The Medicare Dude

11/07/2025

Mayo Clinic and Original Medicare: Why It Matters

Did you know the Mayo Clinic accepts Original Medicare but does not participate in most Medicare Advantage plans? That’s important if you want access to one of the most respected hospitals in the nation.

With Original Medicare (Parts A and B), you can see any doctor or specialist who accepts Medicare — including the Mayo Clinic in Florida, Arizona, and Minnesota — without worrying about network restrictions or referrals.

Since Medicare doesn’t cover everything, a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan helps pay for deductibles, coinsurance, and out-of-pocket costs.

Benefits of a Medicare Supplement Plan:
✅ Freedom to choose any Medicare provider nationwide
✅ Lower out-of-pocket costs
✅ No referrals required
✅ Access to top hospitals like the Mayo Clinic

If you want flexibility and peace of mind, consider Original Medicare with a Medicare Supplement for your best healthcare coverage option.

📍 William Gray – Independent Medicare Broker, Daytona Beach, FL
💬 Helping you make confident Medicare decisions with trusted local guidance.

10/27/2025

Worried About the Copays and Deductibles on Your Medicare Advantage Plan?
You’re not alone. Many people are surprised by the out-of-pocket costs that come with hospital stays, doctor visits, and specialist care.

An indemnity plan can help — it pays cash directly to you to help cover those copays, deductibles, and other expenses. You choose how to use the money, giving you flexibility and peace of mind.

✅ Helps cover unexpected costs
✅ Pays you directly
✅ Works alongside your Medicare Advantage plan

For more information or a personalized quote, contact:
William Gray – The Medicare Dude
📞 904-460-8120
🌐

I am an independent licensed insurance agent specializing in Medicare Insurance Solutions. I will answer your questions and clarify the insurance options you have. I will help you avoid common misconceptions and late enrollment penalties. My clients are located all across Florida and the USA, giving...

10/26/2025

When to Stop HSA Contributions Before Medicare

If you have a Health Savings Account (HSA) and are getting ready to enroll in Medicare, it’s important to know when to stop contributing.

When you sign up for Medicare Part A, your coverage is retroactive for up to six months (but not before your 65th birthday). Because of this, any HSA contributions made during that retroactive period can be considered excess contributions and may trigger IRS penalties.

To avoid this issue, stop contributing to your HSA at least six months before your Medicare starts. You can still use your existing HSA funds tax-free to pay for qualified medical expenses, including Medicare premiums, copays, and deductibles.

Example: If your Medicare starts July 1, your Part A will backdate to January 1 — so you should stop contributions by December 31 of the prior year.

Have questions about HSA rules, Medicare enrollment, or finding the right coverage? I can help make the transition simple and penalty-free.

---

📞 William Gray — The Medicare Dude
🌐 www.TheMedicareDude.com
📍 Daytona, Florida
📲 Call or text: 904-460-8120

💬 Schedule your free Medicare review today!

I am an independent licensed insurance agent specializing in Medicare Insurance Solutions. I will answer your questions and clarify the insurance options you have. I will help you avoid common misconceptions and late enrollment penalties. My clients are located all across Florida and the USA, giving...

10/19/2025

📢 Important Medicare Update: What to Do If You’ve Lost Creditable Coverage or Your Plan Is Ending

If your Medicare Advantage plan is not renewing its contract with Medicare, or you’ve recently lost creditable coverage (such as employer or union insurance), you may qualify for a Guaranteed Issue (GI) Right to enroll in a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan — no health questions asked.

This special right ensures that you can’t be denied coverage or charged more due to health conditions, but you must act within a limited time window — typically 63 days from when your prior coverage ends.

🛡️ What Are Your Guaranteed Issue Options?

Depending on your situation, you may be able to choose from plans like Medicare Supplement Plan A, B, D, G, K, or L, depending on availability in your state. These plans help fill the gaps Original Medicare doesn’t cover — like deductibles, copays, and coinsurance — giving you predictable costs and freedom to see any doctor that accepts Medicare nationwide.

