A new Trustees report shows Medicare spending is set to outpace Social Security within 11 years. See what’s driving the increase — and what it means for your FEHB premiums, IRMAA, and retirement budget. more…
Medicare and Federal Employees
The Medicare IRMAA Cliff: How a TSP Withdrawal Can Bite Back Two Years Later
A TSP withdrawal or Roth conversion can look harmless today — until it shows up two years later as a $2,300 Medicare surcharge. Here’s how the IRMAA “cliff” works, and the one move that can help you avoid it. more…
Why Some Federal Retirees Pay Higher Medicare Premiums (and What You Can Do About It)
Many federal retirees are surprised to learn that Medicare premiums aren’t the same for everyone. If your income exceeds certain limits, you may owe an Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA). Learn how SSA calculates IRMAA, common retirement events that trigger it, and how to request a reconsideration if your income has fallen. more…
How the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge May Benefit Federal Retirees
Starting July 1, 2026, The Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Program gives eligible Medicare beneficiaries access to certain GLP-1 weight loss medications for a $50 monthly copayment through a temporary CMS demonstration. This guide explains eligibility requirements, covered medications, prior authorization, costs, and what federal retirees should know about using the program alongside Medicare and FEHB coverage. more…
Will Medicare’s Prescription Drug Price Negotiation Program Lower Your Costs?
Medicare can now negotiate prices for certain high-cost prescription drugs, but what does that mean for your healthcare costs? Learn how the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program works, who may benefit, and what the Supreme Court’s recent decision means for Medicare beneficiaries more…
Should Federal Retirees Enroll in Medicare Part B? The Decision Is Getting More Expensive
With Medicare Part B premiums projected to continue rising over the next decade, the decision to enroll alongside your FEHB coverage deserves careful analysis. While many federal retirees benefit from combining Medicare with FEHB, the added monthly premium isn’t the right choice for everyone. Learn what the latest Medicare projections mean, why dropping FEHB is usually a mistake, and the key factors every federal retiree should consider before making this important retirement healthcare decision. more…
Projected 2027 Medicare Premium Increases Released in Trustee’s Report
The recently published 2026 Medicare Trustees Report projects that the standard Medicare Part B premium will increase next year. Deductibles and Part D costs are also expected to increase. Higher-income retirees may pay more due to the Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) . Although official rates will not be announced until later this year, the projected costs are available, and some planning tips to prepare are provided. For federal retirees and employees approaching retirement, understanding these projections is important because Medicare premiums can significantly affect retirement income planning more…
Should Federal Retirees Keep FEHB, Add Medicare Part B, or Switch to Medicare Advantage?
Many federal retirees get caught in the complicated maze of figuring out whether to keep FEHB, add Medicare Part B, or switch to a Medicare Advantage plan. This video breaks down exactly how your expected healthcare usage should drive that decision. more…
Federal Retirement Planning: 3 Mid-Year Moves to Make
Retirement planning isn’t a “set it and forget it” process. Changes in your career, finances, federal benefits, market conditions, and retirement goals can all affect whether you’re still on track for the future you envision. Chris Kowalik provides several tips to help identify gaps or missed opportunities more…
Why Federal Employees Should Sort Out Medicare Myths
The author explains why it is important to take time to consider the pros and cons of adding Medicare to FEHB. Common assumptions about Medicare Part B, IRMAA, whether you need Part D (prescription drugs) and FEHB coordination can obscure how coverage and costs actually play out over time. more…