Medicare Supplements
AARP® Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans Question of the Week: Policy Termination
Question: A member is recently deceased. What is needed to terminate the policy?
Answer: A member of the plan member’s family, or an authorized person, may contact AARP® Medicare Supplement Customer Service at 1-800-523-5800 weekdays 7:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. and Saturdays 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (EST) to provide the date of death. Generally, we do not […]
Explanation of the new “annual wellness visits” that are coming to Medicare in 2011?
Starting next year, Medicare will cover an annual wellness visit, which will be similar to an annual physical, except with a higher emphasis on preventive care. The exam is similar to the Welcome to Medicare exam, except beneficiaries are able to have a free visit every year, rather than just once within the first year […]
The Growing Problem that is Medicare Fraud
As reported by the New York Times (10/29, Konrad), Medicare fraud is on the rise. “On Oct. 21, officials at a chain of mental health clinics in Miami were charged with making $200 million in fraudulent claims for group therapy sessions that authorities said were unnecessary or never provided.” Konrad continues: “Medicare scams like these […]
Medicare Advantage plans to see modest changes in 2011
CQ HealthBeat reported last week (10/16, Reichard, subscription required): “Seniors will see modest changes next year in Medicare’s private health plans, according to a study released Friday - a conclusion seemingly at odds with Republican warnings earlier in the week that enrollees in the plans face big new costs and vanishing choices because of the […]
Seniors urged to consider Medicare plans
As reported by the Los Angeles Times (10/18, Kritz), “The sign-up period for Medicare Part D (Medicare’s prescription drug program) for 2011 runs Nov. 15 to Dec. 31,” and seniors are urged to begin considering their options early. “Eligible seniors (anyone with Medicare Part A and/or Part B) can choose from among several dozen plans […]
Information for Veterans About the Medicare Prescription Drug Program (Medicare Part D)
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) administers the nation’s largest health care system. Many of the veterans enrolled in the VA medical benefits package are also eligible or may become eligible for enrollment in the Medicare program. Because many veterans have questions about Medicare’s prescription drug program […]
Medicare Advantage: Update for 2011
With individual and group health insurance rates on the rise, premiums for the average Medicare Advantage plan will actually drop by 1% for 2011. “Despite the claims of some, Medicare Advantage remains a strong, robust option for millions of seniors who choose to enroll or stay in a participating plan,” said Donald Berwick, the administrator […]
Medicare Part D Premiums Could Increase 10% For Some Seniors In 2011
Did you know that millions of seniors face double-digit hikes in their Medicare prescription premiums next year unless they shop for cheaper coverage. Premiums will go up an average of 10 percent among the top 10 drug plans that have signed up about 70 percent of seniors, according to an analysis of Medicare data by […]
Medicare General Enrollment Period
If you didn’t sign up for Medicare Part B when you first became eligible, you may be able to sign up during the General Enrollment Period. This period runs from January 1 through March 31 of each year. During this time, you can sign up for Medicare Part B at your local Social Security office. […]
Who is Eligible for Medicare?
Generally, you are eligible for Medicare if you or your spouse worked for at least 10 years in Medicare-covered employment and you are 65 years or older and a citizen or permanent resident of the United States. If you aren’t yet 65, you might also qualify for coverage if you have a disability or with […]
