Retirement Healthcare and Medicare
Retirement expert Bob Carlson’s research and knowledge on how to get the most out of healthcare options
Found 315 Articles.
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Examining Part D Prescription Drug Plans
Open enrollment for Medicare’s Part D prescription drug pro-gram is almost here. Marketing has begun, and you can sign up from Nov. 15 – Dec. 31. Only entering its fourth year, enrollment grows each year, and surveys show satisfaction among enrollees. One constant about Part D so far is change. Premiums, other costs, and coverage […]
Updating Medicare Advantage
Earlier this year we told you to expect changes in Medicare Advantage plans, because Congress was reducing reimbursements to insurers and making other changes. The plan offerings for 2010 are in, and you do indeed face changes in Advantage plans. Almost all Medicare beneficiaries have an Advantage plan available to them. But about 7% of […]
Choosing from Medicare’s Options
Medicare enrollment season is almost upon us. Every year, Medicare beneficiaries have a six-week period beginning Nov. 15 to select their medical plans. New Medicare members face the same choices when they enroll. Many of you have decisions to make. Even if you are happy with your Medicare plan, it is a good idea to […]
Estimating the Cost of Long-Term Care
The cost of long-term care is a mystery to many Americans. They hear the cost is high, and occasionally they hear quotes of national averages of the cost. But that does not help an individual plan for the cost or decide whether to buy long-term care insurance or how much to buy. A valuable tool […]
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When Medicaid Will Pay for Long-Term Care
Many people still expect that government programs will pay for their long-term care needs. They do not understand the limited assistance government programs provide for long-term care needs. Medicare, the program for those 65 and older, has restricted coverage for stays at long-term care facilities. The coverage generally is only for brief periods of rehabilitation […]
Changes Coming to Medicare Advantage Plans
The Medicare Advantage plans have been one of the more popular innovations in Medicare. Enrollment is up to 10.5 million, from only 5.4 million in 2005. But these plans will see some changes later this year, and that could increase costs or decrease benefits for enrollees. Traditional Medicare is a fee for service program that […]
Critical New Trends in Long-Term Care
Many people do not realize that long-term care insurance has been a mainstream product only since the 1980s. It still is evolving, and insurers are learning more all the time. Also, there are dramatic changes occurring in the population and in medical care that affect the pricing and terms of long-term care insurance. In this […]
What is the Best Way to Buy Long-Term Care Coverage?
Congress made a change in 2006 that makes a long-term care insurance option more attractive. The Pension Protection Act of 2006 enhanced combining annuities or life insurance with long-term care coverage. Insurers are cranking out more of these policies to meet anticipated demand. The change was a simple one. The combo policies have been around […]
