Understanding Medicare and How to Get It

As we age, our health becomes even more important. With healthcare costs on the rise, it can be difficult to navigate the world of healthcare and insurance. 

Luckily, Medicare is a government program that provides health insurance to individuals aged 65 and over or those with certain disabilities. However, many people have questions about how Medicare works, what it covers, and how to sign up. 

In this blog post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about Medicare and how to get it.

What Is Medicare?

Medicare is a government-funded healthcare program for individuals who are 65 years of age or older or have certain disabilities. 

The Medicare program consists of four parts – A, B, C, and D. Medicare Part A covers hospital stays, skilled nursing care, hospice care, and home health care. Part B covers doctor visits, outpatient care, and preventative services. 

Medicare Part C, also known as Medicare Advantage, is a private insurance plan that replaces Parts A and B services. Finally, Part D covers prescription drugs.

How to Sign Up for Medicare

If you are turning 65 or have a qualifying disability condition, you can enroll in Medicare during a seven-month period around your birthday month, which is called the Initial Enrollment Period (IEP). 

If you miss your IEP, you can still enroll during the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), which is usually from October 15th to December 7th. To sign up for Medicare, you will need to contact the Social Security Administration (SSA). 

You may need to provide additional documentation, such as proof of citizenship, depending on your specific circumstances.

What Does Medicare Cover?

Medicare covers a wide range of medical services and treatments. Part A covers hospital stays, hospice care, skilled nursing facility care, and home health care. 

Part B covers doctor and outpatient services, preventative services, and medical equipment. Under Part C (also known as Medicare Advantage), you will receive all the benefits of Parts A and B, plus additional benefits such as vision, hearing, dental, and fitness programs. 

Finally, Part D covers prescription medication. However, Medicare does not cover all medical expenses. This means that there may be out-of-pocket costs depending on the services you need. Therefore, if you require additional coverage, you may want to consider a Medigap policy.

In conclusion, an advantage insurance plan is a valuable resource for seniors and those with disabilities who require healthcare coverage. 

By understanding how Medicare works, what it covers, and how to sign up, you will be better equipped to navigate the healthcare system. Remember to enroll in Medicare during your Initial Enrollment Period or Annual Enrollment Period and explore additional coverage options if needed. 

Don't hesitate to ask questions or seek help from a qualified professional to help you make the best choices for your healthcare needs.

Tips for Choosing the Right Medicare Plan for Your Needs

Medicare is a government health insurance program for Americans over the age of 65. It covers various health care services, including hospital stays and doctor visits.

However, the program can be confusing to navigate, with different options and rules to consider. 

This blog post offers tips on choosing the right Medicare plan for your needs.

Understand the Different Parts of Medicare

Medicare is divided into four parts: A, B, C, and D. Part A covers hospital stays, while Part B covers medical services such as doctor visits and lab tests. 

Part C, also known as Medicare Advantage, allows you to receive benefits through a private insurance company. 

Part D covers prescription drugs. Understanding the different parts of Medicare can help you decide which plan is right for you.

Determine Your Health Care Needs

Consider your current health and any ongoing conditions. Do you need frequent visits to doctors and specialists? Are you on multiple medications? 

These factors can affect which Medicare advantage insurance plan is best for you. For example, if you require a lot of prescription drugs, you may want to choose a plan with comprehensive drug coverage.

Compare Plans

Each Medicare plan has different costs and benefits. When comparing plans, pay attention to premiums, deductibles, co-payments, and co-insurance. 

Also, make sure the plan covers the services you need. Many insurance companies offer online tools and resources to help you compare plans. You can also work with an insurance agent or counselor who specializes in Medicare.

Check Provider Networks

If you already have a doctor or hospital that you like, make sure they accept the Medicare plan you are considering. Some Medicare plans have limited provider networks, which means you may have to switch doctors or hospitals. 

Maintaining your relationship with your current providers may be important if you have a chronic condition or receive regular medical care.

Review Plans Annually

Your healthcare needs and financial situation may change over time. Review your Medicare plan annually during the annual enrollment period, which usually runs from October 15 to December 7. You can compare plans and make changes as necessary.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right Medicare plan can be overwhelming, but it's an important decision to make to ensure you receive the care you need. 

By understanding the different parts of Medicare, considering your health care needs, comparing plans, checking provider networks, and reviewing plans annually, you can make an informed decision. 

It's also important to ask questions and seek out resources if you need help. With the right Medicare plan, you can feel confident and empowered in your health care choices.

Advice for How to Handle Medical Expenses

Medical expenses can be a nightmare for many individuals and families. With unpredictable health issues, the high cost of healthcare, and increasing insurance premiums, it can be overwhelming to deal with medical bills. 

If you are struggling to manage your medical expenses, don't worry - you are not alone. 

In this blog, we will explore some practical tips to help you manage your medical expenses in a systematic and effective way.

