Frequently Asked Medicare Questions

New Medicare GLP-1 Program: Weight Loss Drugs for Just $50/Month?

A major Medicare announcement could make certain GLP-1 medications much more affordable for eligible beneficiaries. In this episode of the I'm With Amanda Medicare Podcast, Amanda explains the new Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Program scheduled to begin July 1, 2026. Eligible Medicare beneficiaries may be able to access select GLP-1 medications for a flat $50 monthly copay. Amanda breaks down: ✅ Who qualifies for the program ✅ The three eligibility pathways ✅ BMI requirements explained ✅ Which medications are included ✅ Why Ozempic is not part of the program ✅ How the application and billing process works ✅ Whether the program makes sense if you're near Medicare's annual prescription drug spending cap ✅ Important considerations before talking with your doctor If you've stopped taking a GLP-1 medication because of cost—or are curious whether this new program could help—you won't want to miss this update. For Medicare questions, visit: https://www.imwithamanda.com #Medicare #GLP1 #Wegovy #Zepbound #MedicarePartD #WeightLossDrugs #Medicare2026 #SeniorHealth #PrescriptionCoverage #AmandaMedicare Information discussed in this episode is based on currently available details and may change as additional guidance becomes available. 00:00 Introduction & Breaking Medicare News 00:40 What Is the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Program? 01:32 Program Start Date & Duration 02:00 Who Is Eligible? 02:36 Pathway #1: BMI 35 or Higher 03:23 Pathway #2: BMI 30-34 Plus Qualifying Conditions 04:11 Pathway #3: BMI 27+ Plus Additional Conditions 05:08 Which GLP-1 Medications Are Covered? 06:06 Why Ozempic Isn't Included 07:08 First Steps: Talk With Your Doctor 08:05 How the Billing Process Works 09:28 Understanding the $2,100 Part D Cap 11:20 Who Benefits Most From This Program? 13:05 Planning Ahead for 2027 Coverage 14:02 Potential Growing Pains With a New Program 15:02 Final Thoughts & Key Takeaways 16:10 Contact Information & Podcast Wrap-Up Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2448518/support]

Why Your Medicare Premium Went Up (IRMAA Explained 2026)

Did your Medicare premium suddenly increase? You may be affected by IRMAA (Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount)—a Medicare surcharge based on your income from two years ago. In this episode, local Medicare expert Amanda from I'm With Amanda breaks down: What IRMAA is and why it impacts your Medicare costs 2026 income thresholds and premium increases How IRMAA is calculated using your tax return How to file an appeal using the SSA-44 form Common mistakes (like Roth conversions) that can trigger higher premiums Strategies to reduce or avoid IRMAA If you live in Central New York and have questions about Medicare costs, premiums, or IRMAA, this video will help you understand your options and avoid overpaying. 🌐 Learn more: https://imwithamanda.com/ https://imwithamanda.com/ 00:00 – Intro: What Is IRMAA & Why You Got That Letter 00:26 – Why Medicare Premiums Can Increase 00:55 – What IRMAA Actually Means (Simple Explanation) 01:25 – How IRMAA Is Calculated Each Year 01:53 – When You’ll Get an IRMAA Letter 02:04 – Why IRMAA Is Based on Income From 2 Years Ago 02:30 – 2026 IRMAA Income Brackets Explained 03:05 – Married vs Single Income Thresholds 03:29 – How Much IRMAA Can Increase Your Premium 03:50 – Real Example: $450K Income Breakdown 04:13 – Single Filers: Key IRMAA Thresholds 04:45 – Life Changes That Can Reduce IRMAA 05:26 – What Is the SSA-44 Form (How to Appeal IRMAA) 05:49 – Qualifying Life Events That Lower IRMAA 06:33 – Documents You Need for an IRMAA Appeal 07:24 – Important Warning: Be Accurate With Income 08:01 – What Does NOT Qualify for IRMAA Reduction 08:27 – Roth Conversions & IRMAA (Big Mistake to Avoid) 09:06 – How to Plan Ahead to Avoid IRMAA 09:35 – Final Takeaways: Lowering Your Medicare Costs 10:11 – How to Get Help With IRMAA Questions #Medicare #IRMAA #MedicareCosts #MedicareTips #RetirementPlanning #MedicarePremiums #SocialSecurity #FinancialPlanning #MedicareEducation #AEP2026 #InsuranceTips Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2448518/support]

New Medicare Cards Coming? What You Need to Know (Avoid Scams!)

Medicare is reissuing about 1.3 million ID numbers, which means some beneficiaries will receive a new Medicare card in the mail.  In this episode, Amanda explains why this is happening, what it means (and what it doesn’t), and how to protect yourself from scammers trying to take advantage of the situation.  If you receive a call asking for your new Medicare number—hang up and contact Medicare directly to verify. https://imwithamanda.com/ #Medicare #MedicareScams #MedicareCard #SeniorHealth #MedicareUpdate #MedicareTips #AEP2026 #InsuranceTips #MedicareAdvantage #MedicareSupplement #ProtectYourInfo #scamalert  Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/6DjpSN1GAQ0 00:09 Intro – Amanda Medicare update 00:17 Medicare reissuing 1.3 million new numbers 00:26 What your new Medicare card will look like 00:33 Important things to know about the change 00:40 This does NOT mean your account was compromised 00:52 You may or may not receive a new card 01:01 Medicare will NOT call you 🚨 01:12 Scam warning: hackers and fraud risk 01:23 What to do if someone asks for your Medicare number 01:30 Hang up immediately 01:33 Call 1-800-MEDICARE to verify safely 01:47 Why calling them yourself matters 01:51 Timeline: cards sent March–April 01:54 What if you don’t receive one 02:02 Final scam reminder – don’t give your number out 02:12 How to safely confirm your new number 02:14 Key takeaway: protect your Medicare info 02:23 Like & subscribe 02:31 Podcast outro 02:53 Compliance disclaimer Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2448518/support]

How To Price Medicare Part D Drugs

Ever want to see a tutorial on how to price Medicare Plan D drugs? Amanda is here to help! See her tutorial in this episode of the I'm With Amanda Medicare Podcast. Watch the video version here [https://youtu.be/fdg563aR37s].  https://youtu.be/fdg563aR37s https://imwithamanda.com/ #medicarepodcast #medicaresyracuse #medicarenewyork #amandamaclachlan #imwithamandamedicarepodcast Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2448518/support]

What to expect in Medicare AEP for 2025

Medicare AEP is upon us once again! Listen to Amanda MacLachlan and Amber Martino discuss how to plan and what to expect in this episode of the I'm With Amanda Medicare Podcast. Watch the video version here [https://youtu.be/_mRtZ2b0tj8]. https://youtu.be/_mRtZ2b0tj8 https://imwithamanda.com/ #medicarepodcast #medicaresyracuse #medicarenewyork #amandamaclachlan #ambermartino #imwithamandamedicarepodcast Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2448518/support]