Questions to ask when comparing Part D plans

…for Extra Help or a State Pharmaceutical Assistance Program (SPAP)? Pharmacy network What is the service area for the plan? Can I fill my prescriptions at the pharmacies I use…

Prostate cancer screenings

…digital rectal exam (DRE) And, a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test Medicare also covers diagnostic prostate cancer screenings. Your provider may recommend that you receive a prostate cancer screening more than…

Eligibility for premium-free Part A if you are under 65 and Medicare-eligible

If you are eligible for Medicare due to a disability, End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), you are eligible for premium-free Part A. If you return to…

Medicare Savings Programs and the Part B Buy-in

…about MSPs in your state and for help applying. After enrolling in any of the three programs above, you should receive premium-free Part B. Your premium-free Part B effective date…

Medigaps in New York State

In New York State, all Medicare beneficiaries are eligible for continuous open enrollment for Medigap policies. This means insurance companies: Must sell you a Medigap policy at any time, no…

Transition drug refills

A transition refill, also known as a transition fill, is typically a one-time, 30-day supply of a drug that you were taking: Before switching to a different Part D plan…

Hospice basics

…(and your primary care provider, if you wish) to develop a plan of care. Your team may include a hospice doctor, a registered nurse, a social worker, and a counselor….

Equitable relief

…Security or 1-800-MEDICARE representative. Equitable relief does not apply if you were misinformed about your Medicare rights and options by non-federal employees, such as an employer. For example, let’s say…

Medicare eligibility for those under 65

…you, a spouse, or a parent have paid Medicare taxes for a sufficient amount of time as specified by the Social Security Administration If you are under 65 and have…

Same-sex marriage and Medicare

…you need assistance understanding how your Medicare and/or retirement benefits are affected, please contact the Social Security Administration (800-772-1213). Remember to ask for the name of the representative you speak…