Medicare Coverage Gap changes for 2026
Big changes continue for Medicare drug coverage in 2026. The coverage gap, also known as the donut hole, was officially eliminated on December 31, 2024. For 2026, Medicare Part D plans include a $2,050 annual cap on out-of-pocket costs for covered prescription drugs. Once you spend $2,050 out of pocket, including certain payments made on […]
Does Medicare Cover Weight Loss Programs?
If you have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more, Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance)covers obesity screenings and behavioral counseling to help you lose weight by focusing on diet and exercise. Medicare covers this counseling if your primary care doctor or other qualified practitioner gives the counseling in a primary care setting (like […]
Medicare and Medicaid: Can They Take Your Home?
As a general rule, Medicare does not cover long-term care facilities. As a result, Medicare does not pose a challenge to your clear title to your home. It is common for people in care settings to pay for their care. Some deplete their liquid assets over time and qualify for Medicaid assistance. For more information […]
What is the Medicare Qualifying Individual (QI) Program?
The Qualifying Individual (QI) Program is a Medicare Savings Program that helps pay your Medicare Part B premium. To qualify, you must have both Part A and Part B and meet certain income and resource limits. You cannot get QI benefits if you qualify for full Medicaid. For 2026, the monthly income limit is $1,715 […]
Is Medicare Coverage available for People with Disabilities?
Under the age of 65, certain people with disabilities are eligible for Medicare. Social Security Disability benefits must have been received for 24 months, or the individual must have ESRD or ALS, commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. To collect Social Security Disability benefits, a beneficiary must wait five months after being determined to be […]
Why is my first Medicare bill so high?
There can be several reasons. Medicare generally bills in 3-month increments if you don’t have your premiums automatically deducted from Social Security. Beneficiaries are responsible for multiple Medicare costs, including monthly premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance or copayments. Most Medicare beneficiaries collect Social Security benefits, and for these enrollees, Medicare premiums are deducted from their monthly […]