Medicare Advantage vs. Medigap, Star Ratings, and Prior Authorization Explained
The Yass Method of Chronic Pain Management
Detoxifying Your Home
Breathe Better, Sleep Better
Optimizing Brain Health by Managing Stress in Mid-Life and Beyond with Steven Howard, Author and Leadership Coach

#90

Medicare Advantage vs. Medigap, Star Ratings, and Prior Authorization Explained with Bob O’Connor

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It’s Medicare busy season - and smart decisions now can save you thousands.

In this episode, Matt Feret sits down with Bob O’Connor, a 20-year Medicare veteran who once ran one of the nation’s largest Medicare Advantage markets. Together they explain the biggest questions people have during the Annual Election Period (AEP):

  • Should you choose Medicare Advantage or a Medigap (Medicare Supplement) plan?
  • Do Medicare star ratings actually matter - or are they just marketing?
  • What does it mean that prior authorization is being tested in Original Medicare?
  • What happens if your Medicare Advantage plan is discontinued in 2026?
  • How can you avoid common mistakes with drug formularies, provider networks, and out-of-pocket costs?

This conversation pulls back the curtain on how plans are really designed and gives you a practical framework to compare options. If you or a loved one are turning 65—or reviewing coverage during the Annual Election Period—this episode will help you make confident Medicare choices.

Need personalized help? Visit PrepareforMedicare.com to learn more, or schedule a free consultation at BrickhouseAgency.com. No obligation to enroll.

Medicare Advantage vs. Medigap, Star Ratings, and Prior Authorization Explained with Bob O’Connor

Listen to the episode on Apple PodcastsSpotify, Deezer, Podcast Addict, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, Alexa Flash Briefing, iHeart, Acast or on your favorite podcast platform. You can watch the interview on YouTube here.

Brought to you by Prepare for Medicare – The Insider’s Guide  book series. Sign up for the Prepare for Medicare Newsletter, an exclusive subscription-only newsletter that delivers the inside scoop to help you stay up-to-date with your Medicare insurance coverage, highlight Medicare news you can use, and reminders for important dates throughout the year. When you sign up, you’ll immediately gain access to seven FREE Medicare checklists.

“Star ratings don’t tell the whole story. If a plan is below 4 stars in a market full of 4-plus options, benefits can get squeezed.” – Bob O’Connor

“Millions could lose coverage due to service-area reductions. Doing nothing is the worst option—know your Special Enrollment rights.” – Bob O’Connor

“People often chase extras, but the bigger question is: how stable is this insurer over time?” – Bob O’Connor

All Things Medicare: PrepareforMedicare.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-t-oconnor

#089

The Yass Method of Chronic Pain Management with Founder Dr. Mitchell Yass, DPT

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In this episode of The Matt Feret Show I interview pain management pioneer Dr. Mitchell Yass. Dr. Yass is a physical therapist with over thirty years of experience treating individuals with chronic and episodic pain. Dr. Yass shares how he became disillusioned with traditional methods of treating chronic pain through his experience as a physical therapist and why he decided to develop his unique approach to pain management. He also shares expert advice and guidance to those questioning their experience with chronic pain treatment.

If you enjoyed this episode of The Matt Feret Show, you may also enjoy:

Breathe Better, Sleep Better with Dr. Steven Park, Otolaryngologist and Author of Sleep, Interrupted

Preventing Cancer with a Plant-Based Diet with Dr. Dominic Brandy, M.D., the Cancer Veggie Doc

Exploring Gentle Yoga over 50 with Yogi Author Laura Rodriguez

The Yass Method of Chronic Pain Management with Founder Dr. Mitchell Yass, DPT

Listen to the episode on Apple PodcastsSpotify, Deezer, Podcast Addict, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, Alexa Flash Briefing, iHeart, Acast or on your favorite podcast platform. You can watch the interview on YouTube here.

Brought to you by Prepare for Medicare – The Insider’s Guide  book series. Sign up for the Prepare for Medicare Newsletter, an exclusive subscription-only newsletter that delivers the inside scoop to help you stay up-to-date with your Medicare insurance coverage, highlight Medicare news you can use, and reminders for important dates throughout the year. When you sign up, you’ll immediately gain access to seven FREE Medicare checklists.

