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Get What's Yours for Medicare: Maximize Your Coverage, Minimize Your Costs
A coauthor of the New York Times bestselling guide to Social Security Get What’s Yours authors an essential companion to explain Medicare, the nation’s other major benefit for older Americans. Learn how to maximize your health coverage and save money.
Social Security provides the bulk of most retirees’ income and Medicare guarantees them affordable health insurance. But few people know what Medicare covers and what it doesn’t, what it costs, and when to sign up. Nor do they understand which parts of Medicare are provided by the government and how these work with private insurance plans—Medicare Advantage, drug insurance, and Medicare supplement insurance.
Do you understand Medicare’s parts A, B, C, D? Which Part D drug plan is right and how do you decide? Which is better, Medigap or Medicare Advantage? What do you do if Medicare denies payment for a procedure that your doctor says you need? How do you navigate the appeals process for denied claims? If you’re still working or have a retiree health plan, how do those benefits work with Medicare? Do you know about the annual enrollment period for Medicare, or about lifetime penalties for late enrollment, or any number of other key Medicare rules?
Health costs are the biggest unknown expense for older Americans, who are turning sixty-five at the rate of 10,000 a day. Understanding and navigating Medicare is the best way to save health care dollars and use them wisely. In Get What’s Yours for Medicare , retirement expert Philip Moeller explains how to understand all these important choices and make the right decisions for your health and wealth now—and for the future.
Social Security provides the bulk of most retirees’ income and Medicare guarantees them affordable health insurance. But few people know what Medicare covers and what it doesn’t, what it costs, and when to sign up. Nor do they understand which parts of Medicare are provided by the government and how these work with private insurance plans—Medicare Advantage, drug insurance, and Medicare supplement insurance.
Do you understand Medicare’s parts A, B, C, D? Which Part D drug plan is right and how do you decide? Which is better, Medigap or Medicare Advantage? What do you do if Medicare denies payment for a procedure that your doctor says you need? How do you navigate the appeals process for denied claims? If you’re still working or have a retiree health plan, how do those benefits work with Medicare? Do you know about the annual enrollment period for Medicare, or about lifetime penalties for late enrollment, or any number of other key Medicare rules?
Health costs are the biggest unknown expense for older Americans, who are turning sixty-five at the rate of 10,000 a day. Understanding and navigating Medicare is the best way to save health care dollars and use them wisely. In Get What’s Yours for Medicare , retirement expert Philip Moeller explains how to understand all these important choices and make the right decisions for your health and wealth now—and for the future.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published October 4, 2016
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June 23, 2016My sincere thanks to Edelweiss, Simon & Schuster Publishers, Philip Moeller and my reading friend Robin Beerbower for bringing my attention to this book due to be published October 4, 2016.
I’m a greedy little senior. I want everything I can get from both Social Security and Medicare.
Kidding aside, I really enjoyed and found much good advice in Philip Moeller’s Get What's Yours - Revised & Updated : The Secrets to Maxing Out Your Social Security and couldn’t resist the opportunity to read Get What's Yours for Medicare : Maximize Your Coverage, Minimize Your Costs. Though I’ve been eligible for Medicare for several years, it’s pays to review the basics each year as changes can be made during open enrollment periods.
I wish both SS and Medicare rules and regs were more streamlined and easy to understand. Because they’re not books such as the aforementioned are helpful and necessary to help us navigate the system.
There were many things I was not aware of regarding Medicare. I’ll share just one that answered a question I had. MA (Medicare advantage) insurers get roughly $10,000 from Uncle Sam for each and every beneficiary who buys a policy. At least now I know why all these insurers are trying to gain my business and “help” me choose the right plan.
Philip Moeller calls his latest book the same rallying cry that emerged from Get What’s Yours _SS to make Medicare accessible and clear, or a clear as this mortal can make it. I absolutely agree. Whether you are approaching age 65 or are already in a plan, Get What's Yours for Medicare : Maximize Your Coverage, Minimize Your Costs warrants reading.
If Moeller wants to take on the filing of Federal Income Tax forms, I'm in.
I’m a greedy little senior. I want everything I can get from both Social Security and Medicare.
