Medicare Help Archives - Page 17 of 28

Can I Have A Medicare Supplement Plan & A Medicare Medical Savings Account?

As a Medicare beneficiary, you have options when it comes to filling the gaps in your coverage, including Medicare Supplement Plans and Medicare Medical Savings Accounts (MSA). Both can help you save money on your medical expenses, and you might be wondering if you can have both at the same time, since you are probably looking to save as much money as possible! Unfortunately, depending on the circumstances, you might not be able to have both at the same time; to better understand how you can get optimum savings, you first have to understand how these two plans can save you money in different ways, which is a better fit for you, and how you can make them work together.

How A Medicare Medical Savings Account Works

Medicare Savings Account plans are two things: a special bank savings account and a type of high-deductible Medicare Advantage plan. Here’s how they work:

The plan will deposit money it receives from Medicare into a bank account for you each year.
You will be able to manage the money in the account and use it for qualified medical expenses before you meet your high annual deductible – essentially, you’ll be paying 100% of your medical costs upfront from the account until you reach your deductible. You should be aware that your deductible could be more than what you get in your bank account, so you should be able to cover the difference.
Once you meet your high deductible, your plan will cover 100% of qualified expenses.
You can choose to see any provider that accepts Medicare patients.
Plans cover dental, vision, hearing, and long-term care, which Original Medicare does not.
There is no premium; you continue to pay your monthly Part B premium to Medicare.
The money you withdraw will be tax-free, and the account might accrue tax-free interest. The money rolls over each year.
You may not deposit your own money into the account, and you will be penalized if you withdraw it for anything other than qualified medical expenses.
In most cases, you cannot have other insurance that would cover medical costs before you meet the MSA’s yearly deductible, but there are certain circumstances when you can.

What Medicare Supplement Plans Cover

hospital bed — *Medicare Supplement Plans can help cover hospital bills, and any other medical bills.*

A Medicare Supplement Plan is a more traditional way to cover gaps in your Medicare coverage; these plans are offered by private insurance companies and work like individual health insurance. There are typically 10 different Medicare Supplement Plans on offer, depending on the state you live in; each offers a different level of coverage at a different price point. These plans cover some medical costs that are not covered by Medicare, including the 20% Part B coinsurance you are responsible for. Depending on the plan, it can help cover the costs of:

Medicare Part A coinsurance and hospital costs (up to an additional 365 hospital days after Medicare benefits are used)
Medicare Part B coinsurance or copayment
The first three pints of blood for a medical procedure
Part A hospice care coinsurance
Skilled nursing facility coinsurance
Part A deductible
Part B excess charges
Foreign travel emergencies

How A MSA & Medicare Supplement Plan Work Together

If you already have a Medicare Medical Savings Account, you cannot buy a Medicare Supplement Plan. However, if you already have a Medicare Supplement Plan, you do have the option of joining a Medicare MSA plan; in this case, you will be responsible for paying your premiums, as well as meeting your MSA plan’s deductible. You should be aware that, if you drop your Medicare Supplement Plan while you have a MSA, you might not be able to get your plan back; however, if it is your first time joining a MSA Plan, and you have had the MSA plan for less than a year, you can get your Medicare Supplement Plan back.

If you, like many Medicare beneficiaries, are living on a fixed income, you know how important it is to save as much money as you can on necessary things like medical expenses. While you might be tempted to get a MSA, you should first look into a Medicare Supplement Plan, since they offer a broader range of coverage. You’ll have 10 plans to choose from, and if you decide to add an MSA at a later date, you can still do so! If you’re not sure where to start, come to EZ: we can compare plans and their costs, as well as go over your budget and medical expenses in order to find a plan that meets your specific needs, while saving you money. To get free Medicare Supplement Plan quotes, simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak to a local agent, call 888-753-7207.

How To File A Complaint With Medicare

As a Medicare beneficiary, you are protected by certain rights, and if your rights are violated, you can file a complaint. Filing a complaint, which we should note is not the same as filing an appeal, is an easy process, but first you have to know what your rights are in order to determine if they were violated, and then you need to know what steps you should take to make things right.

