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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Coverage of Durable Medical Equipment
Are you aware that your durable medical equipment (DME) may be covered under Medicare? Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers medically necessary durable medical equipment that your doctor prescribes for…
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…
How to Compare Medicare Plans at Medicare.org
Medicare.org helps those eligible for Medicare, research, compare, buy, and enroll in a health insurance plan. Our quoting tool works to help Medicare beneficiaries like you compare hundreds of Medicare plans. We offer…
Who Pays First If I Have Other Health Coverage? If you have Medicare and other health coverage, each type of coverage is called a "payer.” When there's more than one payer, "coordination…
Qualified Medicare Beneficiary Program
What is a Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) Program? The QMB program is a state program that helps covers the cost of Medicare premiums, deductibles and coinsurance that Medicare beneficiaries usually…
Medicare, Medicaid, & VA Military Benefits Differences
There are three major government programs that offer healthcare benefits: Medicare, Medicaid, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA, formerly the Veterans Administration). Eligibility is different for each program…
How to Pay for Nursing Home Care
You may never need to move into any type of assisted living facility, but life can be unpredictable. Even though there are government programs that might be able to help…
Different Types of Long-Term Care
There are different types of long-term care. Long-term care refers to a broad range of medical and personal services designed to assist individuals who have lost their ability to function independently. The need for this…
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…
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…
What Happens If I Start Collecting Social Security After Retirement?
A Bigger Check After Full Retirement Age What happens if you start collecting social security after full retirement age? You'll likely get a bigger check every month. However, how much…
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.…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
How to Organize Your Medical Information in 5 Easy Steps
Physicians and health care providers keep medical records to better understand a patient’s prior care and to help inform their decision for treatment plans. Developing your own system for organizing…
17 Questions to Ask About Your Prescription Drugs
Whether you were prescribed a new medication or have been taking Rx meds for some time, there are important questions you can ask your doctor to become better informed about…
Important Reasons to Plan Ahead for Long-Term Care
Long-term care is for anyone of any age who needs help taking care of themselves over an extended period of time due to disability, severe mental illness, disease, injuries, or…
The Health Benefits of Pumpkin
After you have finished carving up the pumpkin for Halloween fun with the family, you might want to chop up another one to create some delicious and nutritious meals and…
A successful vacation requires a little extra planning to help mitigate worries and keep you as safe as possible while traveling. This is especially true for seniors and baby boomers…
Menopause Symptoms & Solutions
Menopause is the stage in a woman’s life when menstrual cycles have permanently ceased for one year, marking the end of her ability to conceive. Most women reach menopause between…
Dementia vs. Alzheimer’s: Understanding the Difference
Most of us have experienced an occasional lapse in memory at some point in our lives. Forgetting about an appointment or misplacing your eye glasses can be perfectly normal at…
Recommended Vaccines & Immunizations for Seniors
Immunizations for older adults are an important part of preventive care and just as important to your health as diet and exercise. The vaccine, or the shot you get from…
5 Easy & Healthy Thanksgiving Side Recipes
Thanksgiving Day is that time of year when we get together with family and friends around the dinner table to give thanks and remember our American history. If you’re trying…
Prescription Drug & Food Interactions to Avoid
Some medications just don’t mix with certain foods (and drinks). Bananas, milk, kale, grapefruit juice, walnuts, bacon, black licorice, chocolate, and mozzarella can be delicious treats on their own, but…
9 Questions to Help Prevent Surprise Medical Bills
Unfortunately, many people are hit with surprise medical bills and fees after being treated by a healthcare provider at a clinic or hospital. Even when patients make every effort to…
How to Talk With Seniors About Their Unsafe Driving
Talking to seniors about their driving abilities can be a difficult conversation to have. For many people, driving represents independence, so giving up that freedom can be very difficult to…
Rewarding Work-From-Home Volunteer Opportunities
Traveling outside of the home to volunteer isn’t always possible for everyone due to mobility constraints, limited access to transportation, or a lack of nearby volunteer opportunities. Are you looking…
Do You Need Medicare if You Have VA Benefits?
