Medicare Part B Premiums, Deductibles Going Back Up in 2024
In 2023, seniors were happy to see their Medicare Part B standard monthly premiums and annual deductibles go down for the first time in more than a decade. Unfortunately, that’s not the case for 2024, when these charges will be back on the rise. In the fact sheet it released about the updated numbers, the Centers for Medicare […]
3 Tips for Prepping for Medicare Annual Enrollment 2023
Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) is just around the corner. In just over a month, those of you looking to enroll in a Medicare plan will have a chance to do just that. Preparing for the event is key if you want to make the most of AEP. “Wait,” you’re probably thinking, “I have […]
Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans – Are They Right For You?
As of 2020, approximately 12.5 million people have Medicare and Medicaid coverage. Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people over 65 and specific disabled individuals. Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that helps provide medical care for those with limited income and resources. Medicaid recipients include children, pregnant women, and individuals who are blind or […]
Medicare Extra Help Program Set to Expand in 2024
Seniors and disabled citizens will receive more access to the Medicare Extra Help Program as of the beginning of 2024, the federal government announced. This expansion of benefits could enable up to 3 million people to reduce their prescription drug costs. What Is the Medicare Extra Help Program? The Medicare Extra Help Program assists older […]
What Is a Medicare Flex Card?
Some Medicare Advantage beneficiaries receive Medicare flex cards, pre-paid debit cards for qualifying expenses, as part of their benefits. The U.S. government does not issue Medicare flex cards. This benefit is only available on select Medicare Advantage plans, a private alternative to Medicare. Traditional Medicare does not offer flex cards. Certain Medicare Advantage plans provide […]
Medicare Fraud Prevention Week: Avoiding Health Care Scams
The week of June 5 marks Medicare Fraud Prevention Week. Seniors and their caregivers should be aware of the risks posed by Medicare scams and how to avoid falling victim to this type of fraud. Each year, Medicare loses tens of billions of dollars to abuse and errors. Older adults who receive Medicare may […]
Keeping Medicare Solvent Could Mean Higher Taxes for the Wealthy
With the 2024 presidential election in the not-too-distant future, coverage of heated debates over the nation’s government budget, including how to secure the future of public benefits programs like Social Security and Medicare, has dominated the daily headlines. In one recent development, President Joe Biden, who has pledged to bolster such federal programs, has […]
5 Reasons for Seniors to Celebrate in 2023
It has been a tumultuous few years. Amid a continuing pandemic, tense midterm elections, and a war in Ukraine, we have grappled with more than our fair share of grim news. However, with the new year upon us, there are some silver linings — in particular for seniors. Here are five reasons for seniors […]
Jan. 1-March 31: Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period
If you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan but would like to make a change, you can likely take advantage of the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period. This Open Enrollment Period occurs each year between January 1 and March 31. What Is Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage? Medicare is a federal health insurance program designed […]
Comparing Traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage
Recent research by the Kaiser Family Foundation examined the differences between traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage. While people in either program were similarly satisfied with their care and overall care coordination, some distinctions became apparent. Traditional Medicare’s Strengths Traditional Medicare is a federal health insurance program for adults 65 and older and individuals with disabilities. […]
