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Updates to Medicare coverage in 2025 include higher costs for Parts A and B, a new option to pay for Part D prescription drugs on a monthly basis, and a cap on out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs. In addition, Medicare coverage of some telehealth services will continue through March 2025.

Medicare is a program with many benefits but also with a great deal of complexity. Knowing about the options available to Medicare beneficiaries will help you understand and navigate the system. Let’s look at Medicare’s annual wellness visits.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued the 2025 figures for Medicare. As in 2024, these health care costs are going up across the board.

If a patient with chronic health issues wants to leave Medicare Advantage, they may not be able to switch to Original Medicare due to cost concerns.

The increased use of telehealth has benefited patients and providers. Meeting with health care providers via phone or internet has streamlined the health care process and saved patients money and time since they no longer have to travel for every medical appointment.

The Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) Program is one of four types of Medicare Savings Programs. The QMB Program is also the most comprehensive of the four, as it helps individuals with limited income and assets pay not only for Medicare Part A and B premiums, but also for deductibles and co-payments. This fall, a new rule will ensure that many more people gain access to this valuable program.

Cost is a leading factor in why some people don’t use hearing aids. If you’re over 65, you may wonder whether Medicare covers hearing aids.

Medicare open enrollment is on the horizon. Now is the time to start thinking about any changes you may want to make to your Medicare coverage. Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, some significant changes have come along for Medicare, and more will take effect in the near future.

Medicare is a federal public benefits program providing medical benefits to individuals over 65 and younger people with certain disabilities.

In the ever-evolving landscape of health care, one critical challenge has been ensuring that Medicare recipients receive the coverage they need without undue financial burdens. A new legislative effort aims to address a particularly perplexing issue: the distinction between hospital observation status and inpatient status, and its effects on Medicare coverage.

Cost and health considerations have led to a push for expanded coverage of weight loss drugs under public and private health insurance plans. While Medicare is forbidden to cover weight loss drugs, it can cover certain medications, including Ozempic and Wegovy, when they’re prescribed to treat conditions other than weight loss.

The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) finalized its rule regarding prior authorizations earlier this month. The rule, published in February 2024, outlines new timetables and requirements under which health insurers must process prior authorization requests.

In 2023, seniors were happy to see their Medicare Part B standard monthly premiums and annual deductibles go down for the first time in more than a decade. Unfortunately, that’s not the case for 2024, when these charges will be back on the rise.

Some Medicare Advantage beneficiaries receive Medicare flex cards, pre-paid debit cards for qualifying expenses, as part of their benefits. The U.S. government does not issue Medicare flex cards. This benefit is only available on select Medicare Advantage plans, a private alternative to Medicare.

Although Medicare funds some home health care services, a recent study has found that Medicare beneficiaries are underutilizing the program’s home health care options. Many older adults do not receive the home-based clinical care or home-based long-term services and supports that could benefit them.

Seniors and disabled citizens will receive more access to the Medicare Extra Help Program as of the beginning of 2024, the federal government announced. This expansion of benefits could enable up to 3 million people to reduce their prescription drug costs.

As we near retirement, we may assume that once Medicare kicks in, our medical insurance premiums will be fixed. However, many people may not realize that there are special rules regarding how much they pay for Medicare Parts B and D if they are in a higher income range.

A health savings account may help you save money on medical expenses, depending on your insurance type. If you are eligible, you can use your health savings account (HSA) to cover certain medical costs.

Traditional Medicare does not pay for assisted living, but Medicaid might.

In November 2022, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that Medicare coverage will be expanded to include medically necessary dental services.

As a beneficiary of Medicare, you have the right to appeal a denial.

Medigap premiums for plans from insurance companies offering the same benefits vary widely, so it pays to be a smart shopper.

Medicare is federal health insurance for people over 65, some younger people with disabilities, and those with end-stage renal disease. Coverage of housekeeping services under Medicare can depend on several factors.

Although original Medicare does not offer food benefits, some Medicare Advantage plans provide a grocery allowance or cover meal delivery. Some programs also include nutrition education and cooking classes.

For the first time in more than 10 years, Medicare Part B enrollees will see some of their costs decline. In an announcement issued by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the agency outlined changes to the premium, deductible, and co-payment amounts for numerous Medicare costs taking effect in 2023.