Does Medicare Cover Hearing Aids?
Key Takeaways Medicare Parts A and B do not provide coverage for hearing aids, but some Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) may offer partial coverage, depending on the specifics of your plan. OTC hearing aids became accessible to the public in October 2022, but they can only provide a slight relief to people with mild to […]
Does Medicare Cover Hospice Care?
Key Takeaways: Hospice Care is for people who are terminally ill with 6-months or less to live and who have chosen hospice care for comfort, not to cure their condition. Medicare Part A will cover virtually 100% of hospice care expenses for those who are eligible for Medicare and have been certified as terminally ill. […]
Does Medicare Cover Cataract Surgery?
Key Takeaways: Medicare covers cataract surgery as an outpatient procedure, under Medicare Part B. Medicare Part B pays 80% of the procedure after the annual deductible is met. Cataract surgery takes place in an ambulatory surgical center or via a hospital outpatient department. It involves removing the cloudy natural lens of the eye and replacing […]
Does Medicare Cover Physical Therapy?
Key Takeaways: Medicare Part B (outpatient services) covers medically necessary physical therapy. Physical therapy can be recommended by a doctor or other healthcare provider. This includes a nurse practitioner, nurse specialist or physical assistant. Physical therapy can be subject to Medicare Part B excess charges if the services provider does not accept Medicare Assignment. Medicare […]
Does Medicare Cover Eye Exams?
Key Takeaways Generally, Original Medicare doesn’t cover routine eye exams for corrective vision. These include exams for eyeglasses or contact lenses. However, Medicare Advantage plans might offer additional coverage that can include limited corrective vision care. Medicare Part B does cover medically necessary exams due to a specific eye disease or conditions such as cataract […]
What Are Medicare Part B Drugs?
Key takeaways: Prescription drug coverage included in Part B of Medicare coverage is referred to as Part B drugs. Part B is a one-half of Original Medicare, the federal government’s long-standing fee-for-service version of the Medicare program. Outpatient prescription drugs covered by Medicare Part B are typically those administered by a medical professional in a […]
Medicare Supplement Plans K & L
Key Takeaways: Medicare Supplement Plan K and Plan L are low cost alternatives to full coverage Medicare supplement plans. However, people interested in Plan K or Plan L should seriously consider the Plan G High Deductible because it is more insurance at a lower cost. What Is A Medicare Supplement? Medicare Supplement Plans (aka Medigap […]
Do I have to Sign Up for Medicare at Age 65?
Key Takeaways You do not have to sign up for Medicare at age 65. If you or your spouse continues with creditable health coverage, there is no penalty for delaying Medicare enrollment indefinitely. Creditable coverage includes most employer group health coverage. The employer must have 20 or more employees for the group health plan coverage […]
When Does Medicare Coverage Start?
Key Take Away: Overview of Medicare and its Eligibility Requirements Medicare is a government health care program that provides health coverage to people age 65 or older, as well as younger people with disabilities, end-stage renal disease (ESRD), or Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS). Medicare is administered by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), […]
Medicare Supplement Plans Explained
Table of Contents Add a header to begin generating the table of contents Scroll to Top In this article I will cover the pros and cons of Medicare supplement Plans. The intent of Medicare Supplement Plans Explained is to help you understand how Medicare supplement plans work with your Medicare. In addition we will […]
Medicare Explained – What is Medicare?
Table of Contents Add a header to begin generating the table of contents Scroll to Top Medicare explained! Medicare Made Clear! Medicare simplified! Understanding Medicare! Medicare explained simply. No matter how we word it, understanding Medicare is not always as easy as it looks. It’s not just Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B (Original […]
Medicare Explained – Secrets of Who & Why
https://youtu.be/w6JTWY6HFHU Medicare Explained, the Secrets of Who and Why Medicare explained, Medicare made easy, Medicare made clear, no matter how we word it in the title of all these videos that you’re watching, understanding Medicare is not always easy. I know. I have helped over 10,000 people with their Medicare in just the past five years. […]
How to Sign Up For Medicare and When
How Do I Sign Up for Medicare? Are you just getting started in researching Medicare and you need to know to apply for Medicare, when you can apply for Medicare or even how to delay your Medicare enrollment? This blog post covers that and includes changes in enrollment made during the pandemic as well as […]
What Does Medicare Not Cover?
