emery-roberts-insurance

Seven Tips for Avoiding High Medical Bills

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 16:00:17 GMT

Simple Ways to Use Your Health Plan Wisely and Avoid Unexpected Bills

When people sign up for a new health insurance plan—whether it’s an employer-sponsored plan or one purchased through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) exchange—they are often confused about when coverage starts, what services are covered, and how much they will need to share in the cost of care.

The Kaiser Family Foundation recently compiled a list of seven takeaways from stories about people who ended up paying large out-of-pocket expenses for medical care. Reviewing these tips can help health plan enrollees better understand their coverage and avoid unexpected financial surprises.

1. Most insurance coverage doesn’t start immediately

Many new plans include waiting periods, so it’s important to maintain continuous coverage until your new plan takes effect.

There are special circumstances when someone loses job-based health coverage. In that case, they may elect COBRA or purchase a plan through the ACA marketplace.

With COBRA, once payment is made, coverage applies retroactively—even for care received while someone was temporarily uninsured.
Losing employer coverage qualifies someone for an ACA Special Enrollment Period , which generally allows them to enroll in a Marketplace plan up to 60 days before or 60 days after their employer coverage ends.
If someone enrolls before their job-based coverage ends, their new plan can usually begin right away and help prevent a gap in coverage.
If someone enrolls after their job-based coverage ends, Marketplace coverage usually begins on the first day of the month after enrollment, so they could experience a short coverage gap before the new plan starts.

2. Check coverage before checking in

Some health plans include restrictions that may not be obvious at first. These restrictions can affect coverage for services such as contraception, immunizations, and cancer screenings.

Before receiving care, enrollees should contact their insurance company (or for job-based insurance, their human resources or retiree benefits office) to confirm coverage. Ask whether there are exclusions for the care you need, whether there are limits per day or per policy period, and what out-of-pocket costs you should expect.

3. “Covered” doesn’t always mean insurance will pay right away

It’s important to read the fine print about network gap exceptions, prior authorizations, and other insurance approvals. These requirements may apply only to certain doctors, services, or dates.

In addition, even if a service is covered, the insurance company may not pay for it until you have met your deductible or other cost-sharing requirements.

4. Get estimates for non-emergency procedures

Before scheduling a non-emergency procedure, patients may be able to compare prices among different providers. Request written estimates whenever possible.

If the cost seems too high, it may be possible to negotiate the price before receiving care, or find an alternate provider.

5. Location matters

The cost of care can vary significantly depending on where services are performed.

For example, if blood work is required, ask your doctor to send the order to an in-network lab. Sometimes a doctor’s office affiliated with a hospital system will automatically send samples to a hospital lab, which may result in higher charges if the lab is out of network.

6. When hospitalized, contact the billing office early

If you or a loved one is admitted to the hospital, speaking with a billing representative early in the process can help prevent confusion later. Consider asking questions such as:

Has the patient been fully admitted, or are they under observation status?
Has the care been classified as “medically necessary”?
If a transfer to another facility is recommended, is the ambulance service in-network—or can one be selected?

7. Ask for a discount

Medical charges are often higher than the rates insurers typically pay, and providers frequently expect some level of negotiation.

Patients may also be able to negotiate their own bills. In addition, uninsured or underinsured patients may qualify for self-pay discounts or financial assistance programs such as charity care.

What Happens If Someone Dies Without Final Expense Insurance?

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 16:00:20 GMT

Understanding Funeral Costs and Financial Responsibility Without Final Expense Insurance

When a loved one passes away, families are often faced with emotional decisions and unexpected financial responsibilities. Final expense insurance, sometimes called burial or funeral insurance, is designed to help cover these costs. But what happens if someone dies without final expense insurance?

Without a dedicated policy in place, the financial burden of end-of-life expenses usually falls on surviving family members or the deceased person’s estate. Understanding what this means can help families prepare and avoid unnecessary stress during an already difficult time.

Immediate Financial Responsibilities

Funerals, burials, and other end-of-life services can be costly. According to the National Funeral Directors Association, the median cost of a traditional funeral with viewing and burial was over $8,000 in recent years, and this does not include additional expenses such as cemetery plots, headstones, flowers, or obituary notices.

If someone dies without final expense insurance, these costs typically must be paid out of pocket by family members or paid using funds from the deceased person's estate. In many cases, families must make payment arrangements with the funeral home shortly after the death occurs.

