ElderAuthority.com

STOP MEDICARE FRAUD

TYPES OF MEDICARE FRAUD
When an individual or organization seeks to collect Medicare health care reimbursement under false pretenses, it is Medicare fraud. The fraud is usually carried out in one of the following three ways:

Phantom Billing: The medical provider bills Medicare for unnecessary procedures, medical test, or procedures OR procedures or tests are never performed.  Sometimes unnecessary equipment or used equipment is billed as new.
Patient Billing: A patient… More

DIABETES MEDICARE COVERAGE

Medicare Part B and Medicare Part D provide coverage for diabetic services and supplies.
MEDICARE PART B
Medicare Part B covers the services that may affect people who have diabetes as well as some preventive services for people who are at risk for diabetes.

 Diabetic Screenings for those with specific risk factors or conditions
Diabetes Self Management Training: Health care provider must provide a written order to a certified diabetes self-management
education program.… More

SENIOR HOUSING OPTIONS: NURSING HOMES

If you or a family member requires 24/7 nursing care (also known as skilled nursing), moving to a nursing home is one choice, but not the only one.  The days of a parent making a child promise, “…to never put me in a nursing home” should be over.  A nursing home may be where you find the best care, quality of life, and safety.  Keep your mind open as you do your research.
NURSING HOMES
A nursing home provides constant nursing care for seniors with significant… More

THE SHINGLES VACCINE: MEDICARE PART D PAYS FOR IT

A REALLY NASTY VIRUS
When I was 21 years old I had an outbreak of shingles.  To this day, it is the most painful medical memory of my life. I still have the physical scars from it.
I was surprised to learn that shingles is usually considered a disease of middle age and the elderly.  The incidence of shingles seems to decrease after the age of 80.  The bad news is that the entire Baby Boomer population is ripe for getting this virus.  The good news is that there is a vaccine for it that… More

MyMedicare.com vs MyMedicare.gov

Be aware that www.MyMedicare.com is not the same as www.MyMedicare.gov.  Both sites can be useful, but make sure you know the difference.
www.MyMedicare.com
MyMedicare.com (also, www.My Medicare.com) is a private site that provides visitors with information regarding medicare plans, medicare eligibility, and other resources pertaining to medicare.  One of the primary purposes of the site is to allow users to find providers within their zip code–in other words… More

MEDICARE SCOOTER COVERAGE

Image by Daquella manera via Flickr

WHAT IS COVERED?
Medicare Part B covers the rental or purchase of a manual or power wheelchair or scooter for use primarily at home or a facility that is used like a home. Equipment may be used outside the home, but improving mobility for activities that take place in the home is primary. Care must be Medically necessary, ordered by a licensed physician or medical provider, and Medicare must agree that it is necessary and proper.
Medicare does… More

1-800-MEDICARE (1800 Medicare) HELP LINE

WHAT IS 1-800-MEDICARE?
1-800-MEDICAR(e) (1800 Medicare)  is the telephone Help Line for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).  This is the number you should call for questions about your claims, medical records, or expenses.

You can also call 1-800-633-4227.  TTY/TDD service is available for the hearing impaired at 1- 877-486-2048.
The help line, with both English or Spanish-speaking representatives, is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  Services… More

MEDICARE 2012 CHANGES

Medicare makes changes every year. Recipients should check annually to understand what is new.
DEADLINE IS EARLIER

The New Deadline for signing up is from October 15, 2011 – December 7 , 2011, earlier than in previous years.  Anyone can join, switch or drop a Medicare Advantage Plan during this time as well.

Part A covers inpatient hospital, skilled nursing facility, and some home health care.
Part B pays for Medicare eligible physician services, outpatient hospital… More

MEDICARE PART D OVERVIEW

Medicare Part D helps pay for prescription drug coverage which is not offered in Parts A and B (Original Medicare).
Medicare Part D is optional. You have to enroll to get it.  If you wait to get Part D coverage you you may have to pay a penalty. Only private insurance companies offer Part D.  Plans vary by company, just as Medicare Advantage Plans vary.
Plans are standalone or part of a Medicare Advantage Plan.  When considering different plans, make sure the drugs you take are… More

MEDICAID (medicade) AND MEDICARE CUTS IN TEXAS

CUTS TAKING EFFECT 1/1/2012
Beginning the 1st of January, 2012, new Texas budget cuts take effect that will likely make it harder for seniors who solely rely up Medicare or Medicaid to obtain medical treatment.  Cuts then go into effect that reduces reimbursements paid to medical practitioners treating those covered by Medicare and Medicaid.
REDUCING REIMBURSEMENTS TO BALANCE BUDGET
Reducing reimbursements was part of the compromised plan by Texas State Legislators… More