Category archives: Medicare Part B
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2 months ago
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The Senate Democrats' proposal for a $3.5 trillion spending plan includes expanding Medicare to provide dental, vision, and hearing benefits. The proposal is now being negotiated in Congress.
Currently Medicare does not offer much in the way of dental, vision, an... [read more]
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2 months ago
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Qualifying for Medicare hardly means free health care -- there are still premiums and deductibles. However, people who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid (called “dual eligibility”) receive help paying their out-of-pocket costs.
Medicare is a federal program available to anyone 65 or olde... [read more]
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7 months ago
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Tucked in the federal spending bill that passed at the end of December 2020 are some changes aimed at simplifying Medicare enrollment and addressing coverage gaps. But Congress chose not to deal with the biggest problem.
Currently, Medicare enrollment begins three months before th... [read more]
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9 months ago
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As Medicare premiums rise, a Medicare Advantage plan can seem like an attractive option. But if you are considering switching from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan, you need to know what to look for.
Medicare Advantage plans are run by private insurers, unlike Original Medicare,... [read more]
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10 months ago
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Medicare premiums are set to rise a modest amount next year, but still cut into any Social Security gains. The basic monthly premium will increase $3.90, from $144.60 a month to $148.50.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced the premium and other Medicare cost increas... [read more]
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12 months ago
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Medicare's Open Enrollment Period, during which you can freely enroll in or switch plans, runs from October 15 to December 7. Now is the time to start shopping around to see whether your current choices are still the best ones for you.
During this period you may enroll in a Medicare Part D (pre... [read more]
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2 years ago
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After small or no increases the past couple of years, Medicare’s Part B premium will rise sharply in 2020. The basic monthly premium will increase $9.10, from $135.50 a month to $144.60.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced the premium increase on November 8, 2019. N... [read more]
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2 years ago
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Medicare's Open Enrollment Period, during which you can freely enroll in or switch plans, runs from October 15 to December 7. Don't let this period slip by without shopping around to see whether your current choices are the best ones for you.
During this period you may enroll in a Medicare Pa... [read more]
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3 years ago
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If you are paying for your own insurance, you may think you do not need to sign up for Medicare when you turn 65. However, not signing up for Medicare Part B right away can cost you down the road.
You can first sign up for Medicare during your Initial Enrollment Period, which is the seven-mon... [read more]
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3 years ago
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Social Security payments are set to grow next year, although for some recipients the extra income will be slightly offset by an increase in Medicare premiums and deductibles.
Announced by the Social Security Administration (SSA) on October 11, 2018, and effective December 31, Social Security pay... [read more]
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3 years ago
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The Social Security Administration has announced a 2.8 percent increase in benefits in 2019, the largest increase since 2012. The change will put an additional $468 anually in the pocket of the average retired beneficiary.
Cost of living increases are tied to the consumer price index, and an... [read more]
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3 years ago
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Do you have the right Medicare plan? It is fall, which means it is time to think about whether your current plan is still giving you the best coverage or whether a new plan could save you money or offer better coverage. Medicare's Open Enrollment Period, during which you can freely enroll in or swit... [read more]
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