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Getting your health care from doctors you know well can be reassuring, especially during your senior years. Because seniors tend to have more chronic health conditions than younger people, it’s vital that they visit their physicians consistently. Statistics show that people are more likely to make and keep, appointments when they are with doctors who are familiar to them.   Seeing a primary care physician is typically the first phase of a patient’s health care. These are the doctors who have an important role in diagnosing,…

Medicare wasn’t meant to be confusing, but it’s grown in complexity since it was first established. Original Medicare, still the program of choice for many seniors, consists of Part A and Part B benefits that work together but cover different services.  What is Medicare Part B?Medicare Part A is hospital insurance. After the deductible, it helps pay for inpatient hospital bills, as well as hospice care and stays in skilled nursing or rehabilitation facilities. When you sign up for Medicare benefits, you’re automatically enrolled in…

You may have heard of Medicare or Medicaid, but have you heard of a D-SNP? A D-SNP is a Dual Eligible Special Needs Plan. This plan is for those that qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid, therefore they are referred to as being ‘dual eligible’. A D-SNP is a type of Medicare Advantage plan. Medicare Advantage plans allow for bundling of coverage. MA plans are required to include Original Medicare Parts A and B, but most plans include additional benefits. D-SNP benefits cater to individuals…

Paying for prescription drugs can be costly, especially if you take multiple medications on a regular basis. Even if you only get prescribed medications every now and then, the out-of-pocket cost of some drugs with no insurance can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars per month.  Many seniors find this out the hard way as they encounter chronic health problems with age.Thankfully, Medicare offers a cost-saving option in the form of Medicare Part D. Part D is the prescription drug benefit of Medicare. It…

One of life’s most important milestones is signing up for Medicare health insurance. Every year in the United States, around one million new beneficiaries begin their Medicare coverage. Today, there are just under 64 million Medicare recipients, accounting for about 18 percent of the population in this country.  Whether you’re new to Medicare this year, or you’re doing your research for your upcoming enrollment, you need to know some of the basics of your coverage. It’s also important to keep up with the annual changes…

Finding a doctor you’re comfortable with can make office visits more pleasant, but it can also encourage patients to address health concerns early, when detection and treatment can lead to the most positive outcomes. Trust takes time to build, though, and once you find a physician you like, you might hate the idea of losing that connection when you change insurance. When you sign up for Medicare, one of your first concerns about getting new coverage may involve the doctors you’ll be able to see….

When you qualify for Medicare, you can choose to get your benefits through Original Medicare or through a Medicare Advantage plan, but how do you know which program is right for you? If you’re considering your options, ask yourself the following questions.  Do you prefer to have a limit to your annual medical expenses?  When you have Original Medicare, you’ll be responsible for sharing the costs of your care. Depending on the services you need and how frequently you need care, your costs can add…

If you’re hoping to make a change to your Medicare coverage, you may have to wait until Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period (OEP) for the opportunity to switch plans. Open Enrollment occurs every year, from October 15 through December 7. During this time, Medicare recipients can search through Medicare options, compare plans and enroll. New coverage will begin on January 1.  What exactly can you do during Open Enrollment? Switch from one MA plan to another During OEP, Medicare recipients who are already enrolled in a…

Depending on what medications you’ve needed, you may already know that certain prescription drugs can be quite expensive. But, even if the medications you use are generic, if you have a chronic condition or need the medications for a long period, the costs can add up over time. Even though Medicare Part A and Part B don’t include prescription drug coverage, you may have the chance to lower your prescription drug costs through Part D. What is Medicare Part D? Medicare Part D is prescription…

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…