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
Aug 20 Most Americans want government to curb prescription costs, poll finds By Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar, Associated Press WASHINGTON — Regardless of political affiliation, Americans strongly support government action to control prescription drug costs, according to a poll released Thursday. Continue reading
Aug 19 How do I shop for the best Medicare deal? By Philip Moeller Here's your primer on finding the best Medicare plan for you. Shop wisely. Continue reading
Aug 12 You’re not retiring. Is joining Medicare Part A worthwhile? By Philip Moeller The answer may depend on your Social Security benefits. Continue reading
Aug 05 Which Medigap plan should you get? By Philip Moeller What are the differences between the plans? Our Medicare expert explains. Continue reading
Jul 29 Watch 10:25 After 50 years, how do we ensure Medicare and Medicaid longevity? By PBS News Hour Fifty years since Medicare and Medicaid were established, the programs cover the health care needs of more than 120 million Americans. But new projections underscore worries over long-term sustainability. Judy Woodruff speaks to two former secretaries of the Department of… Continue watching
Jul 29 What the annual Medicare and Social Security reports miss By Philip Moeller Trustees of the Medicare and Social Security programs released their annual reports last week. What wasn't included? How to put these critical senior support programs on sustainable trajectories. Continue reading
Jul 22 Medicare coverage for aging parents’ care is not nearly enough By Philip Moeller Medicare does cover skilled nursing care, which can be delivered in a home setting. But its coverage was never designed to be a long-term solution. Continue reading
Jul 16 Home Health Agencies Get Medicare’s Star Treatment By Jordan Rau, Kaiser Health News The federal government released on Thursday a new five-star rating system for home health agencies, hoping to bring clarity to a fast-growing but fragmented corner of the medical industry where it’s often difficult to distinguish good from bad. Continue reading
Jul 15 Two seismic shifts in Medicare, and what they mean for you By Philip Moeller Beginning in 2016, doctors will get paid by Medicare for having voluntary consultations with patients and their families about end-of-life medical planning and needs. Medicare will also set standard fees for all hip and knee replacements. Phil Moeller explains what… Continue reading