Your Medicare Rights

When you enroll in Medicare, you will have rights that are guaranteed by the government, which will protect you whether you’re enrolled in Original Medicare, a Medicare Advantage Plan, a Part D plan, or a Medicare Supplement Plan. You have the right to:

Confidentiality and privacy
Be treated with dignity and respect
Be protected from discrimination
Receive health care services that you can get and need under the law
Get Medicare-covered emergency care
Be protected against unethical practices

If at any time you feel like any of these rights have been violated, you have the right to file a complaint.

The Difference Between An Appeal & Complaint

An appeal and complaint are not the same thing. You’ll need to file an appeal if Medicare is refusing to fully pay for services that you received: for example, if you see your doctor and they order tests to be done that are not covered by Medicare, you will get a bill in the mail; if you believe the service should have been covered under Medicare, you can file an appeal.

On the other hand, a complaint is necessary when you feel like any of the aforementioned rights were violated. You can complain if you:

Feel like a doctor, hospital, or facility discriminated against you or treated you poorly.
Are unhappy with your quality of care.
Are unhappy with the quality of your durable medical equipment.
Have an issue with your plan, such as difficulty getting an answer to your questions from your insurance company’s customer service department.

Filing A Medicare Complaint

person holding a phone dialing on it — *If you feel like your rights were violated, you can file a complaint by contacting the appropriate agency, depending on the situation.*

The procedure for filing a complaint varies depending on the situation. To file a complaint against a doctor, hospital, or facility, including those regarding unsafe conditions, abuse, or professional conduct, you need to:

Contact the state agency responsible for overseeing the facilities and practice.

If you are filing a complaint based on quality of care, you should:

Contact Medicare in order to get connected with your local Beneficiary and Family Centered Care Quality Improvement Organization (BFCC-QIO). These are private, mostly non-profit organizations, staffed by health care professionals, and contracted by the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS) to help Medicare beneficiaries with grievances about the quality of their Medicare services.

If you are filing a complaint about durable medical equipment, you need to:

First contact your durable medical equipment supplier. They will then have 5 days to notify you that they received your complaint, as well as 14 days to report the results of any investigation they conduct.
After you hear back from the supplier, you should contact Medicare to report the issue at 1-800-MEDICARE.

As a Medicare beneficiary, you are entitled to quality medical services, safety, privacy, professional courtesy, and care without discrimination. If you experience anything at a doctors office, hospital or facility that violates your rights, you do not have to accept it – you can file a complaint to the proper department and make your voice heard! And remember: your rights apply to all forms of Medicare, including plans regulated by Medicare, such as Medicare Supplement Plans. If you have a plan and are not happy with your company’s customer service, or if you feel that your insurance company is not taking your rights seriously, it might be time to look for a new one. EZ works with the top-rated insurance companies in the country, and we will compare quotes and find a plan that saves you money, provides the coverage you need, and is with a company with excellent customer reviews and ratings, so you get the best all around. To get free quotes, simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak to a local agent, call 888-753-7207.

Avoid This Common Medicare Mistake By Using EZ

The time has finally come for you to begin enjoying your retirement – and to finally begin reaping the rewards of all of those Medicare taxes you paid throughout your working life! But when you do enroll in Medicare, you’ll find that it doesn’t cover everything, so you’ll probably want to choose a Medicare Supplement Plan, which will help you save hundreds of dollars in medical expenses each year. That might be easier said than done, though: for first-time enrollees, searching through all the different Medicare Supplement Plans (there are 10 to choose from), can get overwhelming. In fact, 80% of people get so frustrated that they make this one common (and big) Medicare mistake, which ends up costing them in the long run.

Going With Familiar Companies

a yellow square lit up in a sea of squares — *Oftentimes people will choose to buy a plan from a familiar company, which can cost them more money.*

Let’s face it, when we have to make a decision, many of us choose something that we are familiar with because it’s just easier, and feels like a safer option; in fact, research shows that roughly 80% of consumers will go with a brand or company they are already familiar with. This is exactly what many Medicare beneficiaries end up doing when searching for a Medicare Supplement Plan. Instead of researching multiple insurance companies, many go with a familiar company, like the health insurance company that they had an individual plan with. If they had a great experience with, let’s say, Blue Cross, they will lean towards choosing a Blue Cross Medicare Supplement Plan. Is Blue Cross a great company? Yes! Is it your best option? The answer to that question is only: maybe.

