General Medicare
Medicare Part D Coverage for GLP-1 Drugs
GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy, Ozempic, Trulicity, and more are generating a lot of buzz for their effectiveness in weight loss and diabetes management. We’ll break down what you need to know about Wegovy and Ozempic and how Part D fits into the picture. What are GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy and Ozempic? Wegovy, Ozempic, Mounjaro, and…
Read MoreSocial Security and Medicare: How They Work & Coordinating Benefits
Have questions about Social Security and Medicare? Though they differ in benefits and eligibility, these two programs work together to provide you with financial security and healthcare coverage in your retirement years.
Here’s what you need to know about both programs, including eligibility, benefits and costs, and how you coordinate them.
Read MoreDemystifying AI in Medicare: What You Need to Know
AI is shaping the future of countless industries — including Medicare. But what does that mean for you? Here’s what you should know about the current and future use of AI, the positives and negatives that come with it, and how you can safeguard your health in this new era.
Read MoreBreaking Down the Savings on Medicare’s 10 Negotiated Prescriptions
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has taken significant steps to curb the rising cost of prescription drugs through the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program. As we have written about before, this groundbreaking initiative empowers Medicare to negotiate prices for some of the most commonly used and costly medications for chronic conditions such…
Read MoreWhat You Need To Know About Medicare’s Drug Price Negotiations
For the first time in its history, Medicare is negotiating drug prices directly with pharmaceutical companies. This initiative, established under the Inflation Reduction Act, aims to lower the cost of prescription medications for millions of Americans under the Medicare umbrella. The Medicare drug price negotiations are on-going, but the new prices are scheduled to be…
Read MoreHow do I get a new Medicare card?
Losing your Medicare card can be a frustrating experience, but don’t worry: Getting a replacement card is a relatively straightforward process. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to obtain a Medicare card replacement, whether you’ve lost it or simply need a new one. But first, let’s understand the importance of your…
Read MoreProposal: Medicare to Fund Caregiver Training
CMS Proposes that Medicare Pay Health Care Professionals to Train Caregivers People suddenly facing a caregiving role can sometimes find a demanding and daunting routine, which many are technically and emotionally unprepared for. It’s a situation that can complicate a caregiver’s relationship with family members and impose a list of responsibilities that can prove overwhelming.…
Read MoreMedicare Annual Enrollment Period 2023
Each year, Medicare beneficiaries are allowed to re-shop their Medicare benefits to find a plan that works well for them. While many plans automatically renew, many beneficiaries still prefer to take the time to compare their options when they can. Depending on what kind of Medicare plan you have, there are only certain times of…
Read More5 Times When Medicare Becomes Your Secondary Payer
Medicare is the primary insurance provider for most retirees aged 65 and older. However, there are some circumstances where Medicare will not have the primary payment responsibility for your health care. Here are five common situations when Medicare becomes your Secondary Payer. 1. Americans and spouses working for companies with insurance While 65 is the…
Read More4 myths about Medicare’s financial future and why they’re wrong
There has been a lot of conversation about Medicare’s financial outlook and whether it can withstand the influx of beneficiaries now and in the future. Naturally, there are a lot of myths about Medicare. As a large part of the country’s federal budget, Medicare spending continues to rise. However, it is a critical part of…
Read MoreCan My Children Receive Medicare?
Most of the time, Medicare is for individuals who are 65 years of age or older. However, there are exceptions to this rule. Sometimes, even children can qualify for Medicare. Learn more about Medicare for children so you can find out if anyone in your family fits the criteria for coverage. Relationship Requirements In order…
Read More4 Facts About Tobacco Use & Medicare
Do you use tobacco products? Though it’s only one check box in a line of health questions, your answer can greatly affect your Medicare Supplement premiums. Typically, carriers are looking at tobacco use in the 12 months prior to application for coverage. Please note that tobacco use does not affect the amounts you pay for…
Read MoreHow to file a Medicare claim step-by-step
Most Americans never need to file a Medicare claim. Usually, Medicare providers send claims directly to Medicare so their members don’t need to do a thing. However, in some rare cases, people in Original Medicare may need to file their own claims. Follow these steps to make sure you file yours correctly. When you may…
Read MoreHow Do I Get Dental Coverage with Medicare?
