Your Health Savings Account (HSA) and Medicare According to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) guidelines, you cannot make contributions to your Health Savings Account once you enroll in Medicare. To contribute pre-tax dollars to an HSA you must be enrolled in a High Deductible Health Plan. The month you begin your Medicare benefits, you should [...]
Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amount Some individuals believe that once they begin Medicare, that it is free. Unfortunately, that is not true. Original Medicare is composed of two working parts, Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B. Medicare Part A is free for most individuals because they paid Medicare taxes while working. Medicare Part B [...]
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (For Individuals Currently Enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan) January 1st through March 31st The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (OEP) gives you the opportunity to enroll in another Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C) plan or go back to Original Medicare (Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B). Normally, [...]
Medicare Part D Extra Help Medicare Part D Extra Help is a federal program that lowers your Medicare prescription drug coverage (Part D) premiums and lowers the cost of your prescriptions. You may qualify if you have limited income and assets. Extra Help Eligibility/Qualifications Your monthly income falls into a certain range and your assets [...]
Medicare Covers Many Vaccines for Free! Great news! Because of a prescription drug law that went into effect January 1, 2023, your Medicare Part D drug plan will cover the cost of most vaccines. All adult vaccines that are recommended by the CDC are covered with no out-of-pocket costs to you. Medicare Part B [...]
Cataract Surgery and Medicare Does Medicare pay for cataract surgery? The short answer is yes. Medicare covers certain medically necessary services, such as cataract surgery. Cataract surgery is performed by an ophthalmologist. Ophthalmologists are eye doctors with advanced medical and surgical training. Your cost and coverage will depend on the option you selected as your primary. [...]
Medicare and Cancer Coverage Unfortunately, Cancer is something many of us will face directly or indirectly at some point during our lifetime. According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 1.9 million new Cancer cases were diagnosed in the United States in 2023. Does Medicare cover Cancer? Yes, it does. Depending on your choice for coverage [...]
When Can I Change My Medicare Advantage Plan If we lived in a perfect world, you would be more than satisfied with your new Medicare Advantage plan. Medicare Advantage plans may be a perfect coverage option for some individuals. However, situations occur, and maybe you realize that your family doctor doesn’t accept your plan, or [...]
Original Medicare and Home Health Care Original Medicare (Medicare Part A and/or Part B) will cover eligible home health services if you are considered homebound and need part-time or intermittent services. To Qualify and be Considered Homebound: You are having trouble leaving your home without some type of help due to an illness or injury. Examples [...]
Medicare Supplement Plans A Medicare Supplement insurance plan, also known as Medigap, is an insurance you can buy that helps pay for the out-of-pocket costs Original Medicare doesn’t cover. There are ten different supplemental plans to choose for coverage. Plans are referred to by letters. The three most purchased plans are Plan [...]
