Seniors aren’t the only ones who find Medicare options confusing. On Friday, November 17, Stephen J. Silverberg will present “Medicare Supplement vs. Medicare Advantage,” a program examining the different programs to help attorneys better assist their eligible senior clients. The program, a joint meeting of the Senior Attorney and Elder Law, Social Services, and Health […]
Continue reading…
Don’t Make These Medicare Mistakes
Medicare can be complicated and mistakes can be expensive. Knowing the pitfalls in advance can make a big difference for seniors. Here’s an example of what can go wrong. A 66 year old actor from California enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan. After receiving a prostate cancer diagnosis last year, he learned the specialists he […]
Continue reading…
Thinking About Getting A Shingles Vaccination – Don’t Do it Now
If you are on Medicare and are considering getting a shingles vaccination before the year ends, read this first. Definitely get the vaccine if your doctor recommends it. But what you may not know: the shingles vaccine is not currently covered by Original Medicare (Medicare Part A or B). For some people, Medicare B may […]
Continue reading…Medicare Enrollment Season: What You Need to Know Now
I’m happy to learn that the CMS is combatting the misleading ads targeting seniors to switch from traditional Medicare plans to private Medicare Advantage plans. The number of mailers, television ads, robocalls, and emails has exploded – I received more marketing messages about Medicare this year than I did from candidates – and we all […]
Continue reading…
Medicare Part B Premiums to Decrease in 2023
For the first time in over a decade, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced that Medicare beneficiaries will enjoy a lower premium in 2023. That’s welcome news for seniors living on a fixed income and struggling with dramatic price increases on, well, everything. The standard monthly premiums in 2023 will be $164.90 in […]
Continue reading…
Climate Change Bill Brings a Bright Spot of Good News for Americans
We welcome any good news in a dismal news cycle, but the healthcare provisions built into the “Inflation Reduction Act” are worth a special mention. The New York Times calls it “the most substantial changes to health policy since the passage of Obamacare in 2010.” Passed by the U.S. Senate on August 8 and expected […]
Continue reading…Free Medicare Consultations Available During Medicare Open Enrollment Period
With the start of the Medicare Open Enrollment Period, people all over the country are getting their advice from two noted Medicare experts, Joe Namath—the famed Jets quarterback who also sold pantyhose and Noxzema—and J.J. Walker—you remember him from the sitcom “Good Times” and his catchphrase, “Dyn-O-Mite!” Additionally, a barrage of infomercials from actors pretending […]
Continue reading…
What’s Not Covered by Medicare?
Medicare provides health insurance for retirees, but it doesn’t cover everything. In fact, there’s a lot that Medicare does not cover, and many of these are health care costs that can consume a nest egg. Here are the top five healthcare costs that should be part of your retirement preparations: Medicare and Long Term Care […]
Continue reading…
Medicare Awareness: An Annual Wellness Exam is Covered; An Annual Physical Examination is Not
People who went for annual physicals throughout their adult lives are surprised to learn that Medicare does not cover an annual physical. It seems counterintuitive–wouldn’t you want to have more care, not less, so you can age well? But Medicare rules are different. Many people learn about this the first time they go for an […]
Continue reading…
Does Medicare Advantage Make Your Medical Coverage Better or Worse?
Some of the smartest people we know find enrolling in Medicare confusing and overwhelming. Despite the warm and fuzzy commercials from insurance companies, Medicare Advantage plans are tricky to figure out. And sometimes, Medicare Advantage can be more expensive than traditional Medicare. You want to go into the Medicare enrollment process with information to prevent […]
Continue reading…