PSA: “Medicare” Phone Calls — They’re Usually Scams Medicare does not call you out of the blue. Medicare nor Social Security will call you and ask for your Medicare number, Social Security number, bank details, or other private information. Legitimate calls happen only if you requested a callback or if a plan you’re already [...]
How Do Medicare HMO and Medicare PPO Differ? If you decide to replace your Original Medicare with a Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C) Plan, your two most common options are an HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) or a PPO (Preferred Provider Organization). Both use provider networks to help manage costs, but they balance price vs. flexibility differently. Medicare PPO [...]
Medicare and Working Past 65 Turning 65 doesn’t always mean retiring. If you’re still working—or covered by a spouse’s employer plan—you may want to wait about beginning Medicare. The right choice depends on your situation, and knowing the rules can save you money and help you avoid penalties later. Do I Have to Sign Up [...]
Medicare Eligibility Medicare is the federal health insurance program that helps millions of Americans get the care they need. But who qualifies? Let’s break it down in simple terms. The Basics of Medicare Eligibility You may become eligible for Medicare a few different ways: Turning 65 Most people qualify for Medicare when they turn 65 years [...]
How to Choose the Right Fit for You Choosing a Medicare plan can feel overwhelming. You’ve probably heard about Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage Plans, but what’s the real difference? Both options will give you health coverage—it just depends on your lifestyle, budget, and priorities. Let’s walk through the main things to consider so you can feel more [...]
Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Plan Questions Am I eligible to purchase a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policy? If you are enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Part B, you can purchase a Medicare supplement insurance policy. If you have had your Medicare Part B six months or less, you are in a period called open enrollment. [...]
What Does Medicare Cost? Medicare Part A Covers inpatient hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, hospice, inpatient rehabilitation, and some home health care services. Thankfully, most Medicare beneficiaries do not have a Part A premium since they have 40 or more quarters of employment. Forty Quarters is the equivalent to ten years. For a stay in a [...]
Original Medicare & Medicare Advantage Comparing Your Two Coverage Options Original Medicare (Medicare Part A & Medicare Part B) and Medicare Advantage (Part C) are two different ways to receive your Medicare benefits/coverage. Both options provide you with hospital and medical insurance, but there are differences between them. Learning about the differences in your coverage options will allow [...]
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 [...]
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, [...]
