What happens to my Medicare coverage if I unretire?
When you unretire and return to work, your Medicare coverage continues unchanged. You can work while keeping your Medicare benefits active. However, if your new employer has 20 or more employees and offers group health insurance, their coverage becomes primary and Medicare becomes secondary. You have options to consider. If the employer coverage is comprehensive […]
What are Medicare Advance Beneficiary Notices?
A Medicare Advance Beneficiary Notice (ABN) is a written notice that healthcare providers must give you before providing services that Medicare may not cover. This notice allows you to make an informed decision about whether to receive the service and accept financial responsibility for payment. Healthcare providers use the ABN form when they believe Medicare […]
What does Medicare not cover?
Medicare doesn’t cover everything, and understanding these gaps helps you plan for healthcare costs. Routine dental care, including cleanings, fillings, and dentures, isn’t covered by Original Medicare, though some procedures required before other medical treatments may be exceptions. Vision care like eye exams for glasses and eyewear itself aren’t included, but Medicare does cover certain […]
What is the Medicare Card Scam?
The scammers want to get personal or financial information for identity theft or outright theft. To thwart a Medicare card scam, follow some basic precautions. Medicare never will call you uninvited to request personal or private information to get a new Medicare card and won’t charge you for a new card. If you receive a […]
Medicare food: Who can apply and how?
Medicare Advantage plans may offer food benefits like the Grocery Plus Benefit as optional supplemental coverage, not standard Medicare. To apply, first determine eligibility during Medicare Open Enrollment from October 15 to December 7 or during Special Enrollment Periods. You must already have Medicare Part A and Part B. Contact Medicare Advantage insurers in your […]
Is Long-Term Care Covered Under Medicare or Medicaid?
Medicare provides limited long-term care coverage. It covers up to 100 days of skilled nursing care or rehabilitation following a hospital stay when medically necessary, but does not cover custodial care or permanent nursing home placement. Medicare Advantage plans may offer additional benefits like meal delivery, home safety modifications, or limited in-home support services. Special […]
Will Medicare pay for a lift chair?
Medicare Part B covers lift chairs as durable medical equipment, but only the lifting mechanism portion, not the entire chair. Your doctor must prescribe the lift chair for a medical condition that makes standing difficult. Medicare considers the seat and back portions furniture and won’t pay for those parts. After meeting your Part B deductible […]
What are the four parts of Medicare?
There are four parts of Medicare: Part A, Part B, Part C, and Part D. – Part A provides inpatient/hospital coverage. – Part B provides outpatient/medical coverage. – Part C offers an alternate way to receive your Medicare benefits. – Part D provides prescription drug coverage. Generally, the different parts of Medicare help cover specific […]
Are Medicare costs tax deductible?
Yes, Medicare costs are tax deductible as medical expenses when you itemize deductions and meet specific income requirements. Monthly Medicare Part B premiums qualify for the medical expense deduction, along with other Medicare-related costs. To claim these deductions, you must itemize rather than take the standard deduction, and your total medical expenses must exceed 7.5% […]
What is “The Medicare Wellness Visit”?
The Medicare Wellness Visit differs from a routine physical because it focuses on preventing disability and disease. During this visit, you and your health care provider (a doctor, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, or nurse) will develop a personalized plan for your health and wellness goals. Is the Medicare Wellness Visit free? If you qualify, Original […]