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Medicare Open Enrollment is here, from Oct. 15 until Dec. 7, and you need to be well prepared and protected. Read More
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Essential Medicare services every senior should use in 2025.
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Medicare Part D, an optional program for senior care insurance subscribers who want to avoid paying out-of-pocket costs Read More
Navigating 2025 Medicare prescription coverage
As you age, the chance you’ll have to deal with a chronic medical condition increases. Navigating the complex world of health care options and finding the best fit can be daunting. Read More
What seniors, caregivers need to know about Advantage plans
Your 65th birthday marks the beginning of a new chapter — one that calls for reaping the benefits of Medicare that you’ve worked for over the decades. Read More
Medicare offers information in multiple languages
Aging comes with countless benefits, like retirement and watching your family grow. But keep in mind that with increased age comes increased risk of health conditions. Read More
What seniors need to know about upcoming changes
Here’s how to stay in control of health care costs Read More
How to reduce healthcare costs for seniors on Medicare
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To keep your golden years shining bright, it’s imperative to have dependable health care solutions. For many older adults, this will mean enrolling in Medicare, and once enrolled, there are certain services to take advantage of. Preventive health services are vital for seniors. Regular check-ups, screenings, and vaccinations can detect and prevent serious illnesses. Medicare covers many of these services, helping seniors stay proactive about their health. Covered services include mammograms, colonoscopies, and annual wellness visits. Regularly scheduling these screenings is essential for preventing serious conditions. This is especially true as you age, since medical issues are more likely as you get older. Managing chronic diseases is a significant aspect of senior health care solutions. To help manage conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis, Medicare offers various programs, including regular monitoring, medication management, and specialized care plans. Mental health is crucial for overall well-being. Medicare provides access to counseling, therapy, and psychiatric services, which can help seniors cope with depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. Medicare Part D provides crucial coverage for prescription drugs. Each plan has a formulary, which is a list of covered medications. Understanding the plan’s costs can help you choose the best option for your medication needs and to avoid financial surprises. Many seniors live on tight budgets and can’t afford to handle unexpected costs. Telehealth services offer convenient access to health care, especially for seniors with mobility issues. Medicare covers telehealth services, allowing you to consult with doctors virtually, which saves time and reduces the need for travel, making health care more accessible than ever. Access to services To make the most of Medicare’s services, you’ll need to understand the best way to access them. From here, you can avoid issues like delays and insufficient coverage. Let’s take a closer look at how to access these services. The Medicare enrollment process is straightforward but requires careful attention to detail. Initial enrollment typically begins three months before turning 65 and lasts for seven months. It’s crucial to sign up during this period to avoid late enrollment penalties. Understanding the different Medicare plans (A, B, C, and D) and their specific benefits can help you make informed decisions. Selecting the right Medicare plan involves evaluating your health care needs and budget. Original Medicare (Part A and B) provides basic coverage, while Medicare Advantage (Part C) offers additional benefits. Make sure to compare the costs, coverage options, and network of providers in each plan. Consulting with a Medicare counselor can provide valuable insights and help you choose the best plan for your situation. The Medicare website is a valuable resource for accessing information and services, with user-friendly tools to compare plans, check coverage, and find providers. Creating an online account can streamline your interactions with Medicare and keep track of your benefits. The website offers educational resources to help you stay informed about changes and updates in Medicare policies. If you’re having any issues with your Medicare coverage, you can reach out to the site’s support team, who can point you in the right direction. Locating providers Also important is finding Medicare-approved providers to ensure you receive optimum coverage. The Medicare website has a tool to search for doctors, hospitals, and other health care providers in your area. It’s important to verify that your providers accept Medicare before scheduling appointments. This step helps avoid unexpected costs and helps ensure that your health care needs are met affordably. Don’t rush through the process, as this could lead to unnecessary complications. Coordinating care with specialists is essential for managing complex health conditions. Medicare allows referrals to specialists for specialized care. Communicate openly with your primary care physician and specialists to help facilitate a cohesive treatment plan. Keeping records of your visits and treatments can help streamline this and improve your overall care. Medicare claims and appeals Handling Medicare claims and appeals can be challenging, but understanding the process goes a long way. If a claim is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision. Always review the reason for denial and provide the necessary documentation to support your case. Seeking assistance from a Medicare counselor or advocate can guide you through the appeals process and improve your chances of a favorable outcome. Medicare counselors provide valuable assistance in navigating the coverage and can help you understand your benefits, compare plans, and resolve issues. Many communities offer free counseling services through programs like the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). Utilizing these resources can help you make informed decisions and maximize your Medicare
Essential Medicare services every senior should use in 2025
Overview
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Lean on financial advisors when thinking about Medicare, retirement plan
Future Planning
About 1 in 3 people 65 and older in the U.S. enroll in Medicare Advantage, the private insurance alternative to traditional Medicare.
