A hodgepodge of topics this month . . .

Eggs & joint pain . . . what’s the connection?

Traveling abroad? Do you really need trip cancellation coverage?

Are you a student loan cosigner? It can trigger IRMAA!!

Is health insurance broken? Depends on whose ox is being gored.

Will you escape prior authorization Hell?

Do Eggs Cause Joint Pain?

Some people report that eating eggs worsens their arthritis symptoms, but scientific evidence on this is limited. Whether or not eggs have any effect may depend on the individual.

Inflammation is one theory behind why some people find eggs exacerbate their arthritis. Another theory is food allergies.

An egg allergy is one of the most common food allergies, and similarly to arthritis, an allergic reaction increases inflammation in the body. People who react to eggs and also have arthritis may find this worsens symptoms.

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/eggs-and-arthritis-symptoms

Is Trip Cancellation Insurance Worth Having?

I get a number of requests for international travel insurance and, on occasion, folks ask about trip cancellation coverage.

Geo-Blue Voyager CHOICE covers pre-existing conditions and is the ONLY trip medical plan I have recommended for years. They offer one of the most comprehensive plans in the market at a competitive price.

https://www.geobluetravelinsurance.com/product_overview.cfm?link_id=160173

But what about trip cancellation coverage?

Trip cancellation insurance is something I have never recommended. It provides peace of mind but rarely pays off unless you have prepaid expenses and have to cancel for personal reasons (not health related), or if you bought a non-refundable ticket and can't get a credit (for a future flight) from the airlines.

Allianz is one of the biggest providers of trip cancellation insurance if you want to pursue this.

Your trip is canceled before you get started for a covered reason. Travel insurance with trip cancellation benefits can reimburse your prepaid, non-refundable expenses if you must cancel your trip due to a covered reason.

https://www.allianztravelinsurance.com/find-a-plan/benefits/trip-cancellation.htm

Also read this link . . .

https://www.allianztravelinsurance.com/travel/trip-cancellation/trip-cancellation-claim-denied.htm

One of my favorites  . . . the artist and the song

Student Loan Co-signers May Trigger IRMAA

Yes, seniors who co-signed student loans may trigger IRMAA. 

Here's why:

IRMAA is based on income: IRMAA (Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount) is an additional amount added to your Medicare Part B and Part D premiums if your income exceeds certain thresholds.

Unpaid interest increases reportable income: If the student loan is unpaid and accruing interest, that accrued interest can be considered income for the co-signer, potentially increasing their modified adjusted gross income (MAGI).

Important notes:

It's the income that matters: The direct act of co-signing doesn't automatically trigger IRMAA. It's the resulting increase in reportable income due to factors like accrued interest that could cause the issue.

IRMAA is based on prior year income: IRMAA is determined based on the income 

To mitigate this potential issue:

Explore repayment options: Consider options like income-driven repayment plans or refinancing to manage the debt.

Understand implications of co-signing

Consider filing Form SSA-44 if income decreases

For more detail, Google search the title . . .

Is Health Insurance Broken?

In its new national campaign—titled "Health Insurance is Broken"—a television advertisement shows Medicare Advantage (MA) enrollees struggling with the sign-up process, facing coverage denials due to unexpected changes and running into issues with prior authorization.

One person runs into issues with an automated phone system, while another is frustrated by marketing mailers piling up. A third is told at the pharmacy counter that his prescription wasn't covered as other patrons begin to line up behind him.

MA ads often feature seniors doing fun activities or include celebrity testimonials, which don't encapsulate the program in full.

"I think acknowledging that in a very real way helps to validate that feeling, because a lot of the advertising that's out there today shows seniors sailing and golfing—and yes, they do these things—but, when it comes to their experience of health insurance, it's not always positive," Shukla said. "And I think we have an obligation to showcase that and to let people know that we see them and that we hear them, and to validate their experience."

https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/payers/scan-declares-health-insurance-broken-new-national-campaign

Prior Authorization Hell

Although insurers tout an average turnaround time of 7-14 days for standard requests, the real-world experience is far longer, often weeks to months. And current industry and federal efforts to reform PA do not address the root cause of this problem. 

Last month, my gastroenterologist ordered an MRI/MRCP (a test that provides detailed images of the pancreas), to evaluate an abnormality that was discovered on another test. I immediately wondered how long it would take, how many hoops I’d need to jump through, and how much it would delay my diagnosis and treatment. I reflexively asked her if the MRCP required prior authorization, but I already knew the answer (even if I hoped for a different one). Indeed, my insurance company (like most) requires prior authorization for every single advanced imaging study ordered by a doctor (including MRI, CT and PET scans).

https://healthcareuncovered.substack.com/p/im-a-former-health-care-insider-even

What Happens When You Exercise Your Brain?

Brain games have become a popular way to sharpen cognitive skills, especially as you age.

Research shows brain games can improve specific skills in the game itself, but don’t reliably boost everyday cognition.

Experts recommend finding a game that’s new, challenging, and engaging for the most cognitive benefits.

When it comes to your brain, there’s some truth to the saying “use it or lose it,” experts said. “Your brain is an organ, and if you’re not using all parts of it, especially in aging, disease, and poor health, it might start shrinking,”

https://www.health.com/what-games-can-and-can-t-do-for-your-aging-brain-11789554

Looking at 2026 . . .

The 2026 Medicare open enrollment starts on 10/15 and ends 12/7. All I have now is rumor spiced with political hot sauce.

I should have more information by the end of the month. Regardless, it isn’t pretty.

FWIW here are the rumblings . . .

Medicare Part B premiums will rise . . . possibly around $20 higher than the current premium of $185. Part B deductible may also increase by $30, up from the current $257.

Stand alone Part D plans . . . probably fewer plans offered . . . higher premiums and fewer drugs on the plan formulary . . . also higher cost for expensive drugs.

https://www.kff.org/medicare/the-uncertain-future-of-medicares-stand-alone-prescription-drug-plan-market-and-why-it-matters/

Medigap premiums may increase in the 8% to 12% range. Some plans will have higher increases. . . few, if any, will have lower increases. You can change your Medigap plan at any time provided you can pass underwriting. Renewal notices usually arrive in mid to late October for January 2026 renewal dates. Later renewals should come after the first of the year.

Trying to change Medigap plans is almost impossible during the open enrollment period. Best to wait until January before applying for new coverage.

Some may be enticed to join a Medicare Advantage plan. The low premium (often $0) is the bait. You also need to know that MA plans have networks and your current providers may not participate in some of the plans. MA plans typically require you to pay 20% for ALL outpatient health care including cancer treatment, outpatient surgery and therapy. With an MA plan you pay 20% until you hit your OOP max which is often $5,000 or more. And MA plans have prior authorization for most claims of $500 or more.

Changing from a Medigap plan to MA is like the Hotel California. You can check out but you may never leave.

Most folks who drop their Medigap will not be able to return to the plan. Medical underwriting is required if you leave an MA plan and want to enroll in Medigap. If you cannot pass underwriting you will be stuck in an MA plan forever.

I will not be re-enrolling folks in Part D plans this year. Rules have changed and last year too many applications were lost with no way to track them once submitted to Medicare. There is a lot of liability (on me) when things go sideways and I can’t take that risk any more.

I will be encouraging clients to self enroll via MyMedicare, through 1-800-MEDICARE or with the carrier. Instructions to follow.

If I have your current medication list by mid September I will run reports but will not be enrolling clients in a new plan.

Hope all is well. Take care,

Bob & Rachel