Medicare and healthcare costs represent one of the most significant and unpredictable expenses in retirement. This course provides a comprehensive, practitioner-focused overview of the Medicare system—including Parts A, B, C, and D—along with Medigap and Medicare Advantage plans. It equips learners with the knowledge to project and manage out-of-pocket costs, understand coverage gaps, and navigate enrollment periods. Essential for financial advisors, retirement planners, and individuals approaching retirement, this course demystifies the interplay between Medicare, employer coverage, and long-term care, ensuring participants can make informed decisions that protect retirement savings.
What You'll Master
- Master the structure and eligibility criteria of Medicare Parts A, B, C, D, and Medigap policies.
- Analyze and project healthcare costs in retirement, including premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and out-of-pocket maximums.
- Develop strategies to bridge coverage gaps and minimize financial risk through proper plan selection and timing.
- Evaluate the impact of employer-sponsored retiree health benefits and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) on Medicare decisions.
- Apply regulatory knowledge to avoid late enrollment penalties and maximize coverage based on individual health needs.
Educational Value
This course directly supports preparation for key retirement and financial planning certifications such as the Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), Retirement Management Analyst (RMA®), and insurance licensing exams. It provides the detailed understanding of Medicare rules, cost structures, and planning strategies required to answer exam questions on healthcare risk management, retirement income adequacy, and regulatory compliance—areas that consistently appear on these credentialing assessments.