A friend has Medicare Plan F and loves it but says they no longer offer it. How come?
As of January 1, 2020, Medicare Supplement plans that cover the Part B deductible are not allowed to be sold to those newly eligible for Medicare. As a result, Medicare Supplement Plans C and F are no longer available to those newly eligible for Medicare beginning January 1, 2020. If you are already enrolled in […]
What are Medicare “star ratings” and how are they measured?
Medicare rates Medicare Advantage and Part D (prescription drug plans) using something called Medicare stars. A 5-star rating is the best, while a 1-star rating is the worst. When you’re trying to choose a Medicare Advantage or Part D (prescription drug) plan, all the choices can be overwhelming. The star rating program was put in […]
How do I know which doctors accept Medicare assignment?
First off, let’s define what Medicare assignment is and the impact it can have on your out-of-pocket costs. One of the most significant potential gaps in Original Medicare is healthcare providers’ ability to bill you for something called excess charges if they don’t accept Medicare Assignment. They may still accept you as a Medicare patient, […]
What is the “Welcome to Medicare” physical all about?
Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers a “Welcome to Medicare” preventive visit once within the first 12 months you have Part B. This visit includes a review of your medical history and counseling about preventive services. There is no cost to you for the “Welcome to Medicare” preventive visit if your doctor or other qualified […]
What happens if my doctor no longer accepts Medicare payment?
While most doctors accept Medicare, some do not. If you turn 65 and your physician does not accept Medicare, you will have some decisions to make. Choosing to stay with a doctor that does not accept Medicare can result in high out-of-pocket costs for you. There is a difference between a doctor who does not […]
What happens if my doctor no longer accepts Medicare payment?
While most doctors accept Medicare, some do not. If you turn 65 and your physician does not accept Medicare, you will have some decisions to make. Choosing to stay with a doctor that does not accept Medicare can result in high out-of-pocket costs for you. There is a difference between a doctor who does not […]
What happens if my doctor no longer accepts Medicare payment?
While most doctors accept Medicare, some do not. If you turn 65 and your physician does not accept Medicare, you will have some decisions to make. Choosing to stay with a doctor that does not accept Medicare can result in high out-of-pocket costs for you. There is a difference between a doctor who does not […]
What happens if my doctor no longer accepts Medicare payment?
While most doctors accept Medicare, some do not. If you turn 65 and your physician does not accept Medicare, you will have some decisions to make. Choosing to stay with a doctor that does not accept Medicare can result in high out-of-pocket costs for you. There is a difference between a doctor who does not […]
If I have Medigap and decide I can’t afford it anymore, do I have options?
One of the challenges for those who have Medigap plans is what to do if the premiums go up, and they can no longer afford the policy. One option is to switch to another less expensive Medigap plan. However, in most cases, to do that, you will have to undergo medical underwriting and which could […]
Why do I have to answer medical questions to get a Medigap plan?
When you turn 65 and sign up for Medicare Part B, you have a six-month open enrollment period for Medicare Supplements Plans. This period starts on the first day of the month of your 65th birthday. During open enrollment, you can purchase any Medicare Supplement policy without answering any medical questions. This is called “Guaranteed […]