https://skywellretirement.com/blog/ Medicare, Medigap, long-term care, life, annuities and Social Security, in plain English — from Virginia Barausky, CLTC, RSSA®. en-us https://skywellretirement.com/blog/does-medicare-advantage-require-prior-authorization/ https://skywellretirement.com/blog/does-medicare-advantage-require-prior-authorization/ Usually yes, for some services. Since January 1, 2026 a plan has 7 calendar days to decide a standard request and 72 hours for an urgent one. How to appeal. Sun, 11 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT medicare-advantage https://skywellretirement.com/blog/what-is-an-elimination-period-in-long-term-care-insurance/ https://skywellretirement.com/blog/what-is-an-elimination-period-in-long-term-care-insurance/ It is the waiting time between qualifying for benefits and the first payment, usually 30, 60 or 90 days. You pay for care meanwhile. Florida caps it at 180. Sat, 10 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT long-term-care https://skywellretirement.com/blog/can-you-switch-medigap-plans-during-open-enrollment/ https://skywellretirement.com/blog/can-you-switch-medigap-plans-during-open-enrollment/ Usually not. The fall window covers Advantage and Part D only. In Florida a Medigap switch is underwritten unless a guaranteed issue right applies. Thu, 08 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT medicare-supplement https://skywellretirement.com/blog/immediate-vs-deferred-annuity-which-is-better/ https://skywellretirement.com/blog/immediate-vs-deferred-annuity-which-is-better/ An immediate annuity starts paying within a year; a deferred one grows first, pays later. How each works, how each is taxed, and which fits a Florida retiree. Wed, 07 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT annuities https://skywellretirement.com/blog/term-vs-whole-life-insurance-which-is-better-after-60/ https://skywellretirement.com/blog/term-vs-whole-life-insurance-which-is-better-after-60/ Term covers a window; whole life covers a lifetime at a higher, level premium. After 60 the right answer depends on how long the need lasts — here is how to tell, with Florida's rules. Tue, 06 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT life https://skywellretirement.com/blog/is-critical-illness-insurance-worth-it-after-65/ https://skywellretirement.com/blog/is-critical-illness-insurance-worth-it-after-65/ Critical illness insurance pays a lump sum on a heart attack, stroke or other listed diagnosis. After 65 it is worth it only if Medicare leaves a real gap. Mon, 05 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT ancillary https://skywellretirement.com/blog/does-medigap-cover-prescription-drugs/ https://skywellretirement.com/blog/does-medigap-cover-prescription-drugs/ No. Medigap plans sold after 2005 include no drug coverage. Pair it with a standalone Part D plan, or pay 1% of $38.99 per uncovered month in 2026, for life. Sat, 03 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT medicare-supplement https://skywellretirement.com/blog/what-disqualifies-you-from-long-term-care-insurance/ https://skywellretirement.com/blog/what-disqualifies-you-from-long-term-care-insurance/ Needing help with daily living, dementia, Parkinson's, MS, a recent stroke or metastatic cancer can disqualify you. Here is the full list, the decline rates by age, and Florida's rule. Fri, 02 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT long-term-care https://skywellretirement.com/blog/medicare-advantage-hmo-vs-ppo-which-is-better/ https://skywellretirement.com/blog/medicare-advantage-hmo-vs-ppo-which-is-better/ An HMO keeps you in network with referrals; a PPO lets you go out of network for more. The real trade-offs, the 2027 out-of-pocket caps and how to choose. Thu, 01 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT medicare-advantage https://skywellretirement.com/blog/do-beneficiaries-pay-taxes-on-life-insurance/ https://skywellretirement.com/blog/do-beneficiaries-pay-taxes-on-life-insurance/ Usually no. A death benefit is not income to the beneficiary, and Florida has no estate or inheritance tax. Interest, large estates and cash-outs differ. Wed, 30 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT life https://skywellretirement.com/blog/annuity-vs-cd-which-is-better-for-retirees/ https://skywellretirement.com/blog/annuity-vs-cd-which-is-better-for-retirees/ A CD is an FDIC-insured bank deposit taxed every year. A fixed annuity is an insurance contract that defers the tax. See how the two compare in retirement. Tue, 29 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT annuities https://skywellretirement.com/blog/is-social-security-taxable-in-florida/ https://skywellretirement.com/blog/is-social-security-taxable-in-florida/ Florida does not tax Social Security, but the IRS can tax up to 85% of benefits once combined income passes $25,000 single or $32,000 joint. See the math. Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT social-security https://skywellretirement.com/blog/do-i-have-to-sign-up-for-medicare-at-65-if-im-still-working/ https://skywellretirement.com/blog/do-i-have-to-sign-up-for-medicare-at-65-if-im-still-working/ Not always. With group coverage from an employer of 20 or more, you can delay Part B without penalty and get an 8-month window when you stop working. Sat, 26 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT medicare https://skywellretirement.com/blog/can-you-switch-from-medicare-advantage-to-medigap-in-florida/ https://skywellretirement.com/blog/can-you-switch-from-medicare-advantage-to-medigap-in-florida/ Yes. You can leave Medicare Advantage Oct 15 to Dec 7 or Jan 1 to Mar 31, but a Florida Medigap carrier can underwrite you without a guaranteed issue right. Mon, 21 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT medicare-supplement https://skywellretirement.com/blog/what-is-the-florida-long-term-care-partnership-program/ https://skywellretirement.com/blog/what-is-the-florida-long-term-care-partnership-program/ It lets you keep $1 of assets above Florida Medicaid's $2,000 limit for every $1 a qualifying long-term care policy paid. How it works and what it won't do. Sat, 19 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT long-term-care https://skywellretirement.com/blog/do-you-need-cancer-insurance-if-you-have-medicare/ https://skywellretirement.com/blog/do-you-need-cancer-insurance-if-you-have-medicare/ Medicare already pays most cancer treatment costs. Whether a cancer or critical illness policy is worth adding depends on which Medicare coverage you hold. Wed, 16 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT ancillary https://skywellretirement.com/blog/is-final-expense-insurance-worth-it/ https://skywellretirement.com/blog/is-final-expense-insurance-worth-it/ Worth it when no money is set aside for a final bill and health rules out a larger policy. What it pays, why some wait two years, and what Florida law adds. Tue, 15 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT life https://skywellretirement.com/blog/what-happens-to-an-annuity-when-you-die/ https://skywellretirement.com/blog/what-happens-to-an-annuity-when-you-die/ Before payments start, your beneficiary gets the contract value outside probate; after, the payout option decides. Taxes, the 5-year rule, and Florida law. Sun, 13 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT annuities https://skywellretirement.com/blog/medicare-plan-g-vs-plan-n-which-is-better-florida/ https://skywellretirement.com/blog/medicare-plan-g-vs-plan-n-which-is-better-florida/ Plan G and Plan N differ in three ways: Plan N has copays of up to $20 and $50, skips Part B excess charges, and costs less per month. Here is the Florida math. Sat, 12 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT medicare-supplement https://skywellretirement.com/blog/what-is-the-medicare-annual-notice-of-change/ https://skywellretirement.com/blog/what-is-the-medicare-annual-notice-of-change/ Medicare plans must get the Annual Notice of Change to you by September 30. What it lists, the seven lines to check first, and what happens if you do nothing. Fri, 11 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT medicare-advantage https://skywellretirement.com/blog/is-long-term-care-insurance-tax-deductible-2026/ https://skywellretirement.com/blog/is-long-term-care-insurance-tax-deductible-2026/ Yes, within IRS age limits: up to $6,200 of premium counts as a medical expense in 2026 if you are over 70. It cuts your tax bill only past three hurdles. Wed, 09 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT long-term-care https://skywellretirement.com/blog/is-high-deductible-plan-g-worth-it-2026/ https://skywellretirement.com/blog/is-high-deductible-plan-g-worth-it-2026/ High-deductible Plan G has a $2,950 deductible in 2026. It pays off when your annual premium saving beats the extra $2,667 you could owe in a bad year. Tue, 08 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT medicare-supplement https://skywellretirement.com/blog/do-you-still-need-life-insurance-after-65/ https://skywellretirement.com/blog/do-you-still-need-life-insurance-after-65/ The test is not your age — it is whether anyone loses income when you die. What a surviving spouse actually keeps from Social Security, and what Florida law protects. Mon, 07 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT life https://skywellretirement.com/blog/does-long-term-care-insurance-cover-in-home-care/ https://skywellretirement.com/blog/does-long-term-care-insurance-cover-in-home-care/ Most modern policies cover in-home care — but Florida's regulator warns some cover only nursing homes, and some pay only skilled nursing at home. How to tell which you own. Sun, 06 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT long-term-care https://skywellretirement.com/blog/can-you-take-money-out-of-an-annuity-without-penalty/ https://skywellretirement.com/blog/can-you-take-money-out-of-an-annuity-without-penalty/ Yes, in several specific situations — but there are two separate penalties, a contract surrender charge and the IRS 10% additional tax, and dodging one does not dodge the other. Thu, 03 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT annuities https://skywellretirement.com/blog/does-medicare-advantage-cover-you-out-of-state/ https://skywellretirement.com/blog/does-medicare-advantage-cover-you-out-of-state/ Emergency and urgent care are covered anywhere in the U.S. Routine care usually is not — and leaving your service area more than 6 months can end the plan. Wed, 02 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT medicare-advantage https://skywellretirement.com/blog/does-medicare-cover-dental-vision-and-hearing/ https://skywellretirement.com/blog/does-medicare-cover-dental-vision-and-hearing/ Original Medicare covers almost none of it — no cleanings, no