Seniors account for more trips to the ER annually than any other age group. Falls, strokes, pain, and reactions to medications are just a few of the reasons people over the age of 65 visit the emergency room. Any trip to the emergency room can be stressful, but when you experience an injury, sudden illness, […]
About Medicare
AEP Checklist
Be prepared when Medicare’s Annual Election Period (AEP) begins on October 15. AEP is the time of the year when you can make changes to your Medicare coverage. HealthCompare has partnered with Medicare.org to produce an AEP checklist. Follow these steps so you’ll be ready to explore your Medicare insurance options: Have your red, white […]
What is Changing in Medicare Enrollment Periods in 2019?
Medicare recipients consider making changes to their coverage each year for a number of reasons, but you can only switch, drop, or enroll in new plans during specific enrollment periods during the year. Let’s review the enrollment periods for 2019. Annual Election Period (AEP) Medicare’s Annual Election Period, from October 15 to December 7, is […]
What’s New to Medicare in 2019?
With over 58 million people receiving Medicare benefits in 2018, and nearly 10,000 Baby Boomers aging into Medicare each day, changes to Medicare affect the lives of many Americans. Changes to Medicare for 2019 have been announced by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). These changes may affect Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement (Medigap), […]
Five Star Medicare Advantage Plans
Millions of Medicare recipients each year choose to enroll in a Medicare Advantage (MA) plan. Offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare, Medicare Advantage plans are required to provide the same coverage as Original Medicare Parts A and B, but many offer additional benefits. Some MA plans provide invaluable services that Original Medicare does […]
Common Questions About Your New Medicare Card
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that new Medicare cards would be delivered to all Medicare recipients between April 2018 and April 2019. A new identification card will be delivered to anyone who receives Medicare benefits. Many Medicare recipients have questions about this change. Let’s answer some of the most common questions […]
Replacing Your Medicare Card
When you are eligible for Medicare, your red, white and blue Medicare ID card arrives in the mail. What happens when it’s lost, stolen, or damaged? There’s no need to worry. Replacing your Medicare card is easy! Your Medicare card arrives three months before your 65th birthday or your 25th month of getting disability benefits […]
Countdown to Medicare’s Annual Election Period
It may seem early, but Medicare’s Annual Election Period (AEP) will be here before you know it. With a limited time to make changes to your current Medicare coverage, you want to be prepared. Medicare’s Annual Election Period starts on October 15 and ends December 7. Getting Ready for AEP Let’s countdown the top five […]
What is the Medicare Donut Hole?
Did you know some Medicare prescription drug plans (PDPs) or Medicare Advantage plans with prescription drug coverage (MA-PDs) have annual coverage limits? If you reach the annual coverage limit, you enter a temporary coverage gap, called “the donut hole.” During this period, you begin to pay a higher percentage for prescription drug costs out-of-pocket – […]
Services Covered by Medicare Part A & Part B
Medicare covers many tests, items and services like lab tests, surgeries, and doctor visits – as well as supplies, like wheelchairs and walkers. In general, Part A covers things like hospital care, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and home health services. Medicare Part B covers medically necessary services and preventative services. The partial-list of Medicare […]
Your Medicare Benefits: What Is the Limiting Charge?
When you visit a doctor or provider that accepts assignment, you know that they are contracted with Medicare to accept the Medicare-approved amount for a particular service as full payment. If you choose to go to a physician or supplier that does not accept assignment, there are a few things you should know. If your […]
Your Guide to Understanding Medicare Parts A-D
Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people age 65 or older, people with certain disabilities, or people with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). Some people get Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance) automatically, while others have to sign up for it and manually enroll during their Initial Enrollment Period (IEP). […]
Medicare Part A – Hospital Insurance
Medicare Part A, often referred to as hospital insurance, is Medicare coverage for hospital care, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and home health services. It is usually available premium-free if you or your spouse paid Medicare taxes for a certain amount of time while you worked, if you receive or are eligible to receive […]
Medicare Part B Medical Insurance Costs and Services
Medicare Part B is the medical insurance portion of Medicare, which covers physician services, outpatient hospital care, and many other services typically covered under health insurance plans. Part B is financed through monthly premiums paid by enrollees and by contributions from the federal government. What is the Cost to Enrollees? Premiums In 2017, the standard […]
What Is Medicare Advantage?
Medicare is a federal program that provides health insurance coverage for individuals over the age of 65, individuals under 65 with certain disabilities, and those diagnosed with ESRD. It’s divided into four parts; Part A, Part B, Part C, and Part D. Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C) are one of several options within the Medicare program. Follow […]
Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Coverage
Medicare, the federal program, helps cover health care costs for people over 65 (and under 65 with certain disabilities), and is divided into four parts: Part A: Covers hospital and inpatient services Part B: Covers doctor visits and other outpatient services. Together, Parts A and B are referred to as “Original Medicare.“ Part C: Also […]
What Is Medigap or Medicare Supplement Plans A-N?
Medicare Supplemental plans, or Medigap, cover the costs you’re responsible for with Original Medicare. There are 10 Medicare Supplement plan options available; A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, and N. Each plan has different, yet standardized, benefits and coverage that must follow federal and state laws, and must be clearly identified as […]
4 Tips to Help Your Parents Prepare for Medicare
Many people start out learning about Medicare by helping their senior parents find health insurance coverage. Medicare can be confusing at first, and it’s not uncommon to find yourself up to the ears and knee-deep in information about Medicare. But you certainly don’t have to go about it alone. There are a number of great […]
10 Advantages of Medicare Advantage Plans
As a Medicare beneficiary, you have options. You can choose to get your benefits through Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) or through a Medicare-approved private company that sells Medicare Advantage plans (Part C). Medicare Advantage plans must provide all of the same Part A and Part B services as Original Medicare, but many MA […]
Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage? 4 Questions to Help You Choose
When you become eligible for Medicare, choosing whether you get your Medicare benefits from Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage can be complicated. You may be wondering: “What is the best Medicare plan?” However, there really isn’t a “best” plan – there is only the best plan for your needs. So, how do you decide? First of […]