Medicare

We’ll help you cut through the clutter of Medicare and provide you with up-to-date content about enrollment periods, plan comparisons, and all the basic information you need to help you choose the right Medicare plan for you.

Call for a FREE Medicare review from a licensed insurance agent. No obligation to enroll.

Original Medicare typically only pays for eyeglasses following cataract surgery.

Medicare coverage for eyecare is limited to people who have or are at high risk for certain conditions. Eyeglasses are only covered after cataract surgery.

Does Medicare Pay for Eyeglasses for Diabetics?

Before you sign on the dotted line, you should understand how your insurance policy works. These questions will help.

You deserve to know exactly how your insurance policy works. Here’s how to figure out what’s covered before you sign on the dotted line.

9 Questions to Ask Your Medicare Agent

9 Questions to Ask Your ClearMatch Medicare Agent

Naturopathic medicine is an independent branch of medicine that uses natural and non-invasive methods to treat various conditions and diseases.

Medicare covers two types of naturopathic medicine under very specific conditions: chiropractic care and acupuncture to treat chronic low back pain.

Does Medicare Cover Naturopathic Medicine?

Most Medicare Advantage plans include routine dental care like biannual exams and cleanings.

Aetna Medicare Advantage plans cover a variety of routine dental care, as well as more comprehensive services, like crowns, extractions, and bridges.

Does Aetna Cover Dental

If Medicaid helps pay for your long-term care, it may be able to recoup costs by selling your home after you pass.

If Medicaid helps pay for your long-term care, the program may sell your home to recoup costs after you pass, assuming you don’t take steps to protect it.

Can Medicare or Medicaid Take Your House?

Call to see if your zip code has plans that add cash back to your Social Security check each month!

Most beneficiaries can only lose their Medicare coverage if they fail to pay their premiums.

Depending on how you receive your Medicare benefits, there are a few ways you could lose Medicare coverage. However, most can be avoided to prevent gaps in benefits.

Can You Lose Your Medicare?

Whether you should enroll in Medicare is based on federal law, not personal preference.

Retirement benefits is one reason so many Americans choose to work for the federal government. But that doesn't mean you don't need to sign up for Medicare.

Should Retired Federal Employees Take Medicare Part B?

You may not contribute to a health savings account (HSA) when you have Medicare, but you can withdraw from one.

A Health Savings Account (HSA) allows you to use pre-tax dollars to pay for medical expenses. However, you cannot contribute to an HSA if you have Medicare.

What Is the Penalty for Having an HSA and Medicare?

Rules for a Health Savings Account if You Have Medicare

Medical necessity is the main qualifier when determining whether a service is covered by Medicare.

Most services associated with hip replacement surgery are covered by Medicare Part A, Part B and Part D, though actual costs can vary.

Are Hip Replacements Covered Under Medicare?

If your doctor thinks it's medically necessary, Medicare typically covers allergy testing.

Medicare covers allergy tests in some cases, but not always. As with most services, much depends on whether the test is considered medically necessary.

Does Medicare Cover Allergy Testing?

These days, most insurance companies cover a variety of preventive services, such as an annual wellness visit, for one simple reason: they work. These types of screenings help diagnose potential health issues early, while they are easier (and less expensive) to treat. And, if a condition develops between yearly wellness visits, it is less likely to have advanced far, meaning it is also easier to treat.

Part B covers annual Medicare Wellness Visits 100%. This yearly preventive screening includes a complete medical examination and mental health assessment.

Does Medicare Cover Annual Wellness Visits?

Medicare Wellness Visits: Preventive Care and Screenings

Medicare Advantage plans are a great option for many people, combining the different parts of Original Medicare under one convenient plan. Plus, Medicare Advantage can offer broader coverage than Original Medicare. In fact, some of these extra benefits may surprise you.

Most Medicare Advantage plans go beyond the coverage offered by Original Medicare. Learn more about seven surprising benefits your plan might offer.

7 Surprising Medicare Advantage Benefits

If a natural disaster interfered with your ability to sign up for Medicare, there's a Special Election Period for that.

If you live in an area FEMA declared a disaster or emergency and it interfered with an enrollment period, you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.

