Ep 120: In this episode of the Retirement Success in Maine Podcast, we revisit one of the most important decisions retirees face: Medicare.
Our guest, Ann Shea, Medicare Supervisor at the Eastern Area Agency on Aging, shares practical insights about how Medicare works in 2026 and beyond, including changes to prescription drug costs, Medicare Advantage plans, and rising premiums.
Our conversation breaks down the differences between Original Medicare, Medigap, and Medicare Advantage, explains how to evaluate your options, and highlights common mistakes retirees make when choosing coverage.
If you’re approaching age 65 or helping a loved one navigate Medicare, this episode will help you better understand your choices and make more confident decisions.
Chapters
Intro: Medicare and Retirement Planning [00:00]
Meet Ann Shea and the Eastern Area Agency on Aging [02:00]
Understanding Medicare Basics [08:00]
Medicare Advantage vs. Original Medicare [23:00]
Medicare Costs and Prescription Drug Changes [33:30]
When and How to Review Your Medicare Coverage [43:00]
Advice for People Approaching Medicare [49:00]
Ann’s Retirement Success and Final Thoughts [52:00]
Ben's focus with our clients is to direct the investments of their investable portfolios. In teaming with Curtis Worcester and Austin Minor, Ben combines his investment expertise from attaining the CFA Charter with Curtis & Austin's financial planning expertise to provide clients with the tools, confidence, and education to make informed decisions about their retirement. As Ben, Curtis, and Austin have a number of clients that are Northern Light Health employees, they've developed a specialty in serving clients in the healthcare field. You can read their "Employee Guide to the Northern Light Health Retirement Plans" here.
He has spent his entire career devoted to serving individual clients and institutions by developing and implementing investment strategies, setting portfolio structure, and providing the highest level of client service. He's passionate about helping clients maximize their savings and retirement income using the many financial planning and portfolio management tools available to Guidance Point consultants. Prior to working for Guidance Point Advisors, Ben worked for Acadia Trust, N.A., a subsidiary of Camden National Corporation, as Vice President, Portfolio Manager based in Bangor, Maine. Ben assumed responsibility for and oversight of over $300 million in client portfolios, including individuals, families, retirement plans, endowments, foundations, businesses, and trusts; and he served on the Company’s Investment Committee.
