Qualifying for Medicare hardly means free health care — there are still premiums and deductibles. However, people who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid (called “dual eligibility”) receive help paying their out-of-pocket costs. Medicare is a federal program available to anyone 65 or older. It consists of four major parts, each of which have premiums […]
read moreMedicare prescription drug (Part D) plans can have a coverage gap—called the “donut hole”–which limits how much Medicare will pay for your drugs until you pay a certain amount out of pocket. Although the gap has gotten much smaller since Medicare Part D was introduced in 2006, there still may be a difference in what you […]
read moreMedicare premiums are set to increase a modest amount in 2021, but still cut into any Social Security gains. The basic monthly premium will increase $3.90, from $144.60 a month to $148.50. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced the premium and other Medicare cost increases on November 6, 2020. The hike could […]
read moreMedicare beneficiaries in nursing homes may be eligible for an additional 100 days of skilled coverage due to the pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic has been particularly devastating for nursing homes and their residents. Aside from the tragically disproportionate loss of life, care for surviving residents has been delayed or interrupted due to infection, facility lockdowns […]
read moreDoes your Medicare or Medicare plan transfer if you move? If you plan to move states, can you take your Medicare or Medicaid plans with you? The answer depends on whether you have original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, or Medicaid. Medicare If you have original Medicare (Plans A and B), you can move anywhere in the […]
read moreYou may need to be switching Medicare plans if you move. If you are over 65 and preparing to move to another county or state, be sure to add “check Medicare plan” to your to-do list. You need to make sure your Medicare plan will still be in effect after you move. Whether or not […]
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