“For the average person, they only see themselves in their chronic pain. See, they don't realize that they are part of hundreds of millions of others. And that in fact, with that understanding, it shows there's something systemic going on.”

“I think people should start thinking about their pain and what they can do to take responsibility and see how maybe some doctors aren't so great at resolving pain, and maybe there is an alternative that's outside the realm of the norm.”

Host’s Links:

All Things Medicare: prepareformedicare.com

Decoding Social Security: prepareforsocialsecurity.com

My Written Works on Amazon: www.amazon.com/stores/Matt-Feret/author/B09FM3L4WW

The Matt Feret Show YouTube: www.youtube.com/@themattferetshow

Network with me on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/mattferet

Follow me on X: twitter.com/feret_matt

See behind the scenes on Instagram: www.instagram.com/matt_feret/

Join our community on Facebook: www.facebook.com/themattferetshow/

Guest’s Links:

The Yass Method website

Amazon bookstore

YouTube

LinkedIn

#088

Detoxifying Your Home with Therese Forton-Barnes, Founder of Tee’s Organics and Green Living Gurus

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In this episode of The Matt Feret Show I interview Therese Forton-Barnes, a green-living expert, advocate, and business owner. Therese and I discuss her mission of detoxifying American households, and she identifies the top products mindful consumers may want to avoid. Therese shares insight into her process of downsizing toxins in her home and provides helpful resources listeners can explore to learn more about the ingredients in their cleaning supplies, drinking water, and health and beauty products.

If you enjoyed this episode of The Matt Feret show, you may also enjoy:

Preventing Cancer with a Plant-Based Diet with Dr. Dominic Brandy, M.D., the Cancer Veggie Doc

How to Overcome a Sedentary Lifestyle & Increase Your Health with Personal Trainer, Sammy Wilson

Holistic Wellness and Decentering Pharmaceuticals with Pharmacists Sylvia and James Boblak

Detoxifying Your Home with Therese Forton-Barnes, Founder of Tee’s Organics and Green Living Gurus

Listen to the episode on Apple PodcastsSpotify, Deezer, Podcast Addict, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, Alexa Flash Briefing, iHeart, Acast or on your favorite podcast platform. You can watch the interview on YouTube here.

Brought to you by Prepare for Medicare – The Insider’s Guide  book series. Sign up for the Prepare for Medicare Newsletter, an exclusive subscription-only newsletter that delivers the inside scoop to help you stay up-to-date with your Medicare insurance coverage, highlight Medicare news you can use, and reminders for important dates throughout the year. When you sign up, you’ll immediately gain access to seven FREE Medicare checklists.

“It’s a matter of just educating yourself a little bit. Don't throw everything away. Look at what you're using. Concentrate on that a little bit. And if there's something you just can't get rid of, you have that one thing that you just are addicted to. It's okay! But try to start eliminating every other area that you possibly can.”

“According to the CDC, our homes are more polluted than the outdoor air. And that is because of all the products people are using in their homes, bringing in their homes, spraying in their homes, using candles in their homes.”

“If you're going to take a step in the right direction, fragrance-free, free and clear, that's a step in the right direction. I know people are like, well, I use the one that says ‘for allergies’ or whatnot. Good step in the right direction. There are brands on the market today that are a better step in the right direction.”

#087

Breathe Better, Sleep Better with Dr. Steven Park, Otolaryngologist and Author of Sleep, Interrupted

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In this episode of The Matt Feret Show I interview Dr. Steven Park, an ear, nose, and throat surgeon, to discuss the benefits of breathing better. Steve describes the impact of face shape on sleep, health, and quality of life and shares expert advice on how to address sleep and breathing concerns holistically. Finally, Steve and I dissect important implications for older adults and their caregivers.

If you enjoyed this episode of The Matt Feret Show you may also enjoy:

Overlooked and Important: The Muscles of the Face, Jaw, and Throat and their Impact on Quality of Sleep and Health with Myofunctional Therapist Karese Laguerre

WeShape's Approach to Diet Culture with Founder, Katie Bramlett

Exploring Gentle Yoga over 50 with Yogi Author Laura Rodriguez

Breathe Better, Sleep Better with Dr. Steven Park, Otolaryngologist and Author of Sleep, Interrupted

Listen to the episode on Apple PodcastsSpotify, Deezer, Podcast Addict, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, Alexa Flash Briefing, iHeart, Acast or on your favorite podcast platform. You can watch the interview on YouTube here.