dentures, no glasses, no hearing aids. Here is exactly what is covered, and the three ways people fill the gap. Wed, 02 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT ancillary https://skywellretirement.com/blog/what-are-medicare-part-b-excess-charges-florida/ https://skywellretirement.com/blog/what-are-medicare-part-b-excess-charges-florida/ A Part B excess charge is up to 15% above Medicare's approved amount, billed by a doctor who doesn't accept assignment. Florida allows them — here is the math. Tue, 01 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT medicare-supplement https://skywellretirement.com/blog/does-medicaid-pay-for-nursing-home-care-in-florida/ https://skywellretirement.com/blog/does-medicaid-pay-for-nursing-home-care-in-florida/ Yes — but only under a $2,982 monthly income cap and a $2,000 asset limit in 2026. Here is how Florida nursing home Medicaid eligibility actually works. Fri, 28 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT long-term-care https://skywellretirement.com/blog/can-you-use-life-insurance-to-pay-for-long-term-care/ https://skywellretirement.com/blog/can-you-use-life-insurance-to-pay-for-long-term-care/ Often yes — through an accelerated death benefit, a long-term care rider, a hybrid policy or a settlement. Here is how each one works and what it costs you. Thu, 27 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT life https://skywellretirement.com/blog/can-you-lose-money-in-a-fixed-indexed-annuity/ https://skywellretirement.com/blog/can-you-lose-money-in-a-fixed-indexed-annuity/ Index losses cannot reduce the principal in a fixed indexed annuity. Surrender charges, rider fees and an early-withdrawal tax can — here is how each one works. Wed, 26 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT annuities https://skywellretirement.com/blog/do-medicare-supplement-premiums-go-up-with-age/ https://skywellretirement.com/blog/do-medicare-supplement-premiums-go-up-with-age/ Only one of the three ways a Medigap policy can be priced raises your premium because of your age. All three can raise it for other reasons. Tue, 25 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT medicare-supplement https://skywellretirement.com/blog/is-hospital-indemnity-insurance-worth-it-with-medicare/ https://skywellretirement.com/blog/is-hospital-indemnity-insurance-worth-it-with-medicare/ Hospital indemnity pays you cash when you're admitted. Whether it's worth it depends on which Medicare coverage you already have — here's how to tell. Mon, 24 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT ancillary https://skywellretirement.com/blog/what-happens-if-your-doctor-leaves-your-medicare-advantage-plan/ https://skywellretirement.com/blog/what-happens-if-your-doctor-leaves-your-medicare-advantage-plan/ Your plan owes notice — 45 days for a primary care doctor, 30 for a specialist. Whether you can change plans depends on the month and how big the change is. Fri, 21 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT medicare-advantage https://skywellretirement.com/blog/how-many-hours-of-home-health-care-does-medicare-cover/ https://skywellretirement.com/blog/how-many-hours-of-home-health-care-does-medicare-cover/ Medicare covers up to 8 hours a day and 28 hours a week of skilled nursing and aide care — 35 in some cases. Here is who qualifies and what it costs. Tue, 18 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT long-term-care https://skywellretirement.com/blog/what-happens-when-your-term-life-insurance-expires/ https://skywellretirement.com/blog/what-happens-when-your-term-life-insurance-expires/ Coverage ends and there is no refund. But most term policies renew yearly at a steep rate, and your conversion rider may still be open. What to check first. Mon, 17 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT life https://skywellretirement.com/blog/does-annuity-income-count-toward-irmaa/ https://skywellretirement.com/blog/does-annuity-income-count-toward-irmaa/ The taxable part of an annuity payment counts toward the income that sets your Medicare premiums. The return of your own after-tax principal does not. Sun, 16 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT annuities https://skywellretirement.com/blog/how-much-does-medicare-cost-per-year-2026/ https://skywellretirement.com/blog/how-much-does-medicare-cost-per-year-2026/ The 2026 figures that set your Medicare budget — the $202.90 Part B premium, the $283 deductible, the $2,100 drug cap — and what a realistic full year totals. Fri, 14 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT medicare https://skywellretirement.com/blog/how-much-can-you-earn-while-on-social-security-2026/ https://skywellretirement.com/blog/how-much-can-you-earn-while-on-social-security-2026/ In 2026 you can earn $24,480 before Social Security withholds benefits — $65,160 in the year you reach full retirement age. Here is how the earnings test works. Fri, 14 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT social-security https://skywellretirement.com/blog/medigap-open-enrollment-window-what-happens-if-you-miss-it/ https://skywellretirement.com/blog/medigap-open-enrollment-window-what-happens-if-you-miss-it/ Your six-month Medigap open enrollment is the one window when carriers cannot turn you down for health reasons. Here is exactly what changes the day it closes. Thu, 13 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT medicare-supplement