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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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medicaid-nursing-home-rules-toughen

Medicaid Nursing Home Rules Toughen

March 1, 2006

People who plan to have Medicaid pay for their nursing home care are in for some big surprises. A new law that has not received much publicity changes the rules. Medicaid is the program that pays the medical expenses of the nation’s poor. Medicare is the program that pays some medical expenses of older Americans. […]

important-medicaid-update-for-heirs

Important Medicaid Update for Heirs

March 1, 2006

The new uncertainty over Medicaid eligibility is not the only reason Medicaid should not be the centerpiece of your long-term care plan. Another concern is that your heirs might receive an unpleasant surprise from the state. When Medicaid decides someone is eligible for it to pay for nursing home care, the individual is told that […]

retirement-time-bomb

The Overlooked Retirement Time Bomb

February 1, 2006

My file of articles about retiree medical expenses is filling rapidly with unpleasant headlines. One sample sums up the group: “How Safe Are Your Retiree Health Benefits?” Numerous surveys and my own experience lead to one conclusion: Most retirees and pre-retirees greatly underestimate how much medical expenses will be during retirement and are mistaken about […]

medicare-prescription-drug-program-answering-2-key-questions

Medicare Prescription Drug Program – Answering 2 Key Questions

December 1, 2005

Two questions frequently are generated by the Medicare Prescription Drug Program. Where can I learn more about my options? There are numerous sources of help for the new drug plan. Start with the free publication, Medicare and You. The 2006 edition was mailed recently to all Medicare beneficiaries and is available on the Medicare web […]

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how-to-quantify-the-financial-effects-of-prescription-drug-plans

How to Quantify the Financial Effects of Prescription Drug Plans

December 1, 2005

The new Medicare Part D program is under way. In past visits we reviewed the key factors to consider when comparing plans for the new prescription drug benefit option. Of course, the bottom line financial costs and benefits also are important. This month we look at how to quantify the financial effects of different plans. […]

Making the Medicare Prescription Drug Decision

November 1, 2005

The promotions for the Medicare prescription drug program are starting and will become intense for many of you over the next few months. Take your time to analyze the choices. If you are eligible for Medicare now, you are eligible for the prescription drug program. Sign ups for the plans can start Nov. 15. The […]

prescription-drug-plans-ready-to-roll

Prescription Drug Plans Ready to Roll

October 1, 2005

It is getting close to the time when Medicare beneficiaries must decide whether or not to sign up for a prescription drug plan. Promotions are being rolled out. The enrollment period begins Nov. 1, 2005, and closes on May 15, 2006. The government has announced some good news about the program. (See the September 2005 […]

two-long-term-care-insurance-mistakes

The 2 Long-Term Care Insurance Mistakes Most Retirees Make

September 1, 2005

Only about 10% of seniors over age 65 have long-term care insurance. It is easy to understand why. The product is complicated, and costly mistakes are easy to make when buying it. There are two mistakes people make most often when purchasing long-term care insurance. More people would buy the insurance if they knew how […]

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