Things happen and things change including your health and sometimes your health plan as well. Take advantage of the 2020 Medicare Annual Election Period ("Open Enrollment") to review your current coverage and make sure it is still what you need from your health plan.

The Annual Election … [Read more...]

I'm a non-user, but several good friends are. I really didn't understand how smoking weed helped them with their chronic conditions until I broached the subject.

What I learned is that they don't use pot to "get high," they use it as an alternative to potentially dangerous anti-anxiety and pain … [Read more...]

Your new Medicare card is on its way, and for millions has already arrived. The new red, white and blue cards are long overdue, and offer significant relief from Medicare fraud and identity theft. New cards will go to both existing and new Medicare beneficiaries. People signing up for Medicare for … [Read more...]

On May 11th, President Trump rolled out a comprehensive plan to lower drug prices. The administration's 44 page executive action on drug pricing, entitled “American Patients First,” is a blueprint that represents the most comprehensive effort by any presidential administration to address the … [Read more...]

One out of three American seniors, age 65 and older, will fall this year. With more and more of us choosing to live independently as we get older, falls are a growing concern, in particular because fewer than half who fall will talk to their doctor about it.

With falls being so prevalent, it's … [Read more...]

How-to replace a Medicare Card.

Make sure your address is correct at Social Security.
Login to your MyMedicare.gov account.
Select the "Order Card" button located on the Replacement Medicare Card tab.
Wait... your replacement card will arrive within 4 weeks.
You can also visit … [Read more...]

How do I qualify for Medicare if I'm disabled?

Anyone approved for Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) benefits will also qualify for Medicare.
People approved to receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) receive Medicaid benefits.
Medicare will automatically start for SSDI … [Read more...]

How-to Qualify for Dual Eligibility (Medicare + Medicaid)

You must be enrolled in Medicare Part A.
You must prove your income is at or below the national poverty level.
You must prove that you do not have cash value resources above a certain value.
You must apply at your local … [Read more...]

How much does Medicare Part A cost?

Most people don't pay a monthly premium for Part A ("premium free").
If you must buy Part A, you'll pay up to $413 per month (2017 rate).
When admitted as an inpatient, you'll pay a $1,316 deductible for each benefit period.
There are also … [Read more...]

Senate lawmakers have introduced a bipartisan bill, the Telehealth Innovation and Improvement Act, designed to extend telehealth services to Medicare patients. Under the new law, eligible hospitals would test telehealth services through the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI). The … [Read more...]

Do you have to pay for Medicare?

Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) is free for most people.
Medicare Part B (medical insurance) is based on your annual income.
Medicare Part C (private health plan) is the same as Part B + the insurance carrier's additional premium amount (often … [Read more...]

How-to Appeal a Medicare Income Decision

You have the right to appeal determination of premium amounts.
File a Request for Reconsideration (Form SSA-561-U2).
Alternatively, go to your local Social Security Administration (SSA) office to file the appeal.
An appeal is not necessary if … [Read more...]

How Does Medicare Calculate Income for Premiums?

For most beneficiaries, Medicare pays approximately 75 percent of their Part B premium.
For beneficiaries with higher incomes, Part B premiums will be 35, 50, 65 or 80 percent of the total cost of Part B, based income reported to the IRS. … [Read more...]