Medicare Matters – Requesting Rx Exceptions

Medicare beneficiaries know that having access to affordable medications is critical for maintaining their health and well-being. Medicare Part D does not always make it easy to understand which medications are covered and which are not. One issue is coverage limitations for certain medications. Fortunately, there are ways to request exceptions to these limitations and […]

My Grandma’s Medicare Experience

Medicare is a federal health insurance program that provides coverage for people who are 65 years old or older, as well as those with certain disabilities or chronic conditions. While Medicare covers many healthcare costs, there are often gaps in coverage, leaving beneficiaries with out-of-pocket expenses. That’s where Medicare supplement plans, also known as Medigap, […]

Requesting Part D Rx Exceptions

If you’re a Medicare beneficiary, you know that having access to affordable medications is critical for maintaining your health and wellbeing. Medicare Part D is part of the federal program that helps coordinate your prescription drug coverage that you’ve purchased through a private insurance company, but it’s not always easy to understand which medications are […]

Original, Traditional and Straight Medicare. Different Terminology for the Same Thing

Medicare is a federal health insurance program that provides coverage to millions of Americans, primarily those who are over 65 years of age or have certain disabilities. One thing that can be confusing for Medicare beneficiaries is the different names used to refer to the program. Specifically, the terms Original Medicare, Traditional Medicare, and Straight […]

Medicare Matters – Medicare Premiums for 2023

Medicare premiums and deductibles for Part A and Part B will decrease modestly in 2023, according to CMS (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.) Standard monthly premiums for Part B will decrease $5.20, to $164.90 in 2023, down from $170.10 in 2022. Annual Part B deductible will also decrease from $233.00 in 2022 to $226, […]

Medicare Matters – Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment

What Does the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment mean? Is this a good time to review your Medicare health plan options? From January 1 to March 31 you have the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period. During this time period you may make a onetime change from one Medicare Advantage Plan to another. Or, you may dis-enroll […]

Medicare Matters – Pneumonia Vaccine on Medicare

Did you know that about 1 million Americans go to the hospital with pneumonia every year? Pneumonia is a lung infection caused by pneumococcal disease, which can also cause blood infections and meningitis. The bacteria that causes pneumococcal disease spreads by direct person-to-person contact. A pneumonia vaccine can help prevent pneumonia, but only 67% of […]

Medicare…So Much Easier Explained That Way

Today I’m at Long Beach Transit’s Health Fair providing Medicare information to their employees. It’s always fun to get out with the public and meet individuals.What I quickly find out is that every individual has a unique situation. Some have health insurance through Long Beach Transit. Some have coverage through their spouse’s employer. Some people […]

The Farmers Market of Medicare

It is a happy Saturday over here as I’ve already had my large mug of coffee. Today, Kaycee and I are planning on going to the Farmers Market that is held at Mariners Church in Irvine every Saturday. Kaycee really loves to walk around to see who has the freshest looking produce for the best […]