Breaking Down the Parts of Medicare

Generally, the different parts of Medicare help cover specific services. Most beneficiaries choose to receive their Parts A and B benefits through Original Medicare, the traditional fee-for-service program offered directly through the federal government. It is sometimes called Traditional Medicare or Fee-for-Service (FFS) Medicare. Under Original Medicare, the government pays directly for the health care … Read more

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Medicare vs. Medicaid

Medicare and Medicaid are two separate, government-run programs. They are operated and funded by different parts of the government and primarily serve different groups. Medicare is a federal program that provides health coverage if you are 65+ or under 65 and have a disability, no matter your income. Medicaid is a state and federal program that provides … Read more

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Qualifying For Medicare Under Age 65

When you are under 65, you become eligible for Medicare if: You have received Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) checks for at least 24 months Or, you have been diagnosed with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) ELIGIBILITY FOR MEDICARE DUE TO A DISABILITY You may qualify for Medicare due to a disability if you have been … Read more

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Medicare At 65+

When you turn 65, you become eligible for Medicare if you: Either receive or qualify for Social Security retirement cash benefits Or, currently reside in the United States and are either:a. A U.S. citizenb. Or, a permanent U.S. resident who has lived in the U.S. continuously for five years prior to applying How you enroll … Read more

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Questions to Ask About Medicare

If you are new to Medicare, there are several questions you should consider while approaching or within your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) or a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). Use this guide to consider your options when preparing to enroll in Medicare or after you have already enrolled. What are the basics? Medicare is a complex program … Read more

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The Basics of Medicare

Medicare is the federal government program that provides health care coverage (health insurance) if you are 65+, under 65 and receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for a certain amount of time, or under 65 and with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is the federal agency that runs … Read more

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The A, B, C, & D of Medicare

THE A, B, C, & D OF MEDICARE BREAKING DOWN THE BASICS. Whether your 65th birthday is on the horizon or decades away, understanding the different parts of Medicare is critical, as this government-sponsored program may play a role in your future health care decisions. Parts A & B: Original Medicare. There are two components. In … Read more

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The Cost of Medical Care

When uninsured people end up in the hospital, “sticker shock” can follow. Just a quick look at the current prices for medical procedures can be sobering. How much does a CT scan cost? Between $300-$6,750, depending on where it is performed. Need a stent in your heart? The cost of that delicate procedure can cost between … Read more

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Medicare Advantage 101

Medicare Advantage, sometimes known as “Part C,” is something of a catch-all choice for those who are ready to sign up for Medicare. Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurers in conjunction with the Medicare program, and can provide you with additional health insurance coverage. WHAT’S IN THEM? In addition to signing up for … Read more

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Silver Sneakers 101

Once you turn 65, the world of Medicare opens to you, and you also gain access to its offshoot supplemental programs. You likely know about Part A, Part B, Medicare Advantage, and other sections, but you may not know about the senior fitness offering “SilverSneakers.” SilverSneakers is a versatile and free fitness plan for Medicare … Read more

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Dog Bites Neighbor. Now What?

In 2023, there were 19,062 dog bite claims nationwide totaling aggregate damages of about $1.12 billion, according to the Insurance Information Institute.1 For most homeowners (and renters), a standard policy generally covers any legal liability that may result from their dog biting or harming another individual. Typically, this coverage is designed to extend to places … Read more

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Gap Insurance for Leased Cars

One of the attractions of leasing a car is that it generally requires a much smaller upfront outlay of cash compared to what purchasing a car might require. This preference to minimize an upfront cash payment may mean that some individuals may also roll other associated costs into the lease payment, including the capital-reduction amount … Read more

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