Does Medicare cover preventive care services?
Detecting diseases early and improving health is the purpose of preventive services. Medicare covers a wide range of preventive services, such as screenings for cancer, obesity, substance abuse, and chronic diseases. A majority of these services are recommended by the US Preventive Services Task Force and have no cost sharing under the Affordable Care Act. […]
Is dialysis covered by Medicare?
Your costs in Original Medicare pay for dialysis services in a dialysis facility. When you have Original Medicare, you’ll have to pay a 20% coinsurance after you pay the Part B yearly deductible. The remaining 80% will be covered by Medicare. Your coinsurance will vary. Depending on whether you have Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) or […]
What changes to Medicare Part D for 2026?
Medicare Part D continues its major improvements in 2026, building on the changes from 2025 to help lower out-of-pocket drug costs for beneficiaries. The $2,000 annual cap on what you pay for covered prescription drugs remains in place. Once you hit that amount, you won’t pay anything more for the rest of the year. The […]
What are Medicare Savings Programs?
Your state may be able to help you pay your Medicare premiums. Medicare Savings Programs may also pay Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance). If you meet certain conditions, you may not have to pay deductibles, coinsurance, or copayments. There are four kinds of 4 kinds of Medicare Savings Programs. […]
What is the Medicare Qualifying Individual (QI) Program?
The Qualifying Individual (QI) Program is a Medicare Savings Program that helps pay your Medicare Part B premium. To qualify, you must have both Part A and Part B and meet certain income and resource limits. You cannot get QI benefits if you qualify for full Medicaid. For 2026, the monthly income limit is $1,715 […]
Are self-administered drugs reimbursed by Medicare?
Occasionally, Medicare patients require “self-administered drugs” in hospital outpatient settings. Self-administered drugs are medications you would normally take on your own, such as blood pressure and diabetes medications. In most cases, Part B generally doesn’t pay for self-administered drugs used in the hospital outpatient setting. In an outpatient setting, the hospital may charge you for […]
What are the differences between Medicare Advantage and Medigap?
Medicare Advantage and Medigap serve different purposes in supplementing Original Medicare. Medigap plans work alongside Original Medicare to help pay deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. Medicare Advantage plans replace Original Medicare entirely, often including prescription drug coverage and extras like dental, vision, and hearing benefits. You cannot have both Medicare Advantage and Medigap simultaneously. When choosing […]
Can I use Medicare out-of-state?
Any doctor or hospital accepting Medicare anywhere in the United States is covered under original Medicare. When a person has Medicare Advantage, their coverage is usually region-specific, and their plan type will determine whether the coverage extends out of state. People participating in Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) must use certain healthcare providers. Out-of-network services, such […]
How can I share my Medicare claims information?
Medicare claims data can be downloaded to your computer or device so that you can print it or share it with others. In addition, you can easily share your data with doctors, pharmacies, caregivers, or others by using web applications (apps). Using Blue Button is easy, secure, and reliable. How do I download my Medicare […]
When is the best time to enroll in Medicare?
The best time to enroll in Medicare is during your Initial Enrollment Period, which is a 7-month window that includes the 3 months before your 65th birthday month, your birthday month, and the 3 months after. Enrolling during the first 3 months ensures your coverage starts the month you turn 65 with no gap in […]