Are Medicare Advantage Plans Worth the Risk?
Coverages
Some 60 million Americans receive Medicare benefits each year to help pay for health care and prescription drug...
Easy ways to get Medicare benefits you – or loved ones – deserve
TIPS & HELP
FUTURE PLANNING
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OVERVIEW
for their prescription medication, is particularly important for those suffering from chronic conditions who need ongoing pharmaceutical assistance. As a result of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, some changes are coming to Medicare Part D insurance plans in 2025. Read on to explore what’s new for 2025 Medicare prescription drug plans and how it will impact you. Importance of drug coverage Since prescription drugs are instrumental in treating a wide range of acute and chronic health conditions, they can mean the difference between life and death. And these medications are becoming increasingly expensive. Prescription drug coverage plans are one way to ensure you get the medication you need — when you need it. Most health insurers offer drug coverage as part of their medical insurance plans, but Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not. If you signed up for this plan when you turned 65, or if you intend to, you must apply for add-on drug coverage during the relevant enrollment period. Medicare prescription drug plans fall under Part D of Medicare. You are not automatically enrolled in one of these plans as part of your Medicare insurance. As if that weren’t complicated enough, there are some changes to Medicare, effective in 2025. While these changes are expected to greatly benefit Medicare enrollees, they do require some clarification. Medicare Part D overview Medicare Part D includes voluntary outpatient prescription drug senior health care plans that are provided by private insurers contracted with the federal government. You must already have Original Medicare (Parts A and B) before you can sign up for a Part D plan. While the federal government has guidelines concerning how these plans work, each insurer determines their premiums, out-of-pocket costs, drug coverage, and pharmacy networks. You will need to compare plans before deciding on the best fit for your needs. Part D coverage analysis As a result of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, there are a few key changes to Medicare Part D plans in 2025. Medicare Part D will comprise three phases instead of four. These are: In 2025, the annual deductible will increase to $590, so Part D insurers can’t set a deductible above this amount. Beneficiaries may pay all their gross prescription costs until they meet the deductible set by their insurer. When a beneficiary reaches the deductible, they enter the next phase. Initial coverage phase Once you’ve met your deductible, your plan helps pay for prescription drugs covered under your Medicare Part D plan. At this stage, you usually pay 25 percent of the cost of drugs covered under your Part D plan. In most cases, the insurer pays 65 percent of the cost of applicable drugs and 75 percent for drugs covered under the plan. Through the Manufacturer Discount Program, the drug manufacturer generally pays 10 percent of the cost of applicable drugs. Beginning in 2025, the Manufacturer Discount Program will replace the previous Coverage Gap Discount Program. When you reach the annual threshold of $2,000, you move on to the next phase. This limit will mean thousands of dollars in savings for those suffering from severe chronic conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and cancer. Catastrophic phase At this level, the subscriber pays no cost-sharing for covered drugs. The insurer pays 60 percent of the costs for covered drugs, the manufacturer generally pays 20 percent of the cost of applicable drugs, and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services pays 40 percent of all covered drugs and 20 percent of applicable drug costs. Another significant change to the Medicare Part D insurance plans is that subscribers can manage out-of-pocket costs through capped monthly payments. This means you don’t need to pay the full cost of your co-payments upfront at the pharmacy. According to the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan, you may pay for your medications in monthly installments. In addition, there are a few ways you can save even more if you are concerned about affording the prescription drugs you need: Switch to cheaper drugs: Generic drugs offer the same benefits as their brand-name equivalents at a fraction of the price. Always ask your health care