - and Physicians Trust MSO, overseeing two Commercial ACO contracts and four Medicare Advantage Plan agreements for our Network.Larry has spoken all over the Country on physician issues and opportunities.​He is a true physician advocate. Mark Steven Chaet, M.D. serves as the Orlando Regional Campus Dean. In this role, he oversees all campus functions including supervising clerkship directors, student education and performance, and student counseling. The regional campus dean's role at the FSU College of Medicine is unique as he plays an expanded role with students, including direct contact, comprehensive mentoring, and one-on-one interaction when needed. Additionally, fundraising is an increasingly important role of the campus dean in efforts to fund local operations and scholarships for students. Dr. Chaet, a pediatric surgeon on staff at both Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children and Advent Health Children’s Hospital, has been practicing in the Orlando area since 1997. Serving as an FSU Orlando community faculty member since 2003, Dr. Chaet has shown a commitment to education throughout his career. He has served on the teaching faculty for general surgery residents at both Orlando Health and Advent Health, been a preceptor for physician assistant and nurse practitioner candidates from Nova Southeastern University, the University of South Florida, and the University of South Alabama, and continues to serve as faculty for the Surgical Intern Program at the University of Central Florida. Dr. Chaet has shown great community involvement over the years, both on a local and national level, serving on various committees in the Orlando area and working as consultant for opioid reduction. As a Lt. Colonel in the United States Army and Reserve from 1991-2007, Dr. Chaet trained as a field trauma surgeon and supported medical deployments during both Operation Desert Storm and Operation Enduring Freedom. Dr. Chaet has been involved in a number of research efforts over the years focusing on pediatric surgery and gastroenterology and continues to display a commitment to leadership and ongoing professional development.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When you think about retirement, what do you see yourself doing? A lot of people don't have an answer to that question, and that's where loneliness can start to creep in. This episode looks at the AARP 2025 loneliness survey, which found that 40% of adults over 45 report feeling lonely. That's the highest it's been since they started tracking this back in 2010. We talk about why loneliness often goes unrecognized, who it affects most, and how the transition to retirement can catch you off guard if you're not prepared for it. Planning for what you're actually going to do with your time matters just as much as planning your income. It's how you build connection, keep your sense of purpose, and protect your wellbeing as you move into this next phase.--

Worried about Medicare Advantage claim denials? In this episode, we break down why services get denied, how prior authorization and medical necessity rules work, and what these restrictions can mean for your access to care. Learn why a Medicare Supplement plan may offer a safer, more predictable option for protecting your health and peace of mind. 

A Roth conversion means paying taxes now instead of later, but is it the right move for your retirement? We'll explain exactly how Roth conversions work, walk through a $100k example that shows the actual tax impact over 25 years, and give you three critical questions to ask before you convert. Whether you're planning for retirement or already there, this episode can help you decide if a Roth conversion makes sense for you.--Ready to take the next step? Schedule a RetireReady Call at https://bit.ly/4aAXuK7

Most people think of their 401(k) as their retirement plan. Your 401(k) tells you your balance, but it doesn't answer the questions that actually matter: "When can I retire?" "How much can I safely spend each month?" "What about health insurance before age 65?" This episode breaks down what a comprehensive retirement plan looks like and why having it in writing changes everything.--

Many teachers are offered a subsidized Medicare plan from their school district when they retire. They are told this is a great benefit that they have contributed to their whole career. Sounds great, right? Most don't realize that what they are being offered is not traditional Medicare. It is a more restrictive form of healthcare called Medicare Advantage. They also don't realize  that the choice they make at 65 can affect their healthcare options for the rest of their lives. As they get older and require more healthcare, they may not be able to switch to original Medicare. We speak with a woman who describes the ordeal she went through to escape Medicare "Advantage."  What I Learned Trying to Leave an Employer-Sponsored Medicare Advantage Plan Learned by Being Burned (short pod series about K-12 403(b) issues) 403bwise.org Meridian Wealth Management Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).

