Author: Chris Kennedy

Medicare Website Can Help In Choosing A Nursing Home

Posted on by Chris Kennedy

When you hear about Medicare, you probably think of the federal program that helps pay for older adults’ health care. What you may not realize is that another of Medicare’s major responsibilities is to inspect health care facilities to make sure that patients receive safe and high-quality care. Among those facilities are the nation’s more than 15,000 nursing homes.

Continue reading “Medicare Website Can Help In Choosing A Nursing Home” »

CMS Projects Health Costs To Rise Over Next Decade

Posted on by Chris Kennedy

National health expenditure growth is expected to average 5.5 percent annually from 2018-2027, reaching nearly $6.0 trillion by 2027, according to a report published today by the independent Office of the Actuary at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

Continue reading “CMS Projects Health Costs To Rise Over Next Decade” »

See What Medicare Covers With Free App

Posted on by Chris Kennedy

Let’s say you go for your annual physical and your doctor recommends that you get a hearing and balance test. Or an electrocardiogram (EKG). Or a Hepatitis B screening.  Does your Original Medicare cover these services? Now there’s a quick way to find out, using your smartphone or tablet.  It’s Medicare’s new “What’s Covered” app and it’s free. You can use the app right there in the doctor’s office, hospital, or anywhere else you use your phone or tablet.

Continue reading “See What Medicare Covers With Free App” »

7 Tips To Managing Holiday Stress

Posted on by Chris Kennedy

Parties, shopping, cooking, cleaning, entertaining and unwelcome guests — from Christmas to New Years, the festivities present a dizzying array of demands. For many, the stress of the holidays results in fatigue, insomnia, illness, anxiety and depression, rather than peace and joy. Continue reading “7 Tips To Managing Holiday Stress” »

What You Need To Know About 2018 Medicare Part B Rates and IRMAA

Posted on by Chris Kennedy

If you have higher income, the law requires an adjustment to your monthly Medicare Part B (medical insurance) and Medicare prescription drug coverage premiums. Higher-income beneficiaries pay higher premiums for Part B and prescription drug coverage. This affects less than five percent of people with Medicare, so most people don’t pay a higher premium. Continue reading “What You Need To Know About 2018 Medicare Part B Rates and IRMAA” »

What You Need To Know About Medicare’s Annual Election Period and Open Enrollment Period

Posted on by Chris Kennedy

Most Medicare beneficiaries look forward to Medicare’s Annual Election Period and Open Enrollment Period. However, there are also some who might be new to Medicare and may need clarification on a few issues.  Continue reading “What You Need To Know About Medicare’s Annual Election Period and Open Enrollment Period” »