When Can You Delay Taking Medicare?
While you are eligible to apply for Medicare when you are 65, there are circumstances where you might not want to, particularly if you are working full time for a larger employer or contributing to a health…
Typical Social Security Recipient Will Get $4 Benefit Increase in 2017
The nation’s more than 65 million Social Security recipients will get a 0.3 percent cost of living increase in payments in 2017. This is expected to raise the monthly payment for the typical beneficiary by $4. Cost of living increases…
Judge Orders Medicare Agency to Comply with Settlement in “Improvement Standard” Case and Provide More Education
Matthew Shepard, Communications Director at the Center for Medicare Advocacy shares the latest information on the “Improvement Standard” case (Jimmo v. Burwell, No. 11-cv-17 (D.Vt.)). If you are a Medicare beneficiary, this case could help ensure that you…
Know Your Options Before Signing Up for Medicare
As you get ready to turn 65, you may be inundated with information about Medicare. All this information is confusing, but it is important to do your research before choosing your plan. If you aren’t fully informed, you could end up making mistakes that will cost you down the road, particularly when it comes to how “Medicare Advantage” and “Medigap” plans interact.
Obama Signs Law Requiring Hospitals to Warn of Costly Medicare Loophole
President Obama has signed a new law intended to prevent Medicare beneficiaries from spending days in a hospital only to find that they hadn’t been admitted to the hospital at all – they were only under “observation.” This is important because Medicare covers nursing home stays entirely for the first 20 days, but only if the patient was first admitted to a hospital as an inpatient for at least three days.
Medicare Increases Coverage of Mental Health Services
Medicare has increased the amount of mental health coverage beneficiaries are entitled to. After years of unequal treatment, Medicare now covers mental health care the same way it covers physical illnesses.
Things to Consider Before Retiring Abroad
Retiring to another country can be a very attractive option. Lower cost of living and health care expenses along with exotic locales and temperate climates persuade many seniors to retire outside of the United States. If you want to ensure a smooth transition, however, there are many issues to consider and steps to take before packing up and moving.
Many Still Unaware That Medicare Coverage Is Now Available for Chronic Conditions
If you are a Medicare beneficiary receiving skilled care for a chronic condition, you no longer have to show improvement in order to have the care covered, but your provider (such as a doctor, home care agency, or nursing home) may not know this.
Can You Appeal If Medicare Refuses to Cover Care You Received?
Sometimes Medicare will decide that a particular treatment or service is not covered and will deny a beneficiary’s claim. Many of these decisions are highly subjective and involve determining.
Should You Sign a Nursing Home Admission Agreement?
Admitting a loved one to a nursing home can be very stressful. In addition to dealing with a sick family member and managing all the details involved with the move, you must decide whether to sign all the papers the nursing home is giving you. Nursing home admission agreements can be complicated and confusing, so what do you do?