🤝 Why Work With a Licensed Broker

A licensed independent Medicare broker can compare all your available Medigap and Medicare Advantage options, including some that may not be listed online or in direct mail ads. Brokers work for you, not the insurance companies, to ensure you get the best value, benefits, and coverage for your unique needs.

---

🕒 Don’t wait until it’s too late. If your plan is ending or you’ve lost coverage, contact a local Medicare broker right away to review your guaranteed issue rights and lock in the best plan for next year.

💬 Need help? Reach out today — I’ll walk you through your options and handle the enrollment process step by step.

10/17/2025

Your Medicare Advantage Plan Isn’t Renewing? Here’s What You Need to Know About Guaranteed Issue Rights and Medicare Supplement Opportunities

If you’ve received notice that your Medicare Advantage plan isn’t renewing for the upcoming year, you’re not alone. Every year, insurance companies make changes to their Medicare Advantage offerings—sometimes reducing coverage areas, modifying benefits, or deciding not to renew plans altogether.

While that news can feel unsettling, there’s an important silver lining:
You may qualify for a special Guaranteed Issue Right to enroll in a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan—but that opportunity is often time-sensitive and might be your only chance to get a supplement without medical underwriting.

Let’s break down what that means, why it matters, and what steps you should take right now.

---

What Happens When a Medicare Advantage Plan Ends?

When a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan is discontinued or not renewed by the insurance company:

Your plan ends on December 31st of the current year.

Medicare automatically returns you to Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) starting January 1st of the new year.

You then have the option to either choose another Medicare Advantage plan or enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan to go with your Original Medicare.

The key is understanding your rights and timing—because once your Advantage plan ends, the clock starts ticking on your special enrollment period.

---

What Are Guaranteed Issue Rights?

Normally, if you want to enroll in a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan, insurance companies can:

Require medical underwriting,

Deny you coverage based on pre-existing conditions, or

Charge you higher premiums due to your health.

However, when certain events happen—like your Medicare Advantage plan ending through no fault of your own—you gain what’s called a Guaranteed Issue Right (also known as a “Medigap protection”).

This right means that, for a limited time, insurance companies must: ✅ Accept your Medigap application
✅ Offer you coverage at the same price as a healthy applicant
✅ Not delay or deny coverage for pre-existing conditions

---

When Do Guaranteed Issue Rights Apply?

There are several situations where Guaranteed Issue Rights apply, but in this case, it’s triggered when:

Your Medicare Advantage plan is leaving Medicare, or

Your plan stops servicing your area, or

Your insurer decides not to renew your plan for the next year

This is a Special Enrollment Period created to protect beneficiaries from losing coverage through no fault of their own.

---

Your Guaranteed Issue Time Window

If your Medicare Advantage plan isn’t renewing, your Guaranteed Issue window typically begins 60 days before your coverage ends and continues for 63 days after it ends.

That means you usually have from November through early March (depending on your plan’s termination date) to take advantage of this right.

⚠️ Important: Once that window closes, insurance companies can once again use medical underwriting to decide whether to accept you into a Medicare Supplement plan. Missing the window could mean losing your one-time opportunity to enroll without health questions.

---

Which Medicare Supplement Plans Are Available Under Guaranteed Issue?

Depending on your state and situation, you’re typically entitled to enroll in one of the following Medigap plans:

Plan A

Plan B

Plan C (if eligible before 2020)

Plan D

Plan F (if eligible before 2020)

Plan G (for newer enrollees)

Plan K or Plan L in some cases

Each plan provides different levels of coverage to fill the “gaps” left by Original Medicare—such as deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments.

---

Why This May Be Your Only Chance

If you currently have health conditions—such as heart disease, diabetes, COPD, or a history of cancer—this Guaranteed Issue Right is extremely valuable.