A common saying is you need a million dollars for retirement, but what does that actually mean for you? In today's episode, you'll meet Tom and Sandy. They have $1 million saved for retirement at age 65, and in their first iteration of their plan, the money was going to run out at age 79. Instead of panicking or giving up on retirement, we tested different strategies to see what actually works for them. This is a hypothetical case study, but these are strategies to consider and test in your own retirement plan. These are the strategies we explore with pre-retirees everyday to help them confidently enter their next chapter.--

If you have $1 million saved for retirement, how long will it last? We put this question to the test with four different spending scenarios, and the results might change how you think about your retirement plan.What we cover00:00 Intro00:30 The #1 Question Retirees Ask About Their Savings01:30 Why Stress Testing Your Portfolio Matters03:18 Scenario 1: 40k Withdrawal06:25 Scenario 2: 50k Withdrawal07:24 Scenario 3: 60k Withdrawal09:24 Scenario 4: 80k Withdrawal11:00 Three Phases of Retirement Spending13:52 Stress Testing Against Market Volatility15:55 Client Success StoryThese scenarios are based on steady portfolio withdrawals and do not account for Social Security, pensions, or other income sources—so your actual retirement income may vary.--Ready to take the next step? Schedule a RetireReady Call at https://bit.ly/3LvY5UyDownload your copy of the Retiring Today Magazine at https://bit.ly/4nDw5eE--Loren Merkle, CFP®, RICP®, Certified Financial Fiduciary®https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/loren-merkle/Clint Huntrods, Certified Financial Fiduciary®, PhDhttps://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/clint-huntrods/Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today with Loren Merklehttps://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/molly-nelson/--This video does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation of any security or any other product or service by Merkle Retirement Planning LLC, Elite Retirement Planning LLC, MRP Insurance LLC, or any other third party regardless of whether such security, product or service is referenced in this episode. Furthermore, nothing in this episode is intended to provide tax, legal, or investment advice and nothing in this episode should be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any investment or security or to engage in any investment strategy or transaction. Merkle Retirement Planning, LLC does not represent that the securities, products, or services discussed in this episode are suitable for any particular investor. You are solely responsible for determining whether any investment, investment strategy, security or related transaction is appropriate for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial circumstances and risk tolerance. You should consult your business advisor, attorney, or tax and accounting advisor regarding your specific business, legal or tax situation. Medicare services provided through MRP Insurance, LLC. Any and all other services related to insurance are an outside business activity and are not offered through or supervised by Elite Retirement Planning, LLC. MRP Insurance, LLC, is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency. This is an advertisement for insurance. By responding to the ad, you will be put in contact with a licensed insurance agent offering Medicare Advantage Plans, Medicare Supplement Plans, and Prescription Drug Plans. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent [5] organizations which offer [22] products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.

