Category: Uncategorized

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 your […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]