We mentioned the hike in Medicare Part B several weeks ago.  If you're getting closer to age 65 it might be a good time to do a little Medicare homework.  We have a lot of resources and links on ours site to explain some of the basics.  Here's a good refresher from Investors Business Daily this week.

Coverage starts with Part A, which is free for most U.S. citizens. This pays most hospital bills.

Part B, which covers other costs such as doctor bills, costs $88.50 a month. In 2007, the projected cost is $98.20 a month, reflecting rising health care costs. So you'll pay about $1,200 per year for basic Medicare insurance.

One way to cover the holes in Medicare is to buy additional insurance from private carriers. Many insurers sell supplementary coverage known as Medigap policies.