provider to prescribe a generic alternative whenever possible. Some drugs are also available from multiple branded suppliers, and your doctor could help you identify one of the cheaper varieties. Mail-order pharmacies may also offer drugs at discounted prices. Assistance programs: Some pharmaceutical companies help people enrolled in Medicare Part D to pay for their medications. Research pharmaceutical assistance programs in your area to find out if there are any offering this service to help you lower the cost of prescription drugs. The Texas Kidney Health Care Program and HIV Medication Program assist residents with paying for some medications. And, look up what State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs are available to you. Extra Help: Extra Help is a program offered by Social Security and Medicare. If you qualify for this program, you enjoy major discounts on generic and brand-name drugs. Enrollment and plan changes If you are enrolling in Medicare Part D, don’t forget that you must sign up for prescription drug benefits or make policy changes during the designated enrollment periods. You’ll generally receive your Medicare enrollment details shortly before your 65th birthday. You have up to three months after your birthday to sign up for all Medicare policies, including Part D. You can also sign up for Medicare Part D during the open enrollment period from October through December every year. If you lose your current drug coverage by switching jobs or retiring early, you are granted a special enrollment period to sign up for Medicare Part D. This lasts for two months after you lose your current coverage.
PART D PLANS | Navigating 2025 Medicare prescription coverage
Medicare’s annual enrollment period is now underway, and runs from October 15 to December 7, 2018.
Your Medicare Open Enrollment To-Do List
Navigating the ins and outs of Medicare can be an intimidating experience if you’re not unfamiliar with terms related to it.
From deductibles to donuts: Key terms to know about Medicare Part D
Understanding Medicare does take time, but having the right kind of assistance is important.
Medicare: HICAP is here to help Texans who need it
Tips & Help
By Valerie Sweeten | Freelance Writer
Making decisions about your Medicare coverage can be complicated when it’s for yourself. It becomes even more complicated when you're helping a family member navigate the system. Caregivers play an essential role when ensuring their loved ones have adequate health care coverage. Included here are top Medicare tips for families. Be sure to choose the right senior health solutions for your loved ones when maximizing their Medicare benefits. Explore Medicare benefits Medicare, a low-cost and sometimes free health insurance program run by the federal government, can be applied for after age 65. There are two ways seniors can access Medicare — Original Medicare (including Part A and Part B), and Medicare Advantage (Part C). Most seniors automatically get signed up for Part A, and they usually won't have to pay a premium if they or their spouse paid taxes for 10 years. Part A includes such benefits as hospital stays, skilled nursing, hospice care and home health care. Seniors can apply for Part B, but they'll have to pay a premium for it. Other things that are covered under Part B include lab tests, outpatient care, and medical supplies. How to help loved ones There are a few things you can do to prepare for enrolling your loved one in Medicare, including: • Become an authorized representative for your loved one • Identify their coverage needs • Confirm that they’re actually eligible for Medicare • Know their coverage options • Stay on top of Medicare enrollment deadlines • Enroll them via phone, mail, or online How to save on Medicare costs There are programs seniors may qualify for under the Medicare umbrella if their resources and income are under a certain threshold. They are designed to save seniors money on their drug and health costs, and include Medicaid, Extra Help, a Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) Program, State Pharmaceutical Assistance Program (SPAP), and Medicare's Limited Income NET (Newly Eligible Transition) Program. Caregiver resources, support Being the caregiver for your loved one can be a full-time job. It's easy to get overwhelmed and not know where to start when it comes to Medicare. Some valuable resources and support networks available for primary caretakers are Family Care Navigator, the Area Agency on Aging, the National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP), and the AACOG Caregiver Empowerment.
