May 23 Column: Not sure what to make of Trump's drug prices plan? Here's where to start By Philip Moeller Rushing 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. Continue reading
May 06 Watch 11:57 How work requirements for social security programs impact people in need By Sam Weber, Connie Kargbo President Donald Trump signed an executive order last month pushing certain work requirements for access to social security programs like Medicaid. But lawmakers in Maine, which requires individuals work at least 20 hours a week to qualify for more than… Continue watching
May 02 I work and collect Social Security. Can I boost my benefits? Social Security bases your benefits on your highest 35 years of wage earnings. The effect of any single year’s higher earnings will be modest. Continue reading
Apr 25 Why your observation stay at the hospital could end with a big bill By Philip Moeller If you never received notification, you might have grounds to argue that the hospital messed up. Continue reading
Apr 18 I had surgery out of state. Why is Medicare refusing to pay? By Philip Moeller 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. Continue reading
Apr 13 Mainers voted to expand Medicaid last year. Could these states be next? By Harry Zahn Where is the fight over Medicaid expansion now?… Continue reading
Apr 11 Congress' latest spending bill could bring major changes to Medicare Advantage. Here's what you need to know By Philip Moeller The upcoming changes to MA plans have the potential to trigger an even larger shift away from original Medicare. Continue reading
Apr 04 2 things you should know about Medicare this month By Philip Moeller Medicare 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. Continue reading
Apr 04 Places with legal marijuana issue fewer opioid prescriptions, large studies find By Kate Sheridan, STAT An analysis of more than five years of Medicare Part D and Medicaid prescription data found that after states legalized weed, the number of opioid prescriptions and the daily dose of opioids went way down. Continue reading
Mar 28 Who will care for you when you are elderly and frail? You should plan now By Philip Moeller Looking 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… Continue reading