Posted by Nina Whitehurst | Mar 11, 2023 |
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.
Posted by Nina Whitehurst | Mar 10, 2023 |
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.
Posted by Nina Whitehurst | Jan 31, 2023 |
Traditional Medicare does not pay for assisted living, but Medicaid might.
Posted by Nina Whitehurst | Jan 24, 2023 |
In November 2022, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that Medicare coverage will be expanded to include medically necessary dental services.
Posted by Nina Whitehurst | Jan 17, 2023 |
As a beneficiary of Medicare, you have the right to appeal a denial.
Posted by Nina Whitehurst | Jan 04, 2023 |
Medigap premiums for plans from insurance companies offering the same benefits vary widely, so it pays to be a smart shopper.
Posted by Nina Whitehurst | Dec 30, 2022 |
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.
Posted by Nina Whitehurst | Dec 16, 2022 |
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.
Posted by Nina Whitehurst | Nov 10, 2022 |
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.
Posted by Nina Whitehurst | Aug 10, 2022 |
A federal court has ruled that hospitalized Medicare beneficiaries who were switched from inpatient to observation status can appeal the decision, making it easier for them to receive coverage for subsequent nursing home care. The ruling appears to bring to an end more than a decade of litigation on behalf of Medicare recipients.
Posted by Nina Whitehurst | Jun 10, 2022 |
In an alarming number of instances, private Medicare Advantage plans are denying coverage for medical services that would be covered under original Medicare, according to a federal investigation. These denials are likely preventing or delaying medically necessary care for tens of thousands of Medicare Advantage beneficiaries each year.
Posted by Nina Whitehurst | Jun 06, 2022 |
In recent months, phone lines at the SSA were experiencing major technical issues, preventing some individuals from being able to reach the SSA via telephone in a timely manner.
Posted by Nina Whitehurst | Jan 07, 2022 |
The Biden administration is moving forward with a pilot program that would hand over the care of millions of Medicare beneficiaries to private, mostly for-profit, groups.
Posted by Nina Whitehurst | Dec 17, 2021 |
Medicare premiums are rising sharply next year, cutting into the large Social Security cost-of-living increase. The basic monthly premium will jump 15.5 percent, or $21.60, from $148.50 to $170.10 a month.
Posted by Nina Whitehurst | Oct 08, 2021 |
Every year Medicare gives beneficiaries a window of opportunity to shop around and determine if their current Medicare plan is still the best one for them. During Medicare's Open Enrollment Period, which runs from October 15 to December 7, beneficiaries can freely enroll in or switch plans.
Posted by Nina Whitehurst | Jun 02, 2021 |
Medicare is not free; there are premiums and deductibles. If you don't qualify for Medicaid and can't afford a Medigap policy, you may be able to get help paying for the costs of Medicare.
Posted by Nina Whitehurst | Dec 04, 2020 |
Medicare premiums are set to rise a modest amount next year, but still cut into any Social Security gains. The basic monthly premium will increase $3.90, from $144.60 a month to $148.50.
Posted by Nina Whitehurst | Oct 07, 2020 |
Medigap policies that supplement Medicare’s basic coverage can cost vastly different amounts, depending on the company selling the policy, according to a new study. The findings highlight the importance of shopping around before purchasing a policy.
Posted by Nina Whitehurst | Mar 20, 2020 |
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is waiving the requirement that Medicare beneficiaries must spend at least three days in a hospital before qualifying for coverage in a skilled nursing facility (SNF) for those beneficiaries who need to be transferred as a result of a disaster or emergency.
Posted by Nina Whitehurst | Nov 06, 2019 |
Medicare's Open Enrollment Period, during which you can freely enroll in or switch plans, runs from October 15 to December 7. Don't let this period slip by without shopping around to see whether your current choices are the best ones for you.
Posted by Nina Whitehurst | Sep 03, 2019 |
The Center for Medicare Advocacy is partnering with the John A. Hartford Foundation to help people caught in the web of “outpatient” Observation Status. According to their infographic available here, a hospital billing classification of "outpatient", sometimes also called "observation status", can result in Medicare patients paying out of pocket for hospital stays, hospital prescriptions and even nursing home care.
Posted by Nina Whitehurst | Jul 18, 2019 |
You are turning 65 and enrolling in Medicare, but as a healthy senior do you really need to also sign up for Medicare's supplemental coverage? Not signing up initially can be very costly down the road.
Posted by Nina Whitehurst | Jul 17, 2019 |
Hospital patients who need additional care after being discharged from the hospital are usually sent to either an inpatient rehabilitation facility (IRF) or a skilled nursing facility (SNF). Although these facilities may look similar from the outside, Medicare offers very different coverage for...
Posted by Nina Whitehurst | Jul 12, 2019 |
If you are paying for your own insurance, you may think you do not need to sign up for Medicare when you turn 65. However, not signing up for Medicare Part B right away can cost you down the road.
You can first sign up for Medicare during your Initial Enrollment Period, which is the seven-month...
Posted by Nina Whitehurst | Jun 10, 2019 |
At the doctor's office and want to know if a procedure is covered by Medicare? There is an app for that. Medicare has launched a free app that gives beneficiaries a quick way to see whether the program covers a specific medical item or service.
The "What's Covered" app allows you to search or...