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Medicare

Medicare is the federal government health insurance program for people age 65 and older and younger people living with certain illnesses or disabilities. The NerdWallet team of experts gives you insight on how to sign up and choose the best Medicare plan for you.


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Medicare’s New GLP-1 Weight Loss Program Is Complicated but Worth It

The Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program offers lower-cost weight loss drugs, but only for a while.

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Alex Rosenberg

Final Week of Medicare Open Enrollment: What to Know for 2026

Shakeups paint a mixed picture for Medicare Advantage and prescription drug plans, while premiums and deductibles for Medicare Part B are set to increase next year.

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Elizabeth Aldrich

Medicare Costs Are Rising in 2026. Here’s How to Save During Open Enrollment

Enrollees should review their plans carefully and think twice about letting their current coverage auto-renew.

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Elizabeth Aldrich

2025 Medicare and Retirement Report

Most Medicare enrollees are happy with their coverage but have concerns about the program’s longevity, a new NerdWallet survey finds.

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Erin El Issa

What Is the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan?

Medicare Part D beneficiaries can spread out-of-pocket costs through the year rather than paying at the pharmacy.

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Alex Rosenberg

Does Medicare Cover the RSV Vaccine?

Medicare Part D covers the RSV shot, and there should be no copay or coinsurance.

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Kate Ashford, WMS™

2024 Medicare and Retirement Report

A new NerdWallet survey finds that most Medicare enrollees are satisfied with their coverage, but have concerns about the longevity of the Medicare program.

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Erin El Issa

When You Want to Leave Your Medicare Advantage Plan — But Feel Stuck

How to get out of your Medicare Advantage plan if it’s not right for you — and what to do if there are no good alternatives.

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Kate Ashford, WMS™

Are You in the Wrong Medicare Advantage Plan? What to Review Now

How to evaluate your Medicare Advantage coverage and determine whether it makes sense to switch.

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Kate Ashford, WMS™

What to Do if Your Hospital Drops Your Medicare Advantage Plan

A health system dropping your Medicare Advantage plan could affect your ability to use certain doctors and/or hospitals. Here’s what to do if it happens to you.

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Alex Rosenberg

Do I Really Need Supplemental Insurance With Medicare?

Medicare Supplement Insurance, or Medigap, isn’t required — but we recommend considering it if you have Medicare Part A and Part B.

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Alex Rosenberg

What Is a Special Needs Plan (SNP)?

Medicare SNPs have benefits tailored to Medicaid beneficiaries, people with chronic conditions and those who need institutional care.

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Alex Rosenberg

What Is the Medicare Flex Card?

Prepaid flex cards for seniors help Medicare Advantage members pay for certain expenses.

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Elizabeth Aldrich, Kate Ashford, WMS™

Medicare Denied Your Procedure — Now What?

From reading your mail to involving your doctor, there are steps you can take to fight a denial.

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Kate Ashford, WMS™

Americans Don’t Know Much About Medicare, Survey Finds

Understanding your options and Medicare’s requirements can help you get the right health insurance coverage.

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Andrew Marder

What If You Can’t Afford Long-Term Care?

From reverse mortgages to hybrid insurance, here are some avenues available to people who can’t afford the care they need.

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Kate Ashford, WMS™

Does Medicare Cover Inspire for Sleep Apnea?

Medicare covers Inspire when it’s medically necessary for sleep apnea, but you need to have tried CPAP first.

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Alex Rosenberg

Does Medicare Cover Ozempic?

The GLP-1 Bridge program covers weight loss drugs, and Medicare plans can cover treatment for diabetes or other conditions.

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Alex Rosenberg, Elizabeth Aldrich

What Disabilities Qualify for Medicare Under 65?

There’s an official list of conditions, plus a process to qualify if your condition isn’t on the list.

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Alex Rosenberg

What If I Can’t Afford Medicare?

Medicare can be expensive, but there are programs that can help, depending on your circumstances.

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Alex Rosenberg