MAKING CHOICES: Tips for caregivers, family members to maximize Medicare benefits
TIPS
By Hearst Newspaper Blogger Network
As you age, the chance you’ll have to deal with a chronic medical condition increases. Navigating the complex world of health care options and finding the best fit can be daunting. The good news is Medicare Advantage plans can provide a comprehensive solution, offering various benefits tailored to seniors and caregivers. There are several types of Medicare Advantage plans, including HMOs to PPOs and SNPs. Knowing how they differ can help you make the right choice for your situation and will help you avoid issues like unnecessary and unexpected out-of-pocket costs. Health maintenance organization (HMO) plans are among the most popular as they often have lower premiums and out-of-pocket costs. However, they typically require you to use a network of doctors and hospitals. You'll also need referrals to in-network health care providers for specialist visits. If you opt for an HMO plan, you'll also need an in-network primary care provider (PCP). You'll see your PCP for most of your health needs, and they'll also refer you to a specialist if needed. Medicare Advantage preferred provider organization (PPO) plans often have higher premiums than HMOs. The good news is that they don't require referrals. With a PPO plan, you can see any in-network doctor or specialist without needing a referral from your PCP. That gives you more freedom when choosing in-network health care providers. You may also be able to use the services of out-of-network doctors, but it will generally cost you more. Special needs plans (SNP) cater to individuals with specific diseases or characteristics and aim to provide specialized care management. These plans tailor benefits and provider choices to meet the unique needs of their enrollees. Private fee-for-service (PFFS) plans are Medicare Advantage plans offered by private insurance companies. Unlike other options, PFFS plans let you see any Medicare-approved doctor or hospital. They may also provide extra benefits not covered by Original Medicare. Medicare savings account (MSA) plans combine a high-deductible Medicare Advantage plan with a Medicare savings account. Funds deposited into the MSA are provided by Medicare and can be used tax free for qualified medical expenses. However, you must pay for services out-of-pocket until you meet the deductible. Not all plans are created equal, and it's crucial to carefully research before choosing one. Here are some top factors to consider to streamline your search. Provider networks: Evaluate whether your preferred doctors and hospitals are included in the plan's network. Access to familiar health care providers can significantly impact your satisfaction with the plan. Network restrictions can affect your ability to receive care from specialists or facilities you trust. Ensure that the network meets your health care needs and preferences. Out-of-pocket costs: Consider the plan's premiums, deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. Understanding these costs helps you budget for your health care expenses. Some plans may offer low premiums but have higher out-of-pocket costs, while others may have higher premiums with lower costs for services. Carefully assess your financial situation to choose a plan that balances costs effectively. Prescription drug coverage: Review the plan's formulary to ensure your medications are covered. Check for any restrictions, such as prior authorizations or step therapy requirements. Prescription drug coverage can vary significantly between plans, impacting your medication costs. Make sure the plan covers your current medications and any potential future needs. Customer service and support: Assess the quality of customer service and support offered by the plan provider. Reliable assistance can be crucial in navigating your health care needs and resolving any issues. Look for plans with high customer satisfaction ratings and responsive support teams. Good customer service can significantly improve your overall experience with the plan. BENEFITS AND DRAWBACKS It’s best to understand the pros and cons of Medicare Advantage, since the last thing you want is to encounter issues you could've avoided. Here are some notable benefits and drawbacks: Extra benefits Medicare Advantage plans often provide extra benefits not covered by Original Medicare, such as prescription drugs, dental, and vision care. These additional services can significantly enhance your health care experience. Having access to comprehensive care under one plan simplifies managing your health needs. It also reduces the hassle of dealing with multiple providers for different services. Wellness programs and perks Many plans include wellness programs, fitness memberships, and other perks that can enhance your overall health and well-being. These additional benefits encourage a healthier lifestyle and proactive health care management. Access to fitness programs and wellness resources can improve your quality of life. Limited provider networks Medicare Advantage plans may have limited provider networks, restricting your choice of doctors and hospitals. This limitation can affect your ability to continue seeing your preferred health care providers. If you need specialized care, you might find that the specialists you prefer are not within the network. Referral requirements Some plans require referrals from your primary care doctor to see specialists, which can limit your flexibility. This requirement adds an extra step to accessing specialized care, potentially causing delays. It may also lead to additional appointments and paperwork. Understanding the referral process is essential to ensure timely and efficient access to care. ENROLLMENT TIPS Enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan requires understanding key enrollment periods. This year, the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) runs from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7, and the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (OEP) runs from Jan. 1 to March 31. These enrollment periods apply to switching plans, too. When switching plans, don’t forget to gather the necessary documents, including your Medicare card and a list of current medications. Compare new plan benefits and networks to your current plan.
