Medicare Insurance Articles
Second Chances: What If You Don’t Like Your Medicare Plan?
In a recent article, we looked at the Medicare enrollment periods. We saw that most people enroll when they turn 65, but some people might delay enrollment without paying a late enrollment fee if they have eligible insurance from current employment. What we didn’t...
How Much Does Medicare Cost? What to Expect
Medicare isn’t free. According to MarketWatch, a study published in the Retirement Management Journal found that retirees between the ages of 65 and 94 spend an average of $4,500 on healthcare costs each year, while a Fidelity study found that a 65-year-old couple...
When Can You Enroll for Medicare: Understanding Enrollment Periods
Enrolling in Medicare can be a confusing process. You must consider whether you’re the right age and financial status to enroll and what coverage you genuinely need. Some people have family or friends to help them through this task, but others must go at it alone....
2022 Medicare AEP – Trends & Insights: What to Expect
What does this year’s Medicare AEP have in store for us? During the Annual Election Period that runs between October 15 and December 7, Medicare enrollees will make their 2022 plan selections. With AEP right around the corner, here’s a look at what we can expect. More...
What Are Medicare SEPs?
If you need to enroll in Medicare or change your plan, you probably want to do it ASAP – but that’s not always possible. Medicare enrollments and plan elections are restricted to certain periods. Outside of these defined periods, you may not be able to make changes to...
How to Appeal Medicare Decisions
More than 60 million people are enrolled in Medicare. In a program that large, some mistakes are bound to happen. You may also find yourself in an unusual situation that requires special consideration. Unfortunately, these issues could mean that your premiums are...
How Medicare Enrollees Can Stay Healthy While Traveling
Now that the weather’s heating up and the vaccine is rolling out, many people are starting to think about taking a vacation again. A Harris Poll found that 77% of Americans are planning to travel this summer – compared to only 29% who planned a leisure trip during the...
Medicare Extra Help Income Limit
You help you clients find the best Medicare plans for their needs, but some of them might need a little extra help. Prescription drugs can be expensive – so expensive that some of your clients might not be able to afford them. That can lead to difficult decisions,...
Are You Spending Too Much on Medicare Prescription Drugs?
Medicare could save $1.7 billion a year if beneficiaries switched from brand name to generic prescription drugs. How much could you save? According to a study conducted by researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Medicare could have saved...
Who Should Buy a Medicare Supplement?
Medicare is far from free. According to the Fidelity Retiree Health Care Cost Estimate, a couple who retires in 2020 at age 65 will need approximately $295,000 just for healthcare costs. Saving for retirement is important, but so is picking the right Medicare plan....
Medicare Options for Clients with Chronic Conditions
Chronic conditions are common among seniors. More than one in four seniors has diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association, while more than one in five seniors has coronary heart disease, according to the CDC. The prevalence of many other chronic...
Your COVID-19 Vaccine Guide
Now that COVID-19 vaccines have been approved, many people are eager to get their shots. Other people have questions and concerns. Here’s what you need to know about the COVID-19 vaccine. Where and When Can I Get the Vaccine? Producing a vaccine takes time, and there...
Medicare Costs Announced for 2021
Medicare isn’t free – and in 2021, it will be even more expensive. The 2021 Medicare costs have been announced, and seniors can expect to pay a little more in the coming year. 2021 Medicare Part B Costs CMS has announced the 2021 premiums, deductibles and coinsurance...
Medicare News Roundup
The end of the year is a busy time for Medicare news, and 2020 has been an especially eventful year. There have been updates on the pandemic, as well as important announcements for 2021. Here’s what’s happening now. 2021 Low Income Subsidy Resource Limits CMS has...
Understanding Your Medicare Choices
When you become eligible for Medicare, you get a lot of options. This is a good thing. The more options you have, the more empowered you’ll be to take control of your healthcare and medical costs. But it also means you have a lot of big choices to make. To navigate...
Medicare & You: Highlights for 2021
Medicare’s annual enrollment period is right around the corner, and the new Medicare & You handbook has been released just in time. This is the official U.S. government Medicare handbook, and it contains important updates for 2021. New Comparison Tools Comparing...
What to Expect from Medicare in 2021
The fall open enrollment period for Medicare starts on October 15. To prepare, it’s smart to start thinking about what you want out of your 2021 plan. Here’s what to expect from Medicare in the coming year. A Wider Range of Benefits CMS has eased restriction on what...
Everything You Need to Know about Medicare Enrollment
Medicare enrollment mistakes can leave you with the wrong coverage for your needs – or no coverage at all. To avoid paying too much or losing out on the benefits you want, you need to know a few things about Medicare enrollment. When You Can Enroll Medicare has...
How to Choose a Medicare Agent
Medicare’s fall open enrollment period begins on October 15 and ends on December 7. This is your opportunity to make changes to your plan enrollment for the following year. Medicare can be confusing, but the right agent can help you make a good choice during open...
Medicare Beneficiaries with ESRD Now Eligible for Medicare Advantage
End-stage renal disease (ESRD) occurs when a person’s kidneys stop functioning. According to CMS, patients with ESRD will need either a regular course of long-term dialysis or a kidney transplant in order to stay alive. Both options come with a hefty price tag....