President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Dr. Mehmet Oz to lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), a pivotal agency overseeing healthcare programs for over 160 million Americans. About Dr. Mehmet Oz: Dr. Oz is a cardiothoracic surgeon and television personality, widely recognized for hosting “The Dr. Oz Show.” […]

Medicare Part B offers a range of preventive services that beneficiaries can receive annually at no out-of-pocket cost, provided the healthcare provider accepts assignment. These services are designed to detect health issues early and promote overall wellness. Here are 12 such services: Annual Wellness Visit (AWV): A yearly appointment to […]

Here is a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the Medicare Open Enrollment period (October 15 – December 7) effectively: 1. Review Your Current Plan and the Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) What is the ANOC? Your current Medicare Advantage or Part D plan sends an Annual Notice of Change […]

Your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) is a seven-month window surrounding your 65th birthday. It starts three months before the month you turn 65, includes your birthday month, and ends three months after. Here’s how you can enroll: Sign up for Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance) […]

In 2025, several important changes to Medicare will take effect, significantly affecting retirees. These changes include modifications to Medicare Part D, the introduction of out-of-pocket spending caps, new rules regarding weight loss drugs, updates to Medicare Advantage, and new benefits for family caregiver services and mental health providers. Here’s a […]

The Medi-Cal program is California’s Medicaid health care program, providing free or low-cost health coverage to eligible California residents with limited income and resources. It is jointly funded by the state and federal governments. Eligibility To be eligible for Medi-Cal, you must fall into one of the following categories: Low-income […]

Medigap is a supplemental insurance policy that helps cover some of the healthcare costs not covered by Medicare, such as deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. These policies are sold by private insurance companies and are meant to complement your Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance). Here’s a […]

Retirees often make mistakes when first qualifying for Medicare because of confusion and lack of understanding about the enrollment process, coverage options, and timelines. Below are detailed reasons for common mistakes and suggestions for avoiding them: 1. Not Signing Up During the Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) Why It Happens: Many […]

Billing for Services Not Provided: Fraudulent healthcare providers might bill Medicare for services, tests, or procedures that were never actually performed. Upcoding: Providers bill for a more expensive service or procedure than what was actually provided. Unnecessary Services: Some providers might order unnecessary tests or procedures just to increase their […]