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 23 HHS hints at major changes to Medicare that could mean higher costs for patients By Erin Mershon, STAT WASHINGTON — The Trump administration is signaling it will pursue significant changes to Medicare that could put beneficiaries on the hook for higher costs. In an informal proposal on Wednesday, federal health officials hinted at several new pilot programs 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 14 To prevent identity theft, government will issue new Medicare cards By Lauran Neergaard, Associated Press While the first mailings of new cards begin next April, Congress has set an April 2019 deadline for all beneficiaries to have received one. 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 13 WATCH: Sanders introduces a bill to expand Medicare for all By Alan Fram, Associated Press WASHINGTON — Americans would get health coverage simply by showing a new government-issued card and would no longer owe out-of-pocket expenses like deductibles, according to legislation Sen. Bernie Sanders released Wednesday. Continue reading