Medicare and Medicaid Medicare and Medicaid are two separate programs that are both run by the government. A person may qualify to receive benefits from one or both programs. The major difference between Medicare and Medicaid is that Medicare covers health care mainly for people age 65 and older. Medicaid is for people with low income. Medicare provides health [...]
Medicare Supplement (Medigap) 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. During [...]
New to Medicare Several months prior to your 65th birthday, something happens. You start receiving mail and phone calls like never before. Every phone call and letter you receive in the mail is about Medicare. You will also receive a book in the mail entitled Medicare and You Handbook. This book has information and terms [...]
NATIONAL WALKING DAY National Walking Day is the first Wednesday in April and is sponsored by the American Heart Association. The first National Walking Day was in 2007. This day promotes awareness to healthy living and the benefits of taking a walk. Activities such as walking can help you lower stress and improve your mood. [...]
Paying Your Medicare Part B Premium You are probably like most people and receive Medicare Part A at no cost. Medicare Part A is premium free if you or your spouse worked 10 years or more and paid Medicare taxes while working. However, Medicare Part B is not free. If you are receiving retirement benefits [...]
Alzheimer’s and Medicare Coverage According to the Alzheimer’s Association, it is estimated that over six million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease. Approximately 1 in 9 people age 65 and older have Alzheimer's. Women make up close to two-thirds of Americans with Alzheimer's. Older Black Americans are almost twice as likely to have Alzheimer's [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
