General Medicare Articles

Articles, guides and FAQs on Original Medicare and Medicare process topics

Explore All Medicare Articles

How do I get a new Medicare card

How do I get a new Medicare card?

December 1, 2023

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…

Proposal: Medicare to Fund Caregiver Training

October 19, 2023

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.…

Medicare Annual Enrollment Period 2023

September 21, 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…

When Medicare Becomes Your Secondary Payer

5 Times When Medicare Becomes Your Secondary Payer

August 22, 2022

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…

myths about Medicare

4 myths about Medicare’s financial future and why they’re wrong

August 8, 2022

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…

Can My Children Receive Medicare?

Can My Children Receive Medicare?

April 25, 2022

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…

tobacco use & Medicare

4 Facts About Tobacco Use & Medicare

April 15, 2022

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…

file a Medicare claim

How to file a Medicare claim step-by-step

April 11, 2022

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…

Dental Coverage with Medicare

How Do I Get Dental Coverage with Medicare?

March 7, 2022

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…

Presidents and Medicare

February 21, 2022

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…