Brought to you by Prepare for Medicare – The Insider’s Guide  book series. Sign up for the Prepare for Medicare Newsletter, an exclusive subscription-only newsletter that delivers the inside scoop to help you stay up-to-date with your Medicare insurance coverage, highlight Medicare news you can use, and reminders for important dates throughout the year. When you sign up, you’ll immediately gain access to seven FREE Medicare checklists.

“If you can breathe better, then you can sleep better. And as a result of that, you have a much more fulfilling and healthier life.”

“And we know that poor sleep is a major risk factor for memory impairment and dementia. In fact, they've shown that people with untreated severe sleep apnea have much higher risk of this dementia and Alzheimer's. And when they treat those patients, it doesn't cure it, but it slows it down.”

“People who have these traditional sleep symptoms like insomnia or waking up too early or going to bed too late, a lot of it is connected to a sleep breathing problem.”

Host’s Links:
All Things Medicare: prepareformedicare.com

Decoding Social Security: prepareforsocialsecurity.com

My Written Works on Amazon: www.amazon.com/stores/Matt-Feret/author/B09FM3L4WW

The Matt Feret Show YouTube: www.youtube.com/@themattferetshow

Network with me on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/mattferet

Follow me on X: twitter.com/feret_matt

See behind the scenes on Instagram: www.instagram.com/matt_feret/

Join our community on Facebook: www.facebook.com/themattferetshow/

Guest’s Links:
Amazon bookstore: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B002JVF7BK?ccs_id=00a9b914-ddb8-4287-a5ba-21cfc0ec62ea

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@doctorstevenpark

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-park-91bbb9b/

#086

Optimizing Brain Health by Managing Stress in Mid-Life and Beyond with Steven Howard, Author and Leadership Coach

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In this episode of The Matt Feret Show I interview Steven Howard, an author and leadership coach, to learn his perspective on maintaining brain health into mid-life and beyond. Steven shares his perspective on the importance of stress management, heart-health, and sleep in optimizing brain health in older adulthood. Steven brings his background as a leadership coach to encourage leaders and workers alike to develop a healthy work-life balance and destigmatize mental and emotional burnout in the workplace. Join us as we discuss how to change workplace culture, adopt healthy stress-management techniques, and optimize brain health to live longer, smarter, and better.

If you enjoyed this episode of The Matt Feret Show, you may also enjoy:

 

How to Live Your Best Life After 60 with Author and Blogger Marita Tedder

Finding the End of Stress with Author Don J. Goewey

Stress Management and Strategic Breathing with Nick Bolhuis

Optimizing Brain Health by Managing Stress in Mid-Life and Beyond with Steven Howard, Author and Leadership Coach

Listen to the episode on Apple PodcastsSpotify, Deezer, Podcast Addict, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, Alexa Flash Briefing, iHeart, Acast or on your favorite podcast platform. You can watch the interview on YouTube here.

Brought to you by Prepare for Medicare – The Insider’s Guide  book series. Sign up for the Prepare for Medicare Newsletter, an exclusive subscription-only newsletter that delivers the inside scoop to help you stay up-to-date with your Medicare insurance coverage, highlight Medicare news you can use, and reminders for important dates throughout the year. When you sign up, you’ll immediately gain access to seven FREE Medicare checklists.

"We treat mental unwellness differently than physical unwellness and we should not. And because of that mental unwellness and has a stigma to it and people are afraid to talk about it. It's the stigma in the workplace. They feel uncomfortable even bringing it up. And we need to de-stigmatize that."

"Forget stereotypes and find flexibility. What works for me might not work for you. Find that flexibility and help people get harmony in their lives coming out of the pandemic. I think we all need more harmony in our lives, both professionally and personally. So, whatever we can do as neighbors, as leaders, how can we help each other get a little bit more harmony in our lives? That will reduce stress, which will reduce the brain issues we're talking about. It will reduce blood pressure, and probably make us have a happier life than working sixty to seventy hours a week."

