Prostate Cancer Screenings: Understanding Medicare Coverage For Prostate Cancer Screenings
This June is National Men’s Health Month, so we want to highlight the importance focusing on health concerns that are specific to men. One of those concerns is prostate cancer. Early detection is a key factor in determining health outcomes, so it is important for you, as a Medicare beneficiary to know what your health plan covers. Regular screenings hold the key to detecting prostate cancer before symptoms emerge. Detecting prostate cancer at an early […]
Honoring Women’s Health
Hello to all the wonderful women out there! As we celebrate Women’s Health Month, let’s emphasize the significance of dedicating time to address this vital topic and express our unwavering support for women’s health. As we age, our health needs become more unique and require a certain level of attention and care. Taking care of our health involves more than just our physical well-being. Women’s health is a multifaceted topic that encompasses our physical, emotional, […]
National Vision Month: Prioritize Vision and Hearing Health
May is National Vision Health Month, a time to emphasize the significance of maintaining healthy eyesight. Our sense of sight is vital for navigating our daily lives, yet we frequently take it for granted. This month serves as a reminder to take care of our vision and spread awareness about the importance of early detection and treatment of vision problems. One of the goals of National Vision Health Month is to promote regular eye exams. […]
5 Tips to Protect Yourself from Medicare Fraud: Stay Safe and Informed
As a senior citizen, you rely on Medicare to provide you with the medical care you need to stay healthy. Unfortunately, scammers and fraudsters also know how valuable your Medicare benefits are, and they will go to great lengths to try to trick you into giving up your personal information or signing up for services you do not need. Here are some tips to help you avoid Medicare fraud: 1. Protect your Medicare card: […]
Travel and your Medicare Coverage- Know Before You Go!
When choosing health care coverage, it’s important to consider your vacation plans. If you’re someone who frequently travels, spends time away from home, or splits your time between different locations, it’s essential to factor these key points into your decision when choosing a Medicare plan or reviewing your existing coverage. Key points to keep in mind: Medicare plans may not work the same way everywhere you go. Some plans only provide coverage within the state […]
Medicaid Redetermination
Beginning April 1, 2023, states will be able to terminate Medicaid enrollment for people no longer eligible. Medicaid Beneficiaries, you may be at risk of losing your Medicaid coverage due to the end of a COVID-19 pandemic continuous enrollment rule. It is crucial that you understand the need for Medicaid redetermination and respond in a timely manner. If you enrolled in Medicaid during the pandemic, you may not have been exposed to the annual Medicaid […]
Medicare Prescription Drug Inflation Rebate Program
We have some exciting news to share with you! The Biden-Harris Administration recently launched the Medicare Prescription Drug Inflation Rebate Program, which will protect you and taxpayers against drug price hikes that exceed the inflation rate. Starting from April 1, 2023, you will have access to 27 Part B prescription drugs that will be available at lower coinsurance rates. Depending on your individual coverage, you may save between $2 and $390 per average dose. This […]
Out-of-Pocket Costs to Anticipate
As we are now a couple of months into 2023, it’s important for Medicare beneficiaries to understand the out-of-pocket expenses associated with their healthcare coverage. While Medicare provides essential healthcare benefits for millions of seniors and people with disabilities, it does not cover all medical costs. This is where Medicare Advantage, Part D plans, and Supplemental plans come into play. Understanding the out-of-pocket costs associated with these plans can help you make more informed decisions […]
Navigating Medicare Enrollment: How we can provide expert support and guidance for a Hassle-Free Process!