Review Your Health Insurance

The first step in managing your medical expenses is to understand your health insurance policy. Review your policy details to know what is covered and what is not. 

Most insurance policies, something like the medicare advantage insurance plan, come with a deductible, i.e., an amount that you need to pay before the insurance provider starts covering your healthcare expenses. 

Knowing your deductible, co-pay amount and out-of-pocket maximum can help you plan your expenses and avoid unexpected bills.

Ask Questions

Whenever you are seeking healthcare services, ask questions. Ask your provider about the cost of the procedure, available discounts, and payment plans. Also, check if alternative options are available that may be less expensive. 

If you are prescribed medication, ask if the generic alternative is as effective as the brand-name drug. Being proactive and asking questions can help you save a lot of money in the long run.

Negotiate With Healthcare Providers

It's not uncommon for healthcare providers to charge different amounts for the same service or procedure. So, if you receive an exorbitant bill, don't hesitate to ask for a discount. 

Negotiating with your provider can help you save a lot of money. Also, if you are facing financial difficulties, inform your provider and see if they can offer you payment plans or financial assistance.

Look Into Personal Loans

If you are struggling to pay off medical bills, consider taking out a personal loan. Many banks and financial institutions like credit unions offer things like secured personal loans specifically for healthcare expenses. 

These loans often have lower interest rates than credit cards and can give you more time to pay off the bills. However, make sure to compare different options and read all terms and conditions carefully before signing up for a loan.

Keep Track of Your Expenses

When it comes to managing your finances, staying organized is crucial, especially when it comes to medical expenses. By keeping track of your bills, insurance claims, and the cost of medication, you can not only identify any mistakes or discrepancies, but you can also ensure you're not being overcharged for any services. 

Additionally, maintaining detailed records of your medical expenses can be incredibly helpful when it comes to filing your taxes- as some medical expenses may be tax-deductible. Taking the time to keep track of these expenses may seem tedious at first, but it can ultimately save you time and money in the long run.

Look for Community Resources

It's no secret that healthcare expenses can be overwhelming, but what many people may not realize is that there are actually a variety of community resources available to help alleviate those costs. 

By doing a bit of research and reaching out to local non-profit organizations, religious institutions, or government agencies, you may be able to find financial assistance for medical expenses. 

Additionally, some states offer healthcare assistance programs or Medicaid that can help cover expenses if you meet certain eligibility criteria. Don't hesitate to look into these options if you're struggling to pay for medical bills – there may be help available that you weren't aware of.

Plan Ahead

When it comes to your health, it’s important to plan ahead. You can stay on top of your health by scheduling regular check-ups and physical exams and catching any potential problems early on. 

This can save you money in the long run by preventing expensive medical treatments that could have been avoided. Additionally, it’s a smart idea to create an emergency fund specifically earmarked for unexpected medical expenses. 

By having a financial cushion to fall back on, you can handle unexpected bills without the stress of going into debt. Take the necessary steps to plan ahead, and you’ll be well-prepared to protect your health and wallet.

Final Thoughts

Managing medical expenses can be challenging, but with some planning and effort, you can navigate your way through it. 

Understanding your health insurance policy, speaking with your healthcare providers, and looking for community resources can help you manage your expenses and avoid unnecessary bills. Also, planning ahead and creating an emergency fund can help you prepare for unexpected medical expenses. 

Remember, your health is your wealth, so don't compromise when it comes to taking care of yourself, but make sure you are taking a smart financial approach to it.

Basics Of Medicare You Should Know About

The national health insurance program is geared primarily toward seniors and those who are permanently disabled. Medicare is an extremely important part of many people's lives since it is often their only insurance option.

But like most other government programs, gaining a good understanding of Medicare's basics can be difficult, especially since various rules and regulations change almost every year. 

If you are preparing to enroll in Medicare or have a family member who needs to understand it in more detail, here are some Medicare basics, you should know about from day one.

Medicare is Not Medicaid

Remember, Medicare and Medicaid are not the same programs. If you are eligible for Medicare, your assets and income play no part in determining your eligibility for the program. Being a federal program, Medicare procedures do not vary much if state to state.

Parts A and B

The two major coverage components of Medicare are known as Parts A and B. Part A will cover your inpatient hospital care, inpatient care in a skilled nursing facility, such as a nursing home, hospice care, and home health care services. 

Part B will cover visits to a doctor's office, various types of outpatient care, the most durable medical equipment, and other related services.

A and B Don't Pay Your Total Cost

One of the biggest mistakes many new to Medicare make is assuming Parts A and B will cover 100 percent of their medical costs, which is not the case. 

A and B only cover 80 percent of your costs, meaning you will still need to pay some on your own. To offset these costs, you may consider adding a Medicare Advantage plan to your coverage. 