Special Election Periods for Disaster Declarations

If you qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid, you're what's known as dual eligible - and your state Medicaid program will pay your Part B premiums.

While you must enroll in Medicare when you’re eligible to avoid enrollment penalties, you can have both Medicare and Medicaid for coverage and benefits.

If I Have Medicaid Do I Need Medicare?

Medicare typically covers care deemed medically necessary by a qualified healthcare provider.

Original Medicare Part A and B cover most services and supplies you need, including prescription drugs, if you require a kidney transplant or dialysis.

Does Medicare Cover Kidney Transplants?

Try these tips today and you can avoid unexpected expenses related to routine or planned care.

A little preparation now can help you avoid surprise health costs later. For example, studies prove that preventive screenings lower healthcare spending.

How to Avoid Surprise Health Costs

A 5-Step Plan to Avoid Surprise Health Costs in 2023

Medicare Special Needs Plans are tailor-made for people who fit certain parameters, like having a chronic condition or qualifying for both Medicare and Medicaid.

Medicare Special Needs plans are ideal for people who have a chronic condition, live in an institution, or qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid.

Medicare Special Needs Plans

Medicare Special Needs Plans: Who Qualifies for One?

Medicare covers most healthcare services when ordered by a licensed provider.

Most aspects of knee replacement surgery are covered by Medicare, but you may have out-of-pocket costs associated with the procedure and recovery.

Does Medicare Cover Knee Replacement?

The unretirement trend is emblematic of what we’re seeing in the labor market overall, which is seeing increasing labor force participation for a broad swath of workers,” Nick Bunker, economic research director for North America at Indeed, told CNBC.

Do you have Medicare questions? We have answers.

4 Signs a Medicare Advantage Plan is Right for You

What Happens to Medicare When You Go Back to Work?

When it comes to delaying Medicare enrollment, the key to avoiding late enrollment penalties is having what Medicare considers creditable coverage elsewhere - and that generally means an employer-sponsored plan at a company with at least 20 employees.

You can wait to sign up for Medicare without incurring late penalties if you have creditable coverage elsewhere when you turn 65.

Do I Have to Sign Up for Medicare if I Have Private Insurance

Do I Have to Sign Up for Medicare? I Have Private Insurance

Medicare doesn’t just cover the basics. You might be eligible for acupuncture, therapy, transportation, and more.

Your Medicare plan might include coverage for acupuncture, weight-loss therapy, transportation to the doctor’s office, and more.

Surprising Medicare Benefits That Help Your Health

8 Surprising Medicare Benefits You Should Know About

Few Medicare Part D plans cover ED pills, but you may have options to help you afford these medications.

Finding Medicare coverage for ED drugs can be difficult. Explore your options for affordable access to these drugs.

Is Cialis Covered by Medicare?

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third leading cause of death for both men and women.

Cologuard at-home screening tests make screening for colorectal cancer easy and non-invasive. See if your Medicare plan covers it.

Does Medicare Cover Cologuard?

Many Medicare Advantage Insurance Plans Cover Fitness Classes

Does Medicare gym memberships and fitness programs? Some Medicare Advantage plans do. Medicare doesn't, but it does offer healthy lifestyle benefits.

Does Medicare Cover Gym Memberships?

Learn the difference between HMO and EPO Medicare Advantage plans.

Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) are the most common type of Medicare Advantage plan offering. EPO plans are much less common.

HMO vs EPO

For most people, Medicare coverage begins when they turn 65.

When does Medicare start? Your Medicare start date depends on when you sign up or if you're automatically enrolled in Parts A and B when you turn 65.

When Does Medicare Start?

When Does Medicare Start? When Medicare Coverage Begins

Original Medicare includes hospital insurance (Part A) and medical insurance (Part B). You can get additional coverage through Part D (prescription drugs), Part C (Medicare Advantage), and Medigap.

Your costs under Original Medicare include premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments. You may also have penalties if you miss initial enrollment.

What Is Original Medicare?

What Is Original Medicare: Understanding Parts A & B

What Is Original Medicare: Understanding Parts A and B

What's the easiest way to rock Annual Enrollment? A checklist!

