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Renee van Staveren

Director of Content

Since 2009, I've been writing about complicated, technical issues, with the goal of making topics like Medicare and healthcare easier to understand. I've been writing about Medicare since 2021 and healthcare since 2019. I am an AmeriCorps alumni. I enjoy gardening, reading, and DIYing.

Latest Posts

can't afford medicare plan

can't afford medicare plan

medicare advantage costs medicare extra help medicare supplement costs medicare savings programs

I Can’t Afford My Medicare Plan Anymore. What Do I Do?

Struggling to pay for Medicare Advantage? Learn the 4 common causes of high costs in 2026 and the fixes, from Extra Help to plan switching.Read more

switching medicare plans

switching medicare plans

medicare enrollment period medicare advantage plans medicare eligibility apply for medicare

My Medicare Health Plan Is Changing — Do I Need to Switch?

A changing Medicare plan doesn't always mean you should switch. Learn what to check in your Annual Notice of Change in September.Read more

is my medicare plan still the best

is my medicare plan still the best

medicare enrollment period medicare supplement plans medicare advantage plans medicare eligibility

Is My Medicare Health Plan Still Right for Me?

Not sure if your Medicare health plan still fits your needs? Connie Health shares 5 questions to ask every year before deciding to switch.Read more

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is my doctor still in network

is my doctor still in network

medicare part c coverage medicare enrollment period medicare advantage plans

Is My Doctor Still In-Network?

Medicare Advantage provider networks change every year. Learn how to check if your doctor is still in-network before your plan auto-renews.Read more

anoc medicare

anoc medicare

annual enrollment period medicare advantage medicare part d coverage medicare part c coverage

What Is the Medicare ANOC Letter and What Should You Check?

Every fall, Medicare Advantage plans mail an ANOC letter. Learn what it means, what to check, and what to do before December 7.Read more

social security COLA 2027

social security COLA 2027

medicare advantage plans medicare part b medicare enrollment period medicare part b costs medicare savings programs

Social Security COLA 2027 Increase & Your Medicare Costs

Track the 2027 Social Security COLA estimate, see how rising Medicare costs affect your check, and learn what you can do. Updated monthly.Read more

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