Does Medicare cover dental care? Your dental health is an important part of your overall wellness, but most standard Medicare health insurance plans do not include dental services. Instead, dental insurance is often sold separately, so you can customize your insurance to suit your needs. If you use Medicare, you should be aware that certain…
Read MorePresidents and Medicare
Medicare was signed into law in 1965, but it took many years and many presidents’ work to make it happen. Let’s take a look at all the Commanders in Chief who helped build the program through proposals and legislation over the years, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). President Theodore Roosevelt…
Read MoreIs Medicare State Specific?
If you’re new to the world of Medicare, you probably have a lot of questions. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by your options. United Medicare Advisors is here to give you the answers you need to inform your Medicare decisions. One question we get a lot concerns our client’s location: “Is Medicare state specific?” The…
Read MoreInsights Into 2021 Medicare Shopping Trends
United Medicare Advisors provides independent advice to help people select the best Medicare insurance for their needs. Years of expertise enable us to match Medicare-eligible individuals with the appropriate coverage for their lifestyle and budget. Once again, Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) for 2021 ended on December 7. Many people are not aware of the…
Read MoreWhat’s Next for Medicare in 2022
Each year, we speak to thousands of people who tell us how confusing and overwhelming Medicare can be. We understand how tricky it is, and you are not alone. To help you make sense of Medicare, United Medicare Advisors has reviewed and analyzed changes to the costs and benefits of Medicare plans to help you…
Read MoreWhen is the next time to change my Medicare plan?
When is your next opportunity to change Medicare plans? When is the time to sign up? It all depends on your age, eligibility, plan type, and what time of year it is. Read on for a breakdown of the different enrollment windows to find out the next time you can sign up for Medicare or…
Read MoreMedicare and You in 2022
Wondering how Medicare works for you? Medicare was built to help lower health care costs, and has seen significant upgrades in the decades since its inception in 1965. There are options to fit all health needs and budgets — but that can make it confusing for many people. United Medicare Advisors was built to help…
Read MoreThe only phone number you need during Medicare’s AEP
The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) for Medicare coverage happens every year Oct. 15 through Dec. 7. During this time, you may look at various coverage options to enhance your Medicare coverage. To get unbiased, independent help, call United Medicare Advisors at (855) 665-9200. Medicare alone only covers about 80% of anticipated health care costs —…
Read MoreMedicare’s Annual Enrollment Period
Each fall, Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period rolls around to offer beneficiaries a chance to review and change their coverage before the new year. Around this time, you’ll see an increased amount of communications about different Medicare plans and options in your area. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed, so let’s do a brief introduction to this…
Read MoreWhat is Medicare?
Medicare is a federal program that provides health care coverage at a small cost. It can be an overwhelming topic to navigate alone! We’re here to break the basics. What does Medicare cover? Original Medicare coverage is broken into two parts: Part A and Part B. It’s accepted by nearly every doctor and hospital in…
Read MoreMedicare Supplemental Dental Insurance
Medicare alone does not cover dental care. Since oral health is vital to your overall well-being, you may want to consider buying supplemental dental insurance to help cover the costs. Dental costs can get out of hand quickly. You don’t want to be stuck paying out-of-pocket, especially if you need a procedure like a root…
Read MoreWhat is Supplement Medicare Insurance?
What is Supplement Medicare Insurance? It goes by many names. You may have already heard of one of these variations: Medicare Supplement Insurance Supplemental Medicare Medigap Medicare Gap Insurance All of these terms refer to the same thing: a type of insurance plan you can purchase to round out your Medicare coverage. What does Medicare…
Read MoreWhen can you get Medicare?
