Does Medicare Cover Dental, Vision, and Hearing?
Dental, vision, and hearing care are important parts of your overall health. But Medicare coverage for these services depends on the type of care you need and how you receive your Medicare benefits. Dental care Original Medicare generally does not cover routine dental services such as cleanings, fillings, dentures, or most extractions. However, it may […]
Why the Lowest Monthly Premium Isn’t the Only Cost to Consider
It is natural to notice the monthly premium first when comparing Medicare coverage. After all, it is an amount you can see and budget for. But the premium is only one piece of your potential health care costs. A plan with a lower premium may have higher costs when you receive care. A plan with […]
What to Consider When Comparing Medicare Plans
Choosing Medicare coverage is about more than finding a familiar insurance company or a low monthly premium. The right choice depends on how you use health care and what matters most to you. Here are several factors to review when comparing your options. Your doctors and hospitals Start by listing the providers you want to […]
What Is a Medicare Supplement Plan?
Original Medicare helps cover many health care services, but it does not pay every cost. A Medicare Supplement plan, also called Medigap, is private insurance designed to help pay certain out-of-pocket costs associated with Original Medicare. How does a Medicare Supplement plan work? When you receive a Medicare-covered service, Original Medicare pays its share of the […]
Original Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage: Understanding Your Options
When you become eligible for Medicare, one of your major decisions is how you want to receive your benefits. The two main approaches are Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage. Both provide Medicare-covered benefits, but they work differently. What is Original Medicare? Original Medicare includes: With Original Medicare, you can generally visit any doctor or hospital in the United […]
Common Medicare Enrollment Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Medicare offers important health coverage, but the enrollment process is not always straightforward. A little preparation can help you avoid common mistakes and make decisions with more confidence. Mistake 1: Assuming enrollment is automatic Some people are automatically enrolled in Medicare, but not everyone is. If you are approaching eligibility, confirm whether you need to […]
Still Working at 65? Questions to Ask About Medicare and Employer Coverage
If you are approaching age 65 and still working, you may wonder whether you need to enroll in Medicare right away. The answer depends on your employer coverage, your workplace, and your personal situation. Before making changes, ask your employer’s benefits administrator these questions. How does my employer coverage work with Medicare? Ask whether your […]
When Should You Sign Up for Medicare?
Knowing when to sign up for Medicare can help you avoid gaps in coverage and, in some cases, late enrollment penalties. Your enrollment timeline depends on your circumstances, including whether you or your spouse are still working. Your Initial Enrollment Period For most people turning 65, the Initial Enrollment Period lasts seven months: When you […]
Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D: What’s the Difference?
If you are new to Medicare, the different letters can feel confusing. Each part serves a different purpose, and understanding the basics can help you make more informed decisions about your coverage. Medicare Part A: Hospital insurance Part A helps cover certain inpatient care, including: Many people qualify for premium-free Part A based on their […]
Turning 65? Your Medicare Checklist
Turning 65 is an exciting milestone, but it can also bring questions about health coverage. Medicare has several parts, enrollment periods, and coverage options, so it helps to start preparing before your birthday. This checklist can help you feel more organized as you approach Medicare eligibility. 1. Learn about the parts of Medicare Medicare has […]