Kidding aside, I really enjoyed and found much good advice in Philip Moeller’s Get What's Yours - Revised & Updated : The Secrets to Maxing Out Your Social Security and couldn’t resist the opportunity to read Get What's Yours for Medicare : Maximize Your Coverage, Minimize Your Costs. Though I’ve been eligible for Medicare for several years, it’s pays to review the basics each year as changes can be made during open enrollment periods.
I wish both SS and Medicare rules and regs were more streamlined and easy to understand. Because they’re not books such as the aforementioned are helpful and necessary to help us navigate the system.
There were many things I was not aware of regarding Medicare. I’ll share just one that answered a question I had. MA (Medicare advantage) insurers get roughly $10,000 from Uncle Sam for each and every beneficiary who buys a policy. At least now I know why all these insurers are trying to gain my business and “help” me choose the right plan.
Philip Moeller calls his latest book the same rallying cry that emerged from Get What’s Yours _SS to make Medicare accessible and clear, or a clear as this mortal can make it. I absolutely agree. Whether you are approaching age 65 or are already in a plan, Get What's Yours for Medicare : Maximize Your Coverage, Minimize Your Costs warrants reading.
If Moeller wants to take on the filing of Federal Income Tax forms, I'm in.
April 18, 2020
Please don't think that, because I gave this book 5 stars, it is an easily readable page-turner. It most decidedly is not! However, if you are approaching age 65, it is one of the few books (other than government-published booklets and pamphlets) that actually explains fully your responsibilities and choices as you "age-in" to Medicare. It was invaluable to me and my husband when he was unexpectedly "down-sized" out of his corporate job, and we had to make decisions quickly to avoid lifetime penalties. (Yes, if you don't know the rules, you can end up paying for that ignorance for a lifetime.) So, this book's 5 star rating is given for the absolutely necessary information it provides to those of us of a certain age and for the relatively painless way in which it is presented. (Notice the qualifier "relatively" -- the book is still boring, but not as boring as it could be!)
The upshot of this review is this: If you are between the ages of 63-65, immediately run out and get a copy of this book. Oh, wait, we're all at home due to the coronavirus. Order it online, then, and use your downtime wisely by educating yourself with this book. You will ultimately be glad you did.
The upshot of this review is this: If you are between the ages of 63-65, immediately run out and get a copy of this book. Oh, wait, we're all at home due to the coronavirus. Order it online, then, and use your downtime wisely by educating yourself with this book. You will ultimately be glad you did.
November 6, 2016
It was strange trying to determine a rating for Moeller's book since on one hand I found it very informative, exactly what I was looking for, but on the other hand, I dread the upcoming time spent dealing with all of this and pretty much hated every reading session as though it was a much-loathed assignment.
August 3, 2020
This book has a copyright of 2016 but still has the basic information in it that is needed. Though the chapters are broken down and very clear, the whole of the Medicare system is still very difficult to understand, as is the whole medical insurance system in the USA. What we need to keep in mind is: that each person needs to do his/her homework about Medicare, that Medicare basics are not free for all, that Medicare doesn't cover everything, and that most people need a little more than the basic A & B.
By speaking with my friends, co-workers, and relatives, I came to see that it is not easy to explain and not many understand it very well. People who work often find it just so easy to keep with the plan that the insurance company from their work recommends and don't compare plans.
This book was helpful and also the organization United Medicare Advisors which is rated highly by the Better Business Bureau.
By speaking with my friends, co-workers, and relatives, I came to see that it is not easy to explain and not many understand it very well. People who work often find it just so easy to keep with the plan that the insurance company from their work recommends and don't compare plans.
This book was helpful and also the organization United Medicare Advisors which is rated highly by the Better Business Bureau.
May 9, 2018
Started reading this book with all the excitement of a murder mystery! Oh wait, I knew who the victim was going to be, so maybe I should say - read it as a page turning thriller. I leapt from chapter to chapter to see what benefits would, or wouldn’t be, and often to my surprise the various costs.
I’d say the details of the US Medicare program are less well known to the average person. We pay attention more so to Social Security as that’s going to give us money, whereas with Medicare, you are contributing further funds.
Author Moeller uses story telling examples to make his points: John and Jane didn’t sign up at the right time and so forth, so that makes the stark facts and figures readable. He also limits going into the ‘why’ Medicare is a certain way. He says he has a rant on the subject, which we all might, but doesn’t take up a lot of space on it (otherwise the book would be 800 pages).