As you enter your mid-sixties, you’ll notice a change. Mail will start to arrive, emails will hit your inbox, and your internet ads will start to be about the same topic: Medicare. While you’re likely familiar with the generalities of Medicare, you probably don’t know the deep details (and no one will blame you for…
Read More5 things to know about your Medicare card
Shortly after you enroll in Medicare, Social Security will send you a red, white, and blue Medicare card in the mail. Your Medicare card will show your unique Medicare number, the date your coverage starts, and which parts of Medicare you have (Parts A and/or B). Your Medicare card will not show if you have…
Read MoreHow is Medicare funded?
You might be wondering how Medicare works, especially since many people are eligible for premium-free Part A coverage. It must be paid for by someone, right? The federal Medicare program is overseen by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). It is funded by two trust fund accounts held by the U.S. Treasury. These…
Read MoreWhat is HHS?
HHS stands for the United States Department of Health and Human Services. This department oversees the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), and is a common term found in the Medicare industry. The HHS is comprised of eleven operating divisions, including eight agencies, such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), National Institutes of…
Read MoreWhen was Medicare established?
The law that led to Medicare and Medicaid was signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson on July 30, 1965. At that time, the program included Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance). This is now known as “Original Medicare” or “Traditional Medicare”, and approximately 44 million people are part of the program today.…
Read MoreWhat does CMS stand for?
When you start Medicare research, you’ll likely come across many unfamiliar terms and acronyms that can make the process frustrating. We’ve created a helpful glossary of terms (located here) to help remove some of the confusion. One acronym you’ve likely already come across a lot is “CMS”. CMS stands for the Centers for Medicare and…
Read MoreUnderstanding Medicare: 22 Medicare Terms to Know
There is a big learning curve when it comes to Medicare. Even seasoned Medicare beneficiaries need refreshers on the details from time-to-time. This Medicare glossary includes 22 common Medicare terms that you may come across in your Medicare journey. 1. Annual Enrollment Period The time of year where all Medicare beneficiaries can enroll in or…
Read MoreDo I Sign up for Medicare if I am Covered By My Spouse’s Insurance?
Most people become eligible to enroll in Medicare insurance at age 65. This includes eligability for Medicare Part A, Part B, Part D, and Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap). While many people enroll in Medicare at this time, it may not be necessary if you are covered by your spouse’s employer-provided health care plan. If you…
Read MoreDoes Medicare Cover Eye Exams?
Does Medicare Cover Vision? Did you know that Medicare doesn’t include vision care? A common misconception is that Original Medicare covers all areas of health care, leading many people to overlook important coverage for their dental, vision, and hearing needs. To address this gap in Medicare coverage, private insurance carriers offer add-on plans that complement…
Read MoreBest Medigap Plan
What is the best Medicare Supplement Insurance? When determining the best Medicare Supplement (or Medigap) plan for you, you’ll want to consider several factors like costs and coverage. Rather than looking solely at monthly costs, you should also look to protect yourself from unexpected, out-of-pocket costs that can eat into your monthly income. We cannot…
Read MoreAre Medicare Supplement Plans Worth It?
Determining the value of Medicare Supplement plans According to research published by the National Institites of Heakth about 25% of people who have traditional Medicare also have Medicare Supplement Insurance in addition. Medicare Supplement Insurance plans can offer financial stability and security because they decrease your unexpected out-of-pocket costs. By understanding what these plans cover…
Read MoreMedicare Supplement Costs
Comparing the costs of Medicare Supplement plans Medicare Supplement Insurance, or Medigap, helps reduce some of the costs and expenses of healthcare that would other-wise be paid out-of-pocket (like coinsurance, copayments, and deductibles). Before you decide if a Medicare Supplement Insurance plan is right for you, you should understand what they cost and what they…
Read MoreDo I Have to Sign Up for Medicare If I have Private Insurance?
Are you of Medicare age, but not ready to retire from your career? This is a common scenario for many people who are aging into Medicare. While most people should enroll in Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) when they’re first eligible, you may be able to delay Part B (Medical Insurance) until you stop working…
Read MoreDoes Medicare Cover Prescriptions?
