medicare insurance Archives - Page 14 of 38

If You Have Diabetes, Watch Out For Symptoms of Lipohypertrophy

Diabetes is a very common condition in the U.S., affecting around 34.2 million Americans – and about 26%, or 14.3 million of them, are adults 65 and older. Diabetes can lead to other more serious health conditions such as heart disease and stroke, but it can also cause issues that are not as serious, but that should be identified and taken care of as soon as possible. One of these conditions is lipohypertrophy, which causes a lump of thickened tissue under the skin. You might be wondering what this is, if it will go away, and how serious it is, so let’s take a look at this often overlooked side effect of diabetes.

What is Lipohypertrophy?

Lipohypertrophy is a lump of thickened tissue that develops in the fat layer of your skin and occurs regularly around injection sites for people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. In fact, up to 62% of people with type 1 or 2 diabetes can develop lipohypertrophy.

Causes & Risk

These lumps occur when diabetes patients constantly inject insulin into the same spot. And while it’s natural to be concerned if you see a lump develop on your body, don’t worry, the lumps are not malignant. With that being said, there is some cause for concern, because if you are injecting into these lumps, your body might not be absorbing all of the insulin you are injecting, which can lead to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels) or hyperglycemia (high blood sugar levels).

Some risk factors that can increase your chances of developing lipohypertrophy include:

Being older and/or having a higher body mass index (BMI)
Incorrectly injecting your insulin
Using the same injection site each time rather than rotating several sites
Reusing needles

A 2020 study involving 1,227 people taking insulin for type 2 diabetes showed that structural changes in aging skin might put people older than 65 years at a higher risk of developing these lumps.

Symptoms of Lipohypertrophy

The lumps that can form at injection sites vary in size and appearance. The main symptom of lipohypertrophy is the raised skin/lump, but there are other symptoms that can occur:

Thicker skin
Discomfort, but not pain (which is why many people do not notice and continue injecting into the same site)
Inflammation
Skin that is hot or warm to the touch
Bleeding or bruising
Itchiness

Treatment/Prevention

a person injecting a shot into the stomach — *One way to prevent lipohypertrophy is by rotating the injection sites.*

Rotating your injections sites is the most important preventive step you can take, and the best way to treat any lumps that develop is to avoid injecting at the site. Changing where you inject your insulin can help reduce the size of the lump or even help it disappear. When injecting, you should stick to your stomach, upper arm, upper glutes, and thighs: the American Diabetes Association notes that the body absorbs insulin fastest from the abdomen, less quickly from the arm, and slowest from the glutes and thighs.

And if the lump or lumps do not go away, there are medical or cosmetic solutions for getting rid of them: you can take steroids to minimize the lump, or get liposuction to remove the thick skin. Removal is not necessary since the lumps are not dangerous, but you do have the option to do so if you are uncomfortable with their appearance.

If you are concerned about a lump that has developed and want to make sure it is due to thickened skin or from injecting in the same spot, visit your doctor so you can get examined. This is important because lipohypertrophy can interfere with how your body absorbs your insulin, which can be dangerous: if your sugar levels get too low or too high, it can lead to a stroke or death.

If you’re on Medicare, seeing a doctor and getting treated for these lumps will be covered, but you will still have out-of-pocket expenses, such as your Part B deductible and 20% Part B coinsurance, which can add up to a lot. It’s worth looking into a Medicare Supplement Plan to save as much money as you can, so speak to an EZ agent for all of your options. EZ’s agents work with the top-rated companies in the nation and can compare plans in minutes for you at no cost. To get free instant quotes for plans that cover your current doctors, simply enter your zip code in the bar on the side, or to speak to a licensed agent, call 888-753-7207.

CMS Announces Huge Increases to Medicare Premiums for 2022

The federal government has finally announced Medicare premiums for 2022, allowing beneficiaries a little over 3 weeks of budgeting time before the end of the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP). Medicare premiums are usually announced in late October or early November, but it has taken longer than normal to release the numbers this year, with officials blaming the pandemic and uncertainty over a new Alzheimer’s drug for the delay. So what kind of an increase can Medicare beneficiaries expect for the new year?