You only need 30 of the initial 180 pages, the trouble is, you don’t know which 30 till you take a journey through the book. The remainder of the book is full of valuable resources should you need them one day. I think a checklist or flow chart of sorts would also be a great addition, it would melt down the story telling for you to: did I understand what I just read?
The book is a great resource and points to great resources. The author is an authority in the Medicare and Social Security arena with TV shows and as a magazine contributor and has a web page for information and even help you out. My copy was from the library and I had to put a reserve on it to check it out, it was popular. Plus, as there is a lot of info in it, I think people kind of like to mull over the options, so don't quickly turn it in to the library.
Should you read or get your own copy, make sure it is the latest edition as things have changed in 2015, and of course will change in the future. Whether you are researching for you or someone else I’d say some book on the subject is required reading! I’m definitely going to get my own.
I’d say the details of the US Medicare program are less well known to the average person. We pay attention more so to Social Security as that’s going to give us money, whereas with Medicare, you are contributing further funds.
Author Moeller uses story telling examples to make his points: John and Jane didn’t sign up at the right time and so forth, so that makes the stark facts and figures readable. He also limits going into the ‘why’ Medicare is a certain way. He says he has a rant on the subject, which we all might, but doesn’t take up a lot of space on it (otherwise the book would be 800 pages).
You only need 30 of the initial 180 pages, the trouble is, you don’t know which 30 till you take a journey through the book. The remainder of the book is full of valuable resources should you need them one day. I think a checklist or flow chart of sorts would also be a great addition, it would melt down the story telling for you to: did I understand what I just read?
The book is a great resource and points to great resources. The author is an authority in the Medicare and Social Security arena with TV shows and as a magazine contributor and has a web page for information and even help you out. My copy was from the library and I had to put a reserve on it to check it out, it was popular. Plus, as there is a lot of info in it, I think people kind of like to mull over the options, so don't quickly turn it in to the library.
Should you read or get your own copy, make sure it is the latest edition as things have changed in 2015, and of course will change in the future. Whether you are researching for you or someone else I’d say some book on the subject is required reading! I’m definitely going to get my own.
February 22, 2017
After reading Get What’s Yours: Social Security, I felt reassured that the program is fairly straightforward and that by utilizing a few simple methods, I can maximize my benefits when the time comes. It should be the same with Medicare, right? Hardly! Medicares’s many sub-programs and gap-filling choices render it a quagmire of bureaucratic rules, regulations, and exceptions—and there are penalties for not navigating the waters properly. Who knew? Get What’s Yours for Medicare gave me plenty of options and tools for weighing them. I feel prepared to go to my first HICAP (CA Health Care Advocates) pre-Medicare appointment as an active participant who already knows quite a bit about Medicare.
Though this isn’t the easiest-to-read book, each chapter is loaded with facts and scenarios, and presented in a lighthearted manner. Phil Moeller thinks the same of bureaucracy and senseless rules as the average reader. He cites many sources for further information, and gives specific ways to research the best plan for your particular needs. He also encourages readers to visit his website for current information, and to email him if their question is not answered. Since the book is so dense, I took it a chapter or two at a time to avoid getting overwhelmed.
If you’re approaching age 65, it’s a good idea to read this book and to follow up with research at some of the cited links, or contact a Medicare advocacy group for personalized information. You do not want to make any errors, including those of omission, because some result in monetary penalties that are surprisingly persistent.
Though this isn’t the easiest-to-read book, each chapter is loaded with facts and scenarios, and presented in a lighthearted manner. Phil Moeller thinks the same of bureaucracy and senseless rules as the average reader. He cites many sources for further information, and gives specific ways to research the best plan for your particular needs. He also encourages readers to visit his website for current information, and to email him if their question is not answered. Since the book is so dense, I took it a chapter or two at a time to avoid getting overwhelmed.
If you’re approaching age 65, it’s a good idea to read this book and to follow up with research at some of the cited links, or contact a Medicare advocacy group for personalized information. You do not want to make any errors, including those of omission, because some result in monetary penalties that are surprisingly persistent.
