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 […]
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 […]
Why Georgia’s New Medicaid Program May Impact You
In June 2023, Georgia announced the implementation of the Pathways to Coverage program, effective July 1, 2023. If successful, it could allow able-bodied adults who have not previously qualified for Medicaid to join the program and have access to health coverage if they meet certain conditions. What Is Medicaid? Medicaid is a public assistance program that […]
The No Surprises Act May Help With Unexpected Medical Bills
The No Surprises Act is a federal law enacted to protect patients from unexpected medical bills incurred on or after January 1, 2022. It aims to address the issue of surprise medical billing, which can occur when patients receive unexpected charges for their medical care. The Act applies to out-of-network emergency services, out-of-network air ambulance services, […]
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 […]
Supreme Court Preserves Right to Sue Public Nursing Homes
In a major win for nursing home residents and their families, the U.S. Supreme Court has upheld the right to sue government-run nursing homes under the Federal Nursing Home Reform Act (FNHRA). In a 7-2 decision, the court decided these plaintiffs could seek relief in federal court. Background of the Case In 2019, the […]
How Medicaid’s Money Follows the Person Program Aids Seniors
Congress established the “Medicaid Money Follows the Person (MFP) Program” to provide states with federal funding to help seniors receiving care in institutions that want to live at home. However, it is not a permanent program and is due to expire in September 2027. Advocates have pushed for Congress to make MFP permanent, ensuring that states have […]
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. […]
What Does “Medicaid Pending” Mean?
In today’s world, it is crucial to have healthcare insurance. So, it can be concerning if your application status is still “Medicaid Pending.” Medicaid Pending status means that your application or your parent’s application has not yet been approved or denied. Essentially, your application is in limbo. Here is why this status is important: To […]
