One in every three Medicare beneficiaries has diabetes, and over 3.3 million Medicare beneficiaries use one or more of the common forms of insulin. On January 26, Benita Lee from GoodRx Health published a detailed analysis comparing the costs of 28 brand and generic insulins. GoodRx research shows shows that the average retail price for […]
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has set the premium amounts for Medicare Part A and Part B for the calendar year 2022. 2022 Medicare Part B Premiums The 2022 standard monthly premium for Medicare Part B beneficiaries is $170.10, a $21.60 increase from the $148.50 standard amount for 2021. 2022 Medicare […]
During the first quarter of the new year I often receive this question: “Dan, I went to refill my prescription and was quoted almost double what I paid in December.” Here’s why. Medicare Part D Prescription Drug plans reset each year on January 1 and benefit levels start again at the first of four phases. […]
This year’s Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 through December 7) was a busy time and we are grateful for the scores of individuals and couples who permitted our team of agent advisors to help with their 2021 Part C Medicare Advantage or Part D Prescription drug plan selection. (The December 7 deadline did not […]
“Not only is Dan quite knowledgeable on this subject, he is welcoming and explains Medicare in an understandable manner.” ~ Lori R. (November 14, 2020) This past summer New Hampshire Magazine interviewed Dan as part of its September 17 “Understanding Medicare” article. New Hampshire resident Lori R. is approaching Medicare eligibility and wanted to learn […]
Unlike some common vaccines, like those for the flu, hepatitis B and pneumonia, shingles shots are not covered under Original Medicare Parts A or B. Medicare coverage for the two commercially available shingles vaccines, Shingrix and Zostavax, is provided only if you are enrolled in a stand-alone Part D drug plan or a Medicare Advantage […]
medicare advantage plans for veterans We often receive calls from veterans who are paying a monthly premium to be enrolled in a MAPD, a Medicare Advantage with Prescription Drug Plan while having their prescription medications filled through the VA (Veterans Affairs) These veterans are enrolled in Medicare Part A and pay the Part B premium. […]
Individuals enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B may apply for the Medicare Savings Program. If eligible you will receive help paying the Medicare Part B premium, currently $135.50. In some instances, (QMB) the program will pay your Part A and Part B deductible and co-insurance amounts. (And possibly a percentage of your Part C […]
If you, a loved one, friend or neighbor has experienced “sticker shock” with your Medicare Part D prescription drug co-payment, the following case study may interest you. Earlier this week, I received this message from an Albany New York County couple: “We were talking with our neighbor Kathy about the sudden and unaffordable cost of […]
A client called this morning and asked this question: “Dan, I went to refill my prescription and was quoted almost double what I paid in 2018.“ Medicare Part D Prescription Drug plans reset each year on January 1. What that means is the prescription drug benefit levels start over at what is called the Deductible […]