October 2, 2018
Wow! There is a boatload of good information for those who are Medicare eligible. Philip Moeller in this book successfully navigates the reader through the maze of Medicare. From enrollment to the benefits that Medicare brings to healthcare for the elderly you will find in this book. When it comes to Medicare many of us get lost in the maze that Medicare represents. Moeller helps you navigate the complex issues of Medicare in this book and every person who is reaching the golden age of 65 should read it to gain valuable information on Medicare. Once you are finished reading it use it like a handy reference manual as you would an encyclopedia. There is so much information that one will be able to use to access important information concerning this benefit.
May 12, 2017
This teaches "Medicare" terminology but selection & descriptions of "options" could have been better.
The flow chart (below) makes the "decisions" to follow easier after learning some terms listed in the book.
Medicare is not free, many Medicare options and/or private insurance plans are needed & will cost you money as discussed (in the book & link below).
https://www.growthincome.net/pages/tr...
Major Medicare sections A, B, C, D, F
A - Inpatient service (hospital) - only free option
B - Outpatient service (doctors office visits)
C - Medicare Advantage Plan (combines A & B)
D - Prescription Drug plan
F - Medigap
Medicaid - "Is a social health care program for families and individuals with limited resources." It is not part of Medicare.
The flow chart (below) makes the "decisions" to follow easier after learning some terms listed in the book.
Medicare is not free, many Medicare options and/or private insurance plans are needed & will cost you money as discussed (in the book & link below).
https://www.growthincome.net/pages/tr...
Major Medicare sections A, B, C, D, F
A - Inpatient service (hospital) - only free option
B - Outpatient service (doctors office visits)
C - Medicare Advantage Plan (combines A & B)
D - Prescription Drug plan
F - Medigap
Medicaid - "Is a social health care program for families and individuals with limited resources." It is not part of Medicare.
December 27, 2017
The book has much if not all the information you need to know about Medicare. However, I found it difficult to locate the specific answers to questions I had about Medicare. I managed to enroll in Medicare but frankly speaking I found better information from a guy selling Medicare Advantage insurance plans at the local Publix Market. If you live in Broward County Florida, email me and I will give you his name.
Back to the book, I found the organization of the chapter topics too confusing.
too may times the author drifts off into the minutia of medicare situations that, to me at least, were not very likely to happen to most of us
Of all the books I read on Medicare, this one was the best ; however, that's more of an indictment of how bad the other books were that how good this book is
Back to the book, I found the organization of the chapter topics too confusing.
too may times the author drifts off into the minutia of medicare situations that, to me at least, were not very likely to happen to most of us
Of all the books I read on Medicare, this one was the best ; however, that's more of an indictment of how bad the other books were that how good this book is
July 5, 2026
I was sufficiently impressed with Get What’s Yours from Social Security that now that I am creeping towards Medicare I thought I’d better learn what it is.
My assumption was that thirty days or so before I needed Medicare, I could go and apply and everything would be taken care of.
Original Medicare pays only 80 percent of doctor, equipment, and other outpatient expenses. You pay the rest. Forever.
Not so in the new ‘you’re on your own’ world of of health care.
Medigap insurers may not have to sell you a policy if you don’t buy one the first time you are eligible.
Part D plans are voluntary per Medicare rules, which strikes me as a really bad idea. Who except the 1 percenters can afford to pay for their own meds?
Innocent or not, taking medical tests or even questioning your doctor can cost you.
I’d like to say the current system will be replaced with one that is easier to understand, more transparent, and fairer to Medicare beneficiaries and taxpayers. Ha! How niave of me.
"Ha! No soup for you!"
What good is it to have all these wonderful medications—and a development pipeline crammed with thousands of new speciality drugs—if the people whose lives they can extend or save can’t afford to take them?
Studies show that when consumers do know the true costs of health care, they don’t engage in comparison shopping so much as simply cut back their use of health care.
Having looked at the Extra Help details, I think that another reason people have’t applied for it is that the rules for qualifying are so complicated, even lower-income rocket scientists would be deterred from making the effort.
THAT THING YOU’RE LOSING IS PROBABLY YOUR MIND
There still were no clear winners, so they wound up flipping a coin to decide.
The financial planner in me says this is an awful way to fly. The human in me says it’s the way real people fly.
And in today’s all-consuming world of “big data," it is these numbers and not your needs that may drive your treatment under Medicare.
Medicare Advantage plans can drop your doctors and hospitals from their plans after you’ve signed up.
How the heck do you budget for unsuspected diseases and operations at unknown points in your future?