Medicare was never intended to be stand-alone medical insurance. It is designed to be the primary foundation of a health insurance program from which the consumer can build upon and construct the full insurance coverage desired. You should be aware of what Medicare does not cover so that you can fill in those gaps to construct a more robust insurance program for your needs.
How Much Does Medicare Cost?
As most people are obligated to pay Medicare premiums, it is valuable to educate yourself on the topic. Especially if you’re close to turning 65 or you’re about to retire, you may have some questions regarding how much you will have to pay with every coverage part. Since it might be a little challenging to […]
Medicare Part D Explained 2023
I understand how confusing Medicare can be. I help people with their Medicare decisions every day. My mission and my agency’s mission is to help you make an informed decision about your Medicare choices. That is why in this video I will go over the Medicare Part D prescription drug program. This is the prescription […]
How to Sign Up for Part D Medicare?
Signing up for Part D Medicare can be challenging. First, you need to ensure you can even enroll for it. Secondly, you can only sign up for it during specific enrollment periods. And lastly, with so many Medicare D options available, how do you know which one is right for you? Long story short, there […]
How To Compare Medicare Part D Plans?
Before choosing a Medicare prescription drug plan, it pays to be an informed consumer. Reviewing plans that offer prescription drug coverage blind can make the process frustrating and unclear and may result in you not getting the best prescription drug plan for your needs. To some extent, the factors that influence your decision when choosing […]
What is Medigap Insurance?
You may have heard of Medigap insurance but aren’t quite sure what it is. This type of insurance is also known as Medicare Supplement insurance. In this article, we will answer the questions of what Medigap is in addition to providing more information about this type of supplemental insurance. For Further Research For even more […]
Disadvantage of Medicare Advantage Plans
One of the first and most important decisions Medicare beneficiaries must make when starting Medicare Part B is the decision between Original Medicare coverage (aka Traditional Medicare) combined with Medicare supplement insurance or a Medicare Advantage Plan. Which you choose can determine the quality of care you receive and define the choices you have with […]
Do You Have to Enroll in Medicare Every Year?
Generally, you do not need to renew Medicare coverage each year if you are happy with your coverage and your premiums. Once you sign up for Medicare, you will only be at risk of losing the Part B portion if you fail to pay your premiums. For Parts C and D, which are usually supplied […]
Does Medicare Cover Emergency Ambulance Service?
Key Take Away: Medicare covers both ground and air ambulance services with some limitations. Emergency Service to a foreign hospital is possible. Non emergency ambulance services can be covered when medically necessary. If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan you must check the specific benefits of your plan. The cost and benefits will be different […]
Who Is Eligible for Medicare?
Key Takeaway: Medicare is a federal government national health insurance program created to help cover the costs of medical care for U.S citizens and permanent legal resident’s who are age 65 or older, or under and have received Social Security disability income for at least 24-months or have been diagnosed with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) […]
The Medicare Hold Harmless Provision
The Medicare Hold Harmless Provision protects people on Social Security Income (SSI) from a reduced income if their annual Part B premium increase exceeds the Social Security cost-of-living adjustment. Social Security is a safety net for retirees who can’t save enough money to support themselves in their golden years. If you are a Social Security […]
How Does Medicare Work?
As your turn to enroll in Medicare approaches, it’s natural you become more interested in how this federal health insurance program can help you. However, by now, you’ve probably noticed that Medicare can be a pretty complex and confusing subject. Trust us when we say that confusion with Medicare can only cause trouble, leading to […]
What Is Medicare Part F and What Does It Cover?
If you are researching your medicare options. you may be at least somewhat familiar with Medicare Supplement Plan F. It is the Medicare supplement (aka Medigap Plan) with the most insurance coverage because it cover 100% of the deductibles, copays and coinsurance that Medicare leaves as the patients responsibility. Plus it covers 100% of Medicare […]
What Are Medicare Parts?
