What is the Welcome to Medicare Package?
The Welcome to Medicare package is an informational packet sent to people who are automatically enrolled in Medicare when they become eligible at age 65. This automatic enrollment happens if you’re already receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits when you turn 65. The package includes your Medicare card, an introductory letter, and a […]
How do I authorize Medicare to disclose personal information to others?
You must give Medicare written permission (an “authorization”) before Medicare can use or disclose your personal medical information for any purpose other than those stated in the Medicare & You handbook. It is your right to revoke your written permission at any time, except if Medicare has already taken action based on it. If you’re […]
Medicare Cognitive Assessments
During your regular visits (including your yearly “Wellness” visit), your provider may perform a cognitive assessment to check for Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. The Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) plan also covers a separate visit with your doctor or specialist to review your cognitive function, diagnose dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, and formulate a care […]
Now Medicare Part D covers vaccines at no cost
Medicare Part D now covers all adult vaccines recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices at no cost to beneficiaries. This significant improvement took effect January 1, 2023, as part of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. Previously, Medicare vaccine coverage was confusing and inconsistent. While Part B covered flu, pneumococcal, COVID-19, and hepatitis […]
What is a Medicare Supplement Guaranteed Issue plan?
The Guaranteed Issue Rights (also known as Medigap Protections) are your rights when insurance companies are required to offer you certain Medigap policies. In these situations, an insurance company: – Must sell you a Medigap policy – Must cover all your pre-existing health conditions – Can’t charge you more for a Medigap policy because of […]
What is the Medicaid 5 year look back penalty?
Using the Medicaid 5-year lookback, the government ensures that you have not given away your resources or money. The law attempts to prevent schemes in which the government pays for a senior’s care instead of them using their own funds or assets. Medicaid helps pay for long-term care, but it requires you to exhaust your […]
What are Medicare Advantage prescription drug (MAPD) plans?
Medicare Advantage prescription drug plans, commonly called MAPD plans, combine Medicare Advantage coverage with prescription drug benefits under Medicare Part D. These plans provide all the coverage of original Medicare Parts A and B, plus additional benefits and prescription drug coverage in a single plan. MAPD plans appeal to many beneficiaries who prefer having their […]
What plan provides both Medicare and Medicaid coverage?
Medicaid vs Medicare: You can have both A Dual Special Needs Plan is a special Medicare Advantage coordinated-care plan. It is an all-in-one plan that combines your Medicare Part A and Part B benefits, your Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage, your Medicaid benefits and additional health benefits such as vision, dental or fitness. Medicare-Medicaid […]
How is the Social Security COLA for 2026 going to affect Medicare premiums?
The Social Security cost-of-living adjustment for 2026 is 2.8 percent, giving most beneficiaries a modest increase in their monthly benefits. At the same time, the standard Medicare Part B premium is rising to $202.90 per month, an increase of $17.90 from the $185.00 premium in 2025. While the COLA provides extra income, it may not […]
2026 Medicare Parts A and B Premiums and Deductibles
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has announced the 2026 Medicare Parts A and B premiums and deductibles, which reflect increases from 2025 levels. Starting January 1, 2026, the standard monthly premium for Medicare Part B will be $202.90, up from $185 in 2025. The annual deductible for Part B will increase to $283, […]