Oct 07 Column: Why does Medicare allow for the price gouging of prescription drugs? By Philip Moeller The pharmaceutical industry convinced enough legislators in 2003 to forbid Medicare from negotiating drug prices when Congress enacted the law creating Part D drug plans. Continue reading
Sep 30 It’s not too early to begin thinking about Medicare’s annual open enrollment By Philip Moeller Medicare’s annual open enrollment period begins Oct. 15. Do you need to sign up?… Continue reading
Sep 23 How do I know if my doctor accepts Medicare? By Philip Moeller Medicare Maven Phil Moeller answers your Medicare questions. Continue reading
Sep 16 Surprise! Your Medicare Part B premiums may increase by 50 percent in 2016 By Philip Moeller Medicare trustees projected that a great number of Medicare beneficiaries will be affected. Continue reading
Sep 16 Vaccination rates for older adults falling short By Phil Galewitz, Kaiser Health News Three out of four Americans older than 60 don’t get a shingles vaccine, but that's not the only shot that public health officials are struggling to persuade older Americans to get. Continue reading
Sep 09 Am I still covered by Medicare when I travel out of state? By Philip Moeller Original Medicare is national, but most Medicare Advantage plans only cover you for services in their local network. Continue reading
Sep 07 How soon after the wedding can I start collecting social security benefits? By Laurence Kotlikoff In most cases, a spouse must be married for a full year before they can become entitled to spousal benefits. However, if a person is already drawing benefits as a divorced spouse, they can become entitled to spousal benefits on… Continue reading
Sep 02 The Medicare Maven on a pricey Rx from a doctor who doesn’t take Medicare By Philip Moeller One reader was told her medication will cost more, because it was prescribed by a doctor that does not participate in Medicare. Here's how to avoid such pricey medications. Continue reading
Aug 31 What happens to your Social Security benefit when you marry? By Laurence Kotlikoff A reader asks whether remarrying will cause her to lose her Social Security benefits. Social Security expert Larry Kotlikoff has the answer. Continue reading
Aug 25 Is private-sector Medicare becoming a monopoly? By Philip Moeller A new study finds that 97 percent of counties that offer Medicare Advantage health plans had highly concentrated markets. Continue reading