HELPFUL RESOURCES

If you are 65 (or older) and still working full-time, chances are that you have questions swirling through your head about health insurance.  You are probably wondering: "Should I switch to Medicare  or stick with my employer group coverage?" "Do I even have to enroll in Medicare?" "What happens if I refuse to sign up for Medicare at 65?" If you're in this spot, don't worry. Our advisors break it down below, giving you all the info you need to make the right decision.  1. Do

As individuals approach retirement age, navigating healthcare options becomes increasingly important. Medicare is a vital resource for many seniors, providing essential coverage for medical services and treatments. However, Medicare alone may not cover all healthcare expenses, leading many individuals to explore additional coverage options, such as Medicare Supplement Plans, also known as Medigap. In this blog post, we'll explore the benefits of Medicare Supplement Plans and

In the U.S. healthcare system, few programs are as effective for people with disabilities as Medicaid. Medicaid is the main program providing long-term services and support that help individuals with disabilities remain independent in their homes and communities. This article explains why Medicaid is essential for people with disabilities. What is Medicaid? Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that provides healthcare coverage to low-income individuals and families,

Diabetes, hypertension, and other chronic conditions often require ongoing management and can impact your everyday life. Do you have a chronic illness or know someone who does? Medicare  can help.  We examine common chronic diseases, how Medicare coverage works if you have a chronic condition, and more in this article. Examples of Chronic Conditions  Chronic diseases are persistent, long-lasting conditions and are a significant health concern for many Americans. According to

As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, ensuring access to affordable and comprehensive medical coverage is more crucial than ever. Medicaid, a state and federally-funded program, plays a pivotal role in providing health coverage to eligible individuals and families. With the annual Medicaid open enrollment period approaching, it's essential for beneficiaries to understand the process and make informed decisions about their healthcare options. In this blog post, we'l

Are you confused about the functions of Medicare and Medicaid or often interchange them? It’s understandable, as both are government-backed healthcare programs with similar-sounding names. However, Medicare and Medicaid serve distinct purposes and different groups of people. This post examines their key differences and how they impact you, equipping you to choose the right one for your needs. What is Medicare and Medicaid? Medicare It’s a health insurance program for people

It’s time to make the most of the annual Medicare open enrollment! Are you struggling to pay the out-of-pocket costs of your existing plan? Is your Medicare Advantage or prescription drug plan ( Medicare Part D ) no longer meeting your health needs? Will your current healthcare provider no longer be in the plan’s network next year? Are there any other changes you need to make? The time to do so is during the annual Medicare open enrollment. Here’s how to take advantage of th

Medicare isn’t all about hospital stays and prescription drugs to address ailments. Recognizing that prevention is key to staying healthy and happy, Medicare also empowers you to keep your health in check through its preventive services. This post delves into what Medicare preventive services are, the services Medicare covers, and how much they cost. Understanding Medicare’s Preventive Services Medicare’s preventive services include exams, lab tests, shots, screenings, couns

As you age, staying healthy and avoiding illness becomes more important than ever before. As a beneficiary, Medicare affords you the opportunity to stay on top of your health through Medicare's Annual Wellness Visit (AWV) at no cost. This post lets you know what Medicare's Annual Wellness Visit is, what to expect during an appointment, and why it is important. What is Medicare's Annual Wellness Visit? Medicare's Annual Wellness Visit is a yearly appointment in which your heal

It is important to be vigilant when applying for Medicare. There are numerous scams out there that purport to offer "free" services but can result in identity theft and financial loss. Here are a few tips on how you can protect yourself while applying for Medicare: Be Aware of Phishing Attempts. Scammers may call or email you with offers that seem too good to be true. If they ask for your Social Security number or other personal information, do not provide it - hang up the ph

Across the country, the rising costs of prescription drugs have become a significant financial burden for many individuals and families, even more so for lower-income earners. However, if you’re a resident of Pennsylvania, 65 and above, and looking for ways to alleviate the financial strain of prescription drugs, the PACE and PACENET programs can help. PACE PACE stands for the Pharmaceutical Assistance Contract for the Elderly (PACE) program and is designed to help Pennsylva

In our previous post, we highlighted some deficiencies in Medicare coverage , which includes dental, vision, and hearing services. The realization that Medicare doesn’t cover these essential aspects of our well-being may have left you wondering if you need additional Dental, Vision, and Hearing coverage. Do I Need Dental, Vision, and Hearing Coverage? The short answer is YES. Having Dental, Vision, and Hearing coverage can ensure the timely detection of tooth decay, hearing l

Whether you're approaching the Medicare age of 65 or already signed up, you may think the days of worrying over healthcare costs are over. Unfortunately, that is not the case. Even with Medicare, there are some services and procedures you'll have to pay for out of your own pocket, as Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) doesn't cover them. Let's look at some of the things Medicare doesn't cover and how to cover them. Routine Dental Care Medicare covers some dental services a

If you're nearing retirement age, you may be wondering about your Medicare enrollment. When can you sign up? What are the costs? And what coverage options are available to you? Navigating the world of Medicare can be confusing, but we're here to help. Read on for everything you need to know about enrolling in Medicare as a retiree. Medicare Age and Still Working? Many people continue to work full-time past the of age 65. If this is you or your spouse and there are over 20 peo

Have you wondered which insurance policy is the right one for you? A life insurance policy provides several benefits both in your lifetime and when you’ve passed on. Likewise, a final expense insurance policy has its unique benefits, especially post-mortem expenditure. While it’s okay to prepare your will and organize things such that there’s continuity long after you’re gone, many people often overlook their funeral costs and medical bills incurred in the event of death. As

The spike in healthcare costs is impacting senior Americans, with many having to spend more than they can afford on premiums and out-of-pocket expenses. If you’re a low-income earner or need help with Medicare costs, there are some federal and state programs you can sign up for, such as: Medicare Savings Programs Medicare Savings Programs is state-run and can help pay your Part A and Part B premiums and out-of-pocket expenses, including deductibles, copays, and coinsurance. T

The holiday season is here! Like many people out there, some Medicare members are readying their bags to travel and enjoy the vacation at some remote, exotic location. Wherever you go, you must keep health considerations in mind. Of course, worrying about health concerns is a bit distracting when you’re supposed to be on vacation and having fun. However, you should remember that it can be difficult to navigate your healthcare options when you’re away from home. Here are some

Medicare Advantage , also known as Medicare Part C, is a bundled plan available through private insurers. If you meet Medicare eligibility requirements, you'll also be able to sign up for a Medicare Advantage plan. Before you enroll, here are some things to know about Medicare Advantage (MA) plans. Offers Original Medicare coverage and more Medicare Advantage plans cover Original Medicare. So you still enjoy all the benefits of Part A and Part B. In addition to covering the

You can begin receiving Medicare benefits when you turn 65 and meet other eligibility criteria. However, you can choose not to sign up. So when is it time for Medicare? Should I apply when I turn 65 or delay enrollment? The right time to sign up for Medicare depends on whether you have private health insurance from a current employer or your spouse's employer. You Have Private Health Insurance If you're receiving social security or railroad benefits You'll be automatically en

For seniors, the degeneration of the teeth, eyes, and ear is both a reality and a considerable risk. With dental, vision, and hearing (DVH) plans, you can enjoy the various activities you love in retirement without having to worry about the cost of treatment and services. procedures. DVH plans also enable you to keep your teeth, ears, and eyes healthy as you age, preventing costly complications further down the line. In this post, we’ll examine what to look for when choosing