Medicare
Articles
THE INFO YOU NEED TO MAKE AN INFORMED DECISION
Beware of Medicare Call Center Tactics and Scams
Like most seniors, you were probably inundated with information about Medicare during fall Annual Enrollment Period (AEP). You may think that now AEP is over, you are in the clear for a while – unfortunately, that’s not the case. Many seniors are still being targeted...
Do I Qualify for Medicare?
If you find yourself asking this question you are not alone in trying to understand Medicare’s eligibility rules. Eligibility for Medicare is usually determined by age or by disability. In either case, there are some basic requirements that must be met. You are...
Low Income Subsidy Can Help Pay Prescription Costs
If you are like many seniors, you are finding your retirement budget is not keeping up with the cost of living. It is making it more difficult to cover expenses, including those out-of-pocket costs for your prescription drugs. There is help available to those who...
What Happens to Your Medicare Dual-Eligible Special Needs Plan If You Lose Medicaid Eligibility?
The COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) will expire on May 11, 2023. This could affect millions of people currently enrolled in Medicaid. If you are a Medicaid recipient currently enrolled in a Medicare Dual-Eligible Special Needs plan (D-SNP), it may impact your...
Medicare Open Enrollment vs. Medicare Annual Enrollment. What’s the Difference?
Everyone with a Medicare Advantage plan has two opportunities to change plans each year: during Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period and Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period. What’s the difference? Although they do have some things in common, the enrollment timeframes and...
Why You Should Consult with an Agent Even if You Already Have a Medicare Plan
Medicare’s annual open enrollment period ends on December 7. This is an important opportunity for Medicare enrollees. Unfortunately, many Medicare beneficiaries don’t take advantage of it, and as a result, they could be stuck in plans that cost too much or that don’t...
Understanding Medicare Drug Coverage
Most people know when they sign up for Medicare that they need Part D to cover their prescription drugs. You can add a stand-alone Part D plan to original Medicare A and B, or you can sign up for a Part C Medicare Advantage plan that includes Part D. But there are...
What Do Medicare’s Star Ratings Mean
Every fall the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) releases its Star Ratings for Medicare Advantage and Part D plans. This timeline coincides with Medicare’s Annual Open Enrollment period when you are making decisions about your healthcare coverage for...
Medicare Enrollment Periods and Special Circumstances
Medicare has a number of different enrollment periods, each serving a different purpose, and each with its own set of rules and timelines. You may be familiar with the enrollment period when you first turn 65, but you may not be aware of Medicare’s Special...
Why You Should Choose a Local Texas Medicare Agent
Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) is upon us. This is the time period, from October 15 – December 7, when you have the opportunity to make changes to your Medicare coverage. During AEP you can: Change from one Medicare Advantage plan to another Switch from...
What Happens to Your Medicare Coverage If You Return to Work?
It is not uncommon for people who have retired from the workforce, to change their minds and go back to work. This can be for a variety of reasons. Maybe they found they missed the sense of purpose that work gave them. Some return to work for financial reasons,...
Health Insurance Options When Your Spouse Enrolls in Medicare
What happens when your spouse is approaching 65 and they decide to retire and enroll in Medicare? If you are covered under their employer-based health insurance and are not yet 65 yourself, where will you get coverage? You have several options to consider, and it’s...