Parts of Medicare are the different segments of Medicare, and they include Parts A, B, C, and D. Each part is a separate program, but they all work together to provide health insurance for those who qualify. Each part has its own eligibility requirements and costs. Medicare Parts A and B combined are also called […]
IBM Retiree – Group Advantage Plan Pros & Cons
IBM Group Medicare Advantage 2023 Pros & Cons If you are an IBM retiree you have probably already received a notice about their changing retiree plans to a United Healthcare Group Advantage Plan. A number of our clients are IBM retirees who chose to work with us in years past and have asked my opinion […]
How Old Do You Have To Be To Get Medicare?
Medicare is a U. S. government-funded health insurance program specifically for people 65 and older as well as those under 65 who have received Social Security disability income for 24-months. What is Original Medicare? Original Medicare consists of two parts, Part A is inpatient and hospital insurance. Part B is outpatient and physician services. Together, […]
Does Medicare Cover Shingles Vaccines?
Yes, Medicare does cover shingles vaccines. Effective January 01, 2023 the shingles vaccine, Shingrix, is available for free to all Medicare beneficiaries. The Shingrix vaccine is covered under your Medicare Part D prescription drug plan. The newly passed Inflation Protection Act has changed what an insurance company can charge for the vaccine as of January […]
Is Medicare Plan G Better Than Plan F?
The federal Medicare program for people aged 65 and older was signed into law on July 30th, 1965. Since then, there have been many revisions. The federal Medicare program was made available to those who are under 65 and permanently disabled in 1972. Medicare supplement plans were added in 1992 but were very different than […]
Cancer, Heart Attack and Stroke Insurance
Cancer, heart attack, and stroke are critical illnesses that can have a devastating impact on your health. In addition to causing great physical discomfort, these conditions can be life-threatening and often require expensive treatment plans. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that one in four adults in the United States has at least […]
Medicare Supplement Plans Comparison Chart
Below is a plan comparison chart of the benefits provided by the standardized Medicare supplement insurance plans. This table is for all states except Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, whose policies are structured similarly but different. Medicare supplement benefits in those three states are also standardized. You can read more on the Medigap benefits offered in […]
What Are Medicare Part B Excess Charges?
What Does Part B Excess Charges Mean? A Medicare Part B excess charge is when a physician charges the patient more than the Medicare approved amount for an outpatient service. Only Medicare providers with a non-participating contract are allowed to charge an excess charge, and they are limited to no more than 15% of the […]
What Is Medicare Part D?
Medicare Part D is that part of Medicare that provides insurance coverage for most Medicare prescription drugs. In general, Medicare prescription drug coverage can be divided into three categories; inpatient prescriptions, Medicare Part B medications and Part D prescription drug plans. This article explores each in order to help you best understand Part D.
Medicare Supplements for Disabled People Under 65
Everyone knows the importance of having health insurance coverage, especially in the United States. Without it, a medical event can result in huge medical bills that you’ll have pay out-of-pocket. This can be many thousands of dollars. In fact, medical costs are the number one cause of bankruptcies in the United States. In short, having […]
Medicare Agent Near Me
I have been helping people with their retirement and Medicare decisions since 1984. In that time, I have spoken with countless seniors of all ages, both new to medicare and those who have had Medicare in some form or another for years. I have witnessed or been privy to just about every Medicare horror story you can imagine. All of the stories are heartbreaking, and many were totally preventable.
Do I Need Supplemental Insurance With Medicare?
As advantageous as the Federal Medicare program is, it only covers a part of your health care costs. When enrolled in the Medicare Part A and Part B plan, you will still be required to pay several out-of-pocket costs, such as deductibles, coinsurance, or copayments for medical services. To help reduce costs associated with Original […]
Medicare Supplement Plan N vs Plan G
We review post pandemic changes to Medigap Plan N
How To Change Medicare Plans?
