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Should I Call Medicare or Social Security?
Medicare and Social Security are inextricably linked. Beneficiaries and agents have long been confused by whom to call for a given situation. Below are a few of the more common Medicare and Social Security questions that arise and whom...
Read MoreWays to Pay for Your Medicare Part B Premium by Michele Malooley and Erin Fisher
If you are receiving Social Security: Your Part B premium will be deducted automatically from your Social Security check. The government refers to the “check” as your benefit. If you are not receiving Social Security: You...
Read MoreWhy Words Matter by John Parker, RHU, LTCP
There are many acronyms and words that may be similar but have particular meanings. For the uninitiated, it can be daunting, particularly in Medicare. Social Security sets eligibility rules for Medicare in cooperation with CMS so when...
Read MoreCreditable Coverage by Michele Maloohey and Erin Fisher
The issue of creditable coverage is an important term to understand because the question of creditable coverage could cost a Medicare beneficiary a substantial penalty. Employees enrolled in employer-based coverage assume their...
Read MoreThe Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (January 1-March 31)
Here is what can be done: change MA plan to another MA plan change MAPD plan to another MAPD plan change MA plan to MAPD plan change MAPD plan to MA plan disenroll from MA or MAPD to Original Medicare and enroll in a Part D Plan You...
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Two items buried in Trump’s budget call for big changes to Medicare PUBLISHED WED, FEB 12 20203:42 P
Sarah O’Brien@SARAHTGOBRIEN About 115 pages into President Trump’s proposed 2021 budget are two line items that Medicare beneficiaries might want to take note of. While the president’s proposals pertaining to Medicare...
Read MoreEnrolling in Medicare and/or a Medicare Health Plan
There is often confusion on how to enroll in Medicare, the options that are available and when can a person sign up. Part of this comes from online information and articles where these options were merged. They are two separate kinds...
Read MoreMedicare Plan F today… and in 2020
Plan F is the most comprehensive true Medicare Supplement plan available. Part A and B deductibles are fully covered, as are the coinsurances after Medicare has paid, including excess charges up to 15% of approved doctor charges....
Read MoreMedicare History, Part I: How Costs and Benefits Have Changed
I am fascinated with Medicare, especially in today’s charged political climate with health insurance. But health insurance has always been a charged debate. From Teddy Roosevelt’s desire to create a national healthcare...
Read MoreMedicare History, Part II: How Costs and Benefits Have Changed
We're back for Part II of our three-part series on Medicare history – its beginning in 1966 compared with its 2019 evolution. In this part, we are going to be examining Medicare Part B. Back in the original handbook, Part B was...
Read MoreMedicare News from NAHU - Responding to the Egg Whip Cuts
Last month, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released proposed guidance regarding Medicare Advantage (MA) rates for the 2017 plan year. The guidance proposed an average rate increase of 1.35%, a slight drop from the...
Read MoreMedicare News from NAHU - Will Part B and Part D Premiums Increase in 2016?
We will know in November, but it is “sort of” an election year! Click here to read more
Read MoreMedicare News from NAHU - When a Doctor Opts Out of Medicare
Did you know that doctors are required to tell a patient up-front that they have opted out of Medicare? Click here to read more
Read MoreMedicare News from NAHU - Observation Status
Your hospital status (whether the hospital considers you an “inpatient” or “outpatient”) affects how much you pay for hospital services (such as X-rays, drugs and lab tests) and may also affect whether Medicare...
Read MoreMedicare News from NAHU - What Human Resources Need To Know about Medicare
The human resources departments of many companies work hard to provide support and service to their employees regarding their health benefits. The one area where knowledge has been lacking is the understanding of Medicare eligibility...
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