How the Deceased Person’s Estate Is Used

An estate includes the money, property, and assets a person leaves behind when they pass away. If the individual had savings, investments, or other financial assets, those funds may be used to cover funeral expenses.

However, estates go through a legal process called probate. This process can take months, and sometimes longer, before funds become available. Because funeral homes usually require payment upfront, families may need to pay the expenses themselves while waiting for the estate to be settled.

Additionally, if the estate has outstanding debts, creditors may have a legal claim to the assets before family members receive any inheritance.

When There Are Not Enough Assets

If the deceased person leaves behind little or no money, family members often assume responsibility for covering the costs. This can create financial strain, especially if the death was unexpected.

Families sometimes turn to several options, including:

Personal savings
Credit cards or loans
Fundraising or community support
Less expensive funeral arrangements, such as cremation

While funeral homes often work with families to create affordable arrangements, even the most basic services still involve costs.

State or Local Assistance Programs

In limited situations, state or local governments may offer assistance for individuals who cannot afford funeral services. These programs are typically reserved for families with significant financial hardship and usually provide only basic services.

The availability and amount of assistance vary widely depending on the state or county. In many cases, the benefits may not fully cover funeral and burial expenses.

Emotional and Financial Stress on Families

Losing a loved one is already a difficult experience. When families must also worry about how to pay for funeral arrangements, the stress can increase significantly.

Without a plan in place, family members may feel pressure to make quick financial decisions during a time of grief. This is one reason many individuals choose to plan ahead for end-of-life expenses.

How Final Expense Insurance Can Help

Final expense insurance is designed specifically to cover costs associated with a person’s passing. These policies typically provide smaller coverage amounts, often between $5,000 and $25,000, and are intended to help pay for:

Funeral and burial or cremation services
Medical bills at the end of life
Outstanding debts
Legal or administrative expenses

Because the benefit is paid directly to a beneficiary, the funds can often be accessed quickly and used for whatever expenses the family needs to address.

Planning Ahead Can Ease the Burden

No one likes to think about end-of-life planning, but preparing in advance can protect loved ones from unexpected financial stress. Whether through savings, insurance, or other planning tools, having a strategy in place can make a difficult time easier for those left behind.

Final expense insurance is one option that many families use to ensure funeral costs are covered and that their loved ones do not have to carry the financial burden alone.

Many Supplemental Medicare Advantage Benefits Go Unused

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 16:00:23 GMT

Are You Getting the Most Out of Your Advantage Plan?

Medicare Advantage (MA) plans often include valuable supplemental benefits that go beyond what Original Medicare covers — but the data shows that many beneficiaries never use them. These extra benefits vary by plan and can include services like dental care, vision exams, hearing aids, gym memberships, transportation, and allowances for over-the-counter (OTC) health products. Some plans even offer meal delivery after a hospital stay.

In some cases, these benefits are included at no additional cost as part of the plan. Others may require an additional premium, depending on the specific Medicare Advantage plan. Despite their potential value to Medicare beneficiaries, research shows these benefits are frequently underused.

Common Supplemental Benefits in Medicare Advantage Plans

Medicare Advantage plans have flexibility to offer a wide range of benefits designed to support overall health and wellness. Common offerings include:

Dental care
Coverage may include preventive services such as exams, cleanings, and X-rays. Some plans also provide limited coverage for procedures like fillings or dentures.

Vision care
Many plans cover routine eye exams and may provide allowances for eyeglasses or contact lenses.

Hearing services
Coverage may include hearing exams and benefits toward hearing aids.

Fitness programs
Many plans include gym memberships or fitness programs designed for older adults.

Meal delivery services
Some plans offer temporary meal delivery after a hospital stay to help support recovery.

Over-the-counter (OTC) allowances
Many MA plans provide quarterly allowances that can be used to purchase eligible health items like vitamins, pain relievers, toothpaste, and other everyday health products.

Transportation benefits
Some plans provide non-emergency transportation to doctor visits, pharmacies, or other medical appointments.

How Often Are These Benefits Used?

A study by The Commonwealth Fund found that while nearly 90% of Medicare Advantage beneficiaries say supplemental benefits are important, actual usage rates are much lower.

For example:

Dental and vision benefits: used by about 42% of enrollees
Hearing benefits: used by about 7% of enrollees
OTC allowances: used by about 46% of enrollees

The study also found that people with lower incomes or functional limitations often value these benefits highly — but they still may not use them more frequently.

