Workers’ Compensation Insurance and Medicare
Workers’ Compensation pays for health care items or services related to job-related illness or injury. Medicare generally does not pay for injuries or illnesses/diseases covered by workers’ compensation. A claim may be filed with Medicare if workers’ compensation denies all or part of it because it is not covered. The Medicare program may pay a […]
What Is Medicare Tax?
Medicare tax is a federal employment tax that funds Medicare Part A, which provides hospital insurance coverage for people 65 and older and those with certain disabilities. This tax helps pay for hospitalizations, hospice care, skilled nursing facility care, and some home healthcare services. The current Medicare tax rate is 2.9% of wages, split equally […]
If I have Medicare, can I get a stand-alone dental plan through the Marketplace?
In most cases, no. If the Marketplace in your state is run by the federal government, you won’t be able buy a stand-alone dental plan unless you’re also buying a health plan. If your state is running its own Marketplace, you may be able to purchase a stand-alone dental plan. For a long time, dental […]
The Pros and Cons of Medicare Advantage
Medicare Advantage plans offer several benefits that make them attractive to many beneficiaries. These Part C plans combine Parts A, B, and often D coverage into one plan, typically with lower copayments than Original Medicare. Many include extra benefits not covered by Original Medicare, such as dental, vision, hearing aids, and fitness programs. Monthly premiums […]
What chiropractic services doesnt Medicare cover?
Medicare does not limit the number of chiropractic visits covered, but only medically necessary spinal manipulation to correct subluxations is covered. It won’t cover regular maintenance or preventive chiropractic visits or chiropractic treatments to other parts of the body. Medicare will cover the cost of a physician-ordered X-ray that’s needed to validate that a spinal […]
Medicare: Can I be penalized if I don’t register on time?
Yes, you can face significant financial penalties if you don’t register for Medicare on time. These penalties can permanently increase your monthly premiums and create gaps in your coverage. For Medicare Part B, the late enrollment penalty is 10% of the current premium for each full 12-month period you delay enrollment. For example, if you […]
What are Medicare Special Enrollment Periods?
Medicare Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs) allow you to make changes to your Medicare coverage outside of the annual Open Enrollment Period. SEPs are triggered by certain life events, such as: – Moving to a new area – Losing other health insurance coverage – Getting married or divorced – Turning 65 or becoming eligible for Medicare […]
What are Medicare Advantage prescription drug (MAPD) plans?
Medicare Advantage prescription drug plans, commonly called MAPD plans, combine Medicare Advantage coverage with prescription drug benefits under Medicare Part D. These plans provide all the coverage of original Medicare Parts A and B, plus additional benefits and prescription drug coverage in a single plan. MAPD plans appeal to many beneficiaries who prefer having their […]
How to Reduce Medicare IRMAA and Medicare Supplemental Insurance Premiums
Medicare beneficiaries can reduce IRMAA surcharges by managing their income to stay below key thresholds. For 2026, IRMAA begins at $109,000 for single filers and $218,000 for joint filers, adding extra costs to your standard $202.90 monthly Part B premium. Strategic planning can help minimize these surcharges through Roth IRA conversions, which create tax-free retirement […]
Why you shouldn’t ignore Medicare open enrollment
Medicare Open Enrollment runs from October 15 to December 7 each year, and it’s your chance to review, switch, or drop your Medicare Advantage or Part D prescription drug plan. Ignoring this window could cost you money or coverage. Plan costs and benefits change yearly. Your current plan might raise premiums, change its drug list, […]