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 […]

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 […]

The Medicare Part D late enrollment penalty is an additional cost that gets added to your Medicare Part D (prescription drug coverage) monthly premium if you delay enrolling in Medicare Part D when you first become eligible and do not have other creditable prescription drug coverage. This penalty is typically […]

Medicare Part D is the prescription drug coverage component of Medicare, designed to help Medicare beneficiaries pay for prescription medications. It is available to anyone who has Medicare Part A and/or Part B. Costs of Medicare Part D Medicare Part D costs can vary depending on the plan you choose […]

Medicare Part C, also known as Medicare Advantage, is an alternative way for Medicare beneficiaries to receive their Medicare benefits. Here’s a breakdown of what it is, its benefits compared to Original Medicare, who might choose it, and other relevant details. What is Medicare Advantage (Part C)? Medicare Advantage plans […]

People who have Medicare Part B, even with the standard coverage, are still required to pay a monthly premium. The standard monthly premium for Medicare Part B in 2024 is $174.70. This premium is mandatory for all beneficiaries of Medicare Part B, regardless of whether they have additional coverage or […]

The differences between Standard (Premium-Free) and Premium Medicare Part A primarily involve whether you need to pay a monthly premium based on your work history. Both options have the same deductible and provide the same coverage. The deductible for inpatient hospital stays in 2024 is $1,632 per benefit period, applicable […]

Enrolling in Medicare typically involves a few key steps, and it’s important to be aware of the deadlines to avoid penalties. Here’s a general outline of the process and what happens if you miss the enrollment periods: Determine Your Eligibility: Most people become eligible for Medicare when they turn 65. […]

Leonel Palatnik, the 42-year-old co-owner of Panda Conservation Group LLC, was sentenced to 82 months in prison for his role in a $73 million Medicare fraud scheme. The scheme, executed during the COVID-19 pandemic, involved paying kickbacks to telemedicine providers to authorize medically unnecessary genetic tests, exploiting temporary telehealth regulation […]