USEFUL GUIDE - What seniors, caregivers need to know about Advantage plans
Advantage plans
I have good news for you because Medicare does allow employees with “true” employer benefits to delay Medicare Part B enrollment without penalties if you enroll later.
Turning 65 with employer health insurance; need Medicare help
Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period runs from October 15 to December 7, 2019. This is your yearly chance to shop for insurance coverage that best meets your needs.
5 Tips To Make Sure You’re In The Right Plan
Medicare Open Enrollment is here, from Oct. 15 until Dec. 7, and you need to be well prepared and protected. During this time, Medicare beneficiaries can add, drop, or change their Medicare plans. This is a very important time for beneficiaries, as you can adjust your coverage to what works best for you for the next year. Since there are so many people searching for plans, this is also a great opportunity for scammers to find their potential targets. Protect yourself this Open Enrollment period by knowing the rules that legitimate agents and brokers must follow. Things to know There are no “limited time offers” during Open Enrollment. You have the entire period to consider and change plans. Don’t be rushed into a plan. Sit down, take your time, and review your options with a trusted individual. You can also consider calling your local Area Agency on Aging for free, unbiased assistance with reviewing the plan and its benefits. All agents and brokers must follow marketing and sales rules set by Medicare , which include: • They cannot state they are from Medicare or use words or symbols that imply they are endorsed by Medicare. • They cannot market door to door, including leaving materials on your doorstep. • Agents MUST have documented approval, a Scope of Appointment, from you before calling. No cold calling allowed, which includes email, text messages, and showing up at your home uninvited! • No marketing or sales activities in private health care settings, such as hospital rooms, dialysis centers, pharmacy counters, and more. • No gifts or incentives of $15 or more at marketing or sales events. One thing to remember is not all Medicare plans are available in your area; plans are based on your region. So, not all ads you see online or on TV are actually available to you. Make sure you do your research before signing up for a plan that has all the bells and whistles. And remember that if it sounds “too good to be true,” it probably is. Make sure the plan you choose covers the providers and care that you need. Further information For questions on benefits or plan enrollment, reach out to Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). For SHIP / Area Agency on Aging, call 1-800-252-9240. If you believe that you are a victim of Medicare fraud, contact the Texas Senior Medicare Patrol at 888-341-6187.
SCAMS - Texas SMP Open Enrollment Need to Know
By: Angel Hanzik | TEXAS SENIOR MEDICARE PATROL
Aging comes with countless benefits, like retirement and watching your family grow. But keep in mind that with increased age comes increased risk of health conditions. Even with preventive measures like exercise and diet, medical care is often required more in your golden years than it was in your 20s. That’s why it’s important to keep up with the latest on your health insurance! In 2025, several changes to Medicare will go into effect, including more access to preventive care and new rules around prescription drugs. It’s crucial to stay updated on these to avoid any hiccups in your care. The last thing you want is to assume you have coverage when you don’t. Medicare’s prescription drug coverage will change in 2025. There will be a $2,000 cap on out-of-pocket expenses for medications, easing the financial burden on seniors. There will also be stricter rules on drug pricing transparency. Customer service Beginning in 2025, those enrolled in Medicare will receive a mid-year notification reminding them of benefits they have not yet taken advantage of. It will also include a customer service number that beneficiaries can turn to with any questions. The goal is to encourage Medicare policyholders to make the most of their benefits. Your costs Changes in Medicare policies will impact health care costs for seniors. Some services will become cheaper, while others may cost more. It’s important for seniors to review their Medicare plans every year to understand these cost changes and manage their health care budgets effectively. Ensure that you educate yourself on the costs you may encounter. Dealing with financial surprises can be stressful, especially if it prevents you from getting the care you need. The Medicare changes in 2025 will significantly affect seniors’ access to health care and costs. The cap on prescription drug costs will provide financial relief for many people, but some services might see higher premiums or copayments. Staying informed about these changes will be crucial for managing health care effectively. Taking action Now that you know what changes to expect in your Medicare plan next year, what’s next? Here are a few steps to ensure you stay ahead of the curve. Take a close look at your existing Medicare plan to understand how the 2025 changes will impact your coverage. Pay special attention to adjustments in customer service and prescription drug coverage. Note any new benefits you can take advantage of, as well as any changes that might increase your costs. A thorough