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Medicare for Older Adults

Medicare is a federal health insurance program, covering a wide range of services to keep you healthy as you get older. Learn more about the different parts of Medicare, how to enroll, what it could cost, and what health care services Medicare does and does not cover.
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What Is Medicare? A Guide from NCOA

If you're turning 65, you're eligible to apply for Medicare. But oftentimes, understanding the different parts of Medicare, when to enroll, and which type of care is not covered by Medicare can seem complicated. That's why we've created this helpful resource.

Read NCOA's Guide to Medicare
Learn the basics of Medicare, including the minimum age for Medicare, who receives Medicare, and the difference between Medicare Part A and B.

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Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs) are opportunities to make changes to your Medicare coverage outside the normal enrollment windows. Learn what they are and how to qualify.

Jan 3, 2024

Understanding the Medicare Enrollment Periods: A Guide for Professionals

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Closeup shot of a hospital bill alongside a Medicare enrollment form.

Jan 2, 2024

Medicare Enrollment Periods: A Guide for Older Adults

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A closeup shot of a Social Security Administration sign on field office building.

Jan 2, 2024

SSDI and Medicare: 5 Things You Need to Know

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Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs) are opportunities to make changes to your Medicare coverage outside the normal enrollment windows. Learn what they are and how to qualify.

Dec 19, 2023

What Are the Medicare Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs)?

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Dec 19, 2023

When Is the Medicare General Enrollment Period?

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Glasses on top of a Medicare Enrollment Form

Dec 18, 2023

What Is Medicare Advantage?

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Medigap is supplemental insurance purchased from private insurance companies to help cover the “gaps” in Medicare coverage.

Dec 18, 2023

How Medigap Works: A Guide for Older Adults

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Original Medicare does not cover 20% of your medical costs or prescription drugs. To bridge the cost gap, people with Medicare can choose Medicare Supplement (Medigap) or Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C) coverage.

Dec 13, 2023

How to Cover the Medical Costs Medicare Doesn't Cover

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Choosing a Medicare plan is an important decision, but it’s not necessarily an easy one. Here’s where to turn for unbiased support and guidance.

Dec 12, 2023

Who Is the Best Person to Talk to About Medicare?

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If you have Medicare and get SNAP, you may wonder how that affects your eligibility for the Part D Low Income Subsidy (LIS). Here's what you need to know.

Dec 7, 2023

Does Getting SNAP Affect My Eligibility for Part D LIS/Extra Help?

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New policy changes in 2024 will increase the number of Medicare-approved mental health providers and help more older adults get the care they need.

Dec 1, 2023

Expanded Mental Health Care Access for People With Medicare

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The Medicare Part B Diabetes Self-Management Training (DSMT) benefit helps eligible beneficiaries learn to manage their diabetes. A Medigap plan offers benefits to pay for costs not covered by Medicare Parts A and B.

Nov 20, 2023

How to Pay Your Medicare Premiums

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Two people, whose faces can't be seen, are sitting at a table discussing finances together with their computers.

Nov 20, 2023

What Is a SHIP and How Can It Help Me?

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A close up shot of a Medicare enrollment form.

Nov 20, 2023

What Is Original Medicare (Parts A and B)?

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Dive into what the expansion of telehealth and other changes in the market means for Medicare reimbursement of evidence-based programs.

Nov 17, 2023

Understanding Your Medicare Card: A Quick Guide

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The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps people with low income eat healthier. But it offers several financial benefits as well. Learn why it makes financial sense.

Nov 8, 2023

How to Apply for Medicare: A Guide for Older Adults

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If you’re enrolled in Medicare Part D, there are certain times and situations when you have the ability to switch plans. Here’s what you need to know.

Nov 8, 2023

How To Change Medicare Part D Plans

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Will Medicare pay for assisted living? Learn about Medicare’s coverage limitations and various options for funding this type of long-term care.

Nov 7, 2023

Does Medicare Pay for Assisted Living?

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A senior man is looking up, where many question marks surround him - indicating that he's trying to make a decision.

