Is there a way to get Medicare coverage outside the regular enrollment periods? Yes—and that's where a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) comes in. SEPs allow you to get covered if something happens or if you'd like to enroll in an MA plan outside the normal enrollment periods. Do you qualify for an SEP? Find out by answering these questions.

As 2023 gets underway, Medicare beneficiaries will have the opportunity to take advantage of new benefits under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). Passed in August of 2022, this landmark legislation makes significant changes to the Medicare program – lowering prescription drug costs, expanding benefits and making insulin more affordable. While many of the benefits of the IRA will roll out over the next several years, some went into effect on January 1, 2023.

During this year's open enrollment period, Aspire's team noticed an increase in Medicare scam attempts. For example, we received an email from a Monterey County resident who was recently contacted by someone who claimed that they were issuing the resident a new Medicare card since theirs had been deactivated. Luckily, this person knew what to look out for. Your card will never be arbitrarily deactivated, and no Medicare representatives should call you unless you call them first.