Medicare Part B , which includes a variety of outpatient services cover medically necessary clinical diagnostic laboratory tests when a doctor or other practitioner orders them. Medically necessary clinical diagnostic laboratory tests are generally not subject to coinsurance or deductible. It will cover medically necessary imaging tests, such as computed tomography (CT) scans, as needed for treatment purposes for lung infections, however not for screening asymptomatic patients. For those imaging tests paid by Part B, beneficiary coinsurance and deductible would apply. If the Part B deductible ($198 in 2020) applies to the Part B services, beneficiaries must pay all costs - up to the approved amount of Medicare until the beneficiary meets the yearly Part B deductible. Once it is met, Medicare pays its share, and beneficiaries typically pay 20% of the approved amount of the service, except laboratory tests. There’s no yearly limit for what a beneficiary pays out-of-pocket tho...

Due to the law changing over the years and requiring higher earners to pay more, about 4.3 Million Medicare beneficiaries are subject to so-called income-related monthly adjustment. While the standard monthly premium for Medicare Part B is $144.60 this year, some beneficiaries pay as much as $491.60. If your income is different from what Social Security used to determine, there is a process for asking the agency a reconsideration.  Note: If you are unsure why you are paying an IRMAA, you can call Social Security, 800-772-1213. The process involves asking the agency either through a phone call or through writing to reconsider their assessment. You will have to fill out a form and provide supporting documents such as: a recent tax returns a letter from your former employer stating that you have retired recent pay stubs showing evidence that your income has dropped.  The required form includes a list of life-changing events that qualify as reasons for red...

Conditions concerning mental health like depression or anxiety can happen to anyone at any time. it doesn't choose people nor time. Thus, it is better to talk to your doctor if you're experiencing one of  the following; suicidal thoughts sad, empty, or feeling of hopelessness a lack of energy trouble concentrating sleeping problems little to no interest in things you used to enjoy weight loss or loss of appetite increased use of alcohol or other drugs How are these covered? Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) It helps pay for mental health services for an inpatient in a general or psychiatric hospital. It covers your room, meals, nursing care, therapy or other treatment for your condition, laboratory tests, medications, and other related services and supplies.  If you're in a psychiatric hospital, Part A only pays for up to 190 days of inpatient psychiatric hospital services during your lifetime. Medicare Part B ( Medical Insurance) It h...

ADA, The American Dental Association said that individuals 60 and over face some rather unique dental concerns. Approximately one in four seniors have gone five years or more since their last dental visit and 16 percent in this age range consider their oral health as poor. Also, for instance, there are more than 500 medications that cause dry mouth, some of which were prescribed for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, Parkinsons's and Alzheimer's disease. This is now the common cause of cavities in older adults. Unfortunately, Medicare doesn't always help with this issue. In fact, according to Medicare.gov , this federal health insurance program typically does not cover dental care, procedures, or supplies. They don't provide benefits toward regular cleanings or services designed to treat and/or correct problematic oral issues, such as fillings or tooth extractions and they don't generally offer benefits for dental devices, including dentures and dent...

There will be new rates for Medicare costs this year, 2020. The premium will rise by nearly 7% to $144.60 a month, up to $135.50 in 2019. Upper-income retirees pay higher premiums and those rates also are going up. The annual deductible for Part B coverage, which includes doctor visits and outpatient care, also will go up by 7% to $198, an increase of $13 from the annual deductible of $185 in 2019. The announcement comes nearly a month after the Social Security Administration set a modest 1.6% cost-of-living adjustments to benefits in 2020, which works out to approximately $24 a month for the average retired worker . Medicare Part B Income-related Monthly Adjustments Since 2007, a beneficiary's Part B monthly premium is based on his or her income. These income-related monthly adjustments amounts (IRMAA) affect roughly 7% of people with Medicare Part B.   Beneficiaries who file individual tax returns with income Beneficiaries who file joint tax ret...

I bet you have already made up your mind after reading my earlier blog. I hope so. Indeed, being insured will be the best decision anyone can make. Now, the next big question is, how will I sign up for Medicare? Some people get Medicare Part A and Part B automatically. These are those who are already getting benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board ( RRB ). Usually, this starts from the first day you turn 65 or if you're not under 65 but you have a  disability. Also, if you have ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or Lou Gehrig's Disease) , you'll also get Part A and part B automatically on the month your Social Security disability benefits begin. Once enrolled, you will get a red, white and blue Medicare card. This either comes thru mail 3 months before you turn 65 years old. However, while others have the luxury to automatically get a Medicare policy, some people have to sign up to get it. If you're close to 65 but not get...

For anyone who might not know, Medicare is a healthcare plan provider. It has 3 parts, Medicare Plan A, Medicare Plan B, and Plan D or commonly known as Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage Plan, and Prescription Plan.  Original Medicare is usually applicable for in-patient hospital service, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and home health care. It is also known as Hospital Insurance . While Medicare Advantage Plan or commonly known as Medical Insurance  covers mainly your Outpatient and Physician Services, laboratory tests, wellness, and others.  And lastly, Medicare Plan D  or the Prescription Drug Coverage which covers the cost of your prescription drugs. This plan is usually run by private insurance companies that follow rules set by Medicare. You have your options as to what Medicare Plan to get. Either you choose Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, or you'll have Original Medicare and add on it a Medigap or Medicare Supplement Plan....