New enrollees increasingly opting for the private insurance alternative to the federally-run program For decades, as Americans approached their 65th birthday, all they had to do to get Medicare, the nation’s government-sponsored health insurance for older adults, was...

Trustees project solvency until 2031, but Congress still must act for the long term For the second year in a row, the trustees who oversee Medicare’s finances say the trust fund that helps pay for inpatient hospital care for 65 million beneficiaries has gotten...

Popular but pricey blood thinners, diabetes medications, cancer treatments make historic list he names of the first 10 Medicare drugs whose prices the federal government will negotiate directly with manufacturers were released Aug. 29. It marks the first time in...

Answers to common questions, including the July 1 implementation for pumps One of the first provisions to take effect of a new law designed to cut prescription drug costs for tens of millions of Medicare enrollees is a $35-a-month cap on out-of-pocket costs for...

Starting in 2024, more people will qualify for the full Medicare Part D assistance program With up to 3 million more Medicare enrollees with low incomes and limited resources eligible in January 2024 for additional financial assistance to pay for their Part D...

July inflation report suggests next year’s boost likely to be around 3%, analysts say After two years that saw Social Security cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) soar to their highest level in four decades, beneficiaries will likely see a more modest increase in their...

Which path you take will determine how you get your medical care — and how much it costs As you think about how Medicare will cover your health care needs, your first major decision should be whether you want to enroll in federally run original Medicare or select...

Errors can prove costly to new enrollees Missing deadlines, delaying enrollment or choosing the wrong plan can cost you a bundle when it comes to Medicare. Here’s a list of 10 common mistakes new Medicare enrollees make and how to avoid them, according to the Medicare...

CMS projects average monthly prescription drug charge to fall nearly $1 The average monthly premium for Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage is expected to fall slightly in 2024, to $55.50, a 99-cent drop from the 2023 average of $56.49, the Centers for Medicare...

If your total income is more than $25,000 for an individual or $32,000 for a married couple filing jointly, you must pay federal income taxes on your Social Security benefits. Below those thresholds, your benefits are not taxed. That applies to spousal...

No. Medicare covers only ear-related medical conditions, not routine hearing care, hearing aids or exams for fitting hearing aids. But with the FDA’s approval of over-the-counter hearing aids for mild to moderate hearing loss, you can now find lower-cost options....

You’ll need to plan to pay for some common medical expenses Medicare covers the majority of older Americans’ health care needs, from hospital care and doctor visits to lab tests and prescription drugs. Here are some needs that aren’t part of the program — and how you...

The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 includes several provisions to lower prescription drug costs for people with Medicare and reduce drug spending by the federal government, including a number of changes to the Medicare Part D drug benefit. These changes include a cap...

If you have Original Medicare, your doctor, other health care provider, or supplier may give you a written notice if they think Medicare won’t pay for the items or services you’ll get. This notice is called an “Advance Beneficiary Notice of Non-coverage,” or ABN. The...

Updated Medicare Advantage and Part D policies ensure the overall Medicare program remains strong and stable for the 65 million beneficiaries today and future generations to come, payments to private insurance companies are accurate, and taxpayer dollars are well...

A new prescription drug law that went into effect January 1, 2023, will help save money for people with Medicare. This law improves access to affordable treatments and strengthens the Medicare program. Here’s what the law means for you: More vaccines covered People...

Many Americans are asking themselves “How can I get free healthcare in the U.S.?”, an answer may be in the hands of legislators. One national health insurance plan for all Americans called “Medicare for All” is an idea being promoted, among others, by Vermont Senator...

If you have Original Medicare, your doctor, other health care provider, or supplier may give you a written notice if they think Medicare won’t pay for the items or services you’ll get. This notice is called an “Advance Beneficiary Notice of Non-coverage,” or ABN. The...