"Remember that your brain is the biggest user of oxygen and the biggest user of blood in your body. So, anything that's good for your heart, by definition, it's going to be good for your brain."

Host’s Links:
All Things Medicare: prepareformedicare.com

Decoding Social Security: prepareforsocialsecurity.com

My Written Works on Amazon: www.amazon.com/stores/Matt-Feret/author/B09FM3L4WW

The Matt Feret Show YouTube: www.youtube.com/@themattferetshow

Network with me on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/mattferet

Follow me on X: twitter.com/feret_matt

See behind the scenes on Instagram: www.instagram.com/matt_feret/

Join our community on Facebook: www.facebook.com/themattferetshow/

Guest Links:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenbhoward/

Amazon bookstore: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B00MHXXNAW?ccs_id=5d120a2c-55d4-423b-a74b-57dc0d253727

#085

Preventing Cancer with a Plant-Based Diet with Dr. Dominic Brandy, M.D., the Cancer Veggie Doc

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In this episode of The Matt Feret Show I interview medical doctor Dominic Brandy to discuss his perspective on the healing abilities of a plant-based diet. Dr. Brandy began to research the benefits of a plant-based diet in 2017 after he was diagnosed with cancer and went into full remission through a combination of diet changes and conventional medicine. Dr. Brandy shares this experience with cancer and the career journey it inspired. He also shares his medical expertise on the science behind an anti-cancer, plant-based diet. Finally, we discuss how listeners might explore and incorporate more plants into their diet.

If you enjoyed this episode of The Matt Feret Show, you may enjoy:

Exploring Plant-Based Food and Nutrition with Julieanna Hever, RD

Mindful Eating with Michelle May, M.D., CSP

Medication, Fitness, Nutrition: Senior Health with Amy K. Wilson

Preventing Cancer with a Plant-Based Diet with Dr. Dominic Brandy, M.D., the Cancer Veggie Doc

Listen to the episode on Apple PodcastsSpotify, Deezer, Podcast Addict, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, Alexa Flash Briefing, iHeart, Acast or on your favorite podcast platform. You can watch the interview on YouTube here.

Brought to you by Prepare for Medicare – The Insider’s Guide  book series. Sign up for the Prepare for Medicare Newsletter, an exclusive subscription-only newsletter that delivers the inside scoop to help you stay up-to-date with your Medicare insurance coverage, highlight Medicare news you can use, and reminders for important dates throughout the year. When you sign up, you’ll immediately gain access to seven FREE Medicare checklists.

“Plant foods have these chemicals called phytonutrients, and we know there's over a hundred thousand of them in plant foods. When we study them, they consistently have very powerful anti-cancer activity, anti-inflammatory activity. They have this amazing ability to affect your epigenetics. So, you have your genes, but the way that you eat can definitely affect the way that your genes are expressed.”

“You need to eat as many different types of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds and spices as you can. The more variety, the healthier your microbiome and healthier you're going to be. If you want to eat some meat here and there, it's not a problem, but it shouldn't be the basis of your diet. It should be a condiment and not the priority.”

“You need to take the best of both. Take the best of conventional medicine, take the best of alternative, and that's how you're going to get the best outcome.”

Host’s Links:
All Things Medicare: prepareformedicare.com

Decoding Social Security: prepareforsocialsecurity.com

My Written Works on Amazon: www.amazon.com/stores/Matt-Feret/author/B09FM3L4WW

The Matt Feret Show YouTube: www.youtube.com/@themattferetshow

Network with me on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/mattferet

Follow me on X: twitter.com/feret_matt

See behind the scenes on Instagram: www.instagram.com/matt_feret/

Join our community on Facebook: www.facebook.com/themattferetshow/

Guest’s Links:

Instagram

His website Natural Insights into Cancer

LinkedIn

Google bookstore

Recent Podcasts

Matt Feret is the host of The Matt Feret Show, which focuses on the health, wealth and wellness of retirees, people over fifty-five and caregivers helping loved ones. He’s also the author of the book series, Prepare for Medicare – The Insider’s Guide to Buying Medicare Insurance and Prepare for Social Security – The Insider’s Guide to Maximizing Your Retirement Benefits.

For up-to-date Medicare information, visit:
www.prepareformedicare.com

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