medicare

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.

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.

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…

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.

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.

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.

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.