In July of 2025, Washington passed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, and it's changing retirement tax planning in ways most people haven't heard about yet. If you plan proactively, these changes could save you thousands on your retirement tax bill.But it's not just this one bill. Congress has been consistently changing the rules around retirement—from RMD ages shifting multiple times in recent years, to inherited IRA rules that caught millions of beneficiaries off guard. Every legislative session can bring new complexity to retirement planning.What we cover in this episode:00:00 Washington's Impact on Retirement00:32 The One Big Beautiful Bill Act03:54 The New Senior Bonus Explained08:26 Secure Act and Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)10:46 The Inherited IRA 10-Year Rule15:36 Government Shutdowns: Social Security & Medicare18:24 Market Volatility & Your PortfolioThese legislative changes add complexity to retirement planning, but they also create opportunities for tax savings if you plan proactively.--Ready to take the next step? Schedule a RetireReady Call at https://bit.ly/4jEw8a5Get the tools you need to prepare for retirement with the Retire Your Way Toolkit: https://bit.ly/49bO1bi--Loren Merkle, CFP®, RICP®, Certified Financial Fiduciary®https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/loren-merkle/Clint Huntrods, Certified Financial Fiduciary®, PhDhttps://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/clint-huntrods/Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today with Loren Merklehttps://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/molly-nelson/--This video does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation of any security or any other product or service by Merkle Retirement Planning LLC, Elite Retirement Planning LLC, MRP Insurance LLC, or any other third party regardless of whether such security, product or service is referenced in this episode. Furthermore, nothing in this episode is intended to provide tax, legal, or investment advice and nothing in this episode should be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any investment or security or to engage in any investment strategy or transaction. Merkle Retirement Planning, LLC does not represent that the securities, products, or services discussed in this episode are suitable for any particular investor. You are solely responsible for determining whether any investment, investment strategy, security or related transaction is appropriate for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial circumstances and risk tolerance. You should consult your business advisor, attorney, or tax and accounting advisor regarding your specific business, legal or tax situation.Medicare services provided through MRP Insurance, LLC. Any and all other services related to insurance are an outside business activity and are not offered through or supervised by Elite Retirement Planning, LLC. MRP Insurance, LLC, is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency. This is an advertisement for insurance. By responding to the ad, you will be put in contact with a licensed insurance agent offering Medicare Advantage Plans, Medicare Supplement Plans, and Prescription Drug Plans. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent [5] organizations which offer [22] products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.

Part 1:We talk with Jan Dutkiewicz, contributing editor at The New Republic, and Asst. Prof. of Political Science at the Pratt Institute.We discuss the promise of newly inaugurated Mayor Mamdani to establish city grocery stores in 'food deserts' in NYC. We discuss this in the context of affordability of all aspects of life in NYC: rents, transportation, health care, child care, and the communities that comprise NYC. Budget issues for families are important.Part 2:We talk with Joyce Frieden, who oversees the MedPage coverage of Washington and health policy. We discuss how Medicare is being changed to adopt some features of the various Medicare Advantage Plans, specifically, around prior authorization. This is a feature that is particularly unpopular with doctors and patients, but is being tried in some markets: NJ, OH, OK, TX, AZ, and WA. The vendors who perform these prior reviews are paid for denials. In addition, we talk about how having been with a Medicare Advantage plan hurts patients who want to return to Original Medicare coverage only, with only a few states that avoid this: IN, ME, MA, CONN, and NY.  WNHNFM.ORG  productionMusic: David Rovics

If retirement is starting to feel real, there are important decisions that need to be addressed before that final paycheck.In this episode, we walk through our Retirement Ready Checklist, a 9-step process we use to help families understand what deserves attention before retirement, not after. It's designed to bring clarity, confidence, and organization to one of the biggest transitions of your life.Rather than focusing on products or predictions, this episode is about awareness, organization, and confidence — helping you see the full picture of your retirement so you can make informed decisions moving forward.--Get the tools you need to prepare for retirement with the Retirement Ready Checklist: https://bit.ly/4apw5w3Ready to take the next step? Schedule a RetireReady Call at https://bit.ly/48YO36e--Loren Merkle, CFP®, RICP®, Certified Financial Fiduciary®https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/loren-merkle/AnnaMarie Morrow, Director of Medicare & Long-Term Carehttps://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/annamarie-morrow/Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today with Loren Merklehttps://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/molly-nelson/--This video does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation of any security or any other product or service by Merkle Retirement Planning LLC, Elite Retirement Planning LLC, MRP Insurance LLC, or any other third party regardless of whether such security, product or service is referenced in this episode. Furthermore, nothing in this episode is intended to provide tax, legal, or investment advice and nothing in this episode should be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any investment or security or to engage in any investment strategy or transaction. Merkle Retirement Planning, LLC does not represent that the securities, products, or services discussed in this episode are suitable for any particular investor. You are solely responsible for determining whether any investment, investment strategy, security or related transaction is appropriate for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial circumstances and risk tolerance. You should consult your business advisor, attorney, or tax and accounting advisor regarding your specific business, legal or tax situation.Medicare services provided through MRP Insurance, LLC. Any and all other services related to insurance are an outside business activity and are not offered through or supervised by Elite Retirement Planning, LLC. MRP Insurance, LLC, is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency. This is an advertisement for insurance. By responding to the ad, you will be put in contact with a licensed insurance agent offering Medicare Advantage Plans, Medicare Supplement Plans, and Prescription Drug Plans. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent [5] organizations which offer [22] products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.