Why Many Benefits Go Unused

Several factors contribute to the underuse of supplemental benefits.

Lack of awareness
Many beneficiaries simply don’t realize what benefits their plan offers.

Access challenges
Some services may require using specific providers or following certain plan procedures.

Perceived need
Some beneficiaries may not feel they need certain services right now and postpone using them.

Your Action Plan

If you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, it’s a good idea to review your plan summary to see which supplemental benefits are available. You may be missing out on valuable services already included in your plan.

If you have questions about what your Medicare Advantage plan includes, reviewing your benefits now can help ensure you’re getting the most value from your coverage.

What to Do When Your Term Life Insurance Is About to Expire

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 16:00:19 GMT

What Happens at the End of a Term Life Plan

Affordability is a major appeal of term life insurance policies. They offer the greatest amount of coverage for a relatively low premium. The trade-off is that they are only good for a specific period of time. Most people purchase 10-, 20-, or 30-year term policies to protect their families during their highest financial responsibility years. A term life plan is often designed to cover a mortgage or replace income while children are growing up.

But what happens if your term life insurance is about to expire and you still need coverage? The answer depends on your financial situation, health, and goals. Most people fall into one of three categories — keep reading to learn which one might describe your situation and what to do next.

1. You Need a Few More Years of Coverage

If you’re nearing the end of your term and just need protection for a short additional period, you may be able to keep your existing policy in force.

Most term policies are guaranteed renewable , meaning you cannot be denied coverage as long as you continue paying the premiums. Even if your health has changed, you typically won’t need to do another medical exam to secure coverage.

However, your premiums will increase — sometimes significantly — because rates are based on your current age. While term insurance can remain affordable into your 40s and 50s, costs tend to rise sharply as you move into your 60s and beyond.

One way to manage costs is to lower the death benefit, which may help make premiums more manageable while still providing some protection.

Ultimately, extending your current policy could be a practical short-term solution, but it rarely makes sense as a long-term strategy. Eventually, premiums may become too expensive to sustain.

Planning tip: If you smoke, quitting at least 12 months before applying for new coverage could qualify you for non-smoker rates, which are substantially lower.

2. You Need Long-Term or Permanent Coverage

Life doesn’t always follow the plans we make. Certain events or situations could mean you need life insurance later in life, such as:

Having or adopting children later in life
Taking custody of grandchildren
Covering your own or a family member’s final expenses
Addressing estate planning needs, or leaving a legacy
Protecting a surviving spouse with insufficient retirement savings
Wanting a policy that builds cash value

If your need for coverage extends beyond a few years, it may be time to consider permanent life insurance , such as whole life or universal life.

Unlike term insurance, permanent policies are designed to last your entire lifetime, as long as premiums are paid. They also build cash value over time, which grows tax-deferred and can be accessed (through loans or withdrawals) for a variety of purposes, including supplementing retirement income or covering major expenses.

Permanent insurance premiums typically cost more than term insurance, but you get lifelong protection and added flexibility.

Planning tip: If you’re in good health, applying for a new policy before your term policy expires may provide more options and competitive pricing.

3. Your Health Has Changed

If your health has declined since you first purchased your term policy, qualifying for a new policy at an affordable rate may be difficult. In this case, maintaining your existing guaranteed renewable term policy may be your safest option — even if premiums increase.

This is when you might want to review your policy for a conversion option . Many term policies allow you to convert some or all of your coverage into a permanent policy without undergoing a medical exam. This can be extremely valuable if your health would otherwise prevent you from qualifying for new coverage.

Just know that some policies only allow conversion during the first portion of the term or before a certain age. Review your policy documents carefully or speak with our licensed agents to understand your window. If full conversion isn’t practical, some carriers may allow conversion to a smaller permanent policy designed to help cover final expenses.

The Bottom Line: Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute

The worst time to think about your life insurance options is when your policy has already expired. Ideally, you should begin reviewing your options at least 6 to 12 months before your term ends. This gives you time to:

Assess whether you still need coverage
Compare renewal vs. new policy options
Explore conversion opportunities
Evaluate permanent insurance alternatives

Most likely, your life insurance needs are different today than when you first purchased your policy. Your mortgage balance may be lower, your children may be financially independent, or your retirement savings may be more or less than you had hoped. Life insurance is not a one-time choice; it can and should evolve as your life evolves.

If your term policy is nearing expiration, now is the time to review your coverage and determine the most cost-effective strategy for protecting the people who depend on you.

