medicare
President Trump Doubles Down on Pledge to “Not Touch” Social Security
Speaking yesterday on Fox News’ Sunday Morning Futures program, President Trump reiterated his promise that Social Security and Medicare will not be touched except by efforts to expose and remove incidents of fraud, waste, and abuse in the systems. A…
Ask Rusty – Can I Avoid Paying the Medicare Premium?
Dear Rusty: Is there any way I can get out of paying the $185 I am told will be taken out of my Social Security for Medicare Part B when I turn 65? We pay for Medicare all our working…
Mike Johnson comments on Medicare and Social Security
House speaker Mike Johnson has said the GOP is focused on cutting taxes and improving the federal government’s finances. He also stated that Medicaid, Medicare or Social Security cuts are not part of the recently passed budget. Mandy Tahen for…
Medicare telehealth coverage could expire
For many seniors, during the Covid-19 pandemic, the expansion of Medicare telehealth was a godsend. However, the Medicare telehealth expansion will expire on March 31st if Congress fails to act. To read Bracey Harris’ report on this issue, click here…
How much does the government spend on health care?
Spending on health programs accounts for a substantial share of federal spending; those programs are targets to achieve overall spending goals in current reconciliation discussions by the current administration. With Medicaid being the main focus of federal spending cuts, the…
You have to March 31st to change your Medicare Advantage plan
Are you enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan you’re not sure is right for you? You can make changes to your health and prescription drug coverage during the Medicare Advantage open enrollment period, which started January 1 and runs through…
Medicare Part D Spending for 10 Selected Diabetes Drugs
There has been a substantial increase in the use of certain diabetes drugs in recent years. Certain diabetes drugs initially approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to help control blood sugar levels for individuals with type 2 diabetes…
Rural Hospitals Suffer as Medicare Advantage Plans Prosper
Medicare Advantage plans are private healthcare insurance plans which replace “original government provided Medicare,” and which are increasing popular. The reason for that popularity is that, for little or no additional cost, Medicare Advantage plans often provide additional coverage for…
Prior Authorizations for Medicare Advantage have surged
Medicare Advantage is offered by private insurers and provides replacement private healthcare coverage for those eligible for “original Medicare.” These private Advantage plans often offer healthcare coverage equal to original Medicare, but often enhanced by additional services such as dental,…
Medicare: Free “Screenings” vs. costly “Diagnostic” tests
If you are on Medicare, you likely visit your healthcare professional once a year for your “Wellness” check. And, depending on the results of that visit, your doctor may suggest additional tests based on your health profile. Here it’s important…