As October approaches, like clockwork the Medicare commercials begin on TV. As if Medicare isn’t confusing enough already, none of us need the bombardment of hype from insurance marketing organizations, like AARP. Nevertheless, it’s here and will be with us until early December. One area of confusion for many seniors has to do with the […]
Medicare For Those With Disabilities
Medicare is not only for those 65 and older. If you are disabled due to injury or disease you may qualify as well. It’s to your benefit to begin looking into Medicare disability benefits as soon as possible. Facts About Medicare for Those with Disabilities Your first step is to apply for Social Security disability […]
What Gaps in Medicare Mean To You
In dictionaries the word gap means a break, a separation, an incompleteness or deficiency. In Medicare it means the same thing, but it refers specifically to something that is missing from your health insurance coverage. Many seniors make a critical mistake when they buy into government literature that explains how Medicare pays for eighty percent […]
What Medicare Out-of-Pocket Costs Mean to You
Out-of-pocket costs are those fees that you have to pay at the doctors office, hospital or pharmacy because they are not covered by your Medicare health insurance. Almost all healthcare plans have these expenses, but they vary according to what type of Medicare plan you choose. Your out-of-pocket costs are a financial risk. As with […]
What To Do When Your Medicare Drug Plan Doesn’t Cover Your Prescription
Presumably, if you have a Medicare Part D Plan or a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C) that includes Part D drug coverage, you looked at its formulary before you made the decision to enroll in the plan. Perhaps since then, however, you have developed a need for another medication which is not covered by your […]
Is a Medicare MSA Plan Right For You?
MSA stands for Medical Savings Account. It’s a type of health insurance plan that helps you set aside monies in a tax-free savings account to be used on your health care costs. If you’re familiar with Health Savings Accounts outside of Medicare, it’s a similar type of health plan. Some Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans […]
Tips on Enrolling in Medicare for the First Time
About ten thousand people a day turn 65 in the United States, making them eligible for Medicare health insurance. If you are about to turn 65 you might want to know what being Medicare eligible means to you and how you can best prepare. The most important thing to be aware of is your Initial Enrollment […]
Does Medicare Travel With You on Your Vacations?
Are you planning a vacation or two this summer? Make sure you know what your health insurance covers before you leave town. Medicare’s coverage of your medical care depends on where you travel and how you receive your Medicare benefits. How Medicare Works When You Travel Inside the US and its Territories If you have […]
How Medicare Part A Covers Your Hospice Care
Hospice care involves providing physical and emotional care for a patient who is not expected to live. This care is usually provided at home, and is covered by your Medicare Part A health insurance, however, Medicare also covers approved hospice facilities. To qualify for hospice on Medicare your doctor must first certify that you are […]
Medicare Code: Deciphering The Terminology
Flooded by a sea of acronyms, technical terms, facts and figures when you first explore Medicare, you might feel like putting up your hands and giving up. Don’t, because it isn’t as complicated as it first seems to be. In fact, once you get a handle on the basic terminology you will be well on […]
Nutrition Therapy Through Medicare
Everyone benefits from good nutrition; it helps you to stay healthy and live longer. However, for people with certain diseases and conditions a close watch on nutritional intake is vital, and under certain circumstances Medicare will cover Medical Nutrition Therapy costs. What Qualifies You for Medical Nutrition Therapy You qualify for Medical Nutrition Therapy benefits […]
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 […]
Are You Eligible for Medicare Yet Still Working? How Does This Affect Your Medicare Coverage?
Great news – whether or not you retire at age 65, you are still eligible for Medicare! If you, or your spouse, are still employed you may have health insurance through that employer. The first step you should take, before you enroll in Medicare, is to talk with your human resources department. You will need […]
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 […]