Before you can really answer that question, you’ll need to check out all of your options – limiting yourself to a familiar company will prevent you from determining which company has the plan that will offer you the most benefits for the best price. There are hundreds of insurance companies that sell Medicare Supplement Plans, so why settle for one you only think is offering a good plan? Going with a plan simply because you’re familiar with the insurance company could mean you’ll end up with a plan that is more expensive than others, or worse, with one that does not offer enough coverage for your needs.

Avoid this Medicare mistake: compare plans from multiple insurance companies! And if that becomes too much to deal with, too confusing, or just downright annoying, let EZ do all that work for you!

Getting Help From An EZ Agent

a finger pointing at the 5th star of a rating — *EZ works with the top-rated companies and can compare plans based on different factors.*

There are a lot of things that set EZ apart from other companies. Not only do we work with the top-rated insurance companies in the country, we also partner you with one and only one agent who will be dedicated to finding you the best plan possible. Instead of wasting your time getting frustrated and anxious about which plan to go with, we can do all the heavy lifting for you at no cost – we’ll compare all available plans in your area for free! Unlike other companies, we genuinely want to help you, not make money off you. So what exactly will our agents do for you? Well, they’ll look at each insurance company offering Medicare Supplement Plans in your area, and give you information on:

The history of the company
The quality of their customer service
Their prices
Their coverage options
What savings they can offer you

We will discuss all of your options and explain which Medicare Supplement Plan will work best for you – and you might find that what you thought was a great plan because it was with a company you’ve already worked with is actually one that would cost you more than other plans out there. Avoid this by talking to a trusted EZ agent, who will compare your options for you in minutes. You don’t have to go through the process of researching or comparing, or end up making the Medicare mistake of settling and losing money. Instead, get the best plan with the most savings with an EZ agent. To get free instant quotes, simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak to a licensed agent in your area, call 888-753-7207.

Medicare Telemedicine & Mental Health

Medicare has been a hot topic lately: the H.R. 3 bill, which would allow Medicare to negotiate prescription drug prices, is currently in the Senate waiting to be passed, and talks surrounding expanding coverage to more older Americans continue on both sides. Not only that, but there have also been changes to Medicare brought on by the coronavirus pandemic, including the expansion of access to telemedicine. New guidance was recently issued by Congress and the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) on the delivery of psychology care services through the use of telemedicine, allowing psychologists to treat seniors through audio-only calls. But there are now new restrictions to mental health services provided through telemedicine that Medicare beneficiaries need to be aware of.

Background: The Coronavirus Preparedness & Response Supplemental Appropriations Act 2020

Under the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2020, which went into effect on April 30, 2020, CMS is now waiving telehealth requirements for Medicare beneficiaries in order to make it easier for them to access mental health services. Psychologists can now provide many of their typical services through audio-only calls, and can:

Provide telemedicine services from their home.
Provide services to new and established Medicare patients.
Offer Medicare patients telemedicine services in their homes.

In addition, telehealth services are now reimbursed for the same dollar amount as in-person visits.

The New Restrictions

a man with his hands on his head sitting across from a man in a suit with his hand on his chin — *Medicare beneficiaries will now have to see a psychologist in person first before getting telemedicine coverage for mental health services.*

While this step towards greater access to mental health care through telehealth has been good news for Medicare beneficiaries, there is now a new restriction on reimbursement for these services that threatens to put patients back to where they started. The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 states that “Payment may not be made…for telehealth services furnished by a physician or practitioner to an eligible telehealth individual for purposes of diagnosis, evaluation, or treatment of a mental health disorder unless such physician or practitioner furnishes an item or service in-person, without the use of telehealth…” within the 6-month period prior to the first time the telehealth services are furnished.

In other words, under this new Act, a Medicare patient must first have an in-person examination before they can seek mental health services through telehealth. This is a change from previous laws surrounding telehealth, which in most states allowed doctor-patient relationships to be created through telemedicine without an in-person examination.

The coronavirus pandemic paved the way for telemedicine to become a more popular and widely used way to get medical care, including mental health care. Most government action surrounding telehealth has moved in the direction of expanding access to it, but unfortunately this new restriction is a step backwards, and will mean that Medicare patients will now need to see a doctor in-person before using telemedicine to get mental health care.

