Imagine this: Your son is able to drive you to your doctor appointment this afternoon, but has to leave early to pick up your grandkids after school. How are you going to get home? Or let’s say a friend usually takes you to your appointments but is unable to for an upcoming important appointment. What are your options? And does Medicare help with these needs? When you are automatically [...]
During the Annual Medicare Open Enrollment Period, anyone on Medicare can make changes to their coverage. This event takes place only once a year between October 15 and December 7. During this time, beneficiaries can: Switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage, or vice versa Join or drop a Medicare prescription drug plan Switch from Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage to one without, or vice versa Update your [...]
Are you a planner at heart? Many of us are so busy we have calendars to keep track of all the activities going on in our lives: birthday parties, appointments, anniversaries, little league baseball games. As we get closer to reaching age 65, and even once we do, it’s important to keep a few dates in mind… the different Medicare enrollment periods. Why is this important to remember? If [...]
Medicare prescription drug coverage is an optional benefit offered to everyone who has Medicare. However, if you decide to not get Medicare drug coverage when you're first eligible, you'll likely pay a late enrollment penalty if you join later. The late enrollment penalty is an amount of money that will be added to your Medicare Part D monthly premium if you go for 63 days (or more) after your Initial [...]
Many people only know that you can start receiving Medicare when you turn 65. But there are actually three ways people qualify, and therefore, may be eligible for Medicare benefits much earlier in life than 65. People qualify for Medicare benefits in one of three ways: Age (turning 65 or older) Disability Certain illnesses Medicare for People Turning 65 Most people know that when they turn 65 they can [...]
As we age, our medical needs change. Unfortunately, most of us have more needs than we did when we were younger. Especially when it comes to our dental or vision care. For example, a lot of people make the mistake of assuming regular, annual exams are covered under Original Medicare. But, that’s not actually true. And unfortunately, many people learn this the hard way when it’s too late and [...]
You probably have many questions when it comes to Medicare. What plan is best for you? When do you apply? What do the different Medicare Parts mean? What benefits am I eligible for? One question you might not have in mind at the beginning of the process, but might come up in the future, is whether not your Medicare plan will cover home healthcare. Does Medicare cover care in [...]
Are you enjoying retirement? Of course you are! The Golden Years are what you work your entire life for: traveling, golfing, cruising, and spending time doing the activities you love the most. If you are over 65, you are likely already on Medicare and receiving benefits from an Original Medicare plan, also referred to as Parts A and B. Just to refresh your memory, Part A of Medicare covers [...]
One convenient option for applying to Medicare is to apply online. You can apply for Original Medicare, Parts A and B, online by visiting the Social Security website. This can be completed in as little as 15 minutes and from the comfort of your own home. Which means, you don’t need to brave traffic and can stay in your pajamas. It’s a win win! To do so, visit the [...]
As we age, our vision changes. And unfortunately, it’s usually not in the good way. It’s common that the older we get, the more likely we are to need eye care, and/or eye wear. Many individuals think these regular, annual exams would be covered under Original Medicare. This is not the case as not all plans, or areas of coverage, are the same. This is why it is very important [...]