Medicare Part B Premiums

Unlike Medicare Part A (hospital insurance), Medicare Part B (medical insurance), which covers doctor visits, outpatient services, and medical equipment, has a monthly premium that increases each year. This year, there will be a 14.5% increase in Part B premiums, far outpacing an earlier estimate of 6.7%, which will take premiums for beneficiaries in the lowest income bracket from $148.50 a month to $170.10 a month. Officials at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) insist, though, that this increase will not be a burden on beneficiaries.

“Most people with Medicare will see a 5.9% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) in their 2022 Social Security benefits—the largest COLA in 30 years. This significant COLA increase will more than cover the increase in the Medicare Part B monthly premium,” CMS said in a statement.

“Most people with Medicare will see a significant net increase in Social Security benefits. For example, a retired worker who currently receives $1,565 per month from Social Security can expect to receive a net increase of $70.40 more per month after the Medicare Part B premium is deducted.”

Medicare Deductibles

Medicare Part B Deductible

The Medicare Part B annual deductible will also see a big increase next year. It will increase by $30 from last year’s amount, making it $233 in 2022. That’s a 14.8% increase!

Medicare Part A Deductible

Medicare Part A does not have a monthly premium, but it does have an annual deductible; for 2022 it will be $1,556, up $72 from this year’s $1,484.

white round pills falling out of a bottle laying sideways — *The cost of the new Alzheimer’s drug, Adulhem, is the cause for the increase in Medicare premiums.*

Why the Delay and Why the Huge Increase?

CMS has said that part of the increase in premiums and deductibles is due to the uncertainty over how much the government will end up paying for the new Alzheimer’s drug, Adulhem. The drug, which was approved by the FDA in June, is the first Alzheimer’s medication in nearly 20 years and is estimated to cost about $56,000 a year per patient. That means if Medicare beneficiaries have to pay 20% of the cost of the drug, they would be facing $11,500 in out-of-pocket expenses just for this one medication. Medicare is still assessing whether they should cover the drug or not, and is hoping to have a decision by the spring. For now, Medicare is deciding on a case-by-case basis.

“The increase in the Part B premium for 2022 is continued evidence that rising drug costs threaten the affordability and sustainability of the Medicare program,” said Medicare chief Chiquita Brooks-LaSure in a statement.

These jumps in Medicare rates are the largest increases we have ever seen, so we understand that you’re worried about budgeting and being able to afford your medical expenses. The best way to better prepare for the 2022 rates is to find an affordable Medicare Supplement Plan – and the best way to do that? Speak to an EZ agent! We work with the top-rated insurance companies in the nation and can help find a plan that will save you money in the new year – maybe even hundreds of dollars. Let our agents take the stress off you and help you budget for the new year by comparing plans and finding ways to help you save money. And because we want to help you save more, our services are completely free- no obligation or hassle. To get free instant quotes for plans that cover your current doctors, simply enter your zip code in the bar on the side, or to speak to a licensed agent, call 888-753-7207.

The Top 6 Things Medicare Beneficiaries Pay For Out-Of-Pocket & How You Can Save More Next Year

Did you know that out-of-pocket costs top the list of considerations when picking a Medicare plan? In fact, based on a report by eHealth, around 29% of Medicare beneficiaries say finding a plan with affordable out-of-pocket costs is the most important thing to them, while 27% say affordable premiums are most important, and 26% cite coverage for their preferred doctors and hospitals. So, if you’re like most Medicare beneficiaries, and are living on a fixed income, you’re looking to save as much money as possible. Before the Medicare AEP is over (December 7), make sure to review the following top 6 out-of-pocket costs you can expect next year, so you can choose the plan that will save you the most money.

1. Premiums

You will have a monthly Medicare premium to pay:

Part B premiums for 2022 have not been released yet, but for 2021, they were $148.50/month, and you can expect next year to be slightly more.
There generally is no monthly premium for Part A if you worked 40 quarters or 10 years. If you worked less than that, you can expect to pay a monthly premium ($471 per month for 2021).

