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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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Medicare Open Enrollment Season and Our Free Medicare Consultations
Open enrollment for Medicare Advantage plans and Part D prescription coverage begins on October 15 and ends on December 7, 2020. When it’s over, whatever decisions you may have made will be set in stone for a full calendar year. Mistakes are costly, especially for people who require multiple prescriptions. Also, if you do not […]
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Power of Attorney is Not Enough for Medicare
A power of attorney is usually enough to take charge of a loved one’s financial and medical matters when they become incapacitated. But with Medicare, you need more than a POA. Many people learn this the hard way. It is a problem that can be easily solved and will save you and your loved ones […]
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