S.R. Miller Consulting

April 16 is National Healthcare Decisions Day, a reminder of conversations many families don’t know how to start.

Most people don’t avoid these conversations because they don’t care…
They avoid them because they don’t know where to begin.

I’ve seen this happen more than once: families doing their best to make decisions in a crisis, without knowing what their loved one would have wanted.

It’s not about having all the answers.
It’s about having a place to start.

That’s why I appreciate tools like Five Wishes, it helps guide conversations around:
• medical care preferences
• comfort and dignity
• who should speak on your behalf
• what matters most

These aren’t just healthcare decisions.
They’re family decisions.

Having these conversations ahead of time can bring clarity and peace when it’s needed most.

👉 Have you had this conversation with your family yet?

Just Because Open Enrollment Is Over Doesn’t Mean Your Medicare Plan Is Done.

Open Enrollment may have ended, but real life with your Medicare plan is just beginning.

A lot of people tell me something like:

“They’re set, we picked a plan this year, and that’s that.”

But here’s the reality most people don’t think about until later:
Plans change throughout the year, formularies (drug lists) shift, doctors move in or out of network, and out-of-pocket costs can add up in ways you didn’t expect.

So “set it and forget it” can turn into “surprised and stressed” by spring or summer.

If you’re seeing costs go up, hearing “no” from the pharmacy, or wondering why a provider isn’t covered anymore, that’s not just “the way Medicare is,” it’s something worth understanding and addressing.

💡 Medicare isn’t a set-and-forget benefit, it’s something you live with. Knowing how to monitor and act on changes can save money and frustration.

Is Medicare Advantage really cheaper than Medigap?

A lot of people choose their Medicare plan based on the fixed costs, the monthly premium. On paper, Medicare Advantage usually looks like a winner.

But what happens when you factor in the variable costs? Things like co-pays, out-of-pocket maximums, and uncovered services can make the picture much different.

That’s why the question I hear all the time, “Will my costs be higher on Medicare Advantage or Medigap?” doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all answer.

The real difference often comes down to how you use healthcare, not just the price tag you see upfront.

I can help you break down the numbers so you feel confident your plan really fits your needs.