Using a Medicare enrollment checklist helps ensure you get the best plan for your unique needs. It includes checking the network, drug formulary, and costs.

Medicare Enrollment Checklist

Medicare Enrollment Checklist: The Best Plan for Your Needs

Your Medicare Part B costs should include monthly premiums, an annual deductible, and co-insurance for covered services.

Medicare Part B covers many medical services and supplies you may need, but it’s not free. You will have to pay some out-of-pocket costs for coverage.

What Is the Cost of Medicare Part B?

Although details vary, there are certain types of prescriptions that every Part D plan covers.

Part D plans aren't required, but most people will want some form of drug coverage. Find out how these plans work, what they cover, and how much they cost.

What Medicare Part D Drug Plans Cover

Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) 2023

Your Medicare Part B benefits include durable medical equipment when considered medically necessary by a qualified healthcare provider.

Find out how to get the most out of your Medicare coverage if you need a wheelchair. Understanding approved suppliers and DME requirements is key.

Will Medicare Pay for a Wheelchair?

Many Medicare Advantage plans' benefits include flex cards that can be used for a variety of over-the-counter healthcare items.

Flex cards can be used when purchasing durable medical equipment and other medical expenses. See how you can qualify.

What Is the Flex Card for Seniors?

Medicare covers chiropractic care when prescribed to treat lower back pain.

Does Medicare cover chiropractic care? It depends on whether your doctor deems spinal manipulation to be medically necessary to correct a subluxation.

Does Medicare Cover Chiropractic?

Original Medicare does not cover routine dental, but you do have options.

Medicare does not cover dental implants, but that doesn't mean you don't have options. There are many ways that you can get your dental implants covered.

Does Medicare Cover Dental Implants?

Open Enrollment lasts for the first three months of every year.

Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment occurs yearly from January 1 through March 31. Medicare Annual Enrollment is from October 15 through December 7.

When Does Medicare Open Enrollment End?

You can find a $0 Medicare Advantage plan, but is it the right choice for you?

Most Medicare beneficiaries have access to at least one Medicare Advantage plan with a $0 premium. But is it the right choice for you?

Zero Premium Medicare Advantage Plans

Medicare Part B covers a variety of mental health services, including psychotherapy.

Medicare covers both inpatient and outpatient mental health services. The coverage does vary from what you're used to, so understanding the details is key.

Does Medicare Cover Psychotherapy?

If you don't yet collect Social Security, you have multiple options for paying your Medicare premiums online.

Paying your Medicare premiums online is easy and flexible. Find out every method you can use, whether you have Original Medicare or Part C.

How Can I Pay Medicare Premium Online?

Your share of prescription costs don't change when you enter the coverage gap, but your Part D plan's share does.

More commonly known as the "donut hole," the Medicare Part D coverage gap closed completely in 2020 thanks to the Affordable Care Act.

Medicare Coverage Gap

Medicare Savings Programs offer help paying your Part B premiums and other Medicare costs.

There are a variety of Medicare Savings Programs to help you pay your Medicare Part B premiums and other costs if you meet income and resource limits.

Extra Help Paying Medicare Part B Premiums

Medigap Plan F covers a variety of out-of-pocket costs, including the deductibles and coinsurance for Medicare Parts A and B and the Part B excess charge.

Medigap Plan F

Medigap Plan F: Medicare Supplement Insurance

Although most people don't owe a monthly premium for Part A, there are still other out-of-pocket costs, such as deductibles and co-insurance.

Although no part of Medicare is completely free, most people qualify for premium-free Part A. Costs may include premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance.

What Part of Medicare Is Free?

Our ultimate guide to Medigap answers all your Medicare Supplement Insurance questions - plus a few you didn't even know you had.

We created the ultimate guide to help you compare Medicare Supplement plans, including what each Medigap plan covers and how Plan G compares to Plan F.

Compare Medicare Supplement Plans

Compare Medicare Supplement Plans: The Ultimate Guide

Beginning this spring, you can get free at-home COVID tests with Medicare.

In February, the Biden Administration approved free at-home COVID tests for people who have Medicare. The coverage will begin in Spring of 2022.

