At a time when we are frequently confronting the rising cost of living, Medicare enrollees will soon see a rise in their premiums and deductibles. In mid-November 2025, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced the Medicare Parts A and B premiums and deductibles for 2026. What’s Changing in 2026 Perhaps the most notable change is the […]
How Higher Medicare Costs Will Affect Older Adults in 2026 Read More »
Medicare’s open enrollment period, which runs from October 15 through December 7, is the time for millions of Americans to review their health coverage, compare plans, and make changes for the upcoming year. A second open enrollment period for Medicare Advantage plans will follow from January 1 through March 31. Unfortunately, these times also bring a surge
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In June 2025, House Democrats Jimmy Gomez (CA) and Don Beyer (VA) reintroduced the Choose Medicare Act, with Senators Jeff Merkley (OR) and Chris Murphy (CT) sponsoring its Senate companion. The bill would establish a Medicare Part E: a public-option version of Medicare that would be available to all individuals and employers as an alternative to private
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Takeaways Durable medical equipment (DME) plays a crucial role in helping people manage chronic conditions, recover from injuries, and maintain independence at home. But with so many types of equipment and different rules for coverage, understanding how DME works, especially under Medicare, can be confusing. Here’s a helpful guide on what durable medical equipment
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In an effort to enhance security and combat fraud, the Social Security Administration (SSA) announced it is implementing new identity verification processes starting April 14, 2025. These changes will require certain Social Security beneficiaries to verify their identity either online or in person, discontinuing the option to do so over the phone. Overview of the New Policy
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Cost is a leading factor in why some people don’t use hearing aids. If you’re over 65, you may wonder whether Medicare covers hearing aids. Original Medicare does not cover hearing aids or the exams for fitting them. Some Medicare Advantage plans, however, offer added benefits not covered by Original Medicare, including hearing services.
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More than 65 million seniors across the country benefit from Medicare, a government health insurance program. When Does Medicare Start? At age 65, you become eligible for Medicare if you are a U.S. citizen. You do not have to wait until you retire to apply for the program. You can enroll in Medicare beginning three
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You may be in need of a medical procedure, such an MRI, or are due to refill a certain prescription medication. And yet you may find yourself having to wait until your insurer approves coverage for it before you can move forward. At a minimum, this process, known as prior authorization, can prove inconvenient. Worst
Prior Authorization: Why Is It Holding Up My Medical Care? Read More »
Some Medicare Advantage beneficiaries receive Medicare flex cards, pre-paid debit cards for qualifying expenses, as part of their benefits. The U.S. government does not issue Medicare flex cards. This benefit is only available on select Medicare Advantage plans, a private alternative to Medicare. Traditional Medicare does not offer flex cards. Certain Medicare Advantage plans provide beneficiaries
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Health Affairs estimates that 4 million older adults can only leave their homes with assistance, making accessing care challenging. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 1.3 million Americans receive care in nursing homes. According to A Place For Mom, more than 810,000 reside in assisted living. Home health care presents an alternative to nursing homes
Home Health Services Underutilized by Seniors, Study Shows Read More »