Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Helping Beneficiaries Navigate Their Medicare Coverage and Prevention

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time dedicated to spreading knowledge about the most common type of cancer found in women. As Medicare beneficiaries, it’s crucial for us to stay informed and be proactive when it comes to our health. Here’s what you need to know about breast cancer awareness and the preventive screenings covered by Medicare. Breast Cancer and Age Women over 60 make up nearly half of new breast cancer cases, and […]

3 Common Mistakes to Avoid During the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)!

The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) is a crucial time of year for Medicare recipients to reevaluate their coverage and make necessary changes. This period, which runs from October 15 to December 7 annually, offers the opportunity to find more affordable coverage, reduce prescription drug costs, or even get more coverage for a similar price. To help you make the most of the AEP, we’ve identified three common mistakes to avoid. Ignoring Your Medicare Annual […]

Navigating Alzheimer’s with Medicare

September is World Alzheimer’s Month, so we feel it’s vital to equip ourselves, our clients, and community with knowledge about this condition and how Medicare can lend a helping hand. Whether you’re directly impacted or simply curious, we’re here to provide you with clear, concise information to navigate this journey together. Understanding Alzheimer’s:  Alzheimer’s is a progressive brain disorder that affects memory and thinking. It’s common among seniors and can be challenging. But fear not […]

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) revealed on Thursday, August 31st 2023, that the initial group of ten Medicare Part D medications slated for negotiation under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) has been identified.

These drugs have been designated based on the outlined criteria within the IRA. This legislation mandates that CMS prioritize drugs with the highest Medicare expenditure and minimal competition, among other considerations. The resulting roster encompasses medications that are crucial for numerous Medicare recipients in treating various conditions such as cancer, diabetes, blood clotting, heart failure, autoimmune disorders, and chronic kidney disease. Negotiations regarding pricing will commence this year between CMS and the participating pharmaceutical manufacturers. […]

A Guide to the Annual Enrollment Period

The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) is an important timeframe for making changes to your Medicare coverage options, if needed. AEP occurs annually from October 15 to December 7, with any changes you make taking effect from January 1. What Changes Can You Make During AEP? The changes you can make during AEP depend on your current Medicare coverage. Below, you’ll find information about the actions you can take based on your current situation: If […]

National Immunization Awareness Month

August marks Immunization Awareness Month, a time when we focus on the health of seniors by educating on immunizations. Seniors staying up-to-date with vaccinations can play an important role in preventive care. Fortunately, Medicare Part B and D plans offer comprehensive coverage for a range of vaccines, ensuring that older adults can access the protection they need to lead healthier, active lives. The recently passed Inflation Reduction Act Lowers Health Care Costs for Millions of […]

7 Senior Skincare Tips for Radiant Aging!

Discover the beauty of graceful aging with us as we welcome you to our senior skincare blog, where the joy of these summer months awaits! Our mission is to celebrate the natural transformations of our skin throughout life’s journey and provide expert guidance in caring for your skin. With a focus on health, radiance, and vibrancy, we have gathered 7 essential skincare tips in this blog. Together, let us embark on a journey to ensure […]

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 […]