Finding a health care plan that will cover your prescriptions is a key factor in preparing for retirement. Medicare prescription drug plans (Part D) cover a wide variety of prescriptions, including drugs in certain protected classes, those that treat cancer, and those that treat HIV/AIDs. Each Part D plan has its own formulary, which provides…
Read MoreDo All Hospitals Accept Medicare?
Not all hospitals accept Medicare, but luckily, the vast majority of hospitals do. Generally, the hospitals that do not accept Medicare are Veterans Affairs and active military hospitals (they operate with VA and military benefits instead), though there are a few other exceptions nationwide. Hospitals near me that accept Medicare Hospitals need to follow specific…
Read MoreWhat’s next for Medicare? Big changes happening in 2023
Your roadmap to Medicare coverage in the new year, compliments of United Medicare Advisors Are you one of the 300,000 Americans who will enroll in Medicare during Open Enrollment? If you are already enrolled, are you sure your plan is the best one for you? Medicare coverage and pricing change each year. And every year,…
Read MoreDoes Medicare cover the COVID-19 vaccine?
When it comes to the COVID-19 vaccine, the questions on everyone’s minds are, “How can I get one?” and “How much will it cost?” For Medicare beneficiaries, many of whom are considered to be at greater risk for serious illness when exposed to the virus, quick access to the vaccine is key. You’ll be happy…
Read MoreWhat does Medicare cover for Diabetics?
Diabetes is one of the largest health risks for Americans, affecting more than 10% of the country’s population. According to the CDC, 25% of adults 65 and older have diabetes, which means that coverage for insulin and diabetic testing supplies is a top consideration for many adults shopping for Medicare. Expenses can be covered by…
Read MoreMedicare and COVID-19 resource-guide
After a national emergency was declared on March 13, 2020 in response to the novel Coronavirus, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) expanded the coverage and services available to all Medicare beneficiaries. The FAQs below highlight these new services including virtual access to care, offer tips to stay healthy, and reduce stress. This…
Read MoreOctober is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a month dedicated to education about the most common type of cancer found in women. Women over age 60 represent nearly half of new breast cancer cases, with an additional 20% of cases affecting women over the age of 70. Medicare now covers certain preventative screenings like mammograms, which…
Read MoreUnderstanding your Medicare Annual Notice of Change (ANOC)
Each year in September, anyone enrolled in a Medicare Advantage or Prescription Drug (Part D) plan receives an Annual Notice of Change (ANOC). While you may be tempted to toss it with your other junk mail, this is an important piece of information you should review. The ANOC is sent by your insurance company to…
Read MoreSeven questions to ask before Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period
United Medicare Advisors helps you compare Medicare Supplement Insurance plans over 20 carriers to find benefits that work for your needs and budget. Our team of Licensed Insurance Advisors, along with our numerous online resources are your personal Medicare resource to help explain everything. Our goal is to be your trusted Medicare guide through every…
Read MoreWill Medicare Cover My Dental, Vision, and Hearing Needs?