Are you a veteran with medical coverage through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) who is eligible, or nearing eligibility for Medicare coverage? If you already have medical coverage…
5 Pros of Using Medicare Agents to Find a Plan
Whether you’re new to Medicare or are a long-time Medicare beneficiary, an agent can help save you time, money, and your sanity when trying to navigate all your different Medicare…
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…
4 Thoughtful Ways to Thank Your Family Caregiver
Each year, millions of caregivers in the U.S. provide unpaid care for a loved one. These caregivers, known as “informal caregivers,” may be a spouse, partner, family member, friend, neighbor…
Senior Housing Options for ‘Aging in Community’
Most older adults want to “age in place,” meaning that as they age, they can continue to live at home or in the residence of their choice. However, aging in…
How to Help Seniors Combat Loneliness
Whether you live alone or with others, loneliness is bound to creep in if it feels like meaningful relationships are non-existent. Loneliness can happen to anyone at any age and…
How to Avoid Red Flags and Scams Online
Internet fraud is when scammers use the internet to steal personal information in order to carry out identity theft and cheat people of their money. These scams can take place…
Educational Gift Ideas Your Grandchildren Will Love
With the holidays approaching, it may be time to start thinking about gifts for the family. Do you know what you’re going to give everyone? How about the grandkids? If…
Easy Exercises Seniors Can Do Indoors
Don’t let something like inclement weather make you inactive! Staying active - even if you’re exercising for only 15 minutes - can significantly improve senior health. For example, a study published in the Annals…
According to the National Council on Patient Information and Education (NCPIE), seniors use more medicines—prescription, over-the-counter (OTC) and supplements—than any other age group in the U.S. Whether you take one pill…
What Is the SilverSneakers Program?
Are you looking for a senior fitness program? If you have a Medicare Advantage or Medigap plan, your health insurance may include a free fitness membership for adults 65+ called…
9 Great Ways for Seniors to Save Money
A simpler life with less things to buy means retirement can be cheaper for some folks than it was when they were working. However, with a surplus of time, a…
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…
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…
Auto Mobility Aids for Assisting Senior Drivers
As you age, getting in and out of your car, putting on your seatbelt, and turning around to park, among other tasks may not be as easy as it used…
3 Common Tracking Devices for Seniors
How much exercise do you get? Is your loved one with dementia safe at home? Could you or a loved one benefit from quicker access to help in an emergency?…
Signs of Prescription Drug Abuse in Elderly
Prescription drug abuse and misuse among older adults can sometimes be difficult for families and doctors to identify. Signs of addiction may be overlooked as a normal part of aging…
Top Trends Shaping Senior Living
Today’s American seniors - the baby boomer generation - are helping to shape new trends and design in senior living. Their demand for high-quality assisted living and skilled nursing isn't…
The Most Effective Ways to Quit Smoking
Giving up cigarettes is very hard for most smokers – even when they want to quit. According to a U.S. government study, 68% of adult smokers want to quit, and while more than…
Fall Prevention Checklist for Older Adult Safety
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than one out of four older adults fall each year. While many falls don’t cause injuries, many do – in…
Compare Medicare Supplement Plans F and G
Are you weighing your Medicare options? Get help paying the costs that Original Medicare doesn’t cover by purchasing a supplemental insurance plan, called Medicare Supplement or Medigap, through a private…
Memory Exercises for Seniors That Work
How can we improve our memory? Most experts believe memory exercises for seniors should typically involve real-world activities, but there are also some clinically proven brain training programs shown to effectively improve…
5 Surprising Things Good for Heart Health
Plenty of fruits, vegetables, and fish are all you need to fight heart disease, right? Well, not quite. These are certainly some of the best choices you can make when…
The Benefits of Laughter Exercises for Seniors
You may have used one of these expressions at some point in your life; “you’re killing me,” “I just about died laughing,” or joke after joke “had me in stitches.”…
Can You Laminate Your Medicare Card?
One of the most common questions we receive is, "Can you laminate your Medicare card?" It's a great question because many people think of their card the same way as…
How to Know If You Have Pneumonia or Bronchitis
Pneumonia and bronchitis are both respiratory conditions that can affect your breathing, cause a painful cough, and be accompanied by cold or flu-like symptoms. What is the difference between pneumonia…
Does Medicare Pay for Prescription Drugs?