2. Deductibles & Coinsurance

Deductibles are the amount you will pay out-of-pocket before your coverage begins and Medicare starts paying for your medical services. For each benefit period, you will need to meet a Part A deductible (for 2021 it was $1,484); you will also need to meet a Medicare Part B deductible each year, which was $203 in 2021.

You will also be responsible for Medicare coinsurance:

Part A: After 60 days in a hospital, Medicare charges a coinsurance per day for days 61-90. After 20 days in a skilled nursing facility, you will have to pay coinsurance each day for days 21-100. After 100 days, you pay all costs out-of-pocket.
Part B will only cover 80% of your medical expenses, after you meet your deductible. This leaves you to account for the other 20% out-of-pocket.

3. Prescription Coverage

illustration of a white prescription bottle with a blue cross in the middle and blue circle around it — *Prescriptions can cost a lot of money if you have chronic conditions, but you can save if you compare plans.*

If you have a Part D plan, your monthly premiums will be based on which plan you purchased, and your prescription drug coverage costs will depend on which formulary your medication is in. Different prescription drug plans will place medications on different tiers, so your drugs might cost more or less depending on which plan you choose.

4. Late-enrollment Penalties

You are supposed to enroll in Medicare when you turn 65, and if you miss the deadline to enroll, you will face a late enrollment penalty. You can expect to pay:

Part A: You will pay 10% of your monthly premium for twice the number of years you were eligible but did not enroll in Medicare.
Part B: You will pay 10% of your monthly premium multiplied by the number of years you went without Medicare after you were initially eligible.

5. Non-covered Services

You need to budget for common medical needs that Medicare does not cover, such as routine eye care, dental care, and hearing aids.

6. Medicare Supplement Plan

Many Medicare beneficiaries purchase a Medicare Supplement Plan because it covers the Part B coinsurance (the 20% of medical expenses you owe out-of-pocket), amongst other services. These plans are relatively affordable, saving you money on your out-of-pockets expenses for a low monthly premium. There are 10 different plans to choose from, so you can pick the one that meets your specific medical needs and budget.

The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period is a very important time when you can look for a plan that better suits your needs, and save some money. The AEP is coming to an end, so now is the time to think about your budget, review the out-of-pocket costs mentioned, and find ways you can cut down on costs, such as by purchasing a Medicare Supplement Plan. If you need help comparing plans, EZ can help – we will provide you with an agent who will compare plans in your area for free. No obligation. To get free instant quotes for plans that cover your current doctors, simply enter your zip code in the bar on the side, or to speak to a local licensed agent, call 888-753-7207.

What Happens When the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period Ends?

Did you take advantage of the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), and review your plan, or even change it for next year? Great! The AEP is your opportunity to save some money and maximize your medical benefits for the new year. But what happens once the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period is over? When does your new plan’s coverage begin? And what happens if you don’t like your new plan? What if you missed the AEP altogether?

Your New Plan Begins…

january 1 on a calendar — *If you made any changes, then your new plan will begin on January 1.*

The Medicare AEP ended December 7, so now you are unable to make any changes to your Medicare plan until next year. If you did decide to change your plan before the AEP ended, your plan will not begin until January 1st. What does this mean for the plan that you have decided to drop? Don’t worry, your current plan will continue to cover you until the new plan kicks in on the 1st of the new year.

But What If…

You Are Unhappy With The Plan You Chose?

If you choose a plan and then decide that you’re not happy with it, you do have options. Specifically, if you chose to enroll in Original Medicare and buy a Medicare Supplement Plan alongside it, you have the option to change your Medicare Supplement Plan to a different one that better fits your needs within 30 days of your enrollment. After 30 days, you will be subject to medical underwriting and might have to pay more because of pre-existing conditions. Remember, there are 10 different Medicare Supplement Plans to choose from, so you’re sure to find one that is right for you – simply speak to one of our agents, who will help you compare them all.

You Missed The AEP?

