The Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) is an additional fee added to your standard Medicare Part B and Part D premiums.

The IRMAA penalty depends on your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) from two years prior.  For example, the 2026  IRMAA chart will be based on your income in 2024.  The amounts are determined annually by the Social Security Administration (SSA) and are adjusted for inflation. 

Call us at 567-268-1285 if you have any questions about IRMAA

Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people age 65 and older, or under 65 with certain disabilities. If you’ve worked and paid into Social Security for at least 10 years, you’ll usually qualify automatically.

Part A covers hospital care (usually free). Part B covers doctor visits and outpatient care. Part C (Medicare Advantage) bundles A, B, and often D with extra benefits. Part D covers prescription drugs.

Original Medicare (Parts A & B) is provided by the government. Medicare Advantage (Part C) is offered by private companies approved by Medicare — often including dental, vision, hearing, and other extras.

Part A is typically free if you’ve worked long enough. Part B has a monthly premium. Medicare Advantage and Supplement plans have their own costs, which vary by plan and company.

Original Medicare does not, but many Medicare Advantage plans do. We’ll help you find a plan that fits your needs and budget.

A Medigap plan helps cover the out-of-pocket costs left behind by Original Medicare — such as deductibles and copays. These plans offer predictable costs and the freedom to see any doctor who accepts Medicare.

Many Advantage plans include dental, vision, hearing, fitness memberships, and wellness programs in addition to standard hospital and medical coverage.

Your Initial Enrollment Period begins 3 months before your 65th birthday and lasts for 7 months total. Even if you’re still working, it’s smart to review options early to avoid penalties.

Each year from October 15 to December 7, you can join, switch, or drop a Medicare Advantage or Prescription Drug plan.

You may be able to delay Part B without penalty if you have employer coverage, but every situation is unique — a quick call with us helps.

At DixieLee, our goal is to empower you with knowledge. We combine educational resources like this glossary and FAQ with personalized consultations to help you choose Medicare plans that fit your lifestyle and financial needs.

Yes — during specific enrollment periods, or if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period due to life changes like moving or losing coverage.

That’s one of the first things we check. Our goal is to help you keep the providers you trust.

Your Medicare premium might adjust based on income (IRMAA). If your income goes down, you can file a reconsideration to lower your premium.

Some plans are local and others are nationwide. We’ll help review your options before you move so you don’t lose coverage.

Be cautious of anyone asking for personal info over the phone or promising “secret benefits.” Always work with a licensed, local agent — like DixieLee Insurance Solutions.

You shouldn’t have to figure it out alone. At DixieLee, we take the time to explain your choices clearly — so you can rest knowing your coverage fits your life, not someone else’s quota.

The time each year from October 15 to December 7 when you can change your Medicare Advantage or Prescription Drug Plan.

When a doctor or provider agrees to accept the amount Medicare pays as full payment for services.

The time Medicare pays for your care in a hospital or skilled nursing facility. It starts the day you’re admitted and ends after you’ve been out for 60 days in a row.

A licensed professional (like DixieLee Insurance Solutions) who helps you compare and enroll in Medicare plans at no extra cost to you.

Your share of the costs for a covered service, usually a percentage (for example, 20%).

 A fixed amount you pay for a covered service, such as $20 for a doctor visit.

Other health coverage (like employer or VA benefits) that is as good as Medicare. Having

this can help you avoid late enrollment penalties.

The amount you must pay before your insurance starts covering costs.

Someone who qualifies for both Medicare and Medicaid, often receiving extra help with premiums and costs.

Medical equipment used at home, such as walkers, wheelchairs, or oxygen.

The time when you can sign up for or change your Medicare coverage (like AEP, SEP, or (IEP).

A federal program that helps people with limited income pay for prescription drug costs.

A small life insurance policy designed to help cover funeral costs and remaining bills, easing the financial burden on loved ones.

A type of Medicare Advantage plan that requires you to use network doctors and get referrals for specialists. Usually offers lower costs.

Your first chance to sign up for Medicare — it begins 3 months before your 65th birthday and ends 3 months after.

An extra charge added to your Medicare premium if your income is above a certain level.

A state and federal program that helps people with limited income and resources cover medical costs.

Private plans approved by Medicare that combine hospital, medical, and often drug coverage — plus extras like dental and vision.

Hospital insurance that covers inpatient care, hospice, and limited skilled nursing.

Medical insurance that covers doctor visits, outpatient care, and preventive services.

Prescription drug coverage available through private insurance companies.

Private insurance that helps pay costs not covered by Original Medicare (like copays and deductibles)

The group of doctors, hospitals, and facilities contracted with your plan. Using network providers usually saves money.

From January 1 to March 31, people already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan can switch to another Advantage plan or go back to Original Medicare.

The traditional government program made up of Part A (hospital) and Part B (medical).

A late-enrollment penalty applied if you go without prescription drug coverage for more than  63 days after you’re first eligible.

The amount you pay monthly for your Medicare coverage.

Your main doctor who coordinates your care in most HMO plans.

A time outside of regular enrollment when you can make changes to your coverage due to life events (like moving, losing coverage, or retiring).

Extra insurance (like Medigap) that helps pay costs not covered by Original Medicare.

The category your prescription drug falls into on a plan’s formulary (list of covered drugs). Lower tiers usually cost less.

A special rule that allows you to return to Original Medicare if you try a Medicare Advantage plan for the first time and decide to change within a year.

A yearly preventive checkup covered by Medicare to review your health, screenings, and care plan.