When becoming eligible for Medicare, many Medicare beneficiaries make the mistake of thinking they automatically get prescription drug coverage. This is not the case. Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) does…
How to Prevent Shrinking With Age
Do you shrink with age? Research shows we do. Unless you have a bone disease, shrinking in height is considered a normal part of aging. People typically start to shrink…
Medicare vs. Medicaid: What’s the Difference?
Medicare and Medicaid are both taxpayer funded social government programs established in 1965 that help people pay for healthcare. Despite sounding similar, they are very different programs. Follow along to…
What Does ‘Medically Necessary’ Mean?
If you are a Medicare beneficiary, you may have come across the term, “medically necessary” to refer to services covered by Medicare. But what does it mean? According to HealthCare.gov, medically…
Medicare Coverage for Sleeping Disorders
Most experts recommend older adults get seven to nine hours of sleep per night; however, age-related changes in sleep patterns – including trouble falling or staying asleep – can make…
Why Is Fiber Important for Older Adults?
While dietary fiber is an important part of a healthy diet for people of all ages, it can greatly help older adults who have challenges with constipation, cholesterol levels, blood…
Countdown! 10 Fun New Year’s Party Ideas for Older Adults
Welcoming a new year is a special time of looking forward to new beginnings, fresh outlooks on life, and celebrating all of those accomplishments you’ve achieved in live thus far.…
Senior Computer Classes to Try Online for FREE
Over the past two decades, computer use among older adults has doubled– and today, 67 percent of seniors are using the internet, according to the Pew Research Center. However, despite the…
Medicare Coverage of Mental Health Services
A person’s mental health refers to their state of psychological, emotional, and social well-being – and it’s important to take care of it at every stage of life, from childhood…
Will Medicare Pay for a Lift Chair?
People who need help getting in and out of their chair daily due to life changes such as aging, arthritis, or a recent mobility-limiting surgery, often consider buying a lift…
Medicare for Snowbirds Living in Two States & Dual Residency
The term “snowbird” often refers to retirees who temporarily migrate from the cold winter months of their long-time home to a second residence in the warmer, southern region of the…
5 Health Benefits of Tai Chi for Seniors
Tai chi is an ancient Chinese martial art that incorporates a series of weight shifting, body rotations, and semi-squat exercises with deep breathing techniques. Learn how its gentle movements are…
When to Enroll & Change Medicare Supplement Plans
Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap or MedSup), sold by private companies, helps pay some health care costs that Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) doesn't cover. Policies can include coverage…
Does Medicare Cover Assisted Living for Dementia?
When dementia interferes with the daily life of a loved one, many families and caregivers consider an assisted living facility. Assisted living is a type of long-term care (also called…
Medicare & Cataract Surgery Coverage
Cataracts, a clouding of the eye's natural lens, is a condition of aging so common that half of all Americans are affected by age 80. Fortunately, Medicare helps pay for certain medically necessary eye…
Medicare Supplement Plan F vs. High-Deductible Plan F
After enrolling in Original Medicare Part A and Part B, you may decide to purchase a private supplemental insurance plan to help pay the costs that Original Medicare doesn’t cover.…
Great Part-Time Jobs for Retired Seniors
Some retirees need a little extra income to help them afford basic items like health care, travel, and social activities that keep them active and involved in the community –…
Innovative Technologies for Hearing Loss
Innovations in technology have made dramatic advances in assistive hearing devices that have changed the lives of millions of Americans. Hearing specialists have designed and created products that provide cutting…
Forms Needed to Act on a Loved Ones Behalf
Caring for a loved one who is aging and experiencing a decline in health can be difficult for everyone involved. Whether it is a gradual decline or sudden impairment due…
Signing Up for Medicare Advantage
Everything You Need to Know Many things have changed since Medicare Part C was formally introduced by legislation in 1997. Medicare Advantage plans have evolved and with one third of…
Annual Election Period (AEP) During the AEP, Medicare Advantage-eligible individuals may enroll in or disenroll from an MA plan. The last enrollment request made, determined by the application date, will…
Does Aetna Cover My Prescription Drugs?
Without coverage, the costs of prescription drugs can add up, especially as we get older. Many seniors are surprised by the overwhelming expense of medications and have concerns about how…
When your doctor suggests a biopsy, you may be understandably concerned, but knowing what to expect can help. Procedures can be costly, and when you are already a little stressed…
Does Medicare Cover a Chronic Cough?