review of your current plan will help you make informed decisions about whether to stick with your current plan or consider other options. Online tools Medicare’s online platform is designed to simplify the enrollment and plan management processes. Take advantage of these tools to easily access information about your benefits and coverage options. The platform will help you manage your plan without the hassle of dealing with paperwork. You can use the educational resources the platform offers to stay informed about updates and changes. Keep an eye on your health care expenses to understand how the 2025 Medicare changes will affect your budget. Watch for shifts in premiums, copayments, and out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs. Adjust your budget accordingly to avoid unexpected financial strain. Regularly reviewing your health care costs will help you stay on top of your finances and make the necessary adjustments. Expert opinions Discuss the upcoming Medicare changes with your health care providers to get personalized advice to help you understand how new policies might impact your medical care, and suggest the best ways to navigate these updates. Your health care providers can also inform you about the preventive services and telehealth options covered by Medicare. This guidance will ensure you continue to receive the best possible care under the new rules. Reach out to Medicare representatives or local health advisors for detailed explanations of the new policies and how they affect your situation. Support from knowledgeable professionals will help you make informed decisions to ensure that you are well-prepared for the changes and maximize your Medicare benefits. Keep in mind that it’s possible to research on your own, but this can be time-consuming and comes with the risk of making mistakes.
MEDICARE 2025 | What should you know about upcoming changes?
When can you sign up for Medicare or when can you switch plans if your health needs have changed?
New to Medicare or choosing coverage for next year?
The Employee Benefit Research Institute estimates that a typical 65-year-old couple will spend a total of $265,000 in health care costs over the remainder of their lives.
Four Ideas For Health Care Planning In Retirement
Those new to Medicare or those considering changing their plans usually have a lot of questions.
Medicare and some key questions
Your 65th birthday marks the beginning of a new chapter — one that calls for reaping the benefits of Medicare that you’ve worked for over the decades. Just as you learned to navigate the United States’ educational, economic, and political systems, now is the time to become familiar with the country’s health benefits. But what happens if you are not fully proficient in English or don’t have a family member to help guide you through the process? Recognizing this issue for many residents and naturalized citizens, the national Medicare program has made its information accessible to more than just English speakers. The official website, medicare.gov, is available in both English and Spanish (https://es.medicare.gov/). Services offered online include creating your own account, a search tool to find and compare plans and providers in your area, and access to Medicare via live chat. If you prefer to call, direct numbers are also provided to reach their helpline. In Houston alone, 145 languages are spoken in addition to English. According to official data from the City of Houston, the most common languages are Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese, Arabic, and French, with additional languages including Hindi, Urdu, Tagalog, Persian, Korean, and German. Here are some useful links from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (cms.gov) to obtain more information about Medicare: Arabic: www.cms.gov/priorities/health-equity/minority-health/resource-center/language/arabic-tybrla Vietnamese: www.cms.gov/priorities/health-equity/minority-health/resource-center/language/vietnamese-tieng-viet Chinese: www.cms.gov/priorities/health-equity/minority-health/resource-center/language/chinese-zhongwen Farsi: www.cms.gov/priorities/health-equity/minority-health/resource-center/language/farsi-nsdyr Korean: www.cms.gov/priorities/health-equity/minority-health/resource-center/language/korean-hangugeo Tagalog: www.cms.gov/priorities/health-equity/minority-health/resource-center/language/tagalog For a complete list of languages, visit: www.cms.gov/priorities/health-equity/minority-health/resource-center/language Other resources AARP: It includes the Medicare Resource Center, where you can find topics like eligibility and enrollment, Medicare made easy and Medicare Q&A Tool. Available in English and Spanish. (www.aarp.org/health/medicare-insurance/). SSA: Social Security's Medicare Information in Spanish provides detailed information about Medicare benefits. It covers eligibility requirements, enrollment periods, and instructions on how to sign up for Medicare Parts A and B, among other topics. Pharmacy Audit Assistance Service: At the PAAS National page you will learn about a new requirement made effective in 2023 mandating that Medicare providers include multi-language inserts with communications sent to beneficiaries. These inserts inform you about the availability of free translation services for the following languages: Spanish, Chinese, Tagalog, French, Vietnamese, German, Korean, Russian, Arabic, Italian, Portuguese, French Creole, Polish, Hindi, and Japanese.
