Category Archives: Mary Jane Stern

How to Apply for Medicare

Sometimes we forget to let people know how to apply for Medicare and instead write about Parts A, B, C and D. For some beneficiaries, Medicare benefits are not automatic. (more…)
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Medicare Fraud Awareness

by Mary Jane Stern A few weeks ago I was asked to process a couple of credit cards through a person’s credit card processing service and they were going to pay their friend back in cash. I was given the information and decided not to proceed because somehow it felt like I was participating in…
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Privatizing Medicare

by Mary Jane Stern Every few years when the federal budget is in trouble, talk begins about privatizing Medicare. Today it’s a hot topic. Medicare, in my opinion, is one of the best and affordable healthcare programs we have here in the USA. House Budget Chairman Paul Ryan (R-Wisc.) is proposing a new program to…
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Medicare Part D: Shopping for $4 Medications

By Mary Jane Stern Where do you shop for your $4 generic medications? Do you shop at the same pharmacy and run the charges through your Medicare Part D plan? Or do you shop at a different pharmacy and just pay cash for them? Why would I ask you these questions?  A few years ago…
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Questions to Ask when Enrolling in a Medicare Advantage Plan

By Mary Jane Stern During 2011 2.8 million baby boomers will turn 65 and become eligible for Medicare and with the different plans available this can become overwhelming when trying to make a decision. Do you just enroll in Original Medicare Part A, Part B and the Prescription Drug Plan (Part D)? Or do you…
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Medicare 2011 Part D Coverage Gap

When I started writing this blog it was to remind you about some of the new things that were happening in 2011 for Medicare Part D, like the 50% co-payment by the pharmaceutical manufacturers for brand name drugs when you hit the coverage gap. But as I started writing, I stumbled upon something interesting that…
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Mary Jane Stern – Top Ten 2010 Posts

Reducing Drug Costs Tools to Use during Medicare Open Enrollment What is the Medicare Therapeutic Shoe Program No Pre-existing Condition Clause with Medicare Silver Sneakers for Older Adults Not On Medicare How To Report Medicare Fraud Another Part D Provider Sanctioned by Medicare Medicare Preventive Services Medicare Requirements for a Skilled Nursing Facility Keep Your…
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Medicare Preventive Screenings: Physical Exam

If you are new to Medicare you are entitled to a one-time preventive physical exam within the first 12 months and you have Medicare Part B. Medicare calls this the “Welcome to Medicare” physical exam.  What does the exam include? Medical history Social history Review of your health Educational counseling about preventive screenings Shots Referral…
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Medicare Imposes Sanctions on Three Health and Drug Sponsors

On November 19, 2010 the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid issued a notice to three Medicare health and drug plans. CMS has issued a notice to three Medicare health and drug plan sponsors imposing sanctions for violations of Medicare's rules and regulations. This action ensures that beneficiaries continue to have access to the essential Medicare…
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