Understanding Seasonal Depression (S.A.D) & How your Medicare Coverage Benefits Can Support You
As the days get shorter and the weather grows colder, many people notice changes in their mood and energy levels. For some, these changes may develop into a condition known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression that typically occurs during the fall and winter months. If you’re a Medicare beneficiary, it’s important to know how to recognize the signs of seasonal depression and learn how telehealth services can help manage your mental […]
Understanding Medicare’s Support for Diabetes: Benefits, Supplies, and Healthy Living Tips
Over 37 million Americans are living with diabetes, and nearly half of them are over the age of 65. For seniors, managing diabetes is crucial, and Medicare plays a key role in providing access to life-saving supplies and treatments. November is American Diabetes Month, a time to raise awareness about diabetes, its risk factors, and how to manage it. For Medicare beneficiaries, understanding diabetes and how Medicare helps cover treatment is especially important. What is […]
CMS Releases 2025 Medicare Parts A & B Premiums and Deductibles
On November 8, 2024, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the 2025 premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance amounts for the Medicare Part A and Part B programs, and the 2025 Medicare Part D income-related monthly adjustment amounts. CMS Full Press Release HERE 2025 At A Glance: The standard monthly premium for Medicare Part B enrollees will be $185.00 for 2025, an increase of $10.30 from $174.70 in 2024. The annual deductible for all […]
November is Home Care, Hospice, and Palliative Care Awareness Month: Understanding Your Options When Planning for In-Home Care
November is Home Care, Hospice, and Palliative Care Month, making it a great time to educate our readers on the various options available to help individuals remain in their homes as they age, while receiving quality care when needed. Whether it’s assistance with daily tasks or specialized medical care, there are several services available that can help people live comfortably and independently for as long as possible. But what do these services include, and how […]
Understanding Your Options for Ancillary Dental Coverage During National Dental Hygiene Month
October marks National Dental Hygiene Month—a perfect time to focus on maintaining your oral health. For Medicare beneficiaries, understanding which dental services are covered by Medicare and where additional coverage might be necessary is key to overall well-being. This blog will explain what Medicare does and doesn’t cover for dental care and explore your options for additional (or ancillary) dental coverage. What Dental Services Are Covered Under Medicare? Medicare covers many healthcare needs, but routine […]
What to Expect in Your Medicare Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) for 2025
As we head into the 2025 Medicare season, you’ll be receiving your Medicare Annual Notice of Change (ANOC). This letter brings important updates about your plan, including changes to coverage, costs, and provider networks. Let’s walk through what to look out for and how to make sure your plan continues to fit your healthcare needs. Why You Should Pay Attention to Your ANOC Each fall, Medicare Advantage and Part D plan members receive the ANOC, […]
Happy Vision Health Month!
Exploring what’s covered under Medicare & your Vision care options August is the perfect time to focus on your eye health because it’s National Vision Health Month! As we age, keeping an eye on our vision is more important than ever, especially when considering what Medicare covers—and what it doesn’t. Let’s look into why regular eye exams are a clear choice for maintaining good vision, and how Medicare plays a role in your eye care. […]
August is National Immunization Awareness Month
Understanding Immunization Coverage under Medicare Part B & D August marks National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM), an annual observance to emphasize the importance of vaccinations for individuals of all ages. For Medicare beneficiaries, immunizations play a crucial role in maintaining health and preventing serious diseases. The Importance of Immunizations Immunizations are one of the most effective ways to protect against infectious diseases. Vaccines work by stimulating the immune system to recognize and combat pathogens, such […]
Introducing the New Medicare Payment Plan for Prescription Drugs
Get ready for a game-changer in managing your healthcare costs! Starting January 1, 2025, Medicare Part D is rolling out an exciting new program under the Inflation Reduction Act. The Medicare Prescription Payment Plan will revolutionize how you pay for your prescription drugs by allowing you to spread out your out-of-pocket costs over the year. What’s in Store for You: Monthly Payment Magic: Say goodbye to unpredictable costs! All Medicare Part D plans will now […]
Unlocking the Potential of March Nutrition Month: Exploring Medicare’s Wellness Programs
March is Nutrition Month, a time to celebrate healthy eating and education. But did you know that Medicare covers more than just healthcare? It also offers a range of programs aimed at promoting overall well-being, including nutrition education. In this article, we’ll explore the significance of nutrition in preventative care and highlight the various nutrition programs available through Medicare. The Importance of Nutrition in Preventative Care: Nutrition plays a pivotal role in maintaining good health […]
Medicare Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs)
Exploring the 3 Ways You May Qualify Medicare offers Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs) that allow individuals to enroll in or switch Medicare plans outside of the standard enrollment periods. These SEPs are crucial for individuals who experience certain life events or qualify for specific circumstances. Let’s explore what qualifies you for a SEP and how you can take advantage of them. Qualifying for a Special Enrollment Period There are three main reasons why you may […]
15 Essential Medicare Benefits You Might Not Know About
Get the most of your coverage so you can live your BEST LIFE! When it comes to Medicare, there’s more than meets the eye. In this blog, we’ll explore 15 lesser-known services covered by Original Medicare, with a focus on Original Medicare Part B. Whether you’re a new beneficiary or a seasoned one, understanding these services can help you make the most of your coverage. Welcome to Medicare Preventive Visit Upon enrolling in Medicare, you’re […]
Streamlining your Medicare Finances Through Automatic Payment programs
Many Beneficiaries wonder, what the best way is to pay for Medicare. In this blog, we’ll break down the essential details in simple terms, so you can effortlessly manage your healthcare expenses, and avoid a potential loss in coverage. For the majority, Medicare Part A doesn’t require a monthly premium. Nevertheless, if you’re subscribed to Medicare Part B and you’re already receiving benefits from Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board, your Medicare Part B premium […]
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 […]
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, […]
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: […]
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 […]
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 […]