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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
How do I check the status of a Medicare claim?
To check the status of Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) or Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) claims – Log into (or create) your secure Medicare account. You’ll usually be able to see a claim within 24 hours after Medicare processes it. Check your Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) The MSN is a notice that people with […]
How is Medicare Financed?
Medicare financing comes from several sources depending on the part. Part A, covering hospital stays, skilled nursing facilities, some home health visits, and hospice care, is primarily funded through payroll taxes. Employers and employees each pay 1.45% of earnings, totaling 2.9%. High earners pay an additional 0.9% Medicare tax on income above $200,000 for singles […]
HHS makes ownership data for all Medicare-certified hospitals publicly available
The Department of Health and Human Services released on the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services website detailed information on the ownership of more than 7,000 hospitals certified to participate in the Medicare program. The data elements include: * Enrollment information such as organization name, type, practice location addresses (e.g., off campus), National Provider Identifier […]