Outside of your initial Medicare enrollment period (when you first turn 65 or enroll in Part B), most people can only get a Medigap plan through medical underwriting. That means insurance companies can:

Ask health questions,

Review your medical records, and

Potentially deny your application.

Once your Guaranteed Issue window expires, you may never again have the same freedom to enroll in a supplement without your health being a factor.

That’s why it’s critical to review your options as soon as possible—while the Guaranteed Issue protections are still in effect.

---

Why Choose a Medicare Supplement Plan

Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans are popular among those who want predictable costs and stable coverage year after year.

Here are a few reasons why many people switch when their Advantage plan ends:

Freedom to choose doctors – You can see any provider nationwide who accepts Medicare.

No referral requirements – You don’t need permission to see a specialist.

Lower out-of-pocket costs – Many plans cover all or most of your medical expenses after Medicare pays its share.

No network restrictions – Perfect for people who travel or live in multiple states.

Guaranteed renewable for life – As long as you pay your premium, the insurance company can’t drop your coverage.

For many retirees, Medigap plans provide peace of mind—especially when faced with the uncertainty of a Medicare Advantage plan ending.

---

What About Prescription Drug Coverage?

Medicare Supplement plans do not include prescription drug coverage.

If you switch from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare and choose a Medigap plan, you’ll also need to enroll in a standalone Part D (prescription drug) plan to avoid potential late-enrollment penalties and maintain drug coverage.

Your Guaranteed Issue Right for Medigap doesn’t extend to Part D, but you do have a separate Special Enrollment Period to pick a drug plan when your Advantage plan ends.

---

Steps to Take Right Now

1. Review Your Termination Notice
Carefully read the letter from your current Medicare Advantage plan. It will confirm the end date and outline your options.

2. Mark Your Calendar
Remember—you have 63 days after your plan ends to use your Guaranteed Issue Right.

3. Compare Medicare Supplement Plans
Look at Medigap Plan G, Plan N, and others available in your state. Each offers different levels of protection and monthly premiums.

4. Apply During the Guaranteed Issue Window
Don’t wait until the deadline. Processing times can vary, and you want your new coverage to start without any gap.

5. Add a Part D Plan
Choose a prescription drug plan to accompany your Medigap coverage.

6. Work With a Licensed Broker
Independent brokers—like The Medicare Dude—can compare plans from multiple companies, explain your rights, and help ensure you don’t miss your window.

---

Final Thoughts

If your Medicare Advantage plan isn’t renewing this year, don’t panic—but don’t delay, either.
You have valuable Guaranteed Issue Rights that may allow you to enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan without health questions or denial—but the opportunity only lasts a short time.

For many people, this is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to lock in stable, long-term coverage that travels with you and doesn’t change from year to year.

---

Need Help?

I’m William Gray – The Medicare Dude, and I help Medicare beneficiaries in Florida and across the U.S. find the right coverage for their needs and budget.

If your plan is ending or you’re unsure of your options, contact me today for a no-cost consultation.

📞 904-460-8120
🌐

I am an independent licensed insurance agent specializing in Medicare Insurance Solutions. I will answer your questions and clarify the insurance options you have. I will help you avoid common misconceptions and late enrollment penalties. My clients are located all across Florida and the USA, giving...

10/08/2025

Why You Should Use an Insurance Broker, Not Just an Agent

When it comes to choosing insurance — whether health, Medicare, life, or property coverage — the difference between a broker and an agent can make all the difference in what you pay and the protection you get.

1. Brokers Work for You — Agents Work for One Company

Insurance brokers represent you, the client.

Agents typically represent a single insurance company and can only offer that company’s products.
Brokers shop across multiple carriers to find the plan that truly fits your needs and budget.

2. More Options = Better Coverage

Because brokers have access to many insurance companies, you get more choices and competitive pricing.
An agent can only offer what their company sells — even if there’s a better option elsewhere.

