Real Medicare Answers—
No Jargon, No Sales Pitch
Welcome to the Brickhouse Medicare Blog, where we break down Medicare into clear, helpful articles written for real people—not insurance agents.
Whether you’re turning 65, working past retirement, or helping a parent figure it out, you’ll find straightforward tips, timelines, and tools to help you make smart decisions with confidence.
Your Medicare Advantage Coverage Didn’t Freeze — Here’s What Changed for 2026
If you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, you might be thinking: “My plan name didn’t change. My card looks the same. Am I good
AEP Is Over—Now What? Your Guide to What Happens Next
AEP is done, your choices are locked in, and now you’re wondering what actually happens next. When does your new plan start? What if something doesn’t match what you expected? Here’s what to look for between January and March—and how to fix issues before they turn into year-long headaches.
Last-Minute AEP Checklist
If you’re here, it’s because AEP is ending—and you’re trying to make sure you don’t miss something important. Totally normal. The last week of AEP
Prior Authorization & Referrals on Medicare Advantage: How to Avoid Denials
Most of us don’t sign up for Medicare thinking about paperwork or surprises — we just want to see the doctor when we’re sick. But if you’re on a Medicare Advantage plan, you may need prior authorization or a referral before certain scans, surgeries, or treatments. Skip it — and you could be stuck paying the bill. Read on so you know what to watch for and how to avoid denials.
Dental, Vision & Hearing on Medicare Advantage: What’s Really Covered?
Medicare Advantage plans advertise dental, vision, and hearing benefits—but the fine print matters. Learn how allowances, networks, and annual maximums really work so you can choose a plan based on realistic coverage—not marketing hype.
Medicare Service Area Reductions for 2026: What It Means & What To Do
If you received a 2026 Medicare Service Area Reduction notice, don’t panic — but don’t wait. Learn what a SAR means, your Special Enrollment Period timeline, and your options for switching to a new Medicare Advantage or Medigap plan.`
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