If you are on a Medicare Advantage plan or Part D prescription drug plan and want to change your plan, you can do so during the annual enrollment period. This is the time when you can sign up for a new plan or make changes to your existing coverage. You can also switch from original […]
How Medicare Works with Tricare for Life
I believe you cannot improve on your healthcare by messing with your TriCare. If you replace your original Medicare with an Advantage plan you are actually reducing your insurance coverage and increasing your financial risk
Grants to Go Back to School – For Adults Over 50
As people age, they often find that their responsibilities change. They may have retired from their longtime career or become empty nesters as their children have gone off to college. For many adults over 50, this can be a time of transition and self-reflection. For those looking to return to school, there are now more […]
Differences Between Medicare Advantage and Medigap
There is a lot of confusion regarding Medicare Advantage and Medigap. A Medicare supplement plan (aka Medigap plan) builds on your Original Medicare, paying most of the deductibles and copay so that virtually all your Medicare inpatient and outpatient expenses are paid for. A Medicare Advantage Plan (aka Medicare Part C) replaces your Original […]
What is IRMAA?
The IRMAA monthly charge is an extra premium charged to higher income earners for their Medicare Part B (outpatient) and Part D (prescription drug) coverage.
Does Medicare Cover Dental?
Does Medicare Cover Dental? Video & Blog One of the most common questions we receive is, Does Medicare cover dental procedures or eye exams? The short answer is that Medicare does not cover most dental care. This includes cleanings, fillings, dentures, extractions and so on. It also does not cover eye exams for eyeglasses or […]
Medicare Supplement Plan G
What is Medicare Supplement Plan G? A Medicare supplement plan is an insurance policy designed to work with your Original Medicare. It pays the deductibles and copays that are the patients’ responsibility when you have Medicare Part A and Part B. For example, after a small deductible, Medicare Part B pays 80% of your outpatient […]
Medigap Benefits
This chart shows basic information about the different benefits that Medigap policies cover. If a percentage appears, the Medigap plan covers that percentage of the benefit. The remaining percentage is your obligation. Benefits Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) Plans A B C D F* G* K L M N Part A coinsurance and hospital costs (up […]
Best Medicare Supplement Plan
Which is the best Medicare supplement plan? This article is for those people researching Medicare and who want to know which is the best Medicare supplement plan. Or, more accurately, which Medicare supplement plan may be right for you. There are a number of videos and articles with headlines like this one; what is the […]
FAQ Changing Medicare Plans or Companies
Medicare_FAQ_ PDF format Frequently Asked Questions
High Deductible Medicare Supplement Plans
Medicare Supplement Plan G High Deductible There is a lot of confusion around the high deductible Medicare supplement plans. There is confusion about how they pay benefits, as well as their value. In this article I am going to show a very easy way to view the benefits of high deductible Medicare supplement plans and […]
Best Medicare supplement insurance company
Medicare Insurance Companies – Best Medicare Supplement Plans So, you have found the right Medicare supplement plan, but which insurance company should you go with? How do you research Medicare supplement insurance companies? Which is the best Medicare supplement insurance company in your area?Of all the decisions that must be made when starting Medicare, choosing […]
Medicare high deductible plan G and Plan F Updates
Table of Contents Add a header to begin generating the table of contents Scroll to Top My company has help thousands of consumers with their Medicare supplement high deductible plans. This includes both Medicare high deductible Plan G and the High Deductible Plan F. There are events unfolding that will have a significant impact on […]
Medicare Maximum Out Of Pocket
We are often asked, does Medicare have a maximum out of pocket limit? In conversations with those who contact us as well as other agents who are relatively new to Medicare I have found a tremendous amount of confusion. In this article I will be covering the subject of maximum out-of-pocket limits for Original Medicare […]
Medicare NY Medicare CT
If you are a resident of either New York or Connecticut and are researching your Medicare options, this video is for you. Medicare in New York and Medicare in Connecticut (Medicare NY Medicare CT) are different than the rest of the country. Or, more specifically, residents of New York and Connecticut have state laws that give […]
Medicare Advantage Plans Explained
Table of Contents Add a header to begin generating the table of contents Scroll to Top This article will help you understand Medicare Advantage Plans. Our intent is to focus on the Pros and Cons of Medicare Advantage Plans so you can make an informed decision. Medicare Advantage Plans Explained is written to help you […]
Medicare Advocate Services
https://youtu.be/TK3d7lnl6gw Medigap Seminars offers Medicare Advocate services to all our Medicare supplement and Medicare Advantage Plan clients, at no cost. How would you like to know that no matter what problems or issue arise with your Medicare claims, billing and appeals, you have a highly trained Personal Medicare Advocate you can call on for help? […]
Do I need a Medicare Insurance Agent?