Medicare Now Covers At-Home COVID Tests

Original Medicare does not include prescription drug coverage for self-administered medications.

Original Medicare does not cover most prescription drugs. These benefits come with Medicare Part D or a Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug plan.

Does Medicare Cover Prescriptions?

If you collect RRB or Social Security benefits, Part B is deducted automatically.

Deducting your Part B premiums from your Social Security check is a great perk of Medicare. Learn all of the details and the issues to avoid when enrolling.

Is Medicare Part B Automatically Deducted from Social Security?

Does Social Security Automatically Deduct Medicare Part B? 

EPO plans fall somewhere between HMOs and PPOs in terms of both cost and coverage.

Exclusive provider organizations (EPOs) fall somewhere between a PPO and an HMO in terms of cost, coverage, and restrictions.

What Is an EPO?

Exclusive Provider Organizations: What Is an EPO Plan?

Selling your home could lead to higher Medicare premiums if your taxable income sees a boost.

Selling your home shouldn't affect your Medicare benefits, but your premiums may go up if your profit from the sale leaves you owing the capital gains tax.

Will Selling My Home Affect My Medicare?

Few things in life are one-size-fits-all and Medicare is certainly no different. What's best for one person may not be best for another.

If you've ever wondered why Medicare Advantage plans are bad, the truth is that they're mostly just misunderstood and not the right choice for everyone.

Why Medicare Advantage Plans Are Bad

Why Medicare Advantage Plans Are Bad...Maybe

Also known as Medigap, Medicare Supplement Insurance helps cover out-of-pocket costs for Original Medicare.

The best time to change your Medicare Supplement plan is when you have guaranteed issue rights, as this is the only time you can't be denied coverage.

When Can I Change My Medicare Supplement Plan?

With no annual out-of-pocket max under Original Medicare, the right Medigap plan could save you big bucks on your healthcare costs.

Medigap offers extra insurance to help you cover your Medicare out-of-pocket costs. There are many plans offered, so you can cover only the fees you need.

What is Medigap?

Whether Medicaid covers dermatology services depends on the state you live in, and the additional Medicaid benefits the state offers.

Dermatology is not one of the federally mandated services that Medicaid must cover. Each state decides whether to include dermatology as a benefit.

Does Medicaid Cover Dermatology?

Although an inheritance won’t affect your Medicare benefits, it could raise your premiums in the short-term.

Medicare benefits are based on age, not income. However, a financial windfall like an inheritance could land you with higher Part B premiums – temporarily.

Will Inheritance Affect My Medicare Benefits?

Medicaid coverage varies considerably depending on which state you live in.

Getting root canals covered under Medicaid can be difficult to understand. Find out the details so you can know what to expect.

Does Medicaid Cover Root Canals?

When you become eligible for Medicare, you must choose how you want to receive your coverage. One way is through Original Medicare, made up of Part A (hospital care) and Part B (medical services and supplies).

Preferred provider organizations (PPOs) give you more flexibility than an HMO, as you can go out-of-network for a higher co-pay and don't need referrals.

What is a PPO?

Preferred Provider Organizations: What Is a PPO Plan?

Yes, Medicare coverage includes dozens of preventive services, from cancer screenings to immunizations.

A common question is, does Medicare cover preventive care and the answer is yes, Medicare covers a variety of services proven to detect or prevent disease.

Does Medicare Cover Preventive Care?

Does Medicare Cover Preventive Care, Screenings, & Services?

Medicare covers durable medical equipment deemed medically necessary by a licensed healthcare provider.

Do you have difficulty sitting or standing on your own? Consider getting a lift chair and see how Medicare can help.

Will Medicare Pay for a Lift Chair?

Medicare does not have local offices, only processing centers.

There are no local Medicare offices, just regional centers that handle claims, billing, and other administrative tasks. Instead, you sign up at SSA.gov.

Medicare Office Near Me

Where Is the Closest Medicare Office Near Me?

Annual Enrollment is your time to make needed changes to your Medicare coverage.

Medicare's Annual Enrollment Period begins October 15. This checklist will help you evaluate your current coverage and what you might want to change.

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