Oct 26 It can pay to pick a new Medicare Part D drug plan. Here’s how to start shopping. By Philip Moeller Medicare Part D prescription drug plans are, for those without serious health and hospitalization needs, the most important feature of their Medicare coverage. And even if you like your current plan, you still should spend some time during open enrollment… Continue reading
Oct 18 Why this Social Security boost is no boon for lower earners By Philip Moeller Millions of people receiving Social Security and Medicare will suffer next year from financial indigestion. Here's why. Continue reading
Oct 11 4 tips for making the most of Medicare’s open enrollment By Philip Moeller Medicare’s annual open enrollment season begins Oct. 15 and extends through Dec. 7. Here are a few preparatory pointers to help enrollees take full advantage of the opportunity. Continue reading
Oct 04 I’m 66 and I just lost my job. How do we maximize our Social Security? By Philip Moeller A reader needs to apply for Social Security benefits right now after losing his job at full retirement age. But what if he finds a new job?… Continue reading
Sep 27 Can I get more affordable long-term care insurance? By Philip Moeller Long-term care costs can be very, very high and Medicare does not pay for it. Continue reading
Sep 20 Does Medicare make sense for seniors with employer health coverage? By Philip Moeller In the past, I usually told employees turning 65 that they did not have to get Medicare and could simply keep their employer plans. My thinking has changed. Continue reading
Sep 13 Standard Medigap plans are learning some new tricks By Philip Moeller If you are considering a certain Medigap letter plan, don’t assume that all such plans will offer the same features. Continue reading
Sep 06 My physician isn’t in my Medicare Advantage network. What can I do? By Philip Moeller "My Medicare Advantage plan made a mistake about my physician network," writes one of our readers. "The day my coverage began, I attempted to make an appointment with the physician, but was told by the insurance billing office that none… Continue reading
Aug 30 Health care watchdog sends urgent alert on potential nursing home abuse By Philip Moeller The government’s health care watchdog office has issued an early alert in advance of its upcoming formal report on egregious abuses of patients at skilled nursing facilities. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General says… Continue reading
Aug 23 How do I get the Medicare coverage I want with the lowest out-of-pocket cost? By Philip Moeller If your overall objective here is to get the coverage you want with the lowest annual out-of-pocket expense, you can use Medicare's own online tools to get a good idea of available Part D drug plans and Medigap supplement plans. Continue reading