The White House recently announced a landmark deal with pharmaceutical companies Eli Lilly and Nordisk that will impact Medicare beneficiaries and others in the coming months. The agreement cuts prices for GLP-1 receptor agonists, such as Ozempic and Wegovy, while expanding Medicare coverage for these weight-loss medications. The news is a turnaround from a Trump […]
A critical deadline is approaching for millions of Americans enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans — not open enrollment — I’m talking about expiring prepaid benefit cards. Many Medicare Advantage enrollees are issued flex cards — preloaded debit cards that can be used for certain health- and wellness-related expenses that MA plans may not cover outright.
Cash In on Your Medicare Advantage Flex Card Perks Before They Disappear Read More »
Your Health Savings Account (HSA) is more than just a medical fund — it’s a powerful investment vehicle for your financial future. But are you clear on the rules that protect its unique “triple tax advantage”? Navigating the rules for eligibility, contributions, and withdrawals is crucial to maximizing its benefits and avoiding penalties. Test your
HSA and Medicare: The Eligibility Quiz Read More »
Key Takeaways Medicare and Medicaid will cover drugs used for weight loss for the first time, offering Wegovy, Zepbound, Monjauro, and Ozempic for $50 a month co-pays. The White House negotiated lower prices from Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk, which list sticker prices of the drugs for $1,000 a month or more. A new website,
Medicare to Cover GLP-1 Drugs for as Little as $50 a Month Under Trump Plan Read More »
Did you know that Medicare fully covers many preventative screenings and vaccines for its beneficiaries? While Medicare is an essential health program, very few services are truly ‘free’ for beneficiaries. Most parts of Medicare have premiums, deductibles, or copayments. The main exception is certain preventive services covered by Part B, which are provided with no
Quiz: Do You Know What Medicare Gives You for Free? Read More »
Key Takeaways Original Medicare doesn’t cover most dental services, unless they’re tied to another covered procedure. Some Medicare Advantage (MA) plans include dental benefits. The American Dental Association (ADA) says MA dental coverage is often limited, confusing, and inconsistent. In a letter to Congress, it called for reforms to expand seniors’ access to care. To
ADA Warns of Medicare Dental Benefits Complexity and What It Could Mean for You Read More »
Medicare generally covers the COVID-19 vaccine, including all updated versions, at no cost to beneficiaries. However, some people have been charged or turned away due to recent issues with pharmacy billing and system updates, as well as a delay between the FDA’s and CDC’s formal recommendations. Here’s what Medicare beneficiaries need to know about getting
Confused About the New COVID Vaccine and Medicare? What You Need to Know Read More »
Don’t underestimate health care costs when planning for retirement. It’s likely to be one of your largest expenses, especially as life-spans extend. According to the 2025 Fidelity Retiree Health Care Cost Estimate, the average 65-year-old might need $172,5000 to cover health care expenses in retirement. That number could go even higher, depending on your health
An Expert Guide to What You Need to Know About Medicare Read More »
Medicare open enrollment is almost here, and your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) letter should be arriving soon. If you have a Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage Plan, this document is crucial. The information inside will help you decide whether to keep your current coverage or find a new plan for the coming year.
Don’t Toss It! Why Your Medicare Annual Notice of Change Matters Read More »
Medicare beneficiaries in ten states will soon be participating in a new prior authorization program. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is implementing a five-year demonstration project for prior authorization of certain services provided in Ambulatory Surgical Centers (ASCs), starting in December 2025. The targeted services are procedures that can be medically necessary,
Medicare Prior Authorization Expands to Ambulatory Surgical Centers Read More »