About Philip @PhilMoeller
Phil Moeller is the author of “Get What’s Yours for Medicare: Maximize Your Coverage, Minimize Your Costs” and the co-author of the updated edition of The New York Times bestseller “How to Get What’s Yours: The Revised Secrets to Maxing Out Your Social Security,” with Making Sen$e’s Paul Solman and Larry Kotlikoff. On Twitter @PhilMoeller or via e-mail: medicarephil@gmail.com.
Philip’s Recent Stories
Making Sen$e May 30
Why did my Medicare premiums go up?The issue here is government failing to take steps to help restrain the prices that we all pay for drugs, hospitals, medical equipment, and doctors, writes columnist Philip Moeller.
Making Sen$e May 25
Senior advocates say new draft guide to Medicare distorts facts. Here’s what you need to knowMedicare advocacy groups are concerned that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is improperly putting its hand on the scales to tilt them further in favor of private Medicare Advantage plans.
Making Sen$e May 23
Column: Not sure what to make of Trump’s drug prices plan? Here’s where to startRushing to judgment is misguided. There are no quick fixes here, and while the Trump proposals are viewed as fatally flawed by many experts, they also include some worthy ideas.
Making Sen$e May 16
I am about to get divorced. What do I need to know about Social Security benefits?To be entitled to this large a benefit, you must wait until your own full retirement age to claim it. If you are strapped for funds and simply cannot wait, do this.
Making Sen$e Apr 25
Why your observation stay at the hospital could end with a big billIf you never received notification, you might have grounds to argue that the hospital messed up.
Making Sen$e Apr 18
I had surgery out of state. Why is Medicare refusing to pay?If you have basic Medicare, you should be able to see any doctor in the country who accepts Medicare's payment schedule. The story may be different if you have a private Medicare Advantage plan.
Making Sen$e Apr 11
Congress’ latest spending bill could bring major changes to Medicare Advantage. Here’s what you need to knowThe upcoming changes to MA plans have the potential to trigger an even larger shift away from original Medicare.
Making Sen$e Apr 04
2 things you should know about Medicare this monthMedicare is beginning in April to expand diabetes education and prevention efforts and will pay all expenses of people who qualify for the program. Plus, your Medicare card is about to change.
Making Sen$e Mar 28
Who will care for you when you are elderly and frail? You should plan nowLooking at the rising numbers of older citizens who will need care, and the shrinking numbers of younger people available to care for them, it has been clear for a long time that we are heading toward a serious shortage…
Making Sen$e Mar 21
If I have a tight budget and good health, what kind of Medicare should I get?Medicare Advantage plans are less expensive than a package of original Medicare with a Medigap supplement plan, and often cover additional things that basic Medicare does not cover.
