📰 Social Security & Medicare: Deadlines, Decisions & Dollars You Could Be Leaving on the Table
Monday, March 23, 2026 — Prime Times Daily News Briefing
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Time-Sensitive: Key Deadlines and Strategies You Need This Week
Two weeks ago we covered the fundamentals — benefit amounts, RMDs, premiums, and scam prevention. This week, we're focused on the decisions and deadlines that could save or cost you thousands of dollars in 2026.
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🚨 Deadline Alert: Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Ends March 31
If you enrolled in a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan during the Annual Enrollment Period last fall and it's not working out, you have 8 days left to make a change.
The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP) runs January 1 through March 31 and allows you to:
Switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another
Drop your Medicare Advantage plan and return to Original Medicare (with the option to add a Part D drug plan)
You cannot use this period to switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan — that can only happen during the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 – December 7).
Signs your current MA plan may not be the right fit:
Your preferred doctors or specialists are out of network
Your prescriptions cost more than expected or aren't covered
You need referrals for specialists you used to see directly
The plan's service area doesn't cover where you travel or spend winters
How to act: Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), visit medicare.gov/plan-compare, or contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) for free, unbiased counseling. SHIP counselors are trained volunteers — they don't sell plans.
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💵 Social Security: Strategies That Could Add Thousands to Your Lifetime Benefits
Spousal benefits — are you leaving money unclaimed?
If you're married (or were married for at least 10 years before divorcing), you may be eligible for a spousal benefit worth up to 50% of your spouse's or ex-spouse's full retirement benefit — even if you never worked or had low lifetime earnings. Key rules:
You must be at least 62 to claim spousal benefits
If your own benefit would be higher, you'll receive your own instead — SSA pays the higher of the two
Claiming a spousal benefit does not reduce your spouse's or ex-spouse's benefit in any way
Divorced spousal benefits — Your ex doesn't need to know and doesn't need to have filed. You just need to have been married 10+ years, be currently unmarried, and be at least 62
Survivor benefits — often overlooked
If your spouse has passed away, you may be eligible for survivor benefits equal to 100% of what they were receiving (or entitled to). Survivor benefits can be claimed as early as age 60 (50 if disabled). Importantly, you can claim survivor benefits first and switch to your own retirement benefit later at 70 if it would be higher — or vice versa. This sequencing strategy can maximize your total lifetime income.
Action step: If any of these situations apply to you, call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local field office to review your options.
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🏥 Medicare: Benefits Many Enrollees Don't Know They Have
Medicare covers more than most people realize. Here are benefits that are frequently overlooked:
Mental health services — Medicare Part B covers outpatient mental health services, including therapy with a licensed clinical social worker, psychologist, or psychiatrist. Since 2024, marriage and family therapists and mental health counselors are also covered. You pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after meeting your Part B deductible.
Diabetes prevention program — If you have prediabetes, Medicare covers the CDC-recognized Diabetes Prevention Program — a year-long lifestyle coaching program aimed at reducing your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. It includes group sessions on healthy eating, physical activity, and behavior change. Covered at no cost to you.
Chronic care management — If you have two or more chronic conditions (such as diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, or depression), Medicare covers monthly care management services. Your doctor's office coordinates your care across specialists, adjusts medications, and follows up between visits. A small copay applies, but studies show it reduces hospitalizations and improves outcomes.
Medical nutrition therapy — If you have diabetes or kidney disease, Medicare Part B covers sessions with a registered dietitian who creates a personalized eating plan and provides ongoing counseling. Many people don't know this exists — ask your doctor for a referral.
Telehealth — Medicare has expanded telehealth coverage significantly. Many routine visits, mental health appointments, and chronic care check-ins can now be done from home via video or phone. Check with your plan or provider about what's available to you.
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📊 Know Your Numbers: A Quick Reference
Item | 2025 Figure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Medicare Part B monthly premium (standard) | $185.00 | Higher with IRMAA |
Medicare Part B annual deductible | $257.00 | Before coverage kicks in |
Part D out-of-pocket cap | $2,000/year | Inflation Reduction Act |
Insulin copay cap | $35/month | Part B and Part D |
Social Security FRA (born 1960+) | Age 67 | Claiming early reduces benefit |
Delayed retirement credit | ~8%/year | For each year past FRA up to 70 |
Social Security earnings limit (before FRA) | $22,320/year (2025) | Benefits reduced temporarily if exceeded |
2026 figures are being confirmed by the SSA and CMS — check ssa.gov and medicare.gov for official updates.
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🔔 This Week's Action Items
✅ Medicare Advantage enrollees — Review your plan before March 31. If it's not working, switch or return to Original Medicare now. Call 1-800-MEDICARE or your local SHIP.
✅ Check for spousal or survivor benefits — If you're married, divorced after 10+ years, or widowed, verify you're receiving the maximum benefit you're entitled to.
✅ Ask your doctor about overlooked Medicare benefits — Diabetes prevention, mental health, nutrition therapy, and chronic care management are all covered and underused.
✅ Review the numbers table above — Know your premiums, deductibles, and caps so nothing catches you by surprise.
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The Bottom Line
Social Security and Medicare are complex systems that reward informed beneficiaries. The difference between someone who passively accepts their default benefits and someone who actively reviews their options can be tens of thousands of dollars over a lifetime. Spend 30 minutes this week making sure you're not leaving money — or coverage — on the table.
Know your benefits. Claim what's yours. That's the Prime Times way.
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This post is for general informational purposes only. For personalized guidance, contact the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 or Medicare at 1-800-633-4227.