Toni's new Medicare Survival Guide Advanced Edition book is available now - pick up your copy at www.tonisays.com Download your Free Guide: How Do I Enroll in Medicare? https://tonisays.com/free-download-how-to-enroll/ Remember - with Medicare it's what you don't know that will hurt you! There's so much good information in this podcast, please be sure to share this podcast with your friends! Recognized by feedspot.com as one of the best Medicare Podcasts in the nation! Write Toni - info@tonisays.com. Toni's book is available at www.seniorresource.com and https://tonisays.com You can call Toni at 832-519-8664 Toni welcomes all Medicare questions. Toni now offers informative Medicare Webinars for all of your Medicare needs at https://tonisays.com You can find Medicare Moments wherever you find your favorite podcasts, such as: Apple: https://apple.co/44MoguG Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7c82BS4hb145GiVYfnIRsoAmazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/884c1f46-9905-4b29-a97a-1a164c97546b/medicare-moments?refMarker=null You can find Medicare Moments at: https://podcasts.seniorresource.com/medicare-moments/ Toni's new book: Maze of Medicare is now available at www.tonisays.com Combining Scripture with Medicare, it is the only book of its kind. Toni's columns appear weekly in about 100 newspapers across America. If you would like Toni's column to appear in your local paper, or if you would like Toni to speak at an event - contact Toni King at 832-519-8664 Thank you for listening and be sure to tell your friends about Medicare Moments! Blessings! Toni KingSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Paul has trouble with his hearing and shares a story about earwax.  Which companies are selling Medicare Advantage plans?  Kaiser Workers on strike.  New prescription drug website: TrumpRX.com.  GoodRx and generic drugs.  Real life couple suffers from health issues.  

     MEDICARE ADVANTAGE MINUTE:                                                                  MA plans may limit radiation treatment options for cancer; increase the cost & duration of car!      YOUR MEDICARE BENEFITS 2025:                                                               Telehealth Major work has begun on "Medicare for the Lazy Man 2026". This is the most difficult time of year to find free time for more than one project but I am forging ahead! And finally, a light review of some of the 2026 Medicare premiums and deductibles. More to come! Contact me at: DBJ@MLMMailbag.com (Most severe critic: A+)                   Visit us on: BabyBoomer.ORG Inspired by: "MEDICARE FOR THE LAZY MAN 2025; SIMPLEST & EASIEST GUIDE EVER!" "MEDICARE DRUG PLANS: A SIMPLE D-I-Y GUIDE" "MEDICARE FOR THE LAZY MAN: BARE BONES!" For sale on Amazon.com. After enjoying the books, please consider returning to leave a short customer review to  help future readers. Official website: https://www.MedicareForTheLazyMan.com.  

The One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) is one of the most significant tax updates in recent years—and for retirees, it's not just about what changed, but how it affects real-world decisions. From a new $6,000 deduction for seniors to changes in how overtime, tips, and even mortgage interest are taxed, these changes can have a significant impact on your retirement plan.What You Should Know

This time on Code WACK! Will Humana and UnitedHealth Group be found by the courts to have prematurely denied or cut off physician-ordered post-acute care for Medicare Advantage members using AI models with error rates as high as 90%? And could these same AI tools, which over 60% of doctors allege systematically deny patients necessary care, be used in Traditional Medicare as well? The answer is YES, depending on where you live. To learn more, we spoke with Jeremy White, author of InHumana: An American Healthcare Story, published recently by White Lines Press. Jeremy and his wife, Edie, founded the award-winning satirical publication Red Shtick Magazine and its online version, The Red Shtick. They live in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. This is the second episode of a two-part series with Jeremy about his new book. Check out the Transcript and Show Notes for more! And please keep Code WACK! on the air with a tax-deductible donation.