Why Life Insurance Is Essential If You’re Self-Employed

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 16:00:08 GMT

Protecting Your Income, Your Business, and Your Family’s Financial Future

Being self-employed brings many rewards: flexibility, independence, and the satisfaction of building something that’s your own. But it also means you’re responsible for more than just your income—you’re also responsible for protecting yourself and your family from financial hardship if the unexpected happens.

Unlike traditional employees, self-employed individuals don’t receive benefits like group life insurance through an employer. That means if you haven’t set up your own coverage, you may be leaving a serious gap in your financial safety net.

Why Life Insurance Matters for Everyone

Life insurance provides a critical layer of protection for anyone with financial dependents. An unexpected death can bring not only emotional devastation but also financial chaos for your family. Without life insurance, your loved ones may face an overwhelming list of financial responsibilities on their own—such as:

Funeral, burial, and final medical expenses
Mortgage, rent, utility bills, credit cards, and other consumer debt
Childcare, education, and everyday living costs

Life insurance helps create financial stability during an otherwise unstable time, giving your family the resources they need to maintain their lifestyle, grieve in peace, and move forward with less financial pressure.

Why It’s Even More Important If You’re Self-Employed

For sole proprietors and small business owners, the stakes are even higher. The law does not distinguish between your business and personal finances—meaning your personal assets can be used to settle business debts if something happens to you.

Let’s say you’re the owner of a sole proprietorship and you pass away unexpectedly.
In the eyes of the law, the business ends when you do. But the financial obligations of the business—such as outstanding business loans, federal or state taxes, unpaid invoices to vendors or contractors, employee wages, lease or mortgage payments, and other liabilities—don’t simply disappear.

Instead, those debts become the responsibility of your estate . And that means your surviving family could be forced to sell off personal assets —your home, vehicles, savings, or other property—just to cover the business-related debts. What’s left may be very little, if anything at all, to help them meet their own day-to-day financial needs.

That’s a risk that life insurance can help solve.

Life Insurance Helps Protect Your Family—And Your Legacy

Life insurance isn’t just about covering burial expenses. It’s about protecting what you’ve built and who you’ve built it for. The right policy can:

Pay off personal and business debts
Replace years of lost income
Fund your children’s education
Help your family maintain their standard of living
Preserve the value of your business or help fund a succession plan

If your business has value beyond just your income—such as a client base, physical assets, intellectual property, or branding—a life insurance policy can also provide the financial breathing room your family needs to wind down or sell the business thoughtfully, rather than in a rush under financial pressure.

Concluding Thoughts

As a self-employed individual, you're not just the CEO of your business—you're also a primary provider of your family's financial future. Life insurance gives you a way to protect both. Whether you're early in your entrepreneurial journey or years into running a successful business, now is the time to evaluate how a life insurance policy can help secure your family's stability and preserve your legacy.

Delicious Foods That Support Immunity and Fight Disease

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 16:07:29 GMT

Eat for Your Health

Eating well is one of the simplest ways to support long-term health. While no food can cure or prevent disease on its own, many everyday foods contain nutrients that help strengthen the immune system, reduce inflammation, and support overall wellness. The good news? Many of these foods are both familiar and delicious.

Colorful Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help protect the body from cell damage. Berries like blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries are especially rich in antioxidants that support brain and heart health. Leafy greens such as spinach and kale provide essential nutrients like vitamins A, C, and K, along with fiber that supports digestion and cardiovascular health. A simple rule of thumb is to add more color to your plate—each color offers different health benefits.

Healthy Fats That Support the Heart

Not all fats are created equal, and healthy fats play an important role in fighting disease. Fatty fish such as salmon and sardines contain omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to support heart health and help manage inflammation. Plant-based options like walnuts, chia seeds, flaxseeds, and avocados provide similar benefits and are easy to add to meals or snacks.

Whole Grains and Plant Proteins

Whole grains and legumes help fuel the body while supporting stable blood sugar and digestive health. Foods like oats, quinoa, brown rice, beans, and lentils are high in fiber and nutrients that may reduce the risk of heart disease and support weight management. These foods also help you feel full longer, making them a smart choice for everyday meals.

Herbs, Spices, and Gut-Friendly Foods

Small additions can make a big impact. Garlic has long been associated with immune support, while turmeric contains curcumin, a compound known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Fermented foods such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi contain probiotics that support gut health—which plays an important role in immunity and overall wellness.