If you missed the AEP, you will have to wait until the next AEP to switch plans, unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP), which will allow you to sign up for a Medicare health or prescription drug plan, or change plans outside of the AEP. A few situations that might make you eligible for a Special Enrollment Period include:

You moved out of your plan’s service area.
You moved into, out of, or still live in a skilled nursing facility, or another institution such as a long-term care hospital.
You left your employer-based or union-based health insurance.
You’re moving back to the United States after living outside the country.
Your plan is losing or ending its contract with Medicare.

In addition, during the Medicare General Enrollment Period and Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period from January 1 – March 31, you can drop your Medicare Advantage Plan (if you have one) and return to original Medicare.

Work With A Medicare Agent

There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to Medicare coverage. You will need to review all available plans in your area and find one that fits your budget and your medical needs as much as possible for the new year. And if you missed the AEP, don’t worry: you don’t have to be trapped in a plan that isn’t right for you.

If you are looking for a plan, know that you have options, and that you don’t have to go it alone – EZ.Insure can help by providing you with a licensed agent to compare plans for you. Our agent will compare all available plans, review your specific needs, and find the perfect match that will provide the right amount of coverage, while saving you money. Our services are free and there’s no obligation. To get free instant quotes for plans that cover your current doctors, simply enter your zip code in the bar on the side, or to speak to a local licensed agent, call 888-753-7207.

Do All Doctors Accept Medicare Supplement Plans?

Medicare Supplement Plans are an undeniably great way to save money on the medical expenses you incur throughout the year. Having one can help you save hundreds of dollars, especially if you have a chronic condition that requires a lot of medical attention. One important question, though, is if Medicare Supplement Plans are accepted by all doctors, since seeing a doctor who does not accept your plan could mean a huge bill that you have to pay out-of- pocket. And if you’re living on a fixed income, that’s the last thing you need! Find out just how Medicare Supplement Plans work with all doctors.

How Medicare Supplement Plans Work

illustration of hand on a calculator with paper and money stack in the background — *Medicare Supplement Plans will cover the 20% coinsurance that Original Medicare does not cover.*

There are 10 different Medicare Supplement Plans; each plan offers different coverage and rates. You’ll pay a monthly premium for your Medicare Supplement Plan, and in return, the plan pays most of your expenses that are not covered by Medicare Parts A & B. For example, if you have a $4,000 ambulance bill and have already met your annual Medicare Part B deductible, Medicare Part B will pay 80% of the bill. This leaves you to pay the remaining 20%, $800, out-of-pocket. But if you have a Medicare Supplement Plan that covers Part B copayments and coinsurance, it will pay the remaining $800.

In general, all Medicare Supplement plans cover at least part of:

Medicare Part A and Part B deductibles
Skilled nursing facility costs after you run out of Medicare-covered days
Medicare Part A coinsurance and hospital costs (up to an additional 365 days after Medicare benefits are used up)
Medicare Part B coinsurance or copayments
Part B excess charges
Part A hospice care coinsurance or copayments
Blood (first 3 pints)

Some will cover:

Foreign travel emergencies (up to plan limits)

Do All Doctors Accept Medicare Supplement Plans?

Now onto the really important part! You should be aware that not all doctors accept Medicare Supplement Plans, so before you purchase one, make sure that your doctor and other providers will accept it. Fortunately, though, 95-96% of doctors and hospitals will accept Medicare Supplement Plans: the general rule is that if the doctor accepts Medicare assignment, they will automatically accept your Medicare Supplement Plan, regardless of your insurance company.

The important thing is not to fall into the trap that some people fall into, and assume that all doctors accept Medicare. Some do not, and those who don’t accept Medicare will bill you up to 15% more than Medicare’s approved amount, and you will have to pay for all of their services out-of-pocket.

If you are interested in finding out if the doctors or providers you see accept Medicare, speak to an EZ agent. Our agents work with the top-rated insurance companies in the country, and can make sure that the doctor you want to see is covered, so you don’t end up with any extra or unexpected fees. We will also compare all available Medicare Supplement Plans in your area and find the one that is right for you. No obligation, and no hassle. To get free instant quotes on plans that cover your current doctors, simply enter your zip code on the side, or to speak to a local licensed agent, call 888-753-7207.

What’s the Difference Between the Medicare AEP and the Medicare General Enrollment Period?