This time on Code WACK! Will Humana and UnitedHealth Group be found by the courts to have prematurely denied or cut off physician-ordered post-acute care for Medicare Advantage members using AI models with error rates as high as 90%? And could these same AI tools, which over 60% of doctors allege systematically deny patients necessary care, be used in Traditional Medicare as well? The answer is YES, depending on where you live.  To learn more, we spoke with Jeremy White, author of InHumana: An American Healthcare Story, published recently by White Lines Press. Jeremy and his wife, Edie, founded the award-winning satirical publication Red Shtick Magazine and its online version, The Red Shtick. They live in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. This is the second episode of a two-part series with Jeremy about his new book. Check out the Transcript and Show Notes for more! And please keep Code WACK! on the air with a tax-deductible donation.

Correction: Its "Medicare for the Lazy Man; BARE BONES" (not BIG BONES)! MEDICARE ADVANTAGE MINUTE:                                                                  MA premiums drop in 2026; Here's how hidden costs could still hit your wallet!      YOUR MEDICARE BENEFITS 2025:                                                           Speech-language pathology services! Four states have issued cease and desist orders to several insurance companies who have cleverly thought of ways to trick customers into not buying some of their plans. That way the plans aren't withdrawn from the market but nobody can buy them. Finally, we present a quiz in which we identify the most & least overweight and obese states. Contact me at: DBJ@MLMMailbag.com (Most severe critic: A++)                   Visit us on: BabyBoomer.ORG Inspired by: "MEDICARE FOR THE LAZY MAN 2025; SIMPLEST & EASIEST GUIDE EVER!" "MEDICARE DRUG PLANS: A SIMPLE D-I-Y GUIDE" "MEDICARE FOR THE LAZY MAN: BARE BONES!" For sale on Amazon.com. After enjoying the books, please consider returning to leave a short customer review to  help future readers. Official website: https://www.MedicareForTheLazyMan.com.

This time on Code WACK! Will Humana and UnitedHealth Group be found by the courts to have prematurely denied or cut off physician-ordered post-acute care for Medicare Advantage members using AI models with error rates as high as 90%? And could these same AI tools, which over 60% of doctors allege systematically deny patients necessary care, be used in Traditional Medicare as well? The answer is YES, depending on where you live. To learn more, we spoke with Jeremy White, author of InHumana: An American Healthcare Story, published recently by White Lines Press. Jeremy and his wife, Edie, founded the award-winning satirical publication Red Shtick Magazine and its online version, The Red Shtick. They live in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. This is the second episode of a two-part series with Jeremy about his new book. Check out the Transcript and Show Notes for more! And please keep Code WACK! on the air with a tax-deductible donation.

New tax legislation can unlock opportunities—or create surprises—if you don't understand the fine print. In this episode, we walk through the One Big Beautiful Bill and how key provisions could affect retirees and pre-retirees. From the senior bonus standard deduction to charitable giving updates, SALT cap changes, and estate-tax thresholds, we show where planning matters and how timing can shape your tax bill over the next few years.We cover:

Every stage of life brings new financial milestones, and retirement is no different. From your 50s through your 70s, there are decisions you will make that can significantly affect your confidence, income, and lifestyle in retirement. In this episode, the Retiring Today team showcases our first digital magazine — Your Retirement Milestone Guide. This new resource is designed to help you see the full picture of retirement planning and understand why timing and preparation make such a difference.You'll also meet Adventurous Angie — a newly retired professional who spent 47 years with the same company. Learn how she earned her nickname, what's on her multiple “bucket lists,” and how she's making the most of retirement after answering the big question: Am I ready? Angie's story brings these milestones to life, showing how clarity and planning can turn uncertainty into confidence.--Download your copy of the Retiring Today Magazine at https://bit.ly/4nDw5eEReady to take the next step? Schedule a RetireReady Call at https://bit.ly/4933lZb--Loren MerkleCFP®, RICP®, Certified Financial Fiduciary®https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/loren-merkle/Clint HuntrodsCertified Financial Fiduciary®, PhDhttps://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/clint-huntrods/Molly NelsonHost of Retiring Today with Loren Merklehttps://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/molly-nelson/--This video does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation of any security or any other product or service by Merkle Retirement Planning LLC, Elite Retirement Planning LLC, MRP Insurance LLC, or any other third party regardless of whether such security, product or service is referenced in this episode. Furthermore, nothing in this episode is intended to provide tax, legal, or investment advice and nothing in this episode should be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any investment or security or to engage in any investment strategy or transaction. Merkle Retirement Planning, LLC does not represent that the securities, products, or services discussed in this episode are suitable for any particular investor. You are solely responsible for determining whether any investment, investment strategy, security or related transaction is appropriate for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial circumstances and risk tolerance. You should consult your business advisor, attorney, or tax and accounting advisor regarding your specific business, legal or tax situation.The testimonial shared in this episode is provided by a current client, who did not receive compensation for their experience with Merkle Retirement Planning. This testimonial does not present conflicts of interest due to the relationships or services offered. This published testimonial is representative of this individual's experience only. Medicare services provided through MRP Insurance, LLC. Any and all other services related to insurance are an outside business activity and are not offered through or supervised by Elite Retirement Planning, LLC. MRP Insurance, LLC, is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency. This is an advertisement for insurance. By responding to the ad, you will be put in contact with a licensed insurance agent offering Medicare Advantage Plans, Medicare Supplement Plans, and Prescription Drug Plans. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent [5] organizations which offer [22] products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.

Is it true you have to enroll in Medicare at 65 even if you're still working? Will Medicare cover all of your health care needs? What actually happens if you enroll late? There's a lot of confusion around Medicare — but understanding how it works before you enroll can help you feel more confident about the choices you need to make.In this episode, we walk through common Medicare assumptions and separate fact from fiction. Each topic reflects real situations people face as they approach 65, and understanding the facts can help you feel more prepared when it's time to make your Medicare decisions.--Ready to take the next step? Schedule a RetireReady Call at https://bit.ly/4933lZbGet the tools you need to prepare for retirement with the Retire Your Way Toolkit: https://bit.ly/4nPqqDx--Loren MerkleCFP®, RICP®, Certified Financial Fiduciary®https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/loren-merkle/AnnaMarie MorrowDirector of Medicare & Long-Term Carehttps://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/annamarie-morrow/Molly NelsonHost of Retiring Today with Loren Merklehttps://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/molly-nelson/--This video does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation of any security or any other product or service by Merkle Retirement Planning LLC, Elite Retirement Planning LLC, MRP Insurance LLC, or any other third party regardless of whether such security, product or service is referenced in this episode. Furthermore, nothing in this episode is intended to provide tax, legal, or investment advice and nothing in this episode should be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any investment or security or to engage in any investment strategy or transaction. Merkle Retirement Planning, LLC does not represent that the securities, products, or services discussed in this episode are suitable for any particular investor. You are solely responsible for determining whether any investment, investment strategy, security or related transaction is appropriate for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial circumstances and risk tolerance. You should consult your business advisor, attorney, or tax and accounting advisor regarding your specific business, legal or tax situation.Medicare services provided through MRP Insurance, LLC. Any and all other services related to insurance are an outside business activity and are not offered through or supervised by Elite Retirement Planning, LLC. MRP Insurance, LLC, is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency. This is an advertisement for insurance. By responding to the ad, you will be put in contact with a licensed insurance agent offering Medicare Advantage Plans, Medicare Supplement Plans, and Prescription Drug Plans. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent [5] organizations which offer [22] products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.