Nov 7, 2023

How to Choose a Medicare Plan During Open Enrollment

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With rising costs, it’s natural to be worried about affording your insulin. Learn what Medicare covers and how you can save on your diabetes medication.

Nov 6, 2023

Diabetes and Insulin: A Guide to Paying with Medicare

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People who enroll in Medicare Part D outside of specific periods may face a late enrollment penalty.

Oct 31, 2023

What Is the Penalty for Enrolling Late in Medicare Part D?

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Sponsored by state Medicaid agencies, Medicare Savings Programs relieve some out-of-pocket Medicare expenses for people with low income.

Oct 31, 2023

What Are Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs)?

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Get answers to your questions and stay on top of updates and support for working with the Healthy Aging Programs Integrated Database (HAPI-D).

Oct 31, 2023

Explore Your Medicare Coverage Options

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An older Asian woman is looking at her tablet while seated outside at a cafe.

Oct 31, 2023

Understanding Your Medicare Choices

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A black female pharmacist is returning the credit card to female senior woman after receiving the payment.

Oct 31, 2023

Medicare Part D: How to Get "Extra Help" Paying for Prescriptions

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If you can’t pay your out-of-pocket Medicare costs, a Medicare Savings Program (MSP) can help. See who qualifies and where to get an application.

Oct 30, 2023

Medicare Savings Programs: Who Qualifies and How to Apply

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Medicare scams are common and come in all different forms. Learn about the warning signs of a scam—and smart ways to keep your information safe.

Oct 30, 2023

5 Warning Signs of a Medicare Scam—and How to Protect Yourself

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Worried about your heart health? See which conditions qualify as heart disease and what services, like cardiovascular screenings, that Medicare will cover.

Oct 30, 2023

Does Medicare Cover Heart Disease?

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The major difference between Medicare and Medicaid is that Medicare depends on age and Medicaid depends on income. Some older adults qualify for both.

Oct 30, 2023

What Is the Difference Between Medicare and Medicaid?

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Older hand reaching for prescriptions in medicine cabinet

Oct 27, 2023

What Is Medicare Part D?

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Prescription drug costs can add up and not everyone qualifies for Medicare’s Part D Low Income Subsidy (LIS/Extra Help) program. There are other ways to get help with prescription drug costs such as taking generic drugs and finding a Patient Assistance Program.

Oct 27, 2023

How to Get Help With Your Prescription Drug Costs

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Can you cancel a Medigap policy at any time? There are rules that impact when you can buy or switch Medigap policies. Here's what you need to know.

Oct 26, 2023

How to Change Your Medigap Policy: A Guide

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A large question mark is in the center of the screen on a digital tablet that a senior person is holding.

Oct 26, 2023

8 Questions to Ask Before Buying a Medigap Policy

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Learn what you may pay for Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage.

Oct 25, 2023

What Are Medicare Part D Costs in 2024?

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Oct 25, 2023

Medicaid and Medicare Savings Programs

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Learn the differences between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage and how to sign up for coverage.

Oct 23, 2023

Weighing the Pros and Cons of Medicare Advantage

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There’s Medicare Open Enrollment, 10/5-12/7, and Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment, 1/1-3/31. Find out how they differ and how to make the most of these options.

Oct 20, 2023

What's the Difference Between Medicare's Open Enrollment Period and Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment?

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Here’s what you should expect to pay out-of-pocket throughout the year if you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage/Part C plan.

Oct 20, 2023

How Much Does Medicare Part C Cost?

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Veterans age 65 or older can enroll in Medicare while maintaining their VA or TRICARE for Life benefits. Learn how it works.

Oct 19, 2023

How Does Medicare Work with VA Benefits and TRICARE for Life?

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Oct 19, 2023

How to Avoid the Medicare Part D Donut Hole

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The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period is a great time to consider whether a Medicare Advantage plan is right for you. Here’s what you should know.

Oct 18, 2023

3 Things You Should Know About Medicare Advantage Plans

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Does Medicare cover you anywhere you go? From Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage, find out how portable your benefits are.

Oct 18, 2023

Does Medicare Cover You Anywhere?

