The U.S. Food and Drug Administration took action this week that should make it easier to get a lower cost near-copy of a brand-name insulin, Lantus, at the pharmacy. Semglee has been approved as both biosimilar to, and interchangeable as a substitute for Lantus, a widely used long-acting insulin. Biosimilar drugs are not […]
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. […]
I have received several inquiries these past few days as New York State followed the updated CDC guidelines and announced that anyone over the age of 65 is now eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. (This was one day after announcing that those over 75 were eligible, and that the 65-74 age group was probably […]
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 […]
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 […]
“… a huge thanks for cluing us in to the EPIC ..program.” “…we now estimate yearly savings to be $7,000+/-” “…we’d never heard of this program until one of your newsletter emails..” When Mary became eligible for Medicare I helped her enroll in the Medicare Supplement Plan G she selected as secondary to Original Medicare. […]
This month I received this wonderful thank you note from Nancy. She had recently relocated and needed to find new doctors along with a Medicare Advantage plan covering those doctors and her medications. Nancy was concerned that she would have to remain on her current plan and wait until the Annual Open Enrollment Period in […]
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 […]
This is a step in the right direction. Drug manufacturer Eli Lilly is introducing Insulin Lispro, a generic version of Humalog – an insulin to treat Type 2 diabetes. However don’t expect for this to appear on your health insurance generic drug formulary anytime soon. “…those with drug coverage will either experience no change or […]
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 […]