In this Indiana Jones–inspired episode, we return to the Cave of Question to tackle one of the biggest challenges facing those 55 and older: How do I start planning for retirement?It's easy to feel lost in the maze of decisions around Social Security, Roth conversions, Medicare, and more. That's why this journey is about more than finding answers, it's about uncovering the Compass of Clarity. To get it, we must work through each puzzle of the six pillars of retirement planning: lifestyle, income, taxes, investments, health care, and legacy.--Ready to take the next step? Schedule a call now at https://bit.ly/4933lZb to get answers to your retirement questions.Get the tools you need to prepare for retirement with our complimentary toolkit: https://bit.ly/4nPqqDx--Loren MerkleCFP®, RICP®, Certified Financial Fiduciary®https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/loren-merkle/Clint HuntrodsCertified Financial Fiduciary®, PhDhttps://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/clint-huntrods/Molly NelsonHost of Retiring Today with Loren Merklehttps://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/molly-nelson/--This video does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation of any security or any other product or service by Merkle Retirement Planning LLC, Elite Retirement Planning LLC, MRP Insurance LLC, or any other third party regardless of whether such security, product or service is referenced in this episode. Furthermore, nothing in this episode is intended to provide tax, legal, or investment advice and nothing in this episode should be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any investment or security or to engage in any investment strategy or transaction. Merkle Retirement Planning, LLC does not represent that the securities, products, or services discussed in this episode are suitable for any particular investor. You are solely responsible for determining whether any investment, investment strategy, security or related transaction is appropriate for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial circumstances and risk tolerance. You should consult your business advisor, attorney, or tax and accounting advisor regarding your specific business, legal or tax situation. Medicare services provided through MRP Insurance, LLC. Any and all other services related to insurance are an outside business activity and are not offered through or supervised by Elite Retirement Planning, LLC. MRP Insurance, LLC, is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency. This is an advertisement for insurance. By responding to the ad, you will be put in contact with a licensed insurance agent offering Medicare Advantage Plans, Medicare Supplement Plans, and Prescription Drug Plans. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent [5] organizations which offer [22] products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.

Guest Sam Olsen - owner of Sam Olsen Insurance Agency and friends with Paul's son.  We discuss Medicare, skin substitutes, Medicare Advantage Plans, and what to do about Cancer.

Guest Chris Graham of Graham Financial Group, insurance agent in Florida.  United American Insurance.  Lapse in coverage could lead to rate increase.  How to keep your policy when you move.  Medicare Advantage Plans: pressure to cut costs.  Financial incentive over care.  

An Eagan Police detective concluded a local high school teacher engaged in an alleged pattern of predatory grooming with female students. But no charges were ever filed. MPR News reporter Elizabeth Shockman shares what she learned from the public police report.Minneapolis-based health insurance company UCare has dropped their Medicare Advantage Plan. Thousands are now scrambling to find new coverage. We'll learn how that's impacting Minnesotans.Plus, LGBTQ+ conversion therapy is banned in the state. But what happens to that ban if the U.S. Supreme Court decides it's unconstitutional? We'll break it down.And the Vikings are now three and three this season. We'll hear what's next for the team with sports contributors Wally and Eric.Our Minnesota Music Minute was “Manoominike Giizis” by MPR News Native News editor Leah Lemm and our Song of the Day was “October Passed Me By” by girl in red.

