Don’t get blindsided by this disease! Glaucoma is a serious eye disease that can develop without noticeable symptoms, leading to permanent vision loss if left untreated. Fortunately, Medicare Part B covers glaucoma screenings once every 12 months for individuals at high risk, facilitating early detection and timely treatment. If you meet the criteria, it’s important to utilize this benefit to protect your vision. What Is Glaucoma? Glaucoma damages the optic nerve, which transmits visual information
As a Medicare beneficiary, it’s important to understand when and how you can make changes to your Medicare coverage. Two key enrollment periods are the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (OEP) and the General Enrollment Period (GEP). These periods occur from January 1 to March 31 each year, but they serve different purposes and apply to different situations. Here’s a simple breakdown to help you understand when each period applies and what you can do
Managing your Medicare prescription drug costs is about to get easier with the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan, starting in 2025. This program offers a new way to handle out-of-pocket expenses for your prescriptions, spreading costs evenly across the year to help with budgeting. Here’s what you need to know: What is the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan? This optional payment option allows you to pay for your prescription drugs in manageable monthly installments instead of paying
As the days get shorter and the weather grows colder, many people notice changes in their mood and energy levels. For some, these changes may develop into a condition known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression that typically occurs during the fall and winter months. If you’re a Medicare beneficiary, it’s important to know how to recognize the signs of seasonal depression and learn how telehealth services can help manage your mental
Over 37 million Americans are living with diabetes, and nearly half of them are over the age of 65. For seniors, managing diabetes is crucial, and Medicare plays a key role in providing access to life-saving supplies and treatments. November is American Diabetes Month, a time to raise awareness about diabetes, its risk factors, and how to manage it. For Medicare beneficiaries, understanding diabetes and how Medicare helps cover treatment is especially important. What is
November is Home Care, Hospice, and Palliative Care Month, making it a great time to educate our readers on the various options available to help individuals remain in their homes as they age, while receiving quality care when needed. Whether it’s assistance with daily tasks or specialized medical care, there are several services available that can help people live comfortably and independently for as long as possible. But what do these services include, and how
October marks National Dental Hygiene Month—a perfect time to focus on maintaining your oral health. For Medicare beneficiaries, understanding which dental services are covered by Medicare and where additional coverage might be necessary is key to overall well-being. This blog will explain what Medicare does and doesn’t cover for dental care and explore your options for additional (or ancillary) dental coverage. What Dental Services Are Covered Under Medicare? Medicare covers many healthcare needs, but routine
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about breast cancer and the importance of early detection. For Medicare beneficiaries, understanding available preventive services can make a significant difference in maintaining health and well-being. Breast Cancer Screening and Medicare Coverage Medicare provides coverage for essential preventive services, including breast cancer screenings. These services help detect potential issues early when treatment is most effective. Here’s what Medicare offers: 1. Mammograms Medicare Part
As we head into the 2025 Medicare season, you’ll be receiving your Medicare Annual Notice of Change (ANOC). This letter brings important updates about your plan, including changes to coverage, costs, and provider networks. Let’s walk through what to look out for and how to make sure your plan continues to fit your healthcare needs. Why You Should Pay Attention to Your ANOC Each fall, Medicare Advantage and Part D plan members receive the ANOC,
As we honor Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, it’s important to understand how Medicare can help those affected by Alzheimer’s disease. Whether you’re a patient, caregiver, or family member, navigating healthcare can be challenging—but Medicare provides essential coverage that can ease the burden of managing this condition. By being informed, you can ensure you or your loved one receives the best care available. Recognizing Early Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease Early detection of Alzheimer’s disease can significantly impact