Traveling Outside the U.S. with Medicare: What You Need to Know
Posted: August 21, 2022
Medicare will not pay for healthcare outside the U.S., except under specific rare circumstances. That means in most cases, you are not covered anywhere other than the 50 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Island, and Guam. Under What Circumstances Will Medicare Pay for Healthcare Outside the U.S.? There are only three situations in which...
Your Guide to Medigap and Other Medicare Supplement Plans
Posted: August 6, 2022
Medigap is Medicare supplemental insurance. Private insurance companies sell these policies. They are designed to help cover the gaps in healthcare costs with original Medicare, such as deductibles, co-payments, and co-insurance. It can also help with services Medicare does not cover, including travel outside the U.S. Why You Might Need Medigap Insurance Original Medicare Parts A and B will not cover all expenses if you...
Social Security vs. Medicare
Posted: June 21, 2022
Social Security and Medicare are related. Many seniors begin receiving benefits from both at approximately the same time. However, they are two different programs administered by other federal agencies, which provide different benefits to older adults. What Is Social Security? Social Security was created to promote the economic security of Americans. It is administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA) and designed to pay continuing...
How to Avoid Medicare Penalties
Posted: June 6, 2022
Medicare charges late enrollment penalties that take some people by surprise. These penalties are designed to discourage older Americans from passing up Medicare coverage and possibly incurring high medical bills down the road. Take steps to avoid these penalties, so you do not have to pay higher Medicare premiums. What Penalties Does Medicare Impose? You end up paying more for Medicare if you enroll late...
How to Prepare For Your “Welcome to Medicare” Visit
Posted: May 21, 2022
If you are new to Medicare, you are embarking on a new phase in your healthcare journey. One of the first things you will do is schedule a “Welcome to Medicare” visit. Medicare covers this visit. When scheduling this first visit, ensure the medical provider you choose accepts Medicare. When you choose your Medicare plan, ensuring you will retain access to your usual doctor could...