3. Independent, Unbiased Advice

Brokers aren’t tied to any one carrier, so they provide unbiased recommendations based on your situation, not company quotas or incentives.

4. Help With Claims and Service

A broker acts as your advocate — helping with claims, renewals, or changes — not just during enrollment, but year-round.
An agent may refer you to their company’s customer service line instead.

5. No Extra Cost to You

Working with a broker usually costs you nothing extra. Brokers are compensated by the insurance companies, but their loyalty stays with you — because their success depends on your satisfaction and long-term relationship.

6. Personal Guidance Through Complex Choices

Especially with health or Medicare plans, brokers explain your options in plain English, making sure you understand deductibles, networks, co-pays, and benefits before you enroll.

---

Bottom Line

A good insurance broker gives you choice, transparency, and advocacy — all focused on protecting your best interests, not the company’s bottom line.

10/06/2025

https://spiritdental.com/?option=com_scoreboard&view=scoreboard&agent=001V5000008DHUgIAO

Shop affordable dental insurance plans with flexible coverage options make it easy and affordable to protect your smile and budget.

10/02/2025

30 health systems dropping Medicare Advantage plans:
Editor’s note: This is not an exhaustive list. It will continue to be updated this year.

Ohio-based Kettering Health will no longer contract with Humana and Devoted Health past 2025.

Hollywood, Fla.-based Memorial Healthcare System went out of network with Florida Blue Medicare Advantage in September.

Clarion-based Iowa Specialty Hospitals and Clinics is dropping all Medicare Advantage plans in 2026, except for Aetna, Medigold, UnitedHealthcare, and Wellmark BCBS.

Baltimore-based Johns Hopkins Medicine went out of network with UnitedHealthcare MA in August.

Charleston based-MUSC Health’s contract with Humana Medicare Advantage expired on June 30.

Providence, R.I.-based Brown University Health and UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage mutually agreed to go out of network on July 1.

Tupelo, Miss.-based North Mississippi Health Services went out-of-network with UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage on June 1.

Oregon-based Salem Health and Regence BCBS Medicare Advantage went out of network in February.

Dover, Del.-based Bayhealth terminated its contracts with Humana and Cigna Medicare Advantage plans, effective Jan. 1, the system’s CFO confirmed to Becker’s.

Dallas-based Baylor Scott & White is no longer in network with Humana Medicare Advantage as of Jan. 1
Livonia-based Trinity Health Michigan is no longer included in Humana’s Medicare Advantage network as of Jan. 1.

West Des Moines, Iowa-based MercyOne is no longer included in Humana’s Medicare Advantage network as of Jan. 1.

Raleigh, N.C.-based WakeMed is out of network with Humana Medicare Advantage for non-state retirees as of Jan. 1.

CommonSpirit hospitals in Colorado and Humana went out of network on Jan. 1.

The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center in Columbus went out of network with Anthem Medicare Advantage on Jan. 1.

WVU Medicine’s Uniontown (Pa.) Hospital and its affiliated provider groups are no longer participating providers with Highmark PA or Highmark Wholecare Medicare Advantage as of Jan. 1.

Robbinsdale, Minn.-based North Memorial Health has ended its contract with Humana Medicare Advantage.
Duluth, Minn.-based Essentia Health went out of network with Humana Medicare Advantage plans in 2025.

Watertown, S.D.-based Prairie Lakes Healthcare System dropped Humana Medicare Advantage in January.

Nashville-based Vanderbilt Health is no longer in network with BCBS Tennessee Medicare Advantage.

Sioux Falls, S.D.-based Avera Health ended participation as an in-network provider with Humana Medicare Advantage, effective Jan. 1.

Quincy, Ill.-based Blessing Health implemented a new MA approach in 2025 and is only contracting with BCBS, UnitedHealthcare, Molina and Total Retiree Advantage Illinois.

Lawrence, Kan.-based LMH Health no longer accepts Aetna or Humana Medicare Advantage, effective Jan. 1.
Sioux Falls, S.D.-based Sanford Health dropped Humana Medicare Advantage in Minnesota for 2025.