Table of Contents Add a header to begin generating the table of contents Scroll to Top With approximately 10,000 people turning 65 every day in the United States, there is a lot of interest in Medicare. Every day people are searching the internet or opening the 150 page Medicare & You handbook to learn about […]
Medicare Mistakes
There are many types of Medicare mistakes consumers should to avoid. This article focuses on mistakes people make when researching Medicare supplement Insurance companies. If you are researching Medicare supplement plans and are trying to figure out which insurance company might be best, this article and video is for you Mistakes People Make When Choosing […]
Do I Need An Insurance Agent For Medicare?
With approximately 10,000 people turning 65 every day in the United States, there is a lot of interest in Medicare. Every day people are searching the internet or opening the 150 page Medicare & You handbook to learn about the rules, the features, the benefits and the choices they have when it comes to Medicare. […]
Moving With Medicare – What To do If Moving To Another State
Are you planning on moving to another state and want to know how it will impact your Medicare? We have answers for you in this video about moving with Medicare coverage. Moving Out of State with Medicare So, you have your original Medicare coverage federal healthcare program and you are seriously thinking about moving to a […]
Medicare Supplement Plan N – Big News
In this brief video I have some big news on current events and their impact on Medicare supplement Plan N. If you have a Medicare supplement Plan N or are currently researching Medicare supplement plans, this information will be important to you. So, stay tuned. For those who have watched any of my 40 plus […]
Independent Medicare Insurance Agent
When researching their options, many people search for an “independent Medicare insurance broker near me”. This article and video detail the advantages of using an independent Medicare insurance agent vs. the classic captured agent. How is an independent Medicare insurance agent or broker different from a regular insurance agent and why is this important to […]
Medigap Plan N is Often The Best Value
Medigap Plan N is often the best value Medicare supplement and one of the most overlooked plans available. This is especially true if you live in one of the MOM states (States with laws called the Medicare Override Measure) where Medicare Part B excess charges are restricted or forbidden. This includes Pennsylvania, Connecticut, New York, Ohio, Rhode […]
Medicare Supplement Plan – Benefits & Hidden Risks
Medicare Supplement Plans – Benefits & Hidden Risks If you are researching Medicare and you want to know about Medicare supplement and their role in your healthcare, this video is for you. In this video I will explain Medicare Supplement Plans Benefits & Hidden Risks. Even if you have already looked at different Medicare supplement […]
Avoid Surprise Medicare Bills – Understand the ABN Form
This video covers the five things you need to know if you want to learn how to avoid surprise Medicare bills. The video includes tips on how to manage your Medicare Wellness visits and preventive care lab tests. We also cover the ABN Form (Advanced Beneficiary Notice) and why all people on Original Medicare must understand this form and […]
Medicare Part D Penalty – What You Need to Know
Should you enroll in a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan even if you are healthy and take no medication? This Medicare Part D penalty video details the two important points you should consider when you are contemplating not enrolling in Medicare Part D. The true cost and risk to you and your family is much more […]
Medicare for Snowbirds and RVers
Best Medicare Coverage for Snowbirds & RVers Key Take-aways: Use your permanent residence address when enrolling in Medicare and purchasing any plans. This is the address from which you vote and pay taxes. Your permanent resident address must match the address on file at Social Security. Original Medicare plus a supplement is your best options […]
Florida Medicare Supplement | Best Medicare Plans
This video and article detail some of the information you need to know about your Medicare choices once you have become Medicare Eligible. It’s especially focused on issues pertaining to Florida residents but does apply to most other states. This will help you find the best Medicare plans available to you. Read the article here: The […]
Medicare Advantage Examples
This is a political advertisement, but the fact it points out is that in order to pay for Obama Care, the Federal Government has targeted cuts in Medicare Advantage plans. This video is a news story about a lady that was denied coverage under Medicare Advantage. Medicare Advantage plans can also terminate your doctor for […]
What You Need To Know To Find Best Medigap Plan
Whether you are new to Medicare and want to be sure you make the right choices from the start, or you have been with Medicare for years and simply want to be certain that you are getting the best coverage and value for your money, this video about What You Need To Know To Find […]
