Who Qualifies, When to Enroll, and Requirements Understanding Medicare eligibility requirements is one of the most important steps before turning 65. Many people ask: Who qualifies for Medicare? Can you get Medicare before age 65? When should I enroll in Medicare? Does work history affect Medicare eligibility? Can I get Medicare if I never worked? [...]
Medicare Coverage for Hearing It is more common as we age, but anyone can experience hearing loss. About 15% of American adults over 18 report some trouble hearing—and about one in three people ages 65 to 74 has hearing loss. If you’re looking into Medicare coverage for hearing, here’s what you should know about hearing [...]
Buying a Medigap Policy (Medicare Supplement) If you’re wondering when the best time to buy a Medigap policy is, the answer is clear: your best (and easiest) time is during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period. This is the window when you typically get the most plan choices, the best pricing protections, and guaranteed acceptance. What [...]
Medicare and Hospice Benefits Making decisions about hospice care for a loved one can feel overwhelming. Between the emotional challenges of end-of-life care and the complexity of Medicare rules, it’s easy to feel unsure about what’s covered and when hospice is appropriate. This guide explains how the Medicare hospice benefit works, who qualifies, what services [...]
Medicare Coverage for Chiropractic Care Back and neck pain are common concerns for older adults. As we age, changes in our joints, muscles, and spine can lead to stiffness, discomfort, and reduced mobility. Many seniors explore chiropractic care as a non-surgical option to help manage pain and improve movement. Does Medicare Cover Chiropractic Care? Medicare [...]
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 [...]
What is the process of enrolling in Medicare Part B?
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 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 [...]
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 Premiums 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. [...]
Annual Notice of Change Letter During the month of September, you should receive a Medicare Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) Letter. What is the Purpose of this Letter? The purpose of the ANOC letter(s) is to describe any changes for the upcoming year. You should except to receive a letter if you have a Prescription [...]
Working at age 65? Do you keep employer coverage or enroll in Medicare? The month you turn 65 you are eligible to receive your Medicare benefits. In most cases, you don’t have to sign up for Medicare if you have health insurance through your or your spouse’s employer. If you or your spouse [...]
Medicare Coverage and Cataract Surgery Cataracts are a common part of aging — in fact, more than half of Americans over 80 either have cataracts or have had them removed. Left untreated, cataracts can interfere with daily life and may even cause blindness. The good news? Cataract surgery is safe, simple, and usually painless. But [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
2020 Medicare Costs - A brief overview of Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B premiums and costs
Medicare Commercials! When you turn your television on to watch your favorite show or catch the news, you more than likely have viewed commercials featuring Joe Namath and J.J. Walker. These two celebrities can be seen daily advertising products that revolve around Medicare. Both Namath and Walker are encouraging you to call a toll-free number [...]
Medicare Premiums: IRMAA 2023 The Medicare Part B premium will be $164.90 for 2023. That is a slight decrease from the 2022 monthly premium of $170.10. The Part B deductible will also see a decrease. The deductible will drop from $233 to $226. Most Medicare beneficiaries will pay a monthly premium of $164.90 for [...]
What are you supposed to do if you need the flu shot?There are many places you can get your flu shot – don’t wait!People who are 65 and older are at high risk of having serious health complications from the flu. Getting the flu shot protects you from getting the flu and keeps you from spreading it [...]
