Medicare Blog
MEDICARE AND MENTAL HEALTH BENEFITS – WHAT MEDICARE COVERS
As you grow older, life and tough circumstances can lead to issues such as depression, anxiety and more. The human body is a complex and highly sophisticated system that has many delicate parts working in harmony. The command center for this entire system is, of...
How Long Do Medicare Enrollees Wait to See a Doctor?
A third face month-long delays for appointments, but most are happy with their overall care A survey of beneficiaries enrolled in both original Medicare and Medicare Advantage (MA) plans revealed a common problem: More than a third of those polled had to wait a month...
Does Medigap Plan N Raise Its Rates Slower than Other Plans
The rate increases for Medigap (Medicare Supplement) plans, including Plan N, can vary based on several factors and may differ from one plan to another. However, it’s not accurate to categorically state that Medigap Plan N increases its rates slower than other plans...
Manage your Medicare benefits
You’ll sign up for Part A and Part B through Social Security. Once enrolled, you’ll manage your benefit plans through Medicare. Your Medicare Information Get your Medicare number To find your Medicare number, sign in to your Social Security account and view your...
What is durable medical equipment (DME) and will Medicare cover it?
Durable medical equipment, often abbreviated as DME, refers to a variety of medical devices, supplies and equipment that can help people with chronic health conditions or disabilities. Examples include wheelchairs, walkers, hospital beds, diabetic supplies, home...
Medicare Advantage Updates and Trends for 2024
The recent robust growth of Medicare Advantage plans brings challenges, opportunities, and new regulations for home health agencies. As we head into 2024, here’s a summary of the latest news, updates, and anticipated trends for Medicare Advantage. The Rising...
CMS Issues Additional Guidance on Program to Allow People with Medicare to Pay Out-of-Pocket Prescription Drug Costs in Monthly Payments
The Inflation Reduction Act’s Medicare Prescription Payment Plan will allow people to pay Medicare Part D out-of-pocket costs over the course of the year starting in 2025 Today, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the second part of draft...
If You’re on Medicare, You Could Save Money on Drugs This Year
Federal law set caps on some spending for seniors who are enrolled in Part D prescription drug plans. Those paying for high-cost medicines will benefit. It’s the best news that few people seem to know about: Prescription drug costs are falling this year for more than...
Does Medicare Cover Heart Disease?
February is American Heart Month - a way to bring awareness to heart disease and help spread tips on heart disease prevention. That means now is the perfect time to review some of the facts about cardiovascular disease (CVD), along with tips to combat it. Then we’ll...
What is the Medicare ‘Donut Hole,’ or Part D Coverage Gap?
The Medicare Part D ‘donut hole’ coverage gap goes away in 2025. Until then, here’s how it works. Nerdy takeaways You enter the donut hole when you and your plan spend a total of $5,030 in 2024. In the donut hole, you pay up to 25% out of pocket for all covered...
Seven Ways You Can Avoid Higher Medicare Premiums
Changes in income, marital status, work hours and other life events can exempt enrollees from surcharges Most people who enroll in Medicare Part B, which covers doctor visits, diagnostic tests and other outpatient services, pay a standard monthly premium, $174.70 in...
Millions on Medicare to Save Money From $2,000 Rx Cap
New analysis finds limiting out-of-pocket drug spending will help older Americans afford medications Had the upcoming cap on out-of-pocket spending on Medicare Part D-covered prescription drugs been in effect in 2021, 1.5 million enrollees would have saved money on...
How to Be an Effective Advocate for Aging Parents
6 skills that will help you care for the ones you love As family caregivers, we play many roles: scheduler, money manager, house cleaner, health aide, nurse, navigator, nurturer and more. Perhaps the most important role is advocate, as we ensure the best possible care...
10 Things to Know About Medigap Plans
Your guide to buying Medicare supplemental health insurance If you decide to enroll in original Medicare, one way you can help pay the extra costs the program doesn’t cover is to buy a supplemental — or Medigap — insurance policy. Here’s what you need to know if...
CMS Projects 2024 Part D Prescription Drug Premiums
Average premiums could go down, but some could see large increases The average monthly premium for Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage is expected to fall slightly in 2024, to $55.50, a 99-cent drop from the 2023 average of $56.49, the Centers for Medicare...
How to get prescription drug coverage
Medicare drug coverage helps pay for prescription drugs you need. It's optional and offered to everyone with Medicare. Even if you don’t take prescription drugs now, consider getting Medicare drug coverage. If you decide not to get it when you’re first eligible, and...
7 Medicare Changes for 2024 All Seniors Should Know About
KEY POINTS The government has made several changes to Medicare that could reduce your prescription drug costs in 2024. It has also expanded coverage for things like mental health and chronic pain treatment. Those signing up during a special enrollment period will be...
Big Medicare Changes Coming in 2024
The new year rings in more Rx drug savings, higher Part B premiums and new Advantage rules What’s new for Medicare beneficiaries in 2024? A lot — including changes that expand care and make coverage more affordable. For starters, Medicare’s more than 65 million...
What’s New for Medicare in 2024?
ach calendar year brings a new set of changes to Medicare, from premiums and deductibles to rules and regulations. To get the most from Medicare in 2024, it’s helpful to understand what will be different. Here’s a primer on 2024 Medicare changes: Part A costs will...
New Medicare Benefits & Changes Starting Jan 1, 2024
2024 will bring some positive changes and expanded Medicare benefits. Below is a summary of some of these changes with references for more information. You can also view your 2024 Medicare & You handbook for more information. Prescription Drug Savings Starting...
Medicare Changes In 2024: What’s New?
Changes are coming to Medicare costs and coverage in 2024. Announced in time for the annual open enrollment period, which continues through December 7, the adjustments affect both Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage beneficiaries. It’s crucial that enrollees stay...
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