Medicare Open Enrollment Checklist

Every year, Medicare recipients have an opportunity to make changes to their healthcare coverage. From October 15 through December 7, you can drop, switch, or enroll in Medicare plans. Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period (OEP) may be your chance you to lower your out-of-pocket costs or expand your benefits.  If you experience changes in your health or budget, or just want to explore the Medicare options in your area, OEP is the time to do just that. But, before you make a decision, go over the…

Can I Switch Medicare Plans? 

Reaching the age when you’re eligible for Medicare health care insurance is a big deal. For millions of Americans, enrollment in this federal program comes at a time when they are experiencing both economic and health care changes.  At age 65, you may no longer be eligible for group health insurance through an employer, your retirement benefits may provide less money than your salary or wages did, and you may be more concerned about medical issues as your approach your senior years. This means that…

Does Medicare Cover Knee Replacement Therapy?

Flexibility and mobility are incredibly important when it comes to your quality-of-life. Specifically, your joints play an integral part in your ability to enjoy everyday activities, take care of yourself, and perform necessary functions every day. If you experience joint problems,  you may be left with pain, disability, loss of sensation and trouble keeping your balance. For many people who face joint pain, loss of flexibility and trouble with mobility, treatments including medication and injections may be able to help. Additionally, engaging in regular exercise and…

Just Turned 65?

Just Turned 65?

Unless you already qualified due to a long-term disability, turning 65 means that you qualified for Medicare. You may have received your Medicare ID card in the mail a few months before you even celebrated your birthday. If Medicare is new to you, you should consider your options during your Initial Enrollment Period. Let’s go through some Medicare enrollment information so can choose the Medicare plan that’s right for you. Initial Enrollment Period Your Initial Enrollment Period is a 7-month period that begins three months…

Does Medicare Cover Air Purifiers?

If you live with allergies, asthma, or chronic respiratory issues, you know that pollen, pollutants, smoke, mold, pesticides and other chemicals in the air can aggravate your condition. Indoor air can be just as dangerous as what you face outdoors, but air purifiers can remove harmful particles in the air. Effective and safe air purifiers can filter the air within a designated area in your home and help keep you and your family healthy. Air purifiers have been around for hundreds of years in one…

Does Medicare Cover a Personal Trainer?

Staying healthy and active is essential, especially as we age. Cardiovascular activity, strength training, and flexibility exercises, in conjunction with a nutritional, balanced diet, can help you maintain your physical and mental well-being throughout your senior years. You may be considering joining a gym, hiring a personal trainer, or starting a new workout routine, but can Medicare help you accomplish your fitness goals? Medicare’s Preventive Services Medicare’s preventive services can get you started on a path to physical fitness by covering an initial Welcome to…

Does Medicare Cover a Pancreas Transplant?

A pancreas transplant offers a potential cure for type 1 diabetes, but this surgery is reserved for people who live with severe secondary complications from diabetes, including kidney failure.  Any organ transplant comes with significant risks, including blood clots, infection, organ failure or rejection, or urinary complications, but if your physician considers it medically necessary, understanding your Medicare coverage may help alleviate some of the stress involved. What is a pancreas transplant? The pancreas is the organ located behind the lower part of your stomach…

Does Medicare Cover a Biopsy?

When your doctor suggests a biopsy, you may be understandably concerned, but knowing what to expect can help. Procedures can be costly, and when you are already a little stressed about your health, you shouldn’t have to worry about how you will pay the medical bills from the procedure. Let’s find out how Medicare insurance will help cover the cost of a biopsy and any associated expenses. What is a biopsy? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a biopsy is a…

Can I Change My Prescription Drug Plan During Open Enrollment?

Can I Change My Prescription Drug Plan During Open Enrollment?

Every year during the Medicare Open Enrollment Period from October 15th to December 7th, Medicare beneficiaries can change their Medicare coverage to better fit their health care and budget needs.  Enrollees can switch from Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare or vice versa, choose a different Medicare Advantage plan, or they can switch, add, or drop Part D prescription drug coverage. Unless you qualify for an Extra Help program or qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, OEP may be the only time you can change your…

5 Things to Consider When Changing Medicare Plans During Open Enrollment

5 Things to Consider When Changing Medicare Plans During Open Enrollment

If it’s fall, it’s the time of the year when Medicare beneficiaries review their current coverage and compare it to other available Medicare benefits plans. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) gives all Medicare enrollees the opportunity to make changes to their coverage during the Open Enrollment Period that takes place every year from October 15th to December 7th.  During Open Enrollment you can: Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan Switch from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare Parts A…