Like an intricate dance, the various organs and systems in our body are carefully choreographed to work in harmony to perform vital services. Throughout the year, health care organizations like to promote public awareness through special observances, and on March 10 we observe World Kidney Day.

Medicare generally does not pay for vision care, but it will cover certain medically necessary services, such as cataract surgery. If you have Original Medicare, these services are covered under Part B, which covers outpatient services. Medicare Advantage Plans cover the same services as Original Medicare, but may have different costs and conditions. If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan, contact a plan representative to learn about how the plan covers cataract surgery.

An Explanation of Benefits (EOB) is a notice that your Medicare Advantage Plan typically sends you after you receive health care services or items. EOBs are usually mailed once per month and may be available online. An EOB is not a bill; it is a summary of services or items you received.

Each plan formats its EOB differently, but in general your EOB should tell you:

The dynamic CEO of AARP, Jo Ann Jenkins, encourages everyone over 50 to become much more active in defining self-image, personal motivation, health care goals, and wealth/asset management. In Disrupt Aging: A Bold New Path to Living Your Best Life at Every Age, she challenges the outdated beliefs that older people should slow down, take it easy, and become passive and accepting.

Medicare can either be primary or secondary to your employer coverage. This usually depends on the size of the employer and whether or not someone is currently working.

Primary insurance pays first for health care claims. Secondary insurance pays after the primary insurance for some or all of what the primary insurance did not cover. Knowing which is primary is important because secondary insurance often refuses to pay anything if the primary insurance has not paid first.

Check out this handy infographic explaining when employer coverage is primary and when Medicare is primary.

Dear Marci,

My mother has Original Medicare and is currently receiving care from a skilled nursing facility. Her provider gave her a notice saying that she will be discharged soon, but she does not feel she is ready to go home. Is there any way she can stay in the skilled nursing facility and get Medicare to cover the stay?

– Judy (Rockford, IL)

Dear Marci,

I will turn 65 soon and be eligible for Medicare. I am still working and receive health insurance from my employer. If I sign up for Medicare, how will it work with my current employer-based insurance?

Marco (Montclair, NJ)

If you are like most people, you have called your insurance provider with a question, been put on hold, and finally reached a representative only to discover you did not have all the necessary documents in front of you.

It can be easier. This infographic provides some tips to help you get the best results when communicating with insurers. Remember: If you have questions about your insurance coverage, whether you have Original Medicare or get your benefits through a Medicare Advantage Plan (such as an HMO or PPO), you have the right to get answers.

Dear Marci,

I enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B a few years ago when I turned 65, but I only recently signed up for a Part D plan. Then I received a notice from the plan telling me that my monthly Part D premium payment will go up because I have a late enrollment penalty on top of my regular premium. Is there any way I can get this penalty to go away?

Carter (Tupelo, MS)

Do you or a loved one have Medicare and Medicaid and need long-term care at home or in a nursing facility? Find out how to get your long-term care services covered in New York.