The basics of Medicare eligibility are simple. First, you must be a United States citizen or a permanent, legal resident for at least five years. Second, you must meet at least one of the following criteria: Be age 65 or older and eligible for Social Security; or Be permanently disabled and receive Social Security disability […]
How To Get or Replace A Medicare Card
If you are a new beneficiary, getting your first Medicare card is automatic. The Social Security Administration will automatically enroll you in Medicare Part A as soon as you are eligible. For most people, the same is true of Medicare Part B. In most cases, your red, white, and blue Medicare card will show up […]
When and How-to Enroll in Medicare
For most people Medicare enrollment is automatic. For some, enrollment terms vary depending on how and when you become eligible. Most people are automatically enrolled in Medicare when they reach age 65. This is when your Social Security benefits start. If you live in the continental United States the Social Security Administration (SSA) kicks off […]
How Much Does Medicare Cost?
Not everyone pays the same amount for their Medicare. If you have Medicare benefits, the amount you pay for your health insurance depends on how much you earn, the type of Medicare insurance you choose, and how much health care you require. Medicare has several parts, and each part has different costs. Plus, people earning […]
How-to Enroll in Medicare if you are Disabled
If you qualify for Social Security Disability income benefits due to a permanent disability, you most likely also qualify for Medicare benefits to cover your medical expenses. To qualify for Medicare Disability, most people will need to first collect Social Security Disability for two years. Medicare Disability begins when you receive your 25th payment from […]
What is Medicare?
Medicare is health insurance for U.S. citizens and legal residents ages 65 and older. Benefits are also available to people with certain disabilities, and those with kidney failure (End-Stage Renal Disease) or Lou Gehrig’s Disease. The federal program was created in 1965 to help seniors pay for their health care expenses. It is the most […]
The SilverSneakers Medicare Advantage
One of the fantastic advantages packed into a growing number of Medicare Advantage plans is a benefit most of us can actually use on a regular basis: fitness club membership. The membership bundled with more plans than any other called SilverSneakers. Originally an Arizona-based fitness club that started in the 1990s, SilverSneakers is now available […]
Veterans Over 65 Get Medicare and VA Benefits
Veterans older than 65 years of age may be able to get health benefits from both Medicare and the Veterans’ Administration. In order for that to happen, several things must be in place. A veteran must have applied for and be entitled to Veterans benefits, and the veteran must be enrolled in Medicare Parts A […]
What Does Medicare Part D Cover?
A Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan (PDP) helps pay for your prescription drugs. This is not an automatic Medicare benefit. Part D plans are private insurance. You must enroll in a Medicare Part D plan if you want the coverage. In 2020, monthly rates are as low as $18. Medicare Part D does not […]
Does your Medicare healthcare strategy need a makeover?
Are you paying more than you should for your Medicare healthcare coverage? According to Ellen E. Schultz at the Wall Street Journal, many seniors are over paying, not getting all of the coverage they need, or are simply confused by the variety of choices: In many cases, the problems stem from hasty decisions during their […]
Am I Required To Join A Medicare Drug Plan?
No, you are not required to join a Medicare drug plan- joining a drug plan is your choice. However, to have Medicare help pay for your drugs, you must join a plan that provides Medicare prescription drug coverage. These plans are run by an insurance company or other private company approved by Medicare. There are […]