Every year, Medicare enrollees get a chance to change their coverage for the upcoming year. It’s a period of time called the Medicare Open Enrollment Period, or OEP for short. There are lots of enrollment periods in Medicare, including your initial window for signing up and a separate enrollment period for Medicare Advantage members. But… Continue Reading ›
With fall right around the corner and Medicare Open Enrollment on the not-so-distant horizon, it’s time to take another look at your health insurance for 2021. If you’re new to Medicare this year, then you might be wondering how to make the most of your health insurance options. Should you stick with Original Medicare or… Continue Reading ›
If you have TRICARE benefits and you’re turning 65 soon, you might be wondering how your current coverage works with Medicare. Are they compatible? Who pays first? And what about Medicare Advantage? You might also get stacks of mailers as your 65th birthday approaches, trying to sell you on the idea of Medicare Advantage. These… Continue Reading ›
You want the best for your senior friends and family members. And that means loving attention and thorough care. Unfortunately, elder abuse is a common concern in long-term care settings and among family members. Knowing about elder abuse — its signs, symptoms and solutions — could help you protect the people you love. Here’s what… Continue Reading ›
If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, then you know that the private version of Medicare combines all the benefits of Parts A and B (Original Medicare) with extras that make your plan worthwhile. But you might not be thrilled with the plan itself. Maybe it doesn’t cover the doctors you like, the network limits… Continue Reading ›
Pandemic or not, seeing your doctor in person isn’t always a good option, especially if you’re in the 65+ crowd. From seasonal flu outbreaks to bad weather, there are lots of reasons why staying in is a safer route than going out — even when you’re sick. Older adults tend to get sicker with bad… Continue Reading ›
Medicare alone isn’t always enough. If you’re turning 65 soon or have already enrolled in Original Medicare, you might be wondering about Medigap. You may also have had mailers, calls and even in-person visits from salespeople trying to sell you a Medigap plan. Also known as Medicare supplemental insurance, Medigap is a private plan that… Continue Reading ›
If you have Medicare, then you probably know that open enrollment happens in the fall because you’re inundated with advertisements for Medicare Advantage plans. But you might also have started seeing ads in the last few weeks about a separate enrollment period. It’s called the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period, a relatively new addition to… Continue Reading ›
Medicare Won’t Be Bankrupt by 2026 – But It’s Not in Good Shape Headlines this week proclaimed that Medicare would be insolvent by 2026, three years earlier than predicted in last year’s Trustees report from Social Security. Per this year’s report on the state of finances for both Social Security and Medicare, both programs are… Continue Reading ›
Medicare is considered an entitlement because most Americans get Medicare part A (the part that covers hospitalization) for free when they turn 65 years old. Medicare part B (the part that covers doctor visits) is usually a companion of part A, but seniors pay a monthly premium for their Medicare part B. Medicare part D… Continue Reading ›