North Platte, Neb.-based Great Plains Health no longer accepts any Medicare Advantage plans as of 2025.
Kimball (Neb.) Health Services no longer accepts any Medicare Advantage plans as of 2025.

Carson City, Nev.-based Carson Tahoe Health stopped accepting most Medicare Advantage plans throughout 2025, except for Prominence and Renown Health’s Senior Care Plus.

Farmers Branch, Texas-based Southwestern Health Resources, which includes providers at Texas Health and UT Southwestern, went out of network with Aetna Medicare Advantage in 2025.

Minneapolis-based Allina Health went out of network with Humana Medicare Advantage in 2025.

Midland-based MyMichigan Health is no longer participating in the Aetna Medicare Advantage network in 2025.

William Gray

I am an independent licensed insurance agent specializing in Medicare Insurance Solutions. I will answer your questions and clarify the insurance options you have. I will help you avoid common misconceptions and late enrollment penalties. My clients are located all across Florida and the USA, giving...

10/01/2025

How a Hospital Indemnity Plan Works with a Medicare Advantage Plan—and How It Can Save You Money

For many seniors, a Medicare Advantage plan is a great way to get comprehensive health coverage, often with low or even $0 monthly premiums. However, one common challenge with Medicare Advantage is the out-of-pocket costs when you actually use the plan. Hospital stays, ambulance rides, or skilled nursing care can result in daily copays that add up quickly.

That’s where a Hospital Indemnity Plan comes in.

What Is a Hospital Indemnity Plan?

A hospital indemnity plan is a type of supplemental insurance. Unlike your Medicare Advantage plan, which pays doctors and hospitals directly, a hospital indemnity plan pays you a cash benefit when you’re admitted to the hospital (and sometimes for other covered services, depending on the plan you choose).

These benefits are paid directly to you, not the hospital. You can then use the money however you want—covering medical copays, paying bills at home, or even offsetting lost income if you’re unable to work part-time.

How It Works with Medicare Advantage

Medicare Advantage Cost Example: If your plan charges a $325 per day copay for the first 5 days of a hospital stay, a 4-day stay could cost you $1,300 out of pocket.

Hospital Indemnity Plan Benefit Example: If you have a hospital indemnity plan that pays $350 per day, you’d receive $1,400 in cash benefits for that same 4-day stay—more than enough to cover your copays.

In other words, your hospital indemnity plan helps “fill the gaps” in your Medicare Advantage coverage.

How It Saves You Money

Covers Daily Hospital Copays – These can be hundreds of dollars per day.

Flexibility of Cash Benefits – Use the money for medical or household expenses.

Affordable Premiums – Hospital indemnity plans are typically very affordable, often just a few dollars a day.

Peace of Mind – Knowing you won’t be hit with a large, unexpected bill makes it easier to budget.

Final Thoughts

Medicare Advantage plans can save you money on monthly premiums, but they also leave you exposed to certain out-of-pocket costs. A hospital indemnity plan works alongside your Advantage plan to help cover those costs and protect your savings.

If you’d like to learn how a hospital indemnity plan could fit into your Medicare coverage, let’s schedule a quick conversation.

📞 Call me today at 904-460-8120
🌐 Visit me at

I am an independent licensed insurance agent specializing in Medicare Insurance Solutions. I will answer your questions and clarify the insurance options you have. I will help you avoid common misconceptions and late enrollment penalties. My clients are located all across Florida and the USA, giving...

09/29/2025

Choosing a Medicare Supplement Company with lower rate increase history.

1. Saves Money Over Time

A plan with a low starting price might not stay affordable if the company raises rates aggressively. A slightly higher premium from a company with a stable history can save thousands of dollars in the long run.

2. Predictability

Budgeting on a fixed income is easier when you know your costs won’t suddenly skyrocket. Companies with modest, steady increases help give you peace of mind.