It is unclear what the next step is going to be for telemedicine and mental health care, but if you are a Medicare beneficiary in need of mental health services, remember that they are still covered: Medicare Part B covers mental health services, as well as counseling services, and if you need help covering the 20% coinsurance that Medicare Part B does not cover, a Medicare Supplement Plan can help. If you are curious, or want to compare Medicare Supplement Plans in your area, EZ can help. To get free instant quotes, enter your zip code in the bar, or to speak to a licensed agent, call 888-753-7207.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Is A Real Thing

Have you been feeling more tired than usual? Sure, getting older sometimes means lower energy levels, but if you are excessively fatigued, what you are experiencing might actually be more than just tiredness: it could be a medical condition. Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), which was once the subject of controversy, is now recognized as a real disorder that is characterized by extreme fatigue or exhaustion that doesn’t go away even after resting. So, if you are one of the up to 2.5 million Americans who suffer from chronic fatigue, know that it is not “all in your head”; it is a serious and complex condition, and if you are experiencing symptoms of it, you should speak to your doctor so you can find ways to deal with it and live a normal life.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Explained

Chronic fatigue syndrome is not the same as simple tiredness, which is short-term and goes away after resting. CFS is a more long-term condition, which makes you feel sleepy, as well as lacking in energy and motivation, even after getting more sleep. CFS can affect anyone, but it is 2-4 times more common among older women. There is no exact known cause of chronic fatigue syndrome, but experts believe it could be triggered by viruses, a weak immune system, stress, or other factors. However the fatigue presents itself, whether it is physical, mental, or both, CFS requires treatment.

What Causes CFS?

Getting older does not mean that being fatigued everyday is normal. Experts do not know what causes CFS, but there are some potential triggers that have been linked to it, such as:

Viral infections– The Epstein-Barr virus, human herpes virus 6, Ross River virus (RRV), and rubella virus are all linked to CFS.
Hormonal imbalances– People who have experienced CFS have sometimes also experienced abnormal levels of hormones produced in the hypothalamus, pituitary glands or adrenal glands.
Physical or emotional trauma– Some people report that they experienced an injury, surgery or significant emotional stress before their symptoms began.
Weakened immune system
Medications– If you are experiencing more fatigue than normal, certain medications you are taking might be the culprit.

Other factors that could increase your risk for CFS include:

caucasian woman blowing her nose into a tissue — *Allergies can increase your risk of chronic fatigue syndrome.*

Genetic predisposition

Allergies

Stress

Environmental factors

Symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Symptoms of CFS can be classified in two different ways: physical symptoms and mental symptoms. Physical fatigue means not having enough physical strength to perform an activity, while mental fatigue is when you do not have enough mental energy to perform an activity.

Some of the physical symptoms include:

Muscle weakness
Sleepiness
Vision problems
Bloating
Constipation
Frequent headaches
Muscle pain
Weight loss
Diarrhea
Frequent sore throat

Mental symptoms of fatigue include:

a caucasian man with his hand on his head with a question mark and exclamation mark next to him — *Memory problems and reduced concentration are mental symptoms of fatigue.*

Memory problems
Lack of motivation
Anxiety
Mood swings
Irritability
Slowed response times
Reduced concentration
Depression

Diagnosing Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

According to the Institute of Medicine, CFS affects anywhere from 836,000 to 2.5 million Americans, but it is estimated that 84 to 91% have yet to receive a diagnosis, possibly because there are no tests to screen for the condition. According to a 2015 Institute of Medicine report, doctors usually give a CFS diagnosis if you experience:

A decrease in your ability to do activities at previous levels which lasts for more than 6 months, and doesn’t improve with rest.
Worsening of symptoms after any type of activity.
Difficulty thinking.
Dizziness that hits when you stand up, but that is relieved by lying back down.
Sleep that does not refresh you.

There is no specific cure for CFS, so if your doctor diagnoses you based on the above criteria, they will treat you based on your specific symptoms.

Preventing CFS

two older adults riding bicycles next to each othercyc — *Exercising, drinking water, and eating nutritious foods can help prevent CFS.*

One of the best ways to prevent fatigue is to make some lifestyle changes. This includes:

Eating nutritious foods, and focusing on eating smaller meals throughout the day to have a constant source of energy.
Drinking enough water.
Exercising, which can help you feel less fatigued by preventing muscle loss, providing energy, and improving your mood. Always talk to your doctor before beginning an exercise program, so you can discuss with them what type of movement is right for you.
Practice yoga, tai chi, or pick up a new hobby that will help to reduce stress.