Original Medicare Does Not Cover Basic Services for Eyes, Ears, and Teeth Did you know that Original Medicare doesn’t include routine dental, vision, or hearing care? Just as some employers ask employees to elect dental or vision coverage as a separate line item, Original Medicare works in a similar way. If you’ve ever awoken to…
Read More2020 Medicare Outlook
Your roadmap to Medicare coverage in the new year, compliments of United Medicare Advisors Are you one of the 300,000 Americans who will enroll in Medicare this month? If you are already enrolled, are you sure your plan is the best one for you? Medicare coverage and pricing change each year. And every year, the…
Read MoreBeginner’s Guide to Medicare
Solving the Medicare puzzle For many seniors across the nation, selecting a Medicare policy that fits their needs and budget is a daunting task. While it’s true that senior health care has many moving pieces and parts, we believe that Medicare shouldn’t be as complicated as others make it seem. In this eBook, our experts…
Read More2019 Medicare Outlook
Your free guide to Medicare in 2019 In America, roughly 10,000 baby boomers turn 65 each day. It’s at this age that we see a generational shift in healthcare needs and many seniors turn to Medicare, which can be tremendously complicated, with many moving pieces and changing parts. Every year, the Medicare program undergoes a…
Read MoreMedicare Copayment and Coinsurance Costs
When you get Medicare, or buy Medicare Supplement Insurance, you need to familiarize yourself with some key terms. After all, you want to know exactly what your coverage includes and which costs you have to pay out of pocket. Specifically, you need to understand the difference between Medicare copayments and coinsurance for Original Medicare and…
Read MoreMedicare Networks: 6 Things to Know
Networks are often a confusing topic for beneficiaries of any type of insurance. Here are answers to six of the most common questions we receive about Medicare networks. As always, we are here to help if you have any Medicare network questions not covered below. 1. What is an HMO? An HMO is a Health…
Read MoreEstimating Surgery Costs with Medicare Coverage
Facing a surgery is scary enough without worrying about your finances. Medicare is there to help reduce your surgery bills and stress levels. Read on to get a better idea of your out-of-pocket surgery costs. What Does Medicare Cover? Medicare covers many expenses related to essential surgical procedures, but it does not cover elective surgeries…
Read MoreMissed Medicare Open Enrollment? Here’s What to Do
Medicare’s Annual Election Period (AEP) runs from October 15 to December 7 every year. During this time, you can freely switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage, or from Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare. You can also change your Medicare Advantage or Prescription Drug plan. Additionally, you can enroll in a Part D Prescription Drug…
Read MoreHow to budget for Medicare expenses
When it comes to Medicare expenses, budgeting is equally as important as managing the costs you pay. Given that Medicare does not cover everything, setting up a budget will help keep you from running into financial troubles. Read our Medicare budget tips to see how you can manage Medicare expenses and medical costs. Saving for…
Read MoreWho Pays For Medicare?
You probably know that Medicare pays for medical expenses, but you may not know how the program continues to receive funds. If you’re on Medicare, you may wonder about Medicare funding. Where does the U.S. government get the money to offer health care for people ages 65 and older? What Is Medicare? The U.S. government…
Read MoreWhen to start thinking about Medicare before retirement
First things first: if you’re going to work past the age of 65 and continue employer-sponsored health insurance, be sure to inform Social Security. Failing to do so can result in a premium penalty for the rest of your life. This is not a good thing. While Medicare to those in their thirties and forties…
Read MoreMedicare and the Health Insurance Marketplace
Since the passage of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in 2010, you’ve undoubtedly heard about the Health Insurance Marketplace. How does this impact your Medicare coverage, and can you have both? Find out what you need to know about Medicare and the Health Insurance Marketplace. What Is The Health Insurance Marketplace? The Marketplace for health…
Read MoreWhat determines Medicare Part B Premium?
