Why is my first Medicare bill so high?
There can be several reasons. Medicare generally bills in 3-month increments if you don’t have your premiums automatically deducted from Social Security. Beneficiaries are responsible for multiple Medicare costs, including monthly premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance or copayments. Most Medicare beneficiaries collect Social Security benefits, and for these enrollees, Medicare premiums are deducted from their monthly […]
How does a caregiver manage my Medicare healthcare?
As a caregiver managing someone’s Medicare healthcare, you’ll need proper authorization to act on their behalf. Start by becoming an authorized representative through Medicare by completing form CMS-1696, which allows you to discuss their Medicare coverage and help with claims. For broader authority, obtain a durable power of attorney that specifically includes healthcare decisions. With […]
Does Medicare Cover Antidepressants?
Medicare Part A and Part B will not cover antidepressants or other prescription drugs. Since Medicare considers antidepressants a protected class of prescription medicine, all Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage plans must cover a majority of antidepressants. However, you may have to switch from a brand-name antidepressant to a generic version depending on your […]
What is the Medicare Cross-over Option?
Medicare Cross-over is designed to eliminate some of the paperwork involved in filing medical claims. Some plans have an agreement with Medicare to crossover claims for any services that Medicare processed as primary. Medicare will automatically forward your Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) to those plans for services you receive throughout the United States. Claim forwarding […]
What is Medicare’s PACE program?
Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) is a Medicare and Medicaid program that helps people meet their health care needs in the community instead of going to a nursing home or other care facility. How does PACE work? PACE covers all Medicare- and Medicaid-covered care and services, and other services that the PACE […]
Medicare Part B premium changes for 2026
Medicare Part B premiums are increasing for 2026. The standard monthly premium will be $202.90, up from $185.00 in 2025. This marks an increase of $17.90, or nearly 10 percent, and the first time the Part B premium has topped $200 per month. The annual Part B deductible is also rising. Beneficiaries will pay $283 […]
Who Qualifies for premium free Part A benefits?
You qualify for premium-free Medicare Part A if you meet any of these conditions: You’re 65 or older and you or your spouse worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 40 quarters (10 years). You’re receiving retirement benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board. You’re eligible to receive Social Security or Railroad […]
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 […]