Anyone who knows me, or looks at my Goodreads shelf, knows that I require joyful reading, and happily-ever-afters. But sometimes you have to adult, and you have to do life. It’s unfortunate, but it’s true. There are a number of reasons this book (It’s Not That Complicated- The Three Medicare Decisions to Protect Your Health and Money
by Ari Parker) called to me on the #NetGalley shelf, and I’m glad I read it.

I have had quite a few conversations about Medicare, and 100% of them end up with me dazed and confused and drifting off to my happy place.

When Medicare was established in 1965, the piece of legislation was more than 1,400 pages long. This book is 85, including the glossary and thank yous. This book has no fluff. It tells you what you need to know in concise, clear language. The author could have made it longer than necessary, but he didn’t, and I appreciate him for it.

There is so much that we need to know, like there are two situations mentioned where if you don’t sign up at the time you are supposed to, you will pay late enrollment penalties- for life! I truly learned a lot, and will take it with me. I was not dazed or confused, and it makes me happy to finally understand this complicated system.

I am not near the age for Medicare yet, but I have information that my loved ones already need and others will need. I hope Ari Parker will be able to publish an updated book every year until I am 65. I love to donate books I’ve read to my Little Free Library, but this one is highlighted, dog-eared, and staying on my shelf. You can email for a worksheet to complete with your decisions and thoughts as you go, which I think is a helpful touch. I’ll be hanging on to that as well.

It’s Not That Complicated should be required reading for anyone approaching age 65.

Thank you, #NetGalley and #ItsNotThatComplicated for teaching me something that in the past I had resisted learning. All opinions are my own.

IT’S NOT THAT COMPLICATED by attorney Ari Parker is a well written, easy to understand guide to Medicare. The author explains the three key parts of Medicare and the three major decisions that face everyone eligible for this program. He compares original Medicare and Medigap to Advantage plans, and describes drug plans without pushing one version or provider over another. Instead, this book contains the information you need in order to determine what is best for you now and in the future. This short book belongs in everyone’s retirement arsenal, whether you are still planning your retirement or are already in that special time after working.

This is the most insightful, clear and helpful presentation of Medicare I have found. Especially s I find myself at a decision point, this came at precisely the right time. Absolutely a must read for anyone on the path to Medicare

From Chapter, a member of the Independent Book Publishers Association, IT'S NOT THAT COMPLICATED by Ari Parker provides insight on "The Three Medicare Decisions to Protect Your Health and Money." The book begins with an analogy about pizza and goes on to focus on common situations, explicitly not covering Medicaid or health plans for state, federal and military retirees. Parker, a Stanford Law School graduate, provides a decision worksheet on his website which asks for email and offers services of Medicare planning professionals. For first time enrollees, his book gives some helpful definitions regarding Part A and B (hospital and medical) and Part D (prescription drugs) and has a glossary of other terms. Yes, the details are confusing, but Parker lays it out succinctly and uses bullet points to simplify his explanation. In fact, there is a one page decision tree that addresses the question about when is your best time to enroll. He also mentions details that are not intuitive (e.g., sign-up is through Social Security Administration, not directly with Medicare). The second decision point that he explores in depth (looking at Providers, Prescriptions, and Priorities) has to do with how to cover the 20% of medical costs that Original Medicare does not cover. That is the section that looks at Medigap (supplemental coverage through the government) and Medicare Advantage (private insurance with out-of-pocket maximums). Parker does not seem to be a huge fan of Medicare Advantage plans (they do have some network restrictions), although those are becoming increasingly popular (and somewhat controversial as discussed in the New York Times article). He also mentions using a broker ("even heroes get help") which is an excellent suggestion for what is by necessity an individualized decision and any comparisons can be an arduous task. In the final section, Parker encourages enrollees to re-evaluate their care each year (especially to assess ongoing provider and prescription coverage); Kaiser Family Foundation has found that less than half tend to do so. IT'S NOT THAT COMPLICATED is a simplified, useful guide.

A great basic primer on medicare that clearly explains the program as well as lays out options and potential pros and cons. Well organized, especially if you are using as a guide for a particular situation (the author gives prompts to skip ahead and how far at various junctures). But, the content is easily digestible read cover to cover as well.

The answer to many important questions about your Medicare plan. Perfect for our library .Thanks to Netgalley

Great book that helped me understand Medicare to help a family member. Only one I've read that actually explains it simply, without assuming you already know what all the terminology means.