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If you receive both Medicare and Medicaid, you may qualify for a Dual Eligible Special Needs Plan (D-SNP), which combines all your benefits into one plan. Here’s what older adults need to know.

Oct 18, 2023

What Is a Dual Eligible Special Needs Plan (D-SNP)?

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A hundred dollar bill, with Ben Franklin showing through, is surrounded with prescription pills.

Oct 18, 2023

What Are the Costs of Medicare Advantage?

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A senior Black woman is receiving medical treatment in the hospital.

Oct 16, 2023

What Is the Medicare Deductible?

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Oct 16, 2023

How Much Does it Cost for Medicare Parts A and B?

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Use this handy checklist from NCOA and Aetna if you’re considering making changes to your current Medicare Advantage plan or enrolling in a new one during the Annual Enrollment Period.

Oct 13, 2023

A 7-Point Checklist for Choosing a Medicare Advantage Plan

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Before choosing a plan, it’s important to have a good understanding of what your Medicare out-of-pocket costs might be for the year.

Oct 13, 2023

What You'll Pay in Out-of-Pocket Medicare Costs in 2024

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Medicare nursing home coverage is strictly limited. Learn how long Medicare will pay for nursing home care and other ways to manage the expense.

Oct 11, 2023

Does Medicare Cover Nursing Homes? What Older Adults and Caregivers Should Know

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Your location, health, age at retirement, lifestyle, and longevity all influence your overall health care costs in retirement. Learn why you should plan for health care in retirement.

Sep 28, 2023

Why Retirement Planning Should Include Medicare and Health Care Costs

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Medicare may pay for some memory care costs for eligible enrollees with dementia. Understand what’s covered and other ways to pay for long term Alzheimer’s care.

Sep 25, 2023

Does Medicare Cover Memory Care? A Comprehensive Guide

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While Medicare does not cover independent living costs, there are other ways to pay. See how and whether this housing choice is right for you.

Sep 22, 2023

Does Medicare Cover Independent Living? A Comprehensive Guide

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Medicare Advantage plans may cover certain things that original Medicare cannot, like dental care, vision care, hearing aids, transportation, or gym memberships. Here's what to know and what to ask.

Sep 20, 2023

What Are Medicare Advantage Supplemental Benefits?

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Medicare can now negotiate drug prices with drug companies as part of the Inflation Reduction Act. Find out what this means for Medicare beneficiaries.

Sep 14, 2023

Can Medicare Negotiate the Cost of Prescription Drugs?

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As with other transitions in life, becoming eligible for Medicare can bring up a lot of questions and concerns. Here’s some advice to make your shift to Medicare a bit smoother and simpler.

Sep 7, 2023

Your First Medicare Plan: Options to Consider as You Approach 65

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The FDA fully approved Leqembi® for early-stage Alzheimer’s treatment and Medicare Part B covers it. Here’s what to know about access, cost, and more.

Jul 27, 2023

Alzheimer's Medication Leqembi Now Covered by Medicare—But Access and Effectiveness Questions Remain

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Older adults with low income may struggle to afford Medicare’s out-of-pocket costs. Medicare Savings Programs can help—learn what they’re all about.

Jul 14, 2023

5 Steps to Getting Started With Medicare Savings Programs

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There are special rules around when you need to stop contributing to a health savings Account (HSA) before joining Medicare. Here's what to know.

Jun 29, 2023

What Older Adults Need to Know About Health Savings Accounts and Medicare

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Medicare Part B covers durable medical equipment (DME) like wheelchairs, walkers, oxygen equipment, and some medical supplies, but you must have it prescribed by your doctor. Learn more about how to ensure coverage for this type of support.

Jun 15, 2023

Durable Medical Equipment: What's Covered by Medicare?

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A senior Caucasian woman is at her mailbox collecting letters, looking straight on at the camera.

May 25, 2023

Did You Receive a Letter from the Social Security Administration? Here’s What You Need to Know

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Medicare plans can change every year—that’s why all beneficiaries should check their coverage annually to see if it’s still a good fit. Here’s what you need to know.