A persistent cough can be annoying. Whether you clear your throat frequently throughout the day interrupting meetings and conversations, or have a prominent cough that leaves you fatigued and lightheaded,…
Does Medicare Cover A Heart Transplant?
A transplant is the last resort for an individual suffering from a failing, diseased heart. A heart transplant is only a consideration after medications, treatments, and surgery have not sufficiently…
Does Medicare Cover a Hysterectomy?
According to the Office on Women’s Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 500,000 women get hysterectomies each year, making it the second most common surgery for women in…
Does Medicare Cover a Kidney Transplant?
Many people assume that Medicare is just for individuals over the age of 65, but people of any age with End-Stage Renal Disease, permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a…
Does Medicare Cover a Lung Transplant?
When medications and treatments have not improved a diseased or failing lung, some people have to face the prospect of a lung transplant. Aside from the risks of this major…
Does Medicare Cover a Pancreas Transplant?
A pancreas transplant offers a potential cure for type 1 diabetes, but this surgery is reserved for people who live with severe secondary complications from diabetes, including kidney failure. Any…
Does Medicare Cover a Personal Trainer?
Staying healthy and active is essential, especially as we age. Cardiovascular activity, strength training, and flexibility exercises, in conjunction with a nutritional, balanced diet, can help you maintain your physical…
Does Medicare Cover Adult Diapers?
Urinary incontinence, or loss of bladder control, is an embarrassing problem and can be more common among older adults. According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, almost 35%…
Does Medicare Cover Allergies?
Allergies affect more than 50 million Americans every year, but reactions range from inconvenient sneezing or coughing fits to more severe, life-threatening events. While some people can manage occasional or…
Does Medicare Cover Air Purifiers?
If you live with allergies, asthma, or chronic respiratory issues, you know that pollen, pollutants, smoke, mold, pesticides and other chemicals in the air can aggravate your condition. Indoor air…
Does Medicare Cover Bariatric Surgery?
Obesity is a complicated health issue. With almost 40% of Americans currently considered obese and at a higher risk for the leading causes of death, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes,…
A blood transfusion can be a life-saving procedure when you’ve lost blood due to illness or injury. Transfusions are usually performed in a hospital, outpatient clinic, or doctor’s office. Your…
Botox injections get a lot of attention for reducing frown lines, crow’s feet, and wrinkles, but there is more to know about this medication and how it can be used…
Does Medicare Cover Bed Sores or Pressure Sores?
Bedsores, also known as pressure ulcers, are a common problem for people with mobility issues. Prolonged pressure can cause injuries to the skin and underlying tissue. Aside from discomfort, bedsores…
Does Medicare Cover Bathroom Safety Devices?
According to the National Institute on Aging, one-third of seniors over the age of 65 slip and fall each year. With diminished vision, muscle weakness, and balance issues, seniors are…
Medicare and Broken Heart Syndrome
Almost everyone suffers heartbreak at some time during their lives. Films, literature, and the theater have tackled the theme for centuries because it is impossible to understand the human condition…
Does Medicare Cover Bone Density Tests?
Osteoporosis can cause brittle, thinning bones as we age, but bone mass measurements, also known as bone density tests, can determine if you are at risk of fractures. Bone density…
Does Medicare Cover Back Braces?
Back braces can be very beneficial to seniors with injuries or chronic conditions that cause pain. Professionally fit back braces recommended by your doctor can provide a safe and non-invasive…
Does Medicare Cover Antidepressants?
Mental illness has been getting more attention publicly in an effort to get help for those suffering with depression, anxiety, or other disorders, but there are still misconceptions when it…
Alzheimer’s Disease is the most common form of dementia, affecting approximately 5.7 million Americans. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, someone develops the disease every 65 seconds. With no current cure…
Does Medicare Cover Antibiotics?
Most physicians will agree that antibiotics, also known as antimicrobial drugs, can be effective in treating illnesses resulting from disease-causing-bacteria, including strep throat, severe sinus infections, and urinary tract infections.…
Does Medicare Cover Ambulance Services?
When you have an emergency and need to get to a medical facility immediately due to severe illness or injury, ambulance services can get you the help you need as…