Being tired is normal, especially as you age, but being extremely fatigued even after getting enough sleep is not normal; this is a red flag that you should consider speaking to your doctor about. Chronic fatigue is real, and can progress, leading to a decline in your physical and mental health – but it can be treated and prevented. Seek help from your doctor, and rest assured that Medicare will cover your medical expenses for this visit, or for any further visits with specialists or therapists. Be aware, though, that you will have some out-of-pocket expenses, including your deductible and coinsurance, so you should consider a Medicare Supplement Plan to help you, because the last thing you want to do is worry about money while dealing with a condition that takes a lot out of you, like CFS. A Medicare Supplement Plan will cover your out-of-pocket expenses and help you save money.

To get free Medicare Supplement Plan quotes, simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak to a trained EZ agent in your area, call 888-753-7207. No obligation, no hassle.

Overweight? Medicare Can Help With Obesity Counseling

Millions of Americans of all ages are overweight or obese, but weight issues can be a particular problem for older adults. In fact, almost 35% of adults 65 and older are considered obese, which also means that they are at higher risk of developing other medical conditions, like heart disease, stroke, diabetes, high cholesterol, and more. So, if you are one of the many older adults dealing with obesity, it is important to try and lose weight – fortunately, there are ways that you can do so with the help of Medicare.

Are You Obese?

In order to determine whether you are overweight or obese, you will need to calculate your body mass index (BMI). Your doctor will usually check your BMI during your Medicare Annual Wellness Visit, or you can calculate it yourself by plugging your height and weight into an online BMI calculator. A BMI of 30 or more is considered obese.

Health Problems Associated With Obesity

The sad reality of getting older is that it becomes much easier for you to gain weight. Your metabolism slows down; in addition, your joints might ache or you could develop a chronic condition, both of which could prevent you from getting enough exercise. Add to this the fact that our fat-stores tend to increase with age, and it becomes clear why older adults have such a high risk of obesity – and with obesity can come other dangerous medical conditions, including:

blood pressure monitor in the red zone. — *Obesity will lead to other health problems, such as hypertension.*

Diabetes- Obesity is a major cause of type 2 diabetes
Hypertension
Cardiovascular disease
Gallbladder disease
High cholesterol
Heart disease
Certain cancers including breast, uterine, colon, and leukemia.
Arthritis and mobility impairment- Every pound of excess weight exerts about 4 pounds of extra pressure on the knees
Cognitive decline

Research shows that obesity is linked to a shorter life expectancy, mainly because of all the health risks associated with it. To lower your risk of developing medical conditions associated with obesity, you’ll have to lower your body mass index; in order to do this, you will have to put in some work. But Medicare can help!

Obesity Counseling

In order to help you lose weight and improve your health, Medicare Part B will cover obesity counseling services, both in-person and virtually through telehealth counseling. If you take advantage of this benefit, you will have access to a licensed psychologist, who will assess your diet and lifestyle, and then offer you a detailed dietary and physical activity plan to help you lose weight. This counseling is completely free to Medicare beneficiaries.

Medicare Supplement Plans

While obesity counseling is completely covered by Medicare, many of your medical expenses will not be fully covered, so if you’re looking for a way to help pay for the 20% of medical expenses that Medicare Part B doesn’t cover, you should look into a Medicare Supplement Plan. You can sign up for one of these plans at any time, but the best time to purchase one is during your 7-month Medicare Initial Enrollment Period (the 3 months before you turn 65, the month of your birthday, and the 3 months after you turn 65). If you sign up after your Initial Enrollment Period, you’ll face medical underwriting, and if you have a risky health condition like obesity, you could end up paying more or even getting denied for a plan. But don’t worry if you’re past your Initial Enrollment Period and are in the process of trying to lose weight – you can still find an affordable plan with the help of an EZ agent!

If you are interested in learning more about Medicare Supplement Plans, and the many different coverage options that they offer, EZ can compare every plan available to you, for free. Our agent will find one that fits your specific needs, so you can save as much money as possible. To compare plans for free, simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak to a licensed agent, call 888-753-7207. No obligation.

Tag: Medicare Help