medicare
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…
Steps for changing your address with Medicare
If you have permanently changed your address, you must update Medicare and Social Security. Especially Medicare Advantage plan members, since moving to a new county or state could affect your coverage. What are the steps for changing your address with…
Medicare’s “enrollment periods” explained
Although most people enroll in Medicare during their “Initial Enrollment Period” (IEP), which starts three months before the month you turn 65 and ends three months thereafter, there are other times which you can also sign up for Medicare healthcare…
Medicare Advantage vs. “original Medicare” and “Medigap”
Managing healthcare costs in retirement can be a daunting task. And no less daunting is how to chose between “original Medicare” provided by the federal government and “Medicare Advantage” provided by private insurers. There are obvious advantages and disadvantages to…
Turmoil in the privatized version of Medicare
Humana, Inc., has reported $1.2 billion in 2024 profits, which included a $693 million fourth-quarter loss as the health insurer exits unprofitable Medicare Advantage markets for 2025. However, Humana is not alone. CVS and Centene have also warned that they…
Are You 65 Or Older and Need Medicare Part B? Sign Up Now Through March 31
(Source: SSA.gov) If you’re 65 or older and didn’t sign up for Medicare Part B during the automatic, initial or special enrollment periods, now’s your chance. You can sign up for Part B (medical insurance) during the annual Medicare General Enrollment…