Marilyn-Kaye Walker Insurance

08/26/2026

All of the people I speak with, I explain to them that Original Medicare has no limit, no cap on their co-pay obligations; that's why people enroll in Medicare Supplement or Advantage Plans, to get maximum out-of-pocket protection.

08/22/2026

Social Security Question:
(Note: Please don't be answering unexpected emails from Social Security- they are spam.)
What is a BNC?
A beneficiary notice code, or beneficiary notice control number (BNC), is a 13-character encrypted alphanumeric code that helps organizations like the SSA and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) identify the notice and the beneficiary, helping eliminate the use of SSNs.

In 2018, the SSA and other agencies began replacing SSNs with BNCs on notices and mailings. The CMS also began using BNCs on benefit verification letters.

Where can I find my BNC?
The SSA may request a person’s BNC if the person contacts the SSA for specific reasons, such as a change in estimated earnings or a change to direct deposit accounts.

People can find their BNC on any letter the SSA sends them about their benefits.

Generally, when a person contacts Medicare, they may need their Medicare number, not their BNC. However, any statements or mailings that used to have SSNs on them may now have BNCs instead.

08/21/2026

An insurance FMO, Amanda Brewton, relayed some interesting information. - Amanda: "I read this article this morning, and this statistic jumped out at me.
89% of Medicare beneficiaries surveyed said they were confident they understood their Medicare benefits and coverage options. Yet only 13% could correctly identify the major parts of Medicare. And 88% didn't know Original Medicare has no annual out-of-pocket maximum.
Among people approaching Medicare eligibility, 82% didn't know about the 20% coinsurance for medical services, and 88% didn't know about the potential Part B late-enrollment penalty." (And Part D late-enrollment penalty.)
Don't wing it. Medicare Product agents are not permitted to accept payment for their help, nor create any obligation for their help. So ask for help. Just call and ask, that simple. (Agents will get paid by their agency or carrier if you enroll in a Medicare-Related Plan through them.)

07/31/2026

Social Security for spouses. Many people do not know how it works, so I'm sharing an article that may help.
-- How the Social Security Spousal Benefits Loophole Closed—and What Couples Need to Know Now --

Retired wage earners aren’t the only ones eligible for Social Security benefits. Wage earners’ spouses often can claim benefits, too, based on their

04/15/2026

From Medicare.gov - Heart Health

Any time is a good time to focus on your heart health. Did you know your calf muscles are like a second pump for your heart? Every time you move your legs, they help push blood back up to your chest. Stronger calves mean better circulation, less swelling, and less strain on your heart.

The good news? You can work these muscles almost anywhere — while brushing your teeth, cooking, or watching TV. Simple calf raises, done 15-20 times twice a day, can make a real difference.