Category: Uncategorized

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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, […]

While their names may sound alike, Medicare and Medicaid are two different programs. Both are government programs that can help you pay for healthcare and medical expenses, but that’s about all they have in common. Medicare is a federal insurance program for people who are 65 years or older, and for some people with disabilities. Medicaid, on the other hand, is a joint federal and state program that helps people with limited resources pay for […]

Unfortunately, when it comes to vision, dental and hearing care, traditional Medicare doesn’t offer much coverage for older adults. If you have supplemental insurance, however, it may pay for some or all of these services, depending on your plan. Original Medicare and Hearing Aids Medicare Part B doesn’t cover the cost of hearing aids or the exams needed for fitting one. However, Medicare Part B does cover diagnostic hearing exams if your doctor orders them […]

Each year, Medicare changes the premiums and cost-sharing (deductibles, copays, and coinsurance) you pay for Medicare Part A and Part B. In most years, the changes are not drastic, and the changes for 2021 are relatively moderate. The chart below shows the changes for 2021. 2020 & 2021 Part A & Part B costs at a glance   2020 2021 Part A premium – Most people don’t pay a monthly premium for Part A If […]

If you don’t know about Medicare Advantage plans, it would be in your best interest to look into them as an option for your coverage. There’s a reason 34% of all Medicare beneficiaries are enrolled in one of these plans. Medicare Advantage plans, also known as Part C plans, is an alternative way for beneficiaries to receive their Medicare benefits. Rather than staying on Original Medicare, a Part C plan is offered by private insurance […]