Five Questions to Ask Before Choosing Medicare Coverage
Choosing Medicare coverage is a personal decision. A plan that works well for a friend or family member may not be the best fit for you. Before making a choice, consider these five questions. 1. Are my doctors and hospitals covered? Make a list of your preferred doctors, specialists, hospitals, and other providers. Check whether […]
Medicare Terms Made Simple: Premiums, Deductibles, Copays, and Coinsurance
Medicare information can come with a lot of unfamiliar language. Understanding a few common terms can make it easier to compare coverage and anticipate costs. Premium A premium is the amount you pay regularly to have coverage, usually each month. For example, most people pay a monthly premium for Medicare Part B. Depending on your choices, you […]
Helping a Parent Navigate Medicare: A Guide for Family Caregivers
Helping a parent with Medicare can feel overwhelming, especially when you are balancing appointments, medications, paperwork, and everyday responsibilities. You do not need to have every answer. A few simple steps can make it easier to support your parent while keeping their needs and preferences at the center of the conversation. Start with a conversation […]
Medicare Preventive Services: Benefits Worth Knowing About
Preventive care can help you stay informed about your health and identify potential concerns early. Medicare covers many preventive services, although eligibility, frequency, and costs depend on the service and your coverage. What are preventive services? Preventive services include certain screenings, vaccines, counseling, and visits designed to help prevent illness or detect health conditions early. […]
How to Protect Yourself From Medicare Scams
Scammers often pretend to represent Medicare, an insurance company, or another trusted organization. Their goal may be to obtain your Medicare number, personal information, or money. Knowing the warning signs can help you protect yourself. Be cautious with unexpected calls Be wary of unsolicited callers who ask for your Medicare number, Social Security number, banking […]
Moving to a New Address? What It Could Mean for Your Medicare Coverage
A move can come with a long to-do list, and your Medicare coverage should be on it. Depending on the type of coverage you have and where you move, you may need to update your information or review your plan options. Original Medicare Original Medicare is available nationwide. If you move, you can generally continue […]
Can You Change Your Medicare Plan After You Enroll?
Life changes, and your health coverage needs can change with it. You may be able to change your Medicare coverage after you enroll, but the options available depend on your circumstances and the time of year. Medicare Annual Enrollment Period Each year, Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period runs from October 15 through December 7. During this time, […]
What to Bring to Your Medicare Plan Review
A Medicare plan review is an opportunity to look at your current coverage and discuss whether it still fits your needs. Bringing a few items can help make the conversation more productive. Your Medicare and insurance cards Bring your Medicare card and cards for any other health or prescription drug coverage you currently have. If […]
Does Medicare Cover Long-Term Care?
Many people assume Medicare will pay for long-term care if they need help as they get older. Medicare can cover certain short-term or medically necessary services, but it generally does not pay for ongoing custodial care. Understanding the difference can help you plan ahead. What is long-term care? Long-term care can include assistance with everyday […]
How Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage Works
Prescription medications can be an important part of your health care routine. Medicare Part D helps cover prescription drugs, but coverage and costs can vary from one plan to another. How do you get Part D coverage? There are generally two ways to receive Medicare prescription drug coverage: You must have an eligible enrollment period […]