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 & Medicaid
Medicare and Medigap Insurance Coverage When Traveling Outside the United States
Medicare provides limited coverage for healthcare services outside the U.S. and its territories, including Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and others. Here’s how the various parts of Medicare, along with Medigap, handle international travel: Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance) Medicare Part A and […]
Original Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage
When it comes to choosing between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage, the path you take can significantly impact your medical care and costs. Original Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage Original Medicare: Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance). Allows you to see any doctor or specialist who accepts Medicare. […]
Understand Medicare Part D
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 Advantage (Part C)
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 […]
Medicare Part B: Standard vs. Premium
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 […]
Medicare Part A: Standard (Premium-Free) vs. Premium
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 […]
Steps to Enroll in Medicare
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. […]
Man Sentenced to 82 Months for $73 Million Medicare Fraud
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 […]
A Social Security Disability Insurance and Medicaid
Who can qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Medicaid at the same time? Here’s how it generally works: Qualifying for SSDI and Medicaid: When you are approved for SSDI benefits, you are also automatically eligible for Medicare, not Medicaid, after a waiting period. However, you can be eligible […]