Guide to Medicare Supplemental Insurance (Medigap)

US dollar bills with medicine pills

Medicare Supplement Insurance, also known as Medigap, is a private insurance policy that helps pay some of the health care costs that Original Medicare doesn't cover, like copayments, co-insurance, and deductibles. Some Medigap policies offer coverage for services that the Original Medicare does not cover. Examples are the medical care when you travel outside the U.S or visit a doctor who does not accept Medicare, and charges an "excess charge." Medicare Supplement Insurance policies only work if you enroll in the Original Medicare Plan. You must have Medicare Part A and Part B but won't pay any benefits if you're

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Durable Medical Equipment & Medicare

Durable Medical Equipment & Medicare

Many baby boomers rely on Durable Medical Equipment (DME) supplies for their daily activities. Medicare covers medically necessary supplies such as a wheelchair, CPAP machine, or oxygen tank. So, if you’re wondering about Medicare coverage on your Durable Medical Equipment; ask yourself this; is this medically necessary and is my doctor going to write a prescription for this? If you can answer yes, then coverage will be likely. Will My Medicare Coverage Pay for Durable Medical Equipment? Durable medical equipment is covered under Medicare Part B. The yearly Part B deductible is applicable and then Medicare pays an 80% coinsurance. That

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Find Senior Care on Limited Budget

Recently, a reader asked, "If you can't afford to live in a senior care facility, or have family to take care of you what other options does a person have when they can't take care of yourself?" For many seniors, they survive on Social Security from month to month. The retirement years is challenging and enjoying the golden years and living comfortably is only a dream. And once they retire, they struggle. They are in survival mode. Others, like the 10,000 Americans who turn 65 every day, are just now facing the reality. When seeking care on the limited income

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If It’s Time for Hospice – Here’s some Help

Senior man in hospice

When someone tells you it’s time to call hospice for someone you love, it’s one of the toughest bits of news you’ll ever hear.  However, when you do get that news, you’ll still need good information.  Here are a few tips. Find the Right Fit First of all, you have a choice about which hospice agency or provider will give care to your loved one.  You will often be given the names of one, sometimes up to three, agencies that provide hospice care.  A doctor, a hospital social worker, your elder’s nurse practitioner or someone at your elder’s care facility

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How to compare Medigap and Medicare Advantage Costs

Senior

Whether you’re enrolling in Medicare for the first time or taking advantage of the 2021 open enrollment period to explore your options, it can be hard to evaluate whether Medigap coverage or Medicare Advantage make more sense for your wallet. Have you ever thought to yourself, “how much does Medicare cost?” Figuring it out is far from simple. Here, we’ll explain the difference and how to identify which option will work best for you. Understanding Medigap and Medicare Advantage Medigap and Medicare Advantage can seem similar, in that both are different options for Medicare coverage and you can only choose

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Medicare OEP 2020: How Mrs. Jones Made Changes to Her Medicare Advantage Plan

Portrait of senior woman

The new year is upon us and so is Medicare Open Enrollment Period (OEP) 2020. Yes, just when Annual Enrollment Period 2020 has finished, it’s time for OEP 2020! We know the Medicare system can be difficult, so today we’re going to follow Mrs. Jones through the Medicare Open Enrollment Period. Mrs. Jones is a little confused since the Medicare rules can be complicated. But we’re here to help! What is Medicare Open Enrollment Period? Mrs. Jones wasn’t happy with the Medicare Advantage Plan she chose in the fall during AEP, and she’s been waiting for January 1st so she

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Does Going on Hospice Mean Giving Up?

Hospice is a special kind of care focused on providing patients with a terminal illness comfort and dignity as their disease takes its course. Because hospice means that treatment will no longer be focused on curing the disease, many families feel that they are giving up on their loved one. While it may be easy to think that, understanding what hospice provides in the context of the patient, their family, and the overall disease progression can provide a new perspective on choosing hospice. Things to consider about hospice: A doctor will only place an order for hospice care when they

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3 Quick Tips before Medicare Deadline December 7th

Senior couple

The December 7th DEADLINE is FAST APPROACHING….. The Sosa Insurance Group in West Orange Offers THREE KEY QUICK TIPS to help you find if your current Medicare Health Plan is RIGHT FOR YOU.   With the deadline of December 7, 2020 just a few weeks away, there is still time for those who are eligible for Medicare to make an important decision about their Medicare Healthcare Plan needs for 2021. Deadline for Medicare Open Enrollment Nears With more Medicare Health Plan options than ever, it is important for people to understand their options and specifically, what their needs are when it

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What Happens If You Delay Medicare Coverage? 

What Happens If You Delay Medicare Coverage? ‎

When most people start Medicare, it begins on the 1st day of the month of their 65th Birthday. Of course, this is not what is the best for everyone. Frequently,  people are choosing to continue working later into life. What Happens If You Delay Medicare Coverage?  In many cases with group insurance there is no need to start their Medicare Part B coverage. These Medicare Beneficiaries have a few options, and can delay their Part B enrollment with no penalty. If you do not have creditable coverage and you decide to delay your Part B enrollment, you will have to wait

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