Medicare Has PremiumsA premium is an amount that an insurance policyholder must pay for coverage. Premiums are typically paid on a monthly basis. In the federal Medicare program, there are four different types of premiums. ..., DeductiblesA deductible is an amount a beneficiary must pay for their health care expenses before the health insurance policy begins to pay its share...., CopaymentsA copayment, also known as a copay, is a set dollar amount you are required to pay for a medical service...., CoinsuranceCoinsurance is a percentage of the total you are required to pay for a medical service. ..., and Other Costs.
Many people make the mistake of thinking that Medicare, the federal government's health insurance program for people age 65 and older, will pay for everything related to their health care. Unfortunately, it doesn’t. The … [Read more...]
Posts Related to Medicare Part B
On this page, you will find blog posts related to Medicare Part B medical insurance coverage in Original Medicare.
Medicare Mistake #10: Costly Financial Moves when You Retire
In Medicare Mistake #9 we talked about how expensive it can be to go out-of-network in a Medicare Advantage planMedicare Advantage (MA), also known as Medicare Part C, are health plans from private insurance companies that are available to people eligible for Original Medicare (Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B).... and what you can do about it. Similarly, retiring can also be costly with Medicare. In this tenth and final edition of our Medicare Mistakes Series, we'll address three things you need to … [Read more...]
Medicare Mistake #7: Choosing the Wrong Medigap Plan
In Medicare Mistake #4 we talked about why Medicare AdvantageMedicare Advantage (MA), also known as Medicare Part C, are health plans from private insurance companies that are available to people eligible for Original Medicare (Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B).... isn't the best option for people with chronic health issues, and how Medicare supplement insuranceMedicare Supplements are additional insurance policies that Medicare beneficiaries can purchase to cover the gaps in their Original Medicare (Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B) health insurance coverage.... offers solid protection from deductiblesA deductible is an amount a beneficiary must pay for their health care expenses before the health insurance policy begins to pay its share...., copaymentsA copayment, also known as a copay, is a set dollar amount you are required to pay for a medical service...., and coinsuranceCoinsurance is a percentage of the total you are required to pay for a medical service. .... In this article, we'll address the importance of getting the right … [Read more...]
Medicare Mistake #3: Not Signing Up for Medicare If You Have Retiree, COBRA, or Other Health Coverage
In Mistake #2 of the Medicare Mistakes Series, we addressed forgetting to enroll in Medicare at age 65, but we skimmed over the issue of not enrolling if you are still working and have group health coverage through your employer. In some cases, it's okay to keep your employer's coverage, but in … [Read more...]
Medicare Mistake #2: Forgetting to Sign Up for Medicare at Age 65
In our first article in the Medicare Mistakes Series, we dispelled a common misconception that Medicare health coverage is free. In Mistake #2, we're going to address an equally important topic, getting enrolled on time and avoiding penalties.
Key Takeaways
Medicare has various enrollment … [Read more...]
Medicare Mistake #1: Thinking It’s Free!
Many people mistakenly believe that Medicare is free for retirees and people with disabilities. After all, during all of the years that we work we paid Medicare taxes, right? So, why isn't it free? In this MedicareWireMedicareWire is a Medicare insurance consulting agency. We founded MedicareWire after seeing and hearing how confusing and frustrating it is to find, understand, and choose a plan. Our services are free to the consumer.... article, we'll explain how much Medicare costs and what you can do to … [Read more...]
When Does Medicare Start? 7 Important Facts You Need to Know.
Medicare is the government medical insurance plan for older Americans and people with certain disabilities. As of 2020, more than 62-million Americans rely on Medicare for their primary health insurance needs. By the year 2032, this number will swell to nearly 80-million people. In this MedicareWireMedicareWire is a Medicare insurance consulting agency. We founded MedicareWire after seeing and hearing how confusing and frustrating it is to find, understand, and choose a plan. Our services are free to the consumer.... … [Read more...]
Are Medicare Supplement Plans Worth It?
Are you wondering, "do I really need Medigap insurance?", for most people the answer is Yes! Medicare supplement insurance (aka, "Medigap") is worth every penny. It is not a waste of money. And it offers many valuable benefits. In this article, we'll explain why.