Small Changes, Big Benefits

Healthy eating doesn’t require drastic changes. Simple steps like adding an extra serving of vegetables, choosing whole grains more often, or enjoying fish once or twice a week can support better health over time. When paired with preventive care, good nutrition becomes another powerful way to invest in your well-being.

Eating well should be enjoyable, not stressful. With so many tasty foods that also support your health, fighting disease can begin with something as simple as your next meal.

IRMAA and Your Taxes in 2026

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 15:53:33 GMT

What You Need to Know Before Filing

If you're on Medicare—or about to enroll—there’s a little acronym that can have a big impact on your wallet: IRMAA. Short for Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount, IRMAA is an additional charge added to your Medicare Part B and Part D premiums if your income exceeds certain thresholds. As tax season approaches, it’s a good time to understand how IRMAA works, how it’s calculated, and what you can do to plan ahead.

What Is IRMAA?

IRMAA is not a penalty or a late fee. It’s an income-based surcharge that applies to Medicare beneficiaries who earn above a certain level. The idea is that individuals with higher incomes can afford to contribute more to the cost of their Medicare coverage.

If IRMAA applies to you, it will be added to your Part B premium (which covers doctor visits and outpatient services) and, if you have it, your Part D premium (for prescription drug coverage).

2026 IRMAA Thresholds

Your IRMAA amount is based on your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) from two years prior—which means in 2026, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will look at your 2024 tax return. MAGI includes your adjusted gross income (AGI) plus tax-exempt interest income.

Here are the 2026 IRMAA thresholds (based on 2024 income):

For individuals, IRMAA does not apply if your 2024 modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) is $109,000 or less. IRMAA does apply if your income is above $109,000.
For married couples filing jointly, IRMAA does not apply if your 2024 MAGI is $218,000 or less. IRMAA does apply if your income is above $218,000.

The amount of IRMAA increases in tiers. The higher your MAGI, the more you may pay in additional premiums. These charges are automatically calculated and communicated by the SSA each year.

Why IRMAA Matters at Tax Time

Since IRMAA is based on your income from two years ago, your tax planning should include a forward-looking strategy—especially if you're approaching retirement or expect significant income changes.

For example, if you’re planning to retire in 2026, your 2025 income could trigger IRMAA surcharges in 2027. Even if your income drops after retirement, your Medicare premiums could remain high temporarily unless you take action. That’s why it pays to start thinking about IRMAA before you leave the workforce.

Tax Strategies to Reduce Future IRMAA Charges

Here are a few ways to plan ahead and potentially reduce your future IRMAA costs:

Time capital gains and Roth conversions wisely: Large one-time income events—like selling a property or converting a traditional IRA to a Roth—can increase your MAGI. If possible, spread these over multiple years to stay under IRMAA thresholds.
Delay Social Security: If you don’t need the income right away, delaying your Social Security benefits could reduce your MAGI during key years and help you avoid IRMAA.
Coordinate with retirement withdrawals: Work with a financial advisor to plan your distributions from tax-deferred accounts in a way that manages your taxable income.

What If You’ve Already Retired or Your Income Has Dropped?

Let’s say your income has decreased since 2024 due to retirement, the loss of a spouse, or another life event. You may request a reduction in your IRMAA amount through the SSA's reconsideration process.

This is particularly useful if your current income is much lower than what’s shown on your 2024 tax return.

How the Reconsideration Process Works

If you think your IRMAA determination is based on outdated or incorrect income information, or if you've experienced a life-changing event, you can file Form SSA-44: Medicare Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount – Life-Changing Event.

Qualifying life events include:

Retirement or reduction in work hours
Marriage or divorce
Death of a spouse
Loss of income-producing property
Loss of pension income
Settlement from an employer

You’ll need to provide documentation of the event and your reduced income. If approved, SSA may lower your IRMAA or remove it entirely for the current year.

To learn more or access the form, visit ssa.gov/medicare/lower-irmaa .

A Final Word on IRMAA and Planning Ahead

IRMAA is a tax-related surprise that many Medicare beneficiaries don’t expect, especially those transitioning into retirement, but it doesn’t have to catch you off guard. By understanding how IRMAA is calculated, staying below the income thresholds where possible, and knowing your appeal rights, you can keep your Medicare premiums manageable—and avoid paying more than necessary.

If you’re unsure whether IRMAA might apply to you, a retirement planner or financial advisor can help you develop a strategy to reduce future exposure. Planning ahead now can lead to meaningful savings later.