Medicare Unscripted

This Encore episode pairs two conversations about the parts of Medicare that change after you sign up. Part one is about networks. Kalei Trbovich, Director of Medicare Operations at Secure Money Health, uses the road trip analogy: you map the route, everything looks fine, and then you hit a closure your GPS never warned you about. That is what happens when someone enrolls in a Medicare Advantage plan without understanding the provider network. She breaks down how HMO and PPO plans differ on referrals and out-of-network care, why Advantage plans are regional and built around local networks, and the distinction that catches travelers off guard: emergency care is covered anywhere, routine care is not. If you split your year between states or spend winters somewhere warm, that difference matters, and it is something to verify before you enroll rather than after. Part two is about Part D. The analogy here is the streaming service that was 9.99 a month and quietly became 19.99. Prescription drug plans auto-renew, but the plan you had last year is not the plan you have this year. Kalei walks through drug tiers and what each one costs you, the out-of-pocket cap and the catastrophic coverage phase that follows it, the prescription payment plan option that spreads costs across the year, and the difference between preferred and standard pharmacies. Same medication, same plan, different pharmacy, different price. She also explains the Annual Notice of Change, the document that spells out exactly what is shifting in your plan and that almost nobody opens. Also in this one: two rounds of Myth or Mistake, why carriers are tightening networks and adding prior authorization requirements, why formularies get reshuffled every year, and the preventable problem for each half. Questions worth asking before you enroll or renew: are my doctors in network, how does this plan work when I travel, are my prescriptions still covered, what tier are they in, and is my pharmacy still preferred. Visit securemoneyhealth.com for more information. This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the federal Medicare program. #Medicare #MedicareAdvantage #PartD #MedicareUnscripted #SecureMoneyHealth

There's an organization fighting behind the scenes for your Medicare — and chances are, you've never heard of it. In this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on HAFA (Health Agents for America): the nonprofit getting independent Medicare agents a seat at the table with CMS and the folks in Washington making decisions about YOUR coverage. I'll tell you why I joined, introduce you to the woman they call "the bulldog of the industry," and explain what all of this means for you and your plan. Fair warning: I'm a redhead and a firstborn — when I believe in something, I fight for it. And I believe in this one. Subscribe for more unscripted Medicare talk — no jargon, no sales pitch, just your neighborhood Medicare guide. Hosted by Kalei Trbovich, Director of Medicare Operations at Secure Money Health. Sponsored by Secure Money Advisors. Produced by Studio 77. #Medicare #MedicareUnscripted #HAFA

Why did your Medicare Part B premium increase in 2026? In this episode of Medicare Unscripted, Kaylee Turbovich explains what's behind the increase, how it impacts your Social Security benefits, and what you can do to prepare for rising healthcare costs. If you have questions about your Medicare coverage, schedule a complimentary review using the link below. 👍 Like, subscribe, and leave a comment with topics you'd like us to cover next! #Medicare #Medicare2026 #MedicarePartB #Retirement #Healthcare

In this episode of Medicare Unscripted, Kaylee Terbovich, Director of Medicare Operations at Secure Money Health, breaks down one of the most overlooked parts of Medicare: your Part D prescription drug plan. Many Medicare beneficiaries assume their prescription drug plan stays the same year after year. The reality? Part D plans automatically renew, but premiums, deductibles, drug coverage, pharmacy networks, and medication tiers can all change annually. In this episode, you'll learn: • How Medicare Part D drug tiers affect what you pay • Why your medication costs may increase even when you're on the same plan • The difference between preferred and standard pharmacies • What the $2,100 out-of-pocket prescription drug cap means for you • How Medicare's Prescription Payment Plan can help manage drug expenses • Why formularies change every year • What to look for in your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) • Common mistakes Medicare beneficiaries make during Annual Enrollment If you've ever wondered why a prescription was covered one year but not the next, or why your costs suddenly changed, this episode explains what you need to know. Remember: reviewing your prescription drug coverage every year could save you money and help you avoid unexpected surprises at the pharmacy. Have questions about Medicare? Contact the Secure Money Health team to discuss your options and get personalized guidance. If you found this episode helpful, be sure to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications so you never miss future Medicare tips, updates, and educational content. #Medicare #MedicarePartD #PrescriptionDrugCoverage #MedicareUnscripted #MedicareEducation #MedicareEnrollment #PartD #HealthcareCoverage #PrescriptionCosts #SeniorHealthcare

Welcome back to Medicare Unscripted with Kalei Trbovich, Director of Medicare Operations at SecureMoneyHealth. In this episode, Kalei breaks down a common — and costly — mistake people make when choosing a Medicare Advantage plan: not fully understanding the provider network. Using a real-life analogy of a road trip gone off course, she explains how enrolling in the wrong plan can leave you scrambling when you need care the most. What looks good on paper doesn't always translate to real-world coverage — especially when it comes to where and how you receive care. In this episode, you'll learn: The key differences between HMO and PPO Medicare Advantage plans Why provider networks matter more than you think How travel and "snowbird" lifestyles impact your coverage The difference between emergency care and routine care while out of network Common myths about nationwide coverage What questions you should ask before enrolling in a plan With networks becoming more restrictive and prior authorizations on the rise, planning ahead is more important than ever. This episode will help you avoid unexpected detours and choose a plan that actually fits your lifestyle.

In this episode of Medicare Unscripted, Kaylee Terbovich breaks down one of the most common (and costly) misconceptions about Medicare: the idea that it fully protects you from major medical expenses.

Using a simple real-life analogy, Kaylee explains how small gaps in coverage—like the 20% coinsurance under Original Medicare—can quietly turn into significant financial burdens if left unaddressed. Many people don't realize that Medicare Part A and Part B only cover about 80% of approved services, leaving you responsible for the remaining 20%… with no cap on out-of-pocket costs.

We also cover:

• Why the "Medicare covers everything" belief is a mistake
• How rising healthcare costs make that 20% even more impactful
• The difference between Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage plans
• How to evaluate your own risk and coverage gaps

This episode isn't about fear—it's about awareness and preparation. Understanding your coverage today can help you avoid expensive surprises tomorrow.

Key takeaway: Medicare protects you from paying 100%—but not from unlimited costs.

If you're approaching Medicare age or already enrolled, this is a must-watch.

Welcome to the first episode of Medicare Unscripted. In this episode, Kalei Trbovich explains why Medicare timing is like having your boarding pass ready before a flight: if you miss an important step, the consequences can be stressful and expensive. She covers common myths about automatic enrollment, how employer coverage fits into the picture, and why planning ahead for Part B is so important. It's a strong introduction to the show's mission of making Medicare feel clear, practical, and easier to navigate.