Elder Care ABC

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 [...]

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 [...]

By Mary Jane Stern With the New Year approaching are you aware that you are entitled to certain Preventive Services provided by Medicare? Here is a list of Preventive Services you can get a print out of this at http://www.Medicare.gov. Take it to your doctor or health care provider to find out which screening is [...]

By Mary Jane Stern Sometimes I feel like I am one of the biggest complainers about the quality of care from either doctors or hospitals about my husband’s medical condition.  But perhaps I am not totally wrong. I was shocked and alarmed to read in our local paper today about a study of Medicare patients [...]

by Mary Jane Stern 8 Things to Consider When Choosing or Changing Your Coverage 1)    Coverage– a)     Are the services you need covered?

by Mary Jane Stern The 2011 Medicare plan data is now available at http://www.medicare.gov.  Even if you don’t want to change your plan(s), take a few minutes and review what changes your plan may have for 2011.  This might be your Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C) or Medicare Part D (Prescription Drug Plan – PDP).

By Mary Jane Stern October 1 starts the official Medicare marketing season.  There are numerous choices for health and prescription drug plans and it can become overwhelming. November 15 – December 31, 2010 is Medicare Open Enrollment.  And Medicare Advantage members, this is your enrollment period too for 2011. In my local newspaper there was [...]

by Mary Jane Stern Over the years people enrolled in Medicare Part C or Medicare Advantage usually had the opportunity to change their plans during the Advantage Plan Open Enrollment which is January, February and March. In 2011 all that changes and if you want to change your plan, you must change your Advantage Plan [...]