Medicare's Fall Open Enrollment runs from October 15 through December 7, and this is your chance to review, compare, and adjust your coverage for 2026. Richard Rosso & Jonathan McCarty review six crucial steps to help you make smarter Medicare choices — from evaluating plan changes and comparing drug coverage to avoiding common enrollment mistakes. Whether you're already on Medicare Advantage or reviewing Part D drug plans, understanding how to navigate this annual window could save you thousands in healthcare costs next year. 1:34 - Dealing w Medicare Open Enrollment 3:59 - Jonathan's Baby & Diaper Service 9:10 - Prescription Drug Formularies & Changes 12:11 - Shopping Around for Medicare Advantage Plans 17:56 - Recommended Alphabet Formula 21:15 - What Medicare Advantage is NOT 24:55 - Medicare Part-G Open Architecture 26:52 - Where to Start - ID Verification Woes 30:17 - The Medicare Plan Finder 34:34 - The RIA Medicare Screening Tool 43:34 - How and Where to Start Hosted by RIA Advisors Director of Financial Planning, Richard Rosso, CFP, w Senior Investment Advisor, Jonathan McCarty, CFP  Produced by Brent Clanton, Executive Producer ------- Watch Today's Full Video on our YouTube Channel: http://bit.ly/3KSVvYg ------- The latest installment of our new feature, Before the Bell, "Markets Reclaim 20-DMA — Can It Hold?" is here:  http://bit.ly/46WMYfq ------- Our Previous Show, "Capitalism: The Real Path to Wealth & Happiness" is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2zw3gGV13x0&list=PLVT8LcWPeAugpcGzM8hHyEP11lE87RYPe&index=1&t=3s ------- Get more info & commentary:  https://realinvestm entadvice.com/newsletter/ -------- SUBSCRIBE to The Real Investment Show here: http://www.youtube.com/c/TheRealInvestmentShow -------- Visit our Site: https://www.realinvestmentadvice.com Contact Us: 1-855-RIA-PLAN -------- Subscribe to SimpleVisor: https://www.simplevisor.com/register-new -------- Connect with us on social: https://twitter.com/RealInvAdvice https://twitter.com/LanceRoberts https://www.facebook.com/RealInvestmentAdvice/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/realinvestmentadvice/ #MedicareOpenEnrollment #RetirementPlanning #MedicareAdvantage #FinancialEducation #HealthcareCosts

Medicare open enrollment starts next week. In September, letters went out to recipients explaining that there would be changes. Some plans are being dropped completely. This has caused a great deal of confusion and concern. We address the changes and answer your questions.In studio: Andy Napierala, vice president of Medicare and individual market sales for Excellus BlueCross BlueShield Rene Pettenski, manager of the Health Insurance Information Counseling Assistance Program at Lifespan ---Connections is supported by listeners like you. Head to our donation page to become a WXXI member today, support the show, and help us close the gap created by the rescission of federal funding.---Connections airs every weekday from noon-2 p.m. Join the conversation with questions or comments by phone at 1-844-295-TALK (8255) or 585-263-9994, email, Facebook or Twitter. Connections is also livestreamed on the WXXI News YouTube channel each day. You can watch live or access previous episodes here.---Do you have a story that needs to be shared? Pitch your story to Connections.

If you'd like to work with us on your Medicare health plan, we're licensed in 45 states and actively helping clients across the country. Christian and the team at Everything Senior Insurance represent many of the top insurance companies in the Medicare space. We're happy to help—just reach out! ➡️ Visit our site: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.eseniorinsurance.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠✅ Call us: (801) 255-5340

If you'd like to work with us on your Medicare health plan, we're licensed in 45 states and actively helping clients across the country. Christian and the team at Everything Senior Insurance represent many of the top insurance companies in the Medicare space. We're happy to help—just reach out! ➡️ Visit our site: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.eseniorinsurance.com⁠⁠⁠⁠✅ Call us: (801) 255-5340

If you'd like to work with us on your Medicare health plan, we're licensed in 45 states and actively helping clients across the country. Christian and the team at Everything Senior Insurance represent many of the top insurance companies in the Medicare space. We're happy to help—just reach out! ➡️ Visit our site: ⁠https://www.eseniorinsurance.com⁠✅ Call us: (801) 255-5340