The Retirement Learning Lab
Tired of feeling overwhelmed and confused about retirement planning?
You're not alone. After 30+ years of helping people navigate retirement, I've seen how the flood of conflicting financial advice paralyzes even the smartest people.
Hi, I'm Van Richards, and I created The Retirement Learning Lab to cut through the noise and give you the clarity you deserve.
Here's what makes this different: Instead of throwing more complicated strategies at you, I teach you a simple, systematic approach that actually works. My clients go from lying awake at night worrying about money to sleeping peacefully, knowing they're in complete control of their financial future.
You'll discover how to:
- Transform retirement confusion into confident action
- Maximize your income while reducing risk
- Avoid the costly mistakes that become impossible to fix later
- Create a plan so simple you could explain it to a 12-year-old
The bottom line: You only get one chance at retirement. Don't leave it to chance.
Whether you're 10 years from retirement or already there, these proven strategies will help you go from financial insecurity to complete control.
Ready to stop worrying and start winning? New episodes every week.
DISCLOSURE: Listeners must understand that this information is not financial advice; it is financial education. There is no guarantee as to the accuracy or reliability of any information presented. For more information on the limitations of the information from this YouTube Channel, please refer to the disclosure on the Richards Financial Planning YouTube page at https://richardsfinancialplanning.com/youtube-channel.
The Retirement Learning Lab
7 Hidden Medicare 2026 Changes That Could Cost You Thousands (December 7th Deadline)
Everyone's talking about Medicare premium increases for 2026. But there are 7 OTHER changes buried in the fine print that could cost you just as much - and almost nobody knows about them.
🚨 URGENT: Open Enrollment ends December 7th - you have just weeks to make changes!
THE 7 HIDDEN CHANGES:
1. Specialist Referral Maze - New approval requirements add 3 weeks before you can even schedule appointments
2. Therapy Cap Reductions - Physical therapy jumping from $20 to $75 per visit after first 12 sessions ($2,100 more if you need 40 sessions)
3. ER Billing Changes - Itemized copays could turn $150 into $275
4. Home Healthcare Cutbacks - Reduced visits and stricter approval requirements
5. DME Restrictions - Limited suppliers, higher costs for wheelchairs, walkers, oxygen equipment
6. Mental Health Limits - Fewer in-network providers, session caps, forced telehealth
7. Preventive Care Redefinition - "Free" mammograms and colonoscopies suddenly costing $300+ if anything is found
🎁 FREE MEDICARE 2026 SURVIVAL GUIDE Download at: medicare.retirementlearninglab.com Includes:
✅ Complete checklists for all 7 changes
✅ Doctor verification call scripts
✅ Cost comparison worksheets
✅ Week-by-week action timeline
✅ Questions to ask insurance companies EPISODE
TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 - Introduction
3:06 - Hidden Change #1: Specialist Referrals
6:52 - Hidden Change #2: Therapy Caps
9:13 - Hidden Change #3: ER Billing
11:33 - Hidden Change #4: Home Healthcare
13:43 - Hidden Change #5: DME Costs
15:48 - Hidden Change #6: Mental Health
17:30 - Hidden Change #7: Preventive Care
19:35 - Your 5-Step Action Plan
23:00 - Why You Can't Wait
27:13 - Final Urgency & Next Steps
WHAT TO DO RIGHT NOW:
1. Download the FREE guide: medicare.retirementlearninglab.com
2. Block 2 hours this weekend to review your plan
3. Call your doctors next week to verify coverage
4. Compare at least 3 plans
5. Decide by December 1st (don't wait until last minute!)
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER:
I don't sell Medicare plans. I'm a retirement income planner who helps clients understand how healthcare costs impact their overall financial strategy. Everything discussed is purely educational and does not constitute medical, legal, or financial advice.
FREE RESOURCES:
- Medicare 2026 Survival Guide: medicare.retirementlearninglab.com
- Medicare Plan Finder: medicare.gov/plan-compare - Free SHIP Counseling: shiphelp.org
- Medicare Rights Center: 1-800-333-4114
⏰ December 7th deadline approaching fast. These changes are real, they're happening, and they could cost you thousands. Don't wait until it's too late.
Download the guide today: medicare.retirementlearninglab.com
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ABOUT THE HOST: Van Richards, ChFC, RICP, is founder of Richards Financial Planning, LLC in Houston, Texas, specializing in comprehensive retirement income planning.
CONNECT: retirementlearninglab.com | YouTube: Retirement Learning Lab | LinkedIn: Van Richards
#Medicare #RetirementPlanning #Healthcare #OpenEnrollment