Apr 27, 2023

Why Older Adults Should Review Their Medicare Coverage Each Year

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Learn about the Medicare Special Enrollment Periods for situations including losing Medicaid, being released from incarceration, and living in an area impacted by an emergency or disaster.

Apr 7, 2023

What to Know About New Medicare Special Enrollment Periods for Exceptional Circumstances

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Changes to Medicare in 2023 mean you will get coverage sooner after enrollment. Here's what to know.

Apr 7, 2023

Understanding Changes to Medicare Enrollment Periods in 2023

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Qualified Disabled Working Individual (QDWI) is one of four Medicare Savings Programs that can help lower your out-of-pocket Medicare costs. Learn how it works.

Mar 28, 2023

What Is the Qualified Disabled Working Individual Program?

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The Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) program can help you lower your out-of-pocket Medicare costs if you have low income. Find out if you qualify.

Mar 4, 2023

What Is the Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) Program?

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During Medicare Open Enrollment (Oct. 15-Dec. 7), ads for Medicare Advantage plans may intentionally or unintentionally mislead you into thinking one plan is better for you than another. Here's what to look out for.

Mar 1, 2023

Misleading Medicare Marketing: Don't Be Fooled During Medicare Open Enrollment

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The Qualifying Individual (QI) program is one of four Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs). Find out what it covers and who qualifies for help.

Mar 1, 2023

What Is the Qualifying Individual (QI) Program?

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Learn the basics of Medicare, including the minimum age for Medicare, who receives Medicare, and the difference between Medicare Part A and B.

Mar 1, 2023

What Is Medicare and How Do I Get Started?

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NCOA partners only with licensed Medicare brokers that meet our strict Standards of Excellence (SOE). Find out how this can help you find the right Medicare plan.

Feb 28, 2023

What Are the Medicare Standards of Excellence—and How Do They Help Older Adults?

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The Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) program helps people in need pay for their Medicare premiums and cost sharing. See what it covers and who qualifies.

Feb 16, 2023

What Is the Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) Program?

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Medicare Savings Programs and Medicare Medical Savings Account Plans can both help you manage your Medicare costs—but their similarities end there. Get the facts.

Feb 15, 2023

Medicare Savings Programs vs. Medicare Medical Savings Accounts: Are They the Same?

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Medicaid is a public health insurance program for people with low income and limited resources. Find out who is eligible and how to apply.

Dec 9, 2022

What Is Medicaid? A Guide for Older Adults

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Medicare Advantage and Medigap are not the same. Learn how these plans work, the differences between the two, and the pros and cons of each.

Dec 2, 2022

What Is the Difference Between Medicare Advantage and Medigap?

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Learn how to search for your best Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage plan, when to sign up, and more.

Nov 30, 2022

Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Coverage: What Older Adults Need to Know

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Original Medicare excludes most dental, vision, and hearing care services—with some exceptions. Here’s what older adults need to know.

Nov 22, 2022

What Medicare Covers for Dental, Vision, and Hearing: A Guide for Older Adults

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Non-medical supplemental benefits are something to think about when choosing a Medicare Advantage plan. Learn about some of the latest extra coverages available.

Oct 21, 2022

The New, Non-Medical Benefits of Medicare Advantage Plans in 2023

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Most Medicare Advantage (MA) plans include Medicare prescription drug coverage (Part D). Here’s what you should know when choosing an MA plan.

Oct 17, 2022

Are Prescriptions Covered Under Medicare Advantage Plans?

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A telehealth service is a full visit with a provider that requires real-time communication through audio and video technology.​ Find out how Medicare covers telehealth.

Aug 6, 2022

How Medicare Covers Telehealth Services

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Introduced in 2011, the Medicare Annual Wellness Visit is a free benefit focused on health promotion and preventive care.

Jul 28, 2022

The Medicare Annual Wellness Visit: What Older Adults Should Know

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For people enrolled in Original Medicare (Parts A & B) the differences between a participating provider, a non-participating provider, and an opt-out provider, are important to understand.

Jul 28, 2022

What the 3 Types of Health Care Providers Mean for Medicare Beneficiaries

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Make sure you read your Medicare notices. They include important information, such as why your care was denied and how you can appeal.

