Good morning. Open Enrollment starts tomorrow, which means it's officially that season — the one that ranks somewhere between tax filing and cleaning the gutters.
In this issue:
Medicare Open Enrollment starts tomorrow — here's your gameplan
Worth Knowing: IRMAA, palliative care myths, and daylight saving prep
From the Archives: accessing palliative and hospice care step by step
Slice of Life: October mornings
Medicare Open Enrollment starts tomorrow — October 15 — and runs through December 7. Here's how to do this without losing your mind.
Step 1: Gather your info. Current plan name, prescriptions (name and dosage), preferred pharmacy, doctors' names.
Step 2: Go to medicare.gov/plan-compare. The tool shows estimated total annual cost — that total number is what matters.
Step 3: Compare at least 3 plans. Look at total annual cost, drug copays, network, and star rating.
Step 4: Enroll. Online at medicare.gov, by phone at 1-800-MEDICARE, or through your local SHIP counselor.
The mistake I see most often: people only look at the monthly premium. The takeaway: Compare total annual cost, not just what comes out of your check.
💰 The Medicare mistake that costs $4,000/year. IRMAA kicks in if your MAGI was over $103,000 (single) or $206,000 (married) in 2023. If your income dropped since then, file Form SSA-44 with Social Security.
🏥 Palliative care ≠ hospice. Palliative care means feeling better while being treated. It runs alongside curative treatments. Hospice is comfort care when treatment stops.
🍁 Daylight saving time ends November 2. Replace smoke detector batteries. Add nightlights to hallways — the extra evening darkness increases fall risk.
Accessing Palliative and Hospice Care — by Nino C.
This walks you through every step — from the first conversation with your doctor to choosing a provider and understanding what Medicare covers. 77% of hospice patients die at home. Most people don't realize that's even an option.
There's something about October mornings that makes coffee taste better. I don't know if it's the cold air or the light. The trees in Michigan are doing that thing where every block looks like a painting. Whatever it is — I'll take it.
Until next Tuesday,
Nino
P.S. If someone you know is dealing with Medicare stress, forward this their way. I read every reply.