In your own language: Get informed about Medicare benefits
By Jennifer Salazar | BBB EDUCATION FOUNDATION
By Paula Santilli | Freelance Writer
According to the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) in the March 2024 brief, Medicare Households Spend More on Health Care Than Other Households, the average senior on Medicare spends nearly $7,000 out of pocket on their health care each year. For many, these rising costs are a financial strain, leaving them searching for ways to manage expenses. How can you ensure your health care costs don't overwhelm your financial plan? First you need to understand your plan fully from front to back. Once you feel like you have a thorough understanding of your plan, check out these tips on how seniors on Medicare can decrease health care costs. Preventive services One of the easiest ways to lower costs is to take advantage of Medicare’s preventive services, which are often free and can catch health issues early, reducing the need for more expensive treatments later on. Screenings, vaccinations, and annual wellness visits are covered under Medicare, allowing seniors to stay on top of their health. Regular checkups and early detection can help avoid more serious medical problems, which can lead to costly hospital stays or procedures. Review drug coverage and costs Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage plans offer prescription drug coverage, but costs can vary widely. Regularly reviewing your plan — at the minimum every year — is essential to ensure you’re not paying more than you should for your health needs. For example, some plans offer lower prices on certain medications, while others may not cover the prescriptions you are prescribed by your doctor. By comparing different plans each year, you can find one that better suits your specific needs and budget, helping to lower your overall spending on medications, which can be a major expense for seniors every month. You can also opt for generic medications when possible to cut prescription costs since the same generic medication can be drastically cheaper than the name brand. What standards do generic medicines have to meet to get FDA approval? According to FDA.gov, “Drug companies must submit an abbreviated new drug application (ANDA) to FDA for approval to market a generic drug that is the same as (or bioequivalent to) the brand product. FDA reviews the application to ensure drug companies have demonstrated that the generic medicine can be substituted for the brand-name medicine that it copies.” The FDA analyzes things such as strength, usage, administration method, and how it breaks down, among many others. Supplemental insurance There are also compelling reasons to consider Medicare Supplemental Insurance, also known as Medigap, which is designed to fill the gaps in Original Medicare coverage. It can be especially useful for seniors who have regular doctor visits or hospital stays. By covering costs like deductibles and coinsurance, Medigap can reduce your overall spending on healthcare. It’s important to choose a plan that matches your health needs and budget so you aren't overpaying for coverage you don't need. Try to stay healthy It may seem obvious, but one of the best ways to reduce medical expenses is by maintaining good health. A healthy lifestyle can reduce the risk of you having to endure serious medical conditions that can be costly. Regular exercise that’s approved by your physician, balanced nutrition, and routine checkups can help prevent more serious health issues. Also, taking advantage of recommended preventive care, such as screenings and vaccines, can play a big role in keeping you healthier – and keep future health care costs at a minimum. And finally, as always, closely review all your medical bills for errors and address discrepancies right away.
MONEY MATTERS | Here’s how to stay in control of health care costs