3. Less Risk of Needing to Switch

Switching Medicare Supplement plans later in life often requires health questions. If your health changes, you may not qualify for the same rates elsewhere. Choosing a stable company now lowers the chance of being forced to switch later.

4. Stronger, More Stable Companies

A company with a history of moderate increases often has better financial management and a healthier pool of members. That stability can help protect you from sudden spikes in premiums.

5. Better Long-Term Value

The lowest premium today is not always the best deal tomorrow. Paying a little more upfront for a company with a strong history of stability often results in lower overall costs.

How to Evaluate a Company’s Rate History
Review the past 5–10 years
Understand pricing methods

09/22/2025

Ten prescription drugs will become cheaper in 2026 due to Medicare's drug price negotiations, which will reduce costs for patients with Medicare Part D. Remember that your Standalone Drug plans or Medicare Advantage plans need to be checked every year to make sure that they cover the Drugs that you're taking.The negotiated prices, which are significantly lower than their original list prices, go into effect on January 1, 2026, for people with Medicare prescription drug coverage. Here is a list of the 10 drugs. Their expected lower prices in 2026 are in the (very hard to read) image that's on my profile, but I can't seem to find a place to upload the image here:

Eliquis: For blood clots

Xarelto: For blood clots

Januvia: For diabetes

Jardiance: For diabetes, heart failure, and chronic kidney disease

Farxiga: For diabetes, heart failure, and chronic kidney disease

Entresto: For heart failure

Enbrel: For rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and psoriatic arthritis

Stelara: For psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis

Imbruvica: For blood cancers

I am an independent licensed insurance agent specializing in Medicare Insurance Solutions. I will answer your questions and clarify the insurance options you have. I will help you avoid common misconceptions and late enrollment penalties. My clients are located all across Florida and the USA, giving...

09/21/2025

Important Update: Why Medicare Part D Premiums Are Likely Going Up in 2026

As a Medicare broker who has helped hundreds of people navigate their coverage over the years, I want to make sure you’re aware of an important change coming to Medicare Part D in 2026.

What’s happening

The government has been temporarily subsidizing Part D premiums to keep them lower, but those subsidies are being reduced in 2026. At the same time, the Inflation Reduction Act is reshaping how costs are split between Medicare, insurance companies, and drug manufacturers. Plans are expected to take on more financial responsibility, and when that happens, they often raise premiums.

Simply put — most experts are predicting that Part D premiums will be higher in 2026 than they are today.

Why it matters to you

Higher monthly premiums are likely across most plans.

Formulary changes (which drugs are covered and at what cost) may shift as insurance companies adjust.

The new out-of-pocket cap of $2,000 (slightly higher in 2026 due to inflation) will help those with very expensive medications — but premiums and mid-tier drug costs may rise.

My advice

Don’t wait until the last minute. During this year’s Medicare Open Enrollment (October 15 – December 7), it will be more important than ever to review:

Your drug list against next year’s plan formularies.

The total annual cost, not just the premium (monthly premiums + copays + pharmacy network).

Whether a standalone Part D plan or a Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage will save you the most money.

How I can help

This is where I come in. As a broker, I work with all the major companies — not just one. That means I can give you an unbiased comparison and help you choose the plan that keeps your costs as low as possible while making sure your prescriptions and doctors are covered.

I’ve seen far too many people overpay simply because they didn’t shop their plan. Don’t let that happen to you.

📞 Call me directly at 904-460-8120
🌐 Or visit www.themedicaredude.com to schedule a review

Final thought

Premiums may be going up in 2026, but with the right plan, you can still keep your overall costs under control. Let’s sit down and review your options together — I’ll make the process simple, personal, and stress-free.

I am an independent licensed insurance agent specializing in Medicare Insurance Solutions. I will answer your questions and clarify the insurance options you have. I will help you avoid common misconceptions and late enrollment penalties. My clients are located all across Florida and the USA, giving...