You’ll need to plan ahead 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 a part of the program — and...

If you are at least 65 and aren’t covered by an employer health insurance plan, then you will probably need to enroll in Medicare. Every year, there are copays, deductibles, and premiums to be paid. These numbers usually rise slightly each year, so you don’t have to...

Look for higher premiums and deductibles in the new year, but also more help with insulin, mental health The biggest change Medicare's nearly 64 million beneficiaries will see in the new year is higher premiums and deductibles for the medical care they'll receive...

Wondering about Medicare Part D plans? Medicare beneficiaries across the nation have the option of enrolling in Medicare Part D to get help with their prescription drug costs. Plans offered under Medicare Part D are available in two ways. If you have Original Medicare...

Hispanic adults living in the 12 states that refused to expand health coverage to the poor after the passage of the Affordable Care Act in 2010 would benefit most from policy proposals to lower the Medicare eligibility age to 60, a new analysis shows. Nearly 43% of...

Medicare fraud and abuse  can happen anywhere, and usually results in higher health care costs and taxes for everyone. Some examples include: A provider that bills Medicare for services or supplies they never gave you, like charging you for a visit you never had, or a...

The standard Part B premium amount is $170.10 for 2022. Those in a higher income bracket could pay as much as $578.30 a month for Part B. Below, we’ll go over the standard Part B premium, the premium surcharge, how to pay your premium, and how to get help paying the...

Perhaps you got your copy of the 2022 “Medicare & You” handbook in the mail last fall, as you did the year before that. And the year before that. Maybe it’s time to go digital. When you sign up for the e-version of the “Medicare & You” handbook, you’ll get...

Short answer There are four parts of Medicare: Part A, Part B, Part C, and Part D. Part A provides inpatient/hospital coverage. Part B provides outpatient/medical coverage. Part C offers an alternate way to receive your Medicare benefits (see below for more...

On January 19, 2021, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) published a final rule (Final Rule) that codifies certain provisions proposed by the agency in a February 18, 2020 proposed rule (Proposed Rule). CMS issued a separate final rule on June 1,...

Around 40% of Medicare Advantage plans have no monthly premium, but did you know some plans actually reduce your Part B premium? The Medicare giveback benefit, or Part B premium reduction plan, is becoming more available and popular among beneficiaries. Though not an...

Every year, changes come to Medicare. In 2022, Medicare has several new benefits and adjustments to speak of. As a beneficiary, it’s important to keep up with these developments. Below, we’ll provide the information you need to know about how Medicare is different...

EACH year typically brings with it a number of tax changes - and 2022 is no different. Below we round up key changes and inflation adjustments by the IRS, which will affect the tax return you file in 2023. Standard deductions change The standard deduction ensures that...

Short answer There are four parts of Medicare: Part A, Part B, Part C, and Part D. Part A provides inpatient/hospital coverage. Part B provides outpatient/medical coverage. Part C offers an alternate way to receive your Medicare benefits (see below for more...

Look for even more seniors to flock to Medicare Advantage in 2022 as the Biden administration, health insurers and investors bolster this privatized form of health coverage for those 65 and older. Already, established health insurers including UnitedHealth Group’s...

Medicare Part D and the donut hole By Karen Lewis-Smith Regional Director, Government Programs, Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Washington "Donut hole" brings to mind a sweet morning treat, which couldn't be further from its meaning in the Medicare world. As a...

KEY POINTS Cost adjustments can affect premiums, deductibles and other cost-sharing aspects of Medicare. Beneficiaries who have limited income might qualify for Medicaid or other programs that reduce out-of-pocket costs,  while higher-income beneficiaries pay more for...

Look for higher premiums and deductibles in the new year, but also more help with insulin, mental health The biggest change Medicare's nearly 64 million beneficiaries will see in the new year is higher premiums and deductibles for the medical care they'll receive...

Every year Medicare costs can change. Costs for the upcoming year are announced in the late fall, and the new costs go into effect January 1. For 2022, Medicare did increase costs for both Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B.  What is the Medicare Part B Premium for...

It’s difficult to detect high blood pressure. High blood pressure (also called “hypertension”) usually doesn’t have any warning signs until it causes more serious health issues, like heart attack and heart disease, stroke, eye damage, kidney disease, and vascular...

Are you a guy who puts off doing a task and later wishes he’d just done it? Take care of your body. If you’re a man with Medicare, ask your doctor if you should get tested for prostate cancer, colorectal cancer, or both. Getting screened is the smart move—screening...