Medicare Solutions Blog

How to control retiree healthcare costs

Retirement is supposed to be a time of freedom from decades worth of hard work throughout your career and a point in your life where you feel financially secure. However, over the years we have seen healthcare costs rise dramatically, obscuring the image of a stress free retirement. According to an article by Fidelity, a couple retiring in 2013 is

Not Signing Up for Medicare Part B? You May be Headed for a Penalty

Learn about the penalty associated with not enrolling in Medicare Part B when eligible.

Understanding Medicare – Part B

Important information on Medicare Part B, including enrollment, premium costs and coverage.

Understanding Medicare – One Plan at a Time

Find information about what services Medicare Part A covers, who's eligible to receive its benefits, and how to enroll.

Understanding What’s Covered Under Your Medicare Plan before Holiday Travels

If your holiday plans include travel outside your immediate area, be certain to understand your Medicare coverage before hitting the road. Several important points to remember with traditional Medicare coverage: Emergency care will be covered whenever you are in the U.S., Non-emergency care doctors should accept Medicare insurance, U.S. travel includes all 50 states, the

CMS Rated Five Star Medicare Advantage Plans May Qualify You for a Special Enrollment Period

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released their list of Five Star Rated Medicare Advantage Plans for 2013 (see list below). In an effort to increase competition between Medicare providers, the star rating system compiles information reported by insurers, consumer surveys and Medicare records to help consumers identify high-quality Medicare plans. The

Stay Healthy This Holiday Season Using Your Health Plan Benefits

At this time of the year when so many of our social and holiday gatherings are food and drink-related, it is especially important to follow steps to maintain healthy habits. Review your healthcare plan to uncover specific benefits which will help you remain healthy and prevent illness during the holiday season and the New Year.

Medicare Premiums Just Announced for 2013

Although the 2013 Medicare premium and deductible increases announced on Friday are smaller than what was originally predicted, the increase in premiums is coming at a time when additional Medicare cost-cutting or smaller Social Security cost of living adjustments are possible. According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) report, the Part A

Hurricane Sandy Victims Get Medicare Enrollment Extension

If you have been affected by Hurricane Sandy, or rely on help with making your healthcare decisions from friends or family members who live in the affected areas, you may make an enrollment request after the Medicare Open Enrollment deadline of December 7. In order to do so, however, you must contact 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) and

Hospital Indemnity Plans and Hospital Indemnity Policies: Understanding the Difference

Hospital Indemnity Plans are insurance products designed to help individuals and families with the high costs of healthcare. They cover some of the costs associated with a hospital stay and may provide extra coverage that your health plan won’t cover. These plans provide a daily benefit for each day you are hospitalized; paid without regard