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Medicare/Medigap Insurance

Found 107 Articles.
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The Future of Medicare?

June 6, 2011

It’s no secret that Medicare is in trouble. The government will have to spend less on the beneficiaries at some point. It’s likely there will be some form of rationing or reduction in care. There are three ways that could be implemented. One way is to put the onus on the patient or consumer to […]

Assessing Medicare Proposals

May 31, 2011

It’s no secret that the current Medicare system is unsustainable, or it shouldn’t be a secret. That’s why there are a number of proposals and laws to change the system. There’s a great deal of confusion and misinformation about the different proposals, of course. Here’s an article with an analysis of the main proposals out […]

How 2010 Taxes Affect Medicare Premiums

October 1, 2010

Your tax return for this year will determine your Medicare premiums in two years, if you’ll be a Medicare participant then. Since 2007, as income rises Medicare Part B premiums rise. More people will pay the higher premiums each year under the Affordable Health Care Act of 2010. Through 2010, the incomes at which the […]

Avoiding the Latest Medicare Scams

September 1, 2010

The Medicare open season, officially called the Annual Coordinated Election Period, is coming up. From Nov. 15 – Dec. 31 those eligible for Medicare can enroll, disenroll, and switch Medicare plans. Following that is the General Enrollment Period from Jan. 1 – March 31 when anyone eligible for Medicare can enroll. Medicare fraud is around […]

When Medicaid Will Pay for Long-Term Care

July 1, 2009

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 […]

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How Improved Websites Boost Your Benefits

October 1, 2008

Government benefits are complicated. It often is difficult to understand the rules well enough to maximize benefits from Social Security and Medicare. The government agencies know this and in response recently added features to their web sites to make it less painful to learn your benefit options. I have reviewed these features and believe they […]

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The Upcoming Medicare Changes

July 1, 2008

One of the biggest mistakes people make in their retirement plans is underestimating their medical expense burdens. Traditionally, early retirees overlook this major expense, but it is likely that in the next few years this expense will spike higher than many retirees anticipate. It is important that people recognize the trends behind changes in medical […]

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Social Security and Medicare: What Lies Ahead?

June 1, 2007

The trustees of the Social Security and Medicare Trust Funds issued their annual report recently, and as usual it was dismal. Yet, buried within the report is some reasonably good news for those who want to see it. That news also is important to those who are planning their retirement income over the next few […]

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