Often known as managed care plans, Medicare Advantage will require you to pay premiums but will offset what may be very expensive medical costs.

You Don't Have to be Retired

Finally, you need to realize that you do not have to be retired from your job to be eligible for Medicare. Even if you do not plan to retire at age 65, you can still sign up for Medicare. 

To do so, you will enroll online during your Initial Enrollment Period, which will be three months before turning 65 or the first three months after you turn 65.

By knowing what is involved with Medicare coverage, you can make informed decisions to ensure you have the best possible health care in the years ahead.

How to Make Affording Your Medicine Easier on Your Wallet

Prescription medication is expensive, and it gets more expensive every year. The good news is, there are a number of things you can do to make affording your medicine easier on your wallet. 

If you are getting overwhelmed by medical bills and prescriptions and don’t know what you should really be paying, make sure you get educated. Use these tips at the doctor’s office to help make bills more manageable and easier to understand.

Ask for Free Samples

If your doctor is prescribing you a one-time dose of medication such as an antibiotic or if they are starting you on a new medication, ask if you can get a free sample. Doctors often get samples from drug companies, especially ones that are new to the market.

If you are getting a medication for the first time, you might suggest a free sample as a way to "try it out" to make sure it works before committing to a prescription. Make sure you ask extensively about what side-effects you might experience and discuss any allergies you might have. 

Use Generic Drugs

Generic medicines are much cheaper than their brand-name counterparts, so you can save a lot of money by using them. For any drug you are being prescribed, ask your doctor to prescribe a generic if it is available. If a generic isn't available, ask if there is a similar generic drug you could use. 

Most pharmacies can help you navigate which drugs will be similar enough as well. Always ask questions and do your research. Your pharmacy will be able to help direct you to similar drugs and maybe even over the counter options that do similar things.

Buy in Bulk

Prescription medicine, like many other items, costs less if you buy more of it at once. If your health insurance company offers mail order or bulk purchases, you can save money by buying more than a one-month supply of maintenance drugs you take every month, such as asthma medicine you need refills of often. 

Ask your doctor to give you a prescription for three months, six months, or even a year at a time. If your insurer doesn't offer a mail order option or you don't have insurance, ask your pharmacy if it offers discounts for bulk purchases. There are many ways you can buy in bulk so shop around to find an option that works best for your lifestyle. 

Shop Around

You would think all medicines cost the same at every pharmacy, but that's not always the case. When you get a prescription, you should call around to different pharmacies to see if there is a price difference. 

If you wind up going to a different pharmacy, you might save even more money because they can give you discounts or rebates for switching a prescription to them.

You might also go to an alternative clinic like the ICE, Institute of Cardiovascular Excellence who do their own billing. Talk to them to see what kinds of billing options are available. 

You can often break up bills and find ways to finance with your clinic so you have a system that works best for you. Just asking can help you find ways to save in the long run. Don’t be afraid to ask and get tips for how to finance from others in your position. 

Prescription medication is not cheap, but it doesn't have to break the bank, either. By following these tips, you can ensure you don't pay more than you absolutely need to, which makes it easier to afford your medicines.

The 4 Ways Health Care Has Changed For Your Retirement Fund

Most retirees depend upon Medicare for health care. The Affordable Care Act made changes that continue to go into effect throughout the rest of the first quarter of the century. Your retirment fund should be on the forefront of your mind and every aspect should be accounted for. For many senior citizens the changes affect how much of their retirement fund is allocated for medical care. Although there are many changes, four stand out in particular.

Preventative Services

Medicare insurance companies have to provide some preventative checkup services for free that required a co-pay in the past. Mammograms and colonoscopies are two of the screenings now completely covered. A yearly check-up is now also included as part of the free service. However, to pay for the new services many insurance companies are cutting other services that they were not required to pay for but covered as part of their marketing. For example, many Medicare enrollees no longer have free access to health clubs through their policy. The key here is to remember that changes have been made and to fully research what you are covered for exactly. 

Pharmaceutical Drugs

Greater access to pharmaceutical drugs at a discounted price is part of the ACA. The “doughnut hole” is being discarded, which can save many seniors several thousand dollars a year. Seniors can continue to use an ongoing drug treatment program without fear of running out of money halfway through. A greater percentage of coverage has gone into effect for both brand name and generic drugs. 

Medicare Advantage

Those who are on Medicare Advantage may feel that they have lost the advantage the program provided. Known for its low cost care, the program is suffering under the ACA. Many insurance companies are raising the cost for the program, and the services it provides. It has become much more competitive with the standard Medicare Part B supplement program. Many seniors are finding it financially wise to meet with a Medicare insurance agent to compare plans and finding the best option for them. 

Dental Care

The greatest change is one that did not happen in spite of the desires of many seniors. The ACA did not provide any additional coverage for dental care. Medicare does not cover any treatment for the general health of the teeth, leaving seniors to handle expensive bills on their own. Fortunately for them places such as Ivory Dental Centre exist to provide excellent care for reasonable fees. Many dental practices also extend credit to help patients with extensive bills.



Managing retirement and health care remains a juggling act. The changes to Medicare make part of the task easier, but care is needed to understand all the options. Make sure you contact your insurance representative and ask if the changes made will affect you and make sure you fully understand everything that is going on with your funds. Preparation is going to be needed as you enter retirement, make sure nothing goes unnoticed.

How Will the Affordable Care Act Affect Medicare?

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, is set to take full effect next year. The legislation is set to cut $716 billion from Medicare and will bring some significant changes to the program. The Affordable Care Act has already expanded Medicare coverage to include preventive care, and it’s slowly closing the coverage gap in Medicare Part D. 

The Affordable Care Act aims to improve the quality of hospital care for seniors by rewarding hospitals that provide quality care with increased funding, and penalizing those who provide poorer care with decreased funding. Although the legislation does cut some Medicare programs, these cuts aren’t intended to affect benefits; instead, they’re meant to increase Medicare’s cost-effectiveness by moving the money to areas of the program where it can be put to better use.

How Are Medicare Benefits Changing?

The Affordable Care Act broadens existing Medicare benefits, making it possible for seniors on Medicare to receive preventive care with no out-of-pocket costs. Seniors can now get check-ups, cancer screenings, vaccines and other forms of preventive care for free. These changes have been in effect since 2011.

Another important change in Medicare benefits under the Affordable Care Act concerns the so-called “donut hole,” or the coverage gap in Medicare Part D. Under Medicare Part D, many seniors must pay for their own prescription drug costs. As of 2012, seniors receiving Medicare became eligible for discounts on brand-name and generic prescription drugs. These discounts will grow each year until 2020, when the coverage gap should close completely, and Medicare recipients will only need to pay co-pays for their prescription drugs.

The Affordable Care Act also aims to reduce federal spending on Medicare Advantage, a form of supplemental Medicare insurance administered by private insurance companies. Medicare Advantage, which was originally intended to reduce federal spending on Medicare, has turned out to cost the government 14 percent more per patient than traditional Medicare. It is hoped that cutting federal spending on Medicare Advantage will lower overall Medicare costs.

What Is the Value-Based Payment Provision?

Under the Affordable Care Act, providers who offer high-quality care to Medicare patients stand to receive a one percent increase in Medicare payments in 2014, and a two percent increase in Medicare payments in 2015. Conversely, those who provide a lower standard of care — as measured by high re-admittance rates and patient dissatisfaction — stand to lose up to two percent of their payments from Medicare by 2015.

In this way, the Affordable Care Act intends to improve the quality of care seniors receive.Quality care is something that professionals in the field will have to focus on. Though it may have gone unmentioned before, health care employees had better take notice or suffer the consequences. Human services will be especially influential in this regard and it is anticipated that more positions in human resources will be created to address the importance of quality care. To learn more about earning a human services degree online, you can research online for a program that fits you. 

Where Are the Medicare Cuts Coming From?

According to the Congressional Budget Office, the anticipated total cost of Medicare over the next 10 years will be about $7.5 trillion. Between 2013 and 2022, the Affordable Care Act plans to cut $716 billion from Medicare. Of that amount, $415 billion comes from federal payments to care providers and private insurance companies. The rest of the cuts come from parts of the program that are not considered to be cost effective, such as the Medicare Disproportionate Share Program, which compensates hospitals for treating lower-income Medicare recipients who do not have supplemental insurance.

How Does the Affordable Care Act Change Medicare Funding?

The Affordable Care Act changes Medicare funding by reallocating the $716 billion in cuts to other parts of the program, where it’s believed the money can be put to better use. The new law will also levy a 0.9 percent tax on members of the top tax bracket in order to raise money for the new law.

The legislation also allows for the creation of an Independent Payment Advisory Board, which will have the authority to recommend reduced provider payments if Medicare spending grows too fast in the future. Payments from Medicare to health care providers will also grow at a slower rate. These two things are intended to keep Medicare costs down in the future. Medicare is expected to cost $900 billion per year by 2022.

The Affordable Care Act has expanded Medicare benefits to include preventive care like checkups, vaccines and cancer screenings. Over the next several years, it will gradually close the coverage gap in Medicare Part D, which provides prescription drug coverage to seniors. It will also cut spending on Medicare Advantage and tie providers’ payments to the quality of the care they give. The Affordable Care Act intends to fund these changes and keep Medicare solvent in the future with $716 billion in cuts to other parts of the program and with a 0.9 percent tax increase on members of the top bracket.

About the Author: Contributing blogger Alisa Martin has more than 15 years of experience in public health policy. She currently works with his local government to improve public health services.