A Preview of 2022: 7 Changes to Medicare Part D Defined Standard Benefits

Around this time every year Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) releases the benefit parameters for Part D’s “Defined Standard Benefit” plan, as well as the parameters for the Low-Income Subsidy benefits. All Medicare Part D plans use this as a base to determine drug plan coverage for the following year. With this in […]

What is Medicare Part B?

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 second part of Original Medicare, Part B, is often […]

What is Medicare Part A?

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 […]

How Much Does Medicare Cost?

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 […]

When Do I Need to Enroll in Medicare?

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 […]

How To Appeal a Denial of Coverage from a Medicare Advantage Plan

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 […]

What is the Medicare Part D Donut Hole?

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 […]

Summer Safety Tips for Seniors

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 […]

Medicare Coverage for Travel

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.

Medicare and Alzheimer’s Care

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 […]