Medicare Part A and Part B provide the exact same benefits for all Medicare beneficiaries throughout the country no matter their age or location. Why is it, then, that premiums for that coverage can vary greatly? High-Income Levels Mean Higher Premiums Higher premium rates apply to individuals who have incomes above $85,000 and couples above…
Read MoreHow to appeal a Medicare decision
With the right Medicare plan and supplements, getting health care coverage should be easy. If you’ve ever had a claim denied, however, you know that Medicare doesn’t always work that smoothly. Find out how to file a Medicare claim and navigate the appeals process successfully. When to File a Medicare Appeal You can file an…
Read MoreMedicare coverage under 65
“17% of all Medicare beneficiaries are under 65 years old.” -Kaiser Family Foundation According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, almost one in six Medicare-eligible Americans are under age 65. That means that almost eight million Americans have permanent disabilities that enable them to receive Medicare under the age of 65. So, what are the instances…
Read MoreMedicare Annual Enrollment Period: Basics, Rules and Facts
There are various Medicare enrollment periods allotted each year. Discover all you need to know about the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period, or “AEP”, which lasts from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7 each year. In this article, Medicare recipients and prospective members will learn the basics of AEP and the changes that they can make during…
Read MoreMedicare Supplement vs Advantage: Costs and Coverage Differences
Original Medicare – Part A and B – still stands today, but alone it is not enough for most beneficiaries. Many members expand their coverage by enrolling in a Medicare plan. Currently, there are two options available: Medicare Supplement (also known as Medigap) and Medicare Advantage. These plans assist in covering non-covered expenses beneficiaries must…
Read MoreInpatient and outpatient care costs with Medicare
You may find yourself facing a hospital stay, but the experience can be much worse when it comes with a case of bill shock. Make sure you understand how costs vary for inpatient and outpatient hospital stays and what you can expect to pay. Inpatient vs Outpatient: Differences The amount you’ll pay for hospital services…
Read MoreOriginal Medicare: Part A and Part B
Original Medicare basics Starting the Medicare process can be overwhelming. To help you understand what to expect during the Medicare decision-making process, let’s start with the basics. Medicare is a social insurance program administered by the Federal Government. Mostly offered to those 65 years of age and older, Medicare has over 63 million beneficiaries across…
Read MoreINFOGRAPHIC: 7 Tips Before Starting Medicare
If you’re approaching Medicare eligibility, start here. This infographic can get you up to speed on everything you need to know before starting Medicare.
Read MoreBenefits of working with a UMA agent
With so many Medigap plans to consider and countless Medicare Supplement Insurance companies to compare, choosing the right coverage can be difficult. Fortunately, finding and purchasing a Medigap plan is easier with the help of a Medicare Supplement Insurance agent. Here are five reasons to consider working with one. 1. You’ll understand all your options…
Read More5 Conditions Medicare Covers
Medicare makes medical goods and services more affordable for eligible Americans. However, there are well-known gaps in the coverage. This can lead many Americans to mistakenly believe their own medical conditions won’t be covered. Here are some health conditions covered by Medicare that may surprise you. Don’t worry if you have one of these pre-existing…
Read More5 things to know about the Medicare Initial Enrollment Period
Medicare’s Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) is an essential part of starting your Medicare coverage. Whether you plan to retire at 65 or not, it’s important to know about IEP to set yourself up for success in the future. Here’s what you should know: IEP is your time to enroll in Medicare parts A, B, and…
Read MoreThe Switch: Shopping trends in Medicare’s 2018 Annual Enrollment Period
As your trusted Medicare advisors, we stay up to date with trends to give you reliable information and provide clear guidance through Medicare. Using recent Deft Research data on Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period, Lauren Guinta, vice president of sales at UMA, found some noteworthy trends regarding the current state of senior health. She highlights some…
Read MoreWhat is Medicare’s Extra Help Program?
Basic health care is the right of all Americans. Those who cannot afford to pay for their health care may qualify for a low-income subsidy under the Medicare Extra Help program. Read on to understand more about this subsidy and its qualification requirements. What is the Medicare low-income subsidy? The Medicare Low-Income Subsidy helps Medicare…
Read MoreStarting Medicare: 4 Common Situations To Navigate
I don’t know where to begin. Transitioning to Medicare can feel absolutely overwhelming. That’s why you need a great partner who can help you before and after you enroll. United Medicare Advisors (UMA) has a library of great Medicare resources available online, but we’re also a team of real people who can help you find…
Read MoreMedicare while working past age 65
Enrolling in Medicare is an important milestone in your life. To gain the maximum benefits from your health care, however, you have to sign up at the right time. If you’re considering getting Medicare before you stop working, make sure you understand the impact this decision could have on your health care options as well…
Read MoreVA & Medicare Benefits: How They Work Together
The Department of Veteran’s Affairs (VA) and Medicare are two separate medical coverage programs. If you served in the military, you might have access to VA benefits and Medicare. How do the two types of coverage work together? When You Use a VA Hospital If you get medical care at a VA hospital, your VA…
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