Category: Medicare
Act fast if you feel you have COVID symptoms, Medicare urges
Feeling sick? If you have any COVID-19 symptoms, act fast!COVID-19 antiviral treatments can help reduce your symptoms and keep you out of the hospital, but you must take them as soon as possible.
Supreme Court Case Could Curtail Rights of Medicaid Patients
Twenty-two Republican-leaning states have urged the Supreme Court to block beneficiaries of federal safety net programs from suing. If the court agrees participants in many federal entitlement programs could lose the right to go to court when they believe a state, city or county has violated their rights in the administration of those programs.
Endgame: How the Visionary Hospice Movement Became a For-Profit Hustle
It might be counterintuitive to run an enterprise that is wholly dependent on clients who aren’t long for this world, but companies in the hospice business can expect some of the biggest returns for the least amount of effort of any sector in American health care. Medicare pays providers a set rate per patient per day, regardless of how much help they deliver. Since most hospice care takes place at home and nurses aren’t required to visit more than twice a month, it’s not difficult to keep overhead low and to outsource the bulk of the labor to unpaid family members — assuming that willing family members are at hand.
Compare nursing homes with this online tool from Medicare
Whether you’re planning ahead or need to make an unexpected decision, there’s a lot to think about when choosing the right nursing home for you or your loved one. Medicare.gov makes it easy to find and compare nursing homes in your area.
West Virginia Sen. Manchin Takes the Teeth Out of Democrats’ Plan for Seniors’ Dental Care
Democratic Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia opposes adding dental and other benefits for Medicare beneficiaries. He says it cost the federal government too much.
Finding Medicare services near you
Check out Medicare.gov to get information about doctors, hospitals, and other health care services in your area.
New change to Medicare.gov
Medicare.gov has a new URL.
Medicare Open Enrollment Is Complicated. Here’s How to Get Good Advice.
For all its complexity, Medicare fundamentally boils down to two choices: traditional fee-for-service or the managed care approach of Medicare Advantage.
Get ready for Medicare open enrollment
Starting October 1, you’ll be able to take a sneak peek at plans available in your area.
Medicare enrollees: It’s time to get your flu shot
The flu can be very serious for people who are 65 years and older. A flu shot is your best protection from getting and spreading the virus.
Apply online for Medicare Part B during a Special Enrollment Period
During the pandemic, the Social Security Administration (SSA) is taking Medicare Part B enrollment applications online for working-age people who qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.
Beware of Medicare coronavirus scams
Medicare beneficiaries are receiving robocalls about “special virus kits.” The scammer asks for your Medicare number so they can send them a “free” test.
What Medicare covers related to the coronavirus
Medicare covers lab tests for coronavirus. You pay no out-of-pocket costs when your health care provider orders it. Medicare covers all necesary hospitalizations
What the 2020s have in store for aging boomers
Our nation isn’t prepared for this vast demographic shift and its far-reaching consequences.
Medicare enrollment begins Jan. 1 – Need help?
The Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner and volunteers at the Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA) program can help.