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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 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

WHAT IS A MEDICARE ADVANTAGE PLAN?

A Medicare Advantage Plan is also known as Medicare Part C (Medicare C).  This video was created for insurance agents to help them understand Medicare Advantage Plans and educate their clients. It provides good detail but does not cover any of the downside to an Advantage Plan.

Advantage Plans are private insurance plans funded through Medicare. The Advantage Plan becomes the insured’s primary plan.  All coverage costs are the responsibility of the private insurance… More

TEN MEDICARE TIPS

Getting started in the Medicare process can be confusing.  Just pick up one piece of information at a time.  These ten tips should help:
1.  Original Medicare (Part A and B) is offered through the Federal Government.
2.  Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage) must be added on to Parts A and B as a stand-alone plan.
3. Original Medicare Does Not Cover all Hospital and Medical Expenses.
4. Medigap (aka Medicare Supplemental) Insurance Plans can fill in the gaps in Parts A and B.
5.… More

MEDICARE A B OVERVIEW

This video explains the differences between Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B (the original Medicare components).… More

MEDICARE

If you do not know anything about Medicare, start here.  This short, clear video from Humana does a good job of explaining it in the most basic terms.  It covers Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D.  It also differentiates Medicare from Medicaid.
EDITORS NOTE: Long-Term Care is not covered in this post.  Anytime Medicare is discussed long-term care should be included in the conversation.  Medicare does not cover Long-Term Care.   Individuals need to plan for this with private… More