Did you know that there is more than one type of Medicare enrollment period? When you first enroll in Medicare, this can seem confusing: for example, there is a Medicare Annual Enrollment Period, or AEP, an annual event during which you can make changes to your Medicare plan, but there is also the Medicare General Enrollment Period, or GEP, which runs at a different time and has a different purpose. It is important to differentiate between the two, so you don’t make a mistake and miss out on making necessary changes to your plan, or on possible savings.

What Is The Medicare AEP?

yellow sign with arrows and question marks at the end of the arrows — *You have different options during the Medicare AEP, and can make a change to better suit your needs.*

The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period runs every year from October 15th to December 7th. During this time, Medicare beneficiaries who are already enrolled in Medicare can make changes to their Medicare coverage. If you do decide to switch plans during the AEP, your new plan will go into effect on January 1st, but you don’t have to make any changes if you are satisfied with your current plan.

During the AEP, you can make the following changes:

Switch from Original Medicare (Parts A and B) to a Medicare Advantage Plan
Switch from a Medicare Advantage Plan back to Original Medicare, as well as enroll in Part D or a Medicare Supplement Plan alongside Original Medicare when you switch
Switch your current Medicare Advantage Plan to a different one
Switch from a Medicare Advantage Plan that includes drug coverage to one that does not
Switch from a Medicare Advantage Plan that does not include drug coverage to one that does

What Is The Medicare GEP?

sign with 2 signs on the pole that say chance on each of them — *The Medicare GEP offers you a second chance to enroll in Medicare in case you missed the opportunity to sign up for Medicare.*

Now to take a look at the Medicare General Enrollment Period, or GEP, which runs every year from January 1st to March 31st. If you missed the opportunity to sign up for Medicare Parts A or B when you were first eligible to, this time of year is your chance to do so. Once you enroll in a plan, your coverage will begin on July 1st.

If you did not enroll in Medicare during your Initial Enrollment Period when you turned 65 years old, you should absolutely take advantage of this time. Keep in mind, though, that while the GEP is a second chance to enroll in Medicare, you will still have to pay a Part B late fee, which is based on how many years you went without enrolling after turning 65.

The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period is a very important time for you to look for a plan that better suits your needs, and save some money. Right before the AEP starts in October, you should take the time to review your Medicare Annual Notice of Change, which is a letter you will receive noting any changes to your coverage and benefits that will take effect next year. You should think about what you most need covered, as well as check your plan’s drug formulary to make sure your medications will still be covered, and if you find that your current plan will not meet your needs next year, you’ll need to begin searching for a new Medicare plan. If you need help comparing plans, EZ can help – we will provide you with an agent who will compare plans in your area for free. No obligation. To get free instant quotes for plans that cover your current doctors, simply enter your zip code in the bar on the side, or to speak to a local licensed agent, call 888-753-7207.

Tag: medicare insurance

If You Have Diabetes, Watch Out For Symptoms of Lipohypertrophy

What is Lipohypertrophy?

Causes & Risk

Symptoms of Lipohypertrophy

Treatment/Prevention

CMS Announces Huge Increases to Medicare Premiums for 2022

Medicare Part B Premiums

Medicare Deductibles

Medicare Part B Deductible

Medicare Part A Deductible

Why the Delay and Why the Huge Increase?

The Top 6 Things Medicare Beneficiaries Pay For Out-Of-Pocket & How You Can Save More Next Year

1. Premiums

2. Deductibles & Coinsurance

3. Prescription Coverage

4. Late-enrollment Penalties

5. Non-covered Services

6. Medicare Supplement Plan

What Happens When the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period Ends?

Your New Plan Begins…

But What If…

You Are Unhappy With The Plan You Chose?

You Missed The AEP?

Work With A Medicare Agent

Do All Doctors Accept Medicare Supplement Plans?

How Medicare Supplement Plans Work

Do All Doctors Accept Medicare Supplement Plans?

What’s the Difference Between the Medicare AEP and the Medicare General Enrollment Period?

What Is The Medicare AEP?

What Is The Medicare GEP?

Business

About Us

Individual

Insