medicare

Democrats wrestle with election-year message on health care

By Alan Fram, Associated Press

The bigger problem for Democrats is that two messages — fundamentally reshaping the nation's health care system versus defending Obama's popular law — divide the party as it tries grabbing control of Congress in this fall's elections.

How do Medigap plans work? Here's a tutorial

By Philip Moeller

A new report from the Kaiser Family Foundation offers a helpful look at these plans.

What happens to your Social Security payments when one spouse dies

By Philip Moeller

When Social Security was created, family benefits did not drop off sharply when one spouse died because few women were in the workforce. But with the first baby boomers now age 72, the volume of very difficult survivor situations will…

When should you file for Social Security if you have a young child?

By Philip Moeller

Realistically, money earned today is worth more than money earned in the future, writes Philip Moeller.

My husband needs at-home health services. Where do I start?

By Philip Moeller

Medicare does cover at-home care services if they are prescribed by a physician or other licensed caregiver, but does not cover so-called custodial care.

Column: This plan to add broad non-medical benefits to Medicare Advantage is a big deal. Here's why

By Philip Moeller

Beginning next year, Medicare Advantage plans will be permitted for the first time to broadly cover non-medical expenses that can help Medicare enrollees improve their health.

I live overseas but need surgery in the U.S. How do I make sure Medicare covers me?

By Philip Moeller

If you live abroad and have Medicare, here's what you'd need to qualify to use it.

What do non-married couples need to know about getting Medicare?

By Philip Moeller

The right to the spousal exemption from getting Medicare does not apply to non-married couples.

Medicare will run out of money sooner than expected, report warns

By Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar, Andrew Taylor, Associated Press

The report from program trustees says Medicare will become insolvent in 2026 — three years earlier than previously forecast. Its giant trust fund for inpatient care won't be able to fully cover projected medical bills starting at that point.

Senior advocates say new draft guide to Medicare distorts facts. Here's what you need to know

By Philip Moeller

Medicare 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.