Overpriced Medicare Supplements
Watch our other education videos on Medicare here: All About Medicare We Shop, You Save! The statistics are startling; two out of every three of Medicare Supplement policyholders are overpaying for their supplement policy by between $400 and $1,100 per year. Medicare Supplement plans are standardized by Medicare so that they offer the exact same benefits […]
Equitable Medicare Supplement Plans (Another One Bites the Dust)
Another Medicare supplement company has announced it is exiting the Medicare Market. Equitable National announced this week that as of June 30, 2020 they will no longer offer Equitable Medicare supplement plans. That’s it. All done. What does that mean for you if you own one of the Equitable Medicare supplement plans? Equitable Medicare Supplement […]
Loyal Christian Benefit Association Withdrawal of Medicare Supplement Business
Loyal Christian Benefit Association Withdrawal of Medicare Supplement Business There are several reasons why people shopping for a Medicare supplement policy should stay away from small companies and companies new to the Medicare market. Many companies new to Medicare fail. This is especially true with Medicare Advantage plans, but also happens with insurance organizations who […]
How to Research a Medicare Supplement Plan Insurance Company
If you are trying to research a Medicare supplement insurance company, to find out which insurance company to use, this article is for you. When it comes to insurance companies, the internet is filled with information that is both inaccurate and often not relevant to your Medicare supplement. I am often asked what criteria I […]
IG Report on Medicare Advantage Denial of Service
This is a second blog post on what I believe to be THE most important issue for people on Medicare. Whether you are new to Medicare or have has Medicare for years this is important information if you ever decide to consider a Medicare Advantage plan. So, how can we build on that post? Linked below […]
Costly Medicare Mistakes
I have been helping people with their retirement and Medicare decisions since 1984. In that time, I have spoken with countless seniors of all ages, both new to medicare and those who have had Medicare in some form or another for years. I have witnessed or been privy to just about every Medicare horror story you can imagine. All of the stories are heartbreaking, and many were totally preventable.
The Best Medicare Plans for Florida Residents.
Every state is unique in how Medicare Supplement plans are priced and the quality of Medicare Advantage plans that are available. In this article we will discuss which Medicare plans you should consider of you are researching the best Medicare Supplement Plans for Florida residents. Watch Our Video of This Article Here When it comes […]
How to Choose A Medicare Plan-Part 1
Rather than present this How to Choose A Medicare Plan guide in one large article, this will be a two-part series. This, the first article, will review how you should approach learning about Medicare and a process to follow in making your choices. We will also review Original Medicare and Medicare Supplement policies. In part […]
Medicare and the Cost of Cancer Treatment
This article is for both the person facing cancer today, wanting to know what to expect from their Medicare insurance as well as for the person turning 65 and weighing the pros and cons of staying with Original Medicare or moving to Medicare Advantage. Medicare and the cost of cancer treatment is written to help […]
Medicare for Florida Snowbirds
Medicare Snowbird Takeaways For Florida snowbirds, Original Medicare (the federal program) plus a supplement will provide the best Medicare coverage for their travel plans. You will not be limited to a local network of medical providers. With Original Medicare, snowbirds get nationwide coverage and can see any doctor or medical facility that accepts Original Medicare […]
Medicare Part B Explained
What is Medicare Part B? In general, your Medicare insurance is divided into three parts; Part A, Part B and Part D. The simplest descriptions of Medicare refer to Part A as inpatient hospital coverage and Medicare Part B as outpatient coverage. While technically correct, the details are where many Medicare beneficiaries get caught misunderstanding […]
Medicare Part A – Inpatient Coverage
With over 70% of seniors in the United States participating, original Medicare remains the top healthcare program in the country. Because seniors can choose any doctor that takes Medicare without having to consider networks or referrals, Original Medicare offers seniors more freedom of choice than any alternative Advantage program. In addition, because virtually every medically […]
Medicare Supplement Plan N Review
Medicare Supplement Plan N Review Medicare supplement Plan N is one of ten Medicare supplement plans standardized by the federal government. Medicare supplement plans are also referred to as Medigap Plans. Medicare supplement plans are offered by private insurance companies and provide additional coverage to Medicare beneficiaries by paying the deductibles and copays left as […]
