Medicare and Hospice care
To qualify for hospice care, a hospice doctor and your doctor (if you have one) must certify that you’re terminally ill, meaning you have a life expectancy of 6 months or less. When you agree to hospice care, you’re agreeing to comfort care (palliative care) instead of care to cure your terminal illness. You also […]
Medicare and Diabetes self-management training
Medicare covers diabetes outpatient self-management training to teach you to cope with and manage your diabetes. The program may include tips for eating healthy, being active, monitoring blood glucose (blood sugar), taking prescription drugs, and reducing risks. You must have been diagnosed with diabetes and have a written order from your doctor or other health […]
Medicare and Advanced Planning
Your Medicare plan covers voluntary advance care planning as part of your annual wellness visit. This is planning for care you would get if you cannot speak for yourself. You may choose to complete an advance directive as part of your advance care planning. This is an important legal document that records your wishes about […]
What should I know about Medicare Medigap?
Before purchasing Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap), you need to be enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Part B. Medigap policies are sold by private insurance companies and require a separate monthly premium in addition to your Part B premium of $202.90 that you pay to Medicare. Each Medigap policy covers only one person, so […]
Medicare and Bariatric Surgery
When you meet certain conditions related to morbid obesity, Medicare covers certain bariatric surgical procedures, such as gastric bypass surgery and laparoscopic banding surgery. The cost of transportation to a bariatric surgery center is not covered by Medicare. Your costs in Original Medicare In the case of surgeries or procedures, it’s difficult to predict upfront […]
Medicare – Paying for long-term care
Medicare and most health insurance, including Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap), don’t pay for long-term care. This type of care (sometimes called “long-term services and supports”) includes medical and non-medical care for people who have a chronic illness or disability. This includes personal care assistance, like help with everyday activities, including dressing, bathing and using the […]
Can I have Medigap and a Medicare Advantage Plan?
Medigap policies cannot be sold to Medicare Advantage Plan members unless they switch back to Original Medicare. If someone tries to sell you a Medigap policy while you aren’t planning to drop your Medicare Advantage plan, report it to your state insurance department. If you have Medigap and join a Medicare Advantage Plan, you might […]
What is the Medicare Part A and Part B initial enrollment period?
Initial Enrollment Period You can first sign up for Part A and/or Part B during the 7-month period that begins 3 months before the month you turn 65, includes the month you turn 65, and ends 3 months after the month you turn 65. If you sign up for Part A and/or Part B during […]
Medicare Virtual check-ins
Medicare covers virtual check-ins (also called “brief communication technology-based services”) with your doctor or certain other providers, like nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, or physician assistants, using audio and video communication technology, like your phone or a computer, without going to the doctor’s office. Your doctor can also conduct remote assessments using photo or video […]
How can I protect myself from Medicare fraud and medical identity theft?
Protect yourself from Medicare fraud and medical identity theft by safeguarding your Medicare card like a credit card. Never share your Medicare number with anyone who contacts you unsolicited by phone, email, or in person. Only give your Medicare information to doctors, pharmacies, and other Medicare providers you trust. Be alert to common scams. Medicare […]