Medicare and the Mental Health Access Improvement Act

According to studies, seniors face a variety of mental health challenges. It is estimated that more than one in five adults over the age of 60 suffer from at least one mental or neurological disorder, including anxiety, cognitive impairment, depression, and other mood disorders. Marriage and family therapists and mental health counselors are now eligible […]

“Brain training” is the fastest growing Medicare Advantage fitness benefit

Brain training has emerged as the fastest growing Medicare Advantage fitness benefit since the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services began tracking distinct fitness benefit categories in 2019. When CMS required insurance plans to differentiate between physical fitness, wearable fitness trackers, and memory fitness programs, it revealed a significant trend in beneficiary preferences. Federal data […]

Does Medicare Have a Flex Card for Seniors?

A flex card is a debit card beneficiaries can use to purchase medical items and equipment. The cards are typically associated with flexible spending accounts and are available to health plans throughout the country. Insurance companies issue these cards on specific plans only. Moreover, each card has a different spending limit. The flex card benefit […]

Getting Reimbursed by Medicare

Medicare beneficiaries are generally not required to submit claims to get reimbursed. You may, however, need to pay for medical services at the time of service and file for reimbursement later. Typically, Medicare reimbursements are filed by Medicare providers and suppliers who send Medicare claims. If you do need to file for reimbursement from Medicare: […]

Workers’ Compensation Insurance and Medicare

Workers’ Compensation pays for health care items or services related to job-related illness or injury. Medicare generally does not pay for injuries or illnesses/diseases covered by workers’ compensation. A claim may be filed with Medicare if workers’ compensation denies all or part of it because it is not covered. The Medicare program may pay a […]

What Is Medicare Tax?

Medicare tax is a federal employment tax that funds Medicare Part A, which provides hospital insurance coverage for people 65 and older and those with certain disabilities. This tax helps pay for hospitalizations, hospice care, skilled nursing facility care, and some home healthcare services. The current Medicare tax rate is 2.9% of wages, split equally […]

Is there an advantage to Medicare Part B for Federal retirees?

Federal retirees with FEHBP coverage face a unique decision regarding Medicare Part B. While NARFE correctly notes that many federal retirees may not need Part B immediately due to their comprehensive FEHBP benefits, there are important considerations to weigh. The primary advantage of enrolling in Part B at 65 is avoiding future penalties. If you […]

What is Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan F?

Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan F is one of the most comprehensive Medigap policies available, though it’s only offered to people who became eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020. Plan F covers virtually all Medicare cost-sharing, making it popular among beneficiaries who want predictable healthcare expenses. Plan F covers all Medicare Part A and Part […]

What do I pay for hospice while enrolled with Medicare?

Medicare covers most hospice care costs when you’re enrolled. Once you elect hospice care, Original Medicare pays for all care related to your terminal illness and related conditions, even if you have a Medicare Advantage Plan. Your out-of-pocket costs are minimal. You pay nothing for hospice care services. You’ll pay a small copayment of up […]

How are Medicare and Social Security Related?

Medicare and Social Security are two distinct government programs that work together in several important ways. Understanding their relationship helps beneficiaries navigate both systems more effectively. Medicare provides health insurance coverage for people 65 and older, certain younger people with disabilities, and those with end-stage renal disease. Social Security, on the other hand, provides retirement […]