Jul 11, 2022

How to Appeal a Medicare Coverage Denial

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An up close shot of a senior man's hearing aid.

Jun 21, 2022

Medicare and Hearing Health for Seniors

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Help fight Medicare fraud and abuse this Medicare Fraud Prevention Week and all year long with these tips from the Senior Medicare Patrol.

Jun 1, 2022

Medicare Fraud And Abuse: How Seniors Can Protect Themselves

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Benefits Enrollment Centers (BECs) help Medicare-eligible, low-income older adults and younger adults with disabilities find and enroll in all the benefits programs for which they qualify.

May 19, 2022

How Do Benefits Enrollment Centers Help Older Adults?

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Apr 18, 2022

Alzheimer's Drug Aduhelm Narrowly Covered by Medicare

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Learn about the many changes in store for low-income Medicare beneficiaries in 2024, including new flexibility with the Medicare Savings Program and the impact of the recent Inflation Reduction Act.

Oct 18, 2021

How to Move from Expansion Medicaid to Medicare

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Older Hispanic man getting mail out of his mailbox outside.

Sep 28, 2021

Junk or Not? How to Sort Your Medicare Mail

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A caucasian male doctor is giving medical advice to his older adult patient.

Sep 22, 2021

Transitioning from the Health Insurance Marketplace to Medicare

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Sep 15, 2021

Turning 65? Follow Your Path to Medicare

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Sep 15, 2021

Medicare and the Marketplace: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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If you're shopping around for Medicare Part D drug plan, you should consider several things in addition to costs. Use this checklist to help assess plan options for prescription coverage and costs.

Aug 31, 2021

Checklist to Help You Choose a Medicare Part D Plan

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Jul 29, 2021

It's Medicare's Birthday. A Time for Reflection. A Time for Change.

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Our integrated care toolkit breaks down Medicare and Medicaid coverage options in an easy-to-understand format for counselors and consumers.

Jul 17, 2021

Obesity Treatment and Medicare: A Guide to Understanding Coverage

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A senior Caucasian woman is listening to her healthcare options from a Black female doctor.

Jul 16, 2021

Choice Error: How Choosing A Medicare Plan Could Impact Your Finances and Health

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A close up shot of a handbook with the words "Federal Employees Health Benefits Program" on the face.

Jun 29, 2021

How Medicare Works with Federal Employee Health Insurance

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Senior sorts through daily prescriptions and places them into a daily pill container.

Aug 18, 2020

How to Save Money on Medications

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Medicare's hospice benefit is primarily home-based and provides support for your physical and emotional needs.

Aug 3, 2020

Hospice Care for People with Medicare

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A young pharmacist behind the counter is giving prescription instructions to her senior female client.

Apr 28, 2020

What Is a Part D Indication-Based Formulary?

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An older woman is supporting her senior husband while measuring blood pressure and looking at his medication.

Apr 2, 2020

Ensuring Access to Needed Medications During the COVID-19 Pandemic

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An older Caucasian woman is getting an eye exam.

Sep 3, 2019

Medicare and Vision Coverage

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Older Asian couple visiting doctor's office

Jun 25, 2019

Medicare Preventive Services: Coverage and Costs

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A masked postal worker in New York City holds a canvas bag full of mail and is loading it into his vehicle before heading out for the day.

May 12, 2019

Medicare for Federal and State Employees and Retirees

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Medicare Part B covers advance care planning to decide what type of care may be right for you in the event of life-limiting conditions or illness.

Apr 8, 2019

Medicare Coverage of Advance Care Planning

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Older Caucasian couple reviewing medical information with doctor on a tablet.

Mar 30, 2019

Differences Between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage

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An older Asian woman is holding a red thought bubble sign in her hand that has a yellow question mark inside of it.

Mar 30, 2018

Questions to Ask Before Joining a Medicare Advantage Plan

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A senior Caucasian woman is having her blood pressure checked while receiving care in her home.

Mar 28, 2018

4 Ways to Prevent Heart Disease Using Medicare

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