Medicare enrollment can be a daunting process for many people. It involves a lot of complex information, deadlines, and choices to make. With so many options available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and confused about what plan is right for you. Fortunately, you don’t have to navigate this process alone. We can help you make sense of your options and choose the plan that best fits your needs. Here are just some of the ways […]
The Power of Superfoods for Seniors
Boosting Health and Vitality Greetings Retirees! As we age, our bodies require specific nutrients to maintain optimal health. Proper nutrition becomes even more critical for older adults, as we face unique challenges that can impact our overall well-being. One way to ensure that we’re meeting our nutritional needs is by incorporating superfoods into our diets. Superfoods are whole, minimally processed foods that pack a nutritional punch. While most are plant-based, not all are exclusively so. […]
2023 Medicare Parts A & B Premiums and Deductibles 2023 Medicare Part D Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amounts
On September 27, 2022, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the 2023 premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance amounts for the Medicare Part A and Part B programs, and the 2023 Medicare Part D income-related monthly adjustment amounts. Medicare Part B Premium and Deductible Medicare Part B covers physician services, outpatient hospital services, certain home health services, durable medical equipment, and certain other medical and health services not covered by Medicare Part A. Each […]
What is the Initial Coverage Election Period?
If you’re new to Medicare, you may be familiar with the Initial Enrollment Period (IEP), an election period that covers from 3 months before your 65th birthday to 3 months after. However, if you chose not to sign up for Part B during your IEP, there is another enrollment period available to you, known as Initial Coverage Election Period (ICEP). But what exactly is it? When can you use it? And how does it differ […]
Turning 65 With Employer Insurance and the Need to Report Creditable Coverage to CMS
If you’re turning 65 and still intend to have employer coverage, or if maybe you’re delaying your retirement just a few months after your birthday, one thing to keep in mind is making sure you receive an annual written notice of creditable coverage from your employer. As you may or may not know, Medicare will require you to maintain creditable prescription drug coverage or receive a Part D Late Enrollment Penalty. If you’d liked to […]
Medicare and Health Savings Account
A Health Savings Account (HSA) lets you deposit untaxed dollars into a savings account that can be used to pay for qualified medical necessities. Employers and financial institutions offer this kind of savings account to eligible individuals. You may only contribute to an HSA at age 65 or older if you are covered by an HSA qualified health plan, you are not a tax dependent, and you are not enrolled in Medicare. You will not […]
Getting free at-home COVID-19 tests
Last week, the White House announced covidtests.gov, a site with the purpose of supplying free rapid antigen COVID-19 tests to every U.S. household. The new site is now live and ready to take orders, as well as provide additional resources and information for those in need of testing. Here are a handful of things to know about the site, the tests, and the other resources available. First and foremost, every home in the U.S. is […]
Making the Most of Your Medicare Plan: Know Your Benefits and Save Money
Whether you’re on a limited income, or just trying to justify how much you’re paying for your Medicare Advantage plan, we all want to get the most out of our health care plan. Every plan comes with a lot of information and explanation about its benefits, and it can be overwhelming to drill down into these documents to find useful savings, discounts, and benefits. In this article, we’re covering some of the resources and features […]
A Preview of 2022: Medicare Part A and B Costs
It’s that time of year again, and Medicare has released the Medicare Part A & B Costs for 2022. Below are the key details that may affect your premiums going forward in the new year. Part A Costs If you don’t qualify for premium-free Part A, you can buy Part A. People who buy Part A will pay a premium of either $274 or $499 each month in 2022 depending on how long they or […]
Is your Medicare plan still the best fit for you?
The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period is your chance to review your plan’s cost and coverage and compare it to the new plans for the coming year. “…but if my plan worked for me this last year and nothing changed with my health, should I still bother to review my plan?” You absolutely should! Even if nothing changed for you since last year, a lot can change about your plan. Each year around September you’ll receive […]
A Preview of 2022: 7 Changes to Medicare Part D Defined Standard Benefits
Around this time every year Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) releases the benefit parameters for Part D’s “Defined Standard Benefit” plan, as well as the parameters for the Low-Income Subsidy benefits. All Medicare Part D plans use this as a base to determine drug plan coverage for the following year. With this in mind, let’s dive into the Defined Standard Benefits and use these parameters to help you get a possible preview of […]
What is Medicare Part B?
When you first enroll in Medicare and at certain times of the year, you can choose from one of two main ways to get your Medicare coverage – through Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) or through a Medicare Advantage Plan (Medicare Part C). The second part of Original Medicare, Part B, is often referred to as “Medical Insurance.” Part B helps to cover costs related to medically necessary and preventative services from doctors […]