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 […]
What is Medicare Part A?
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 first part of Original Medicare, Medicare Part A, is often referred to as “Hospital Insurance.” Part A helps to cover costs related to hospital stays, hospice care and some […]
How Much Does Medicare Cost?
You know you have to enroll in Medicare when you turn 65 in the United States. What you might not know is how much Medicare health insurance costs. There are premiums, standard coinsurance amounts and deductibles for most parts of Medicare. Read on to learn more about how much Medicare costs. Is Medicare Free? Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people 65 and older in the U.S., and for some people with certain […]
When Do I Need to Enroll in Medicare?
Enrolling in Medicare is an important milestone. You typically enroll in Medicare for the first time when you turn 65, or if you are diagnosed with certain medical conditions. There are different ways to enroll in Medicare, and some key times during which you can enroll. Here is a quick breakdown of how and when you need to enroll in Medicare. Do I Enroll in Medicare When I Turn 65? The first time you enroll […]
How To Appeal a Denial of Coverage from a Medicare Advantage Plan
If you have a Medicare Advantage plan and were denied coverage for a health service or item, you may choose to appeal the decision with your plan’s provider. The appeal process requires documentation for why the service or item should be covered under your plan, and it can take some time to go through the the levels of approval. Here is a quick breakdown of how the process works to file an appeal for a […]
What is the Medicare Part D Donut Hole?
Not all donut holes are sweet. In Original Medicare Part D, there is a coverage gap known as the “Part D Donut Hole.” This coverage gap for pharmaceutical medications can result in higher drug costs for Medicare beneficiaries, as they get stuck between spending limits on Rx costs and their total out-of-pocket cost limits for a given year. How Does the Part D Donut Hole Work? For beneficiaries enrolled in Medicare Part D, there is […]
Summer Safety Tips for Seniors
As temperatures increase, so do the risk factors for heat-related health problems with elderly adults and individuals with chronic illnesses. If you are on Medicare or Medicare-eligible, follow these simple summer safety tips to help stay cool and well through hot summer months. Top Summer Safety Tips for Seniors: Protect Your Skin from Too Much Sun Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, 1 in 5 […]
Medicare Coverage for Travel
Summertime often means travel time, especially once you hit the golden years of retirement. Before you travel outside of your home health care network, though, make sure you have a plan for coverage at your destination. Depending on how you receive your Medicare benefits, whether it is through Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan, you might be on the hook for higher costs for medical services while you travel. It also depends on […]
Medicare and Alzheimer’s Care
Alzheimer’s Disease is a type of dementia that affects memory, thinking and behavior, and now affects more than 6 million Americans, according to the Alzheimer’s Association 2021 report. While it is not a normal part of aging, the greatest known risk factor is increasing age. The majority of people with Alzheimer’s are age 65 and up. If you are Medicare beneficiary, or Medicare eligible, you can get help covering certain costs for Alzheimer’s care through […]
What Does Medicare Cover for Mental Health?
Mental health for seniors is an important topic. With the population of Americans age 65 and older increasing each year, and the ability to identify and treat mental illness in seniors not always readily available or accurate, it is important for seniors to understand the benefits available to them for mental health services. An estimated 1 in 5 older adults experience a mental illness, substance abuse disorder, or both, according to a 2012 study from […]
What are the Different Parts of Medicare?
If you are about to turn 65 or just turned 65 in the U.S., you have probably heard about Medicare (and if you have not yet, you will need to). Medicare is health insurance for people 65 and older in the United States. It is also health insurance for certain people under age 65 with disabilities, and people of any age with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). What you might not know or understand are all […]
Does Medicare Cover Eyeglasses?
Original Medicare does not include routine vision care, which means it generally will not pay for eyeglasses, contact lenses, or eye exams. This means you are typically responsible for 100% of the costs associated with your eyeglasses under Original Medicare. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan or certain Medicare Supplement plans, you might have additional coverage for vision . Talk to a Senior Markets Specialist in your area if you are unsure of your […]
Medicare Mistakes That Will Cost You Money
There are several mistakes people new to Medicare can make that can seriously impact how much money they will have to pay for Medicare. Two of the most common and potentially most expensive involve not signing up for things on time. If you don’t sign up for Medicare Part B (medical benefits) or Medicare Part D (prescription drug) when you first become eligible you could be hit with significant penalties. Medicare Part B Penalty If […]
VA Health Care and Medicare
Are you a Veteran about to turn, or just turning, 65? Wondering how VA coverage and Medicare will work together, or if you even need Medicare coverage if you have Veterans Affairs health benefits? We put together the following expert answers and valuable information to help you transition to Medicare as a veteran. VA Health Coverage With your Veterans Affairs (VA) Health Care benefits, you are covered for regular checkups and appointments with specialists, but […]
Ways to Save on Medicare Costs
When it comes to saving on your Medicare costs, there are several things you can do. From enrolling at the right time, to performing a thorough annual review, to using Medicare Part C, or Medicare Advantage Plans, there are many options available to help you cut your Medicare costs. It is always a good idea to work with an expert on Medicare (like an independent Medicare insurance agent) who can help make sure you have […]
What Does Medicare Cover for COVID-19 Care?
Medicare covers several important things when it comes to Coronavirus and COVID-19 care, including testing, the vaccine and some treatments and hospitalizations. MEDICARE COVERS THE COVID-19 VACCINE If you are currently enrolled in Medicare, you can receive the COVID-19 vaccine at no additional cost to you. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has identified older adults and people who have severe chronic medical conditions as groups that are at higher risk for COVID-19, which means […]
What Happens to My Medicare When I Move?
Are you currently enrolled in Medicare and considering moving to a new city or state? Before you do, find out what moving means for your Medicare plan and options that you will have when you move to a new state. Notify Your Provider It is important to notify your Medicare provider to avoid any lapse in coverage. When you inform your provider that you are moving, you will be able to change your Part C […]