Key Takeaways
There are no … [Read more...]
Medicare Advantage vs Medigap: Which is Best for You?
While shopping for Medicare health insurance, particularly if you are getting your benefits for the first time, it's important to understand the difference between Medicare AdvantageMedicare Advantage (MA), also known as Medicare Part C, are health plans from private insurance companies that are available to people eligible for Original Medicare (Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B).... and Original Medicate with a MedigapMedicare Supplements are additional insurance policies that Medicare beneficiaries can purchase to cover the gaps in their Original Medicare (Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B) health insurance coverage.... plan. In this MedicareWireMedicareWire is a Medicare insurance consulting agency. We founded MedicareWire after seeing and hearing how confusing and frustrating it is to find, understand, and choose a plan. Our services are free to the consumer.... article, we'll cover the fundamental benefits of … [Read more...]
Does Medicare Have a Maximum Out of Pocket Limit?
Depending on the coverage selections you've made, your Medicare benefits may have low out-of-pocket costsOut-of-Pocket Costs for Medicare are the remaining costs that are not covered by the beneficiary's health insurance plan. These costs can come from the beneficiary's monthly premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments...., high out-of-pocket costs, or even unlimited out-of-pocket expenses. In this MedicareWireMedicareWire is a Medicare insurance consulting agency. We founded MedicareWire after seeing and hearing how confusing and frustrating it is to find, understand, and choose a plan. Our services are free to the consumer.... article, we'll dissect your liability and how to get more coverage if you need it.
Key Takeaways … [Read more...]
How Does Medicare Advantage Work?
If you have ever had a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plan or a Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plan through an employer or the Healthcare Exchange, you already have a pretty good idea about how Medicare Advantage plansMedicare Advantage (MA), also known as Medicare Part C, are health plans from private insurance companies that are available to people eligible for Original Medicare (Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B).... work. In this MedicareWireMedicareWire is a Medicare insurance consulting agency. We founded MedicareWire after seeing and hearing how confusing and frustrating it is to find, understand, and choose a plan. Our services are free to the consumer.... article, we'll explain what you need to … [Read more...]
Medicare Part B Excess Charges: How To Avoid Them
Most doctors in the USA participate in the Medicare program in one form or another. It's a very small percentage that doesn't. However, not all doctors participate in the same way, and this often leads to Medicare Part B Excess ChargesA Medicare Part B excess charge is the difference between a health care provider’s actual charge and Medicare’s approved amount for payment..... In this MedicareWireMedicareWire is a Medicare insurance consulting agency. We founded MedicareWire after seeing and hearing how confusing and frustrating it is to find, understand, and choose a plan. Our services are free to the consumer.... article, we'll explain what these charges … [Read more...]
Understanding Medicare in 4 Easy Steps
If you are getting your Medicare benefits for the first time, the jargon may sound foreign, but you don't need Medicare for Dummies to figure it out. Once you learn the ABCs and D of Medicare, you'll be well on your way.
In this MedicareWireMedicareWire is a Medicare insurance consulting agency. We founded MedicareWire after seeing and hearing how confusing and frustrating it is to find, understand, and choose a plan. Our services are free to the consumer.... blog post, we'll break down the four main parts of … [Read more...]
Does Medicare Cover Blood Tests?
Medicare covers many common laboratory tests and diagnostics needed to keep you healthy or diagnose a symptom. This includes many blood tests for things like hepatitis, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), triglycerides, cholesterol, lipids, and most preventive care lab tests. In this … [Read more...]
Can I Get My Prescriptions with a Medigap Plan?
One of the top benefits of most Medicare Advantage plansMedicare Advantage (MA), also known as Medicare Part C, are health plans from private insurance companies that are available to people eligible for Original Medicare (Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B).... is they bundle in prescription drug coverage. We get a lot of questions from readers wanting to know if they can get prescription drug coverage bundled with Medicare supplement insuranceMedicare Supplements are additional insurance policies that Medicare beneficiaries can purchase to cover the gaps in their Original Medicare (Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B) health insurance coverage.... (aka, Medigap).
The short answer is no.
You can get … [Read more...]