Guides to Medicare and Social Security

Plain-English answers to the questions people ask most around 65. Each one is checked against the official rules and lists its sources.

Medicare basics

Medicare Parts A, B, C and D, explained simplyWhat each part of Medicare covers, who runs it, and what it costs in 2026, plus how Medigap fits in. Written in plain English.

Does COBRA count for Medicare? (No, and here's what to do)Why COBRA doesn't protect you from the Part B late penalty, when your 8-month clock really starts, and how COBRA and Medicare work together.
Medicare and your HSA: when to stop putting money inWhy you can't add to a Health Savings Account once Medicare starts, the 6-month look-back that catches people, and how Social Security affects it.
Do I need Part B if I'm still working at 65?When you can wait to sign up for Part B because of a job's health plan, when you can't, and the form that protects you from a late penalty.

Medicare late penalties, explained: how much and how to avoid themHow the Part B and Part D late penalties are calculated, what they cost in 2026, who is exempt, and how to avoid them.

How to lower your Medicare premium after you retire (Form SSA-44)Why your Medicare premium is based on income from two years ago, how Form SSA-44 gets it lowered after retirement, and why you may need to file more than once.

Born on the 1st of the month? Your Medicare and Social Security dates moveIf your birthday is on the 1st, your Medicare window, coverage start, full retirement age and first Social Security month can all shift. A birthday on the 2nd changes only the first month at 62.