This enormous problem gets larger by the day, and no amount of whiz-bang telemedicine or home-based care is going to solve it.
"Seeing a video of Mom saying she never wants to be hooked up to a machine is very powerful," she notes.
If you can’t find a geriatrician, look for a doctor who is not only competent but listens to you — no one so pressed for time that they are checking their watches or smartphones after you appointment has exceeded a few minutes.
I am sure your suggested corrections will be pleasant and constructive. Such cordiality is, of course, today’s Internet communications standard. I don’t even know why I bother to note these things.
I always thought that when I retired, Medicare would take away the biggest worries I had—declining health.
After reading this book, I realize how truly effed me and even those who make it to retirement relatively healthy are.
I thought I’d be able to ‘outsmart’ the system by studying the multitude of health care plans and only chose the ones that will cover my health needs and which cost the least.
Well, you still have to study them, but it doesn’t really matter all that much because
1) you don’t know what health needs you’ll have in the future. 2) even if you don’t have any additional health needs, you’re plan can change at any time for any reason and they may or may not notify you. 3) no matter what plans you have as long as their are Republicans in government they’ll try and often succeed taking away your benefits and reducing your rights, your assets and government spending because as long as you are on a government plan, they consider you fraud and abuse - no matter how much you paid into the system.
I recommend everyone reading this book sooner rather than later.
5*****
June 1, 2017
I’m young enough that there’s a good chance Medicare will no longer exist by the time I’m old enough to need it. I have family members, however, who do qualify or are close to that age (and who, because I’m a lawyer, come to me for advice). As I know very little about the program and as I love my family members and want to make sure they’re doing what’s best for their health, when I saw this book at the library, I checked it out in hopes of having a better idea about the program.
Holy Complexity, Batman!
It’s never a good thing when even the idiot’s guide for describing a program is still terribly complicated. I can wade through tax law with something bordering on enjoyment, but I had to stop a couple of times to reread sections and figure out what, exactly, was being said.
And this is a really good guide!
Even with all the complexities, Get What’s Yours for Medicare is a phenomenal resource. This would be an excellent gift to buy someone for their 64th birthday – in other words, about nine months before they need to start applying for this program. For that matter, even if people are still working or do not plan to need Medicare for several years, still buy them this book and tell them to read it – if nothing else, their pocketbook will be grateful.
Also: This guide ended up being more helpful to one family member than some of the so-called professionals she talked with. Some of Mr. Moeller's suggestions helped her steer away from insurance agents who talked a good game but didn’t understand some of Medicare's minutiae.
Highly recommended.
Holy Complexity, Batman!
It’s never a good thing when even the idiot’s guide for describing a program is still terribly complicated. I can wade through tax law with something bordering on enjoyment, but I had to stop a couple of times to reread sections and figure out what, exactly, was being said.
And this is a really good guide!
Even with all the complexities, Get What’s Yours for Medicare is a phenomenal resource. This would be an excellent gift to buy someone for their 64th birthday – in other words, about nine months before they need to start applying for this program. For that matter, even if people are still working or do not plan to need Medicare for several years, still buy them this book and tell them to read it – if nothing else, their pocketbook will be grateful.
Also: This guide ended up being more helpful to one family member than some of the so-called professionals she talked with. Some of Mr. Moeller's suggestions helped her steer away from insurance agents who talked a good game but didn’t understand some of Medicare's minutiae.
Highly recommended.
April 2, 2025
High level notes:
Levels:
Original Medicare
Original Medicare plus Medigap aka Supplemental
Medicare Advantage Plans
Medicare Advantage Plans are cheaper but more restrictive in terms of who you can see for care. They require a lot of prior authorizations.
Original Medicare is severely lacking in dental, vision, and hearing health. Very basic.
Original Medicare is known as fee for service care and has generated much unneeded and low value care with few gatekeepers to police the system.
ACOs are designed to provide better care for less money. The government hope is for everyone with Original Medicare will be in one by 2030.
Note to self - Research ways to “self-insure” instead of paying long-term care premiums.
The concept of “upcoding” in Medicare Advantage Plans leads to them getting more profits. CMS proposed to reduce the annual per patient payments to the plans. I am wondering how this will affect ACO’s.
ACOs are authorized to work only with original Medicare. Like MA plans they can apply to receive per patient fees for each enrollee if ACOs can keep their spending under their annual payment ceiling, they get to keep part of the difference. The dominant ACO program is called the Medicare Shared Savings Program.
Risk for ACOs mentioned in the book - big health players taking them over just as they have with MA plans.
The five key metrics used by Medicare to judge ACO performance are wellness visits, blood pressure, breast & colorectal cancer screenings, and blood sugar levels.
There are really great FAQs and resource links at the end of this book.
Levels:
Original Medicare
Original Medicare plus Medigap aka Supplemental
Medicare Advantage Plans
Medicare Advantage Plans are cheaper but more restrictive in terms of who you can see for care. They require a lot of prior authorizations.
Original Medicare is severely lacking in dental, vision, and hearing health. Very basic.
Original Medicare is known as fee for service care and has generated much unneeded and low value care with few gatekeepers to police the system.
ACOs are designed to provide better care for less money. The government hope is for everyone with Original Medicare will be in one by 2030.
Note to self - Research ways to “self-insure” instead of paying long-term care premiums.
The concept of “upcoding” in Medicare Advantage Plans leads to them getting more profits. CMS proposed to reduce the annual per patient payments to the plans. I am wondering how this will affect ACO’s.
ACOs are authorized to work only with original Medicare. Like MA plans they can apply to receive per patient fees for each enrollee if ACOs can keep their spending under their annual payment ceiling, they get to keep part of the difference. The dominant ACO program is called the Medicare Shared Savings Program.
Risk for ACOs mentioned in the book - big health players taking them over just as they have with MA plans.
The five key metrics used by Medicare to judge ACO performance are wellness visits, blood pressure, breast & colorectal cancer screenings, and blood sugar levels.
There are really great FAQs and resource links at the end of this book.
June 21, 2019
I found this book very alarming and confusing.
I don't like alarmist tactics. The book begins with horror stories of people that thought that they had coverage, only to discover, at a most inconvenient time, that they did not. Though I'm sure the author shares these personal stories to ensure those approaching Medicare age to take the necessary steps to make an informed decision, it caused me undue panic.
I spent about 1/2 hour on the phone this morning talking to representatives, assuring me that I AM
signed up for Medicare Parts A & B, which is what I want, ( even though I didn't apply). The book tells me that this IS NOT automatic. Perhaps it varies state-to-state or plan-to-plan.
For this New Yorker, all is well, NOT thanks to this book.
I don't like alarmist tactics. The book begins with horror stories of people that thought that they had coverage, only to discover, at a most inconvenient time, that they did not. Though I'm sure the author shares these personal stories to ensure those approaching Medicare age to take the necessary steps to make an informed decision, it caused me undue panic.
I spent about 1/2 hour on the phone this morning talking to representatives, assuring me that I AM
signed up for Medicare Parts A & B, which is what I want, ( even though I didn't apply). The book tells me that this IS NOT automatic. Perhaps it varies state-to-state or plan-to-plan.
For this New Yorker, all is well, NOT thanks to this book.
February 3, 2018
I learned quite a bit, mainly that Medicare enrollment timing is more complex than I would've thought. I'm several years away from Medicare, but a close family member will be eligible this year and I'm kind of on a roll with reading retirement finance related stuff.
I found the social security book co-authored by Moeller, Get What's Yours - Revised & Updated : The Secrets to Maxing Out Your Social Security, to be frustrating - the writing style was annoying and the constant wistful references to the pre-2016 Soc Security rules were just dead weight for most of us; this Medicare book stuck to current rules and was less tedious.
I found the social security book co-authored by Moeller, Get What's Yours - Revised & Updated : The Secrets to Maxing Out Your Social Security, to be frustrating - the writing style was annoying and the constant wistful references to the pre-2016 Soc Security rules were just dead weight for most of us; this Medicare book stuck to current rules and was less tedious.
October 11, 2019
A really good compendium of information about Medicare
I enjoyed the author’s conversational approach to this topic. Medicare the way I read it is incredibly complex on many fronts. The subjects of healthcare as a senior and ultimately of dying with dignity are important and challenging to come to grips with. But as with most challenges, knowledge is power. This book helped me to better understand what the key issues are and gives me a good foundation from which to continue my education on the subject. I likely would give a 5 star review to a more current revision to the book. That said, I feel it added plenty to my knowledge base.
I enjoyed the author’s conversational approach to this topic. Medicare the way I read it is incredibly complex on many fronts. The subjects of healthcare as a senior and ultimately of dying with dignity are important and challenging to come to grips with. But as with most challenges, knowledge is power. This book helped me to better understand what the key issues are and gives me a good foundation from which to continue my education on the subject. I likely would give a 5 star review to a more current revision to the book. That said, I feel it added plenty to my knowledge base.
February 17, 2025
A quick overview of Medicare, the U.S. health insurance program for people age 65 or older and younger people with disabilities. The book is a bit dated (the ebook edition I read is from 2016), but it does a good job explaining enrollment, the differences between Original Medicare (Parts A and B), Medigap, and Medicare Advantage plans, what the various parts of Medicare cover, and how to use them. It also goes into Medicare rights and appeals, health provider quality ratings, open enrollment, and end-of-life planning.
I finished the book angry that U.S. health insurance for seniors is such a monstrous, complicated, and confusing bureaucracy. Sigh.
I finished the book angry that U.S. health insurance for seniors is such a monstrous, complicated, and confusing bureaucracy. Sigh.
September 28, 2017
Excellent resource! It helps you understand the big 3:
(1) Enroll at the right time.
(2) Choose the right mix of Medicare and supplemental coverages.
(3) Understand what the various parts of Medicare cover and how to use them.
This is not a quick read, and it should be purchased and preserved on your bookshelf (or in your e-reader) for quick reference if you or a close family member are approaching Age 65.
(1) Enroll at the right time.
(2) Choose the right mix of Medicare and supplemental coverages.
(3) Understand what the various parts of Medicare cover and how to use them.
This is not a quick read, and it should be purchased and preserved on your bookshelf (or in your e-reader) for quick reference if you or a close family member are approaching Age 65.
July 12, 2017
For those of us near a certain age (65), this is an indispensible guide to what Medicare does and doesn't provide. Furthermore, it provides the information necessary for making a number of decisions regarding what type of coverage to select. This includes regular Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage and the plethora of pharmacy plans that are offered.
August 23, 2017
This is not my usual fare, but as I am getting ready to dive into the Medicare pool, I need something to guide me. Well-researched and written, with plenty of hot links, explanations and examples. Way too much to absorb with just one read. I may have to borrow again or purchase. If you are getting ready for Medicare, I highly recommend this book.
October 2, 2017
Not the most entertaining reading but certainly informative. This book covers all the material and decisions that each of will have to make when we come to setting our healthcare as we retire. The complexity is mind boggling and the consequences of not making the right decisions downright scary. The book should make the decisions a bit less daunting
January 23, 2020
Medicare is a complex subject and I learned a few important details from this book not covered in the other three books I've read on the subject. If you are entering retirement or medicare age I highly suggest you thoroughly explore all your options to avoid the potentially bad decisions that could bring about a financial nightmare. It's a minefield out there.
November 8, 2016
Excellent explanations of just about any questions you might have about Medicare. Easy to understand language and in depth coverage of many different choices. I'm still scared I will make a mistake when I sign up in a couple years, but I feel a LOT more informed now.
October 5, 2017
This isn't exactly preferred reading for anyone. It is more like homework and requires discipline, but it is necessary, and amazingly, given the subject matter, is eminently readable. Highly recommended for anyone approaching Medicare age or interested in the "institution" itself.
March 13, 2018
This is a great, easy to read guide to the wide, wonderful world of Medicare. All of the choices and challenges are covered, so one can have all the information needed to make an informed choice as to which plan will work best for them.
August 13, 2020
The latest edition is 2016. Medicare changes regularly, so there may be dated information here. Very accessible read to an extremely complex system. But I found it useful -- but clearly multiple sources needed to make a decision.
July 10, 2017
And so my journey into the world of Medicare and Social Security begins. Informative and funny. This guy has a rye sense of humor.
January 23, 2019
The main piece of advice you get after reading this book is DON’T GET SICK. Or die before you turn 65. That providing health care is not the goal of Medicare is rubbed in but good.
January 26, 2019
Well written with LOTS of relevant information.
February 12, 2019
Better than Get Whats Yours for Social Security, because there's more information to impart.
March 26, 2019
Useful information but too cute writing approach and in turn confusing.
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