Medicare and Dental
Why Doesn’t Medicare Cover Dental? Plus Options for Seniors When it comes to healthcare in retirement, many seniors are surprised to learn that Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) does not cover most dental services. This means routine exams, cleanings, fillings, dentures, and other essential dental care are out-of-pocket expenses for most beneficiaries. Why Isn’t Dental Covered by Medicare? Medicare was designed in 1965 primarily to cover hospital and medical insurance, focusing on urgent […]
National Nutrition Month
How Medicare Supports Your Nutrition Journey to Better Health March marks National Nutrition Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of healthy eating and making informed food choices. This year’s theme encourages us to “Fuel for the Future,” reminding us that good nutrition plays a key role in maintaining health and well-being, especially as we age. Why Nutrition Matters for Seniors Good nutrition is essential for everyone, but as we get older, […]
How Medicare and In-Home Care Support Aging in Place
February is Senior Independence Month, a time to highlight the importance of tools and services that help older adults maintain their independence. For seniors recovering from an injury, surgery, or illness, access to therapy, rehabilitation services, durable medical equipment (DME), and in-home care services can be critical for a successful recovery and long-term health. Medicare Coverage: Therapy, Rehabilitation, and Durable Medical Equipment Therapy and Rehabilitation Services Covered by Medicare Part B Medicare Part B plays […]
Understanding Medicare Enrollment Periods: MAOEP vs. GEP & Why it’s Important to Work with a Broker, Your Advocate!
As a Medicare beneficiary, it’s important to understand when and how you can make changes to your Medicare coverage. Two key enrollment periods are the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (OEP) and the General Enrollment Period (GEP). These periods occur from January 1 to March 31 each year, but they serve different purposes and apply to different situations. Here’s a simple breakdown to help you understand when each period applies and what you can do […]
Understanding the New Medicare Prescription Payment Plan for 2025
Managing your Medicare prescription drug costs is about to get easier with the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan, starting in 2025. This program offers a new way to handle out-of-pocket expenses for your prescriptions, spreading costs evenly across the year to help with budgeting. Here’s what you need to know: What is the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan? This optional payment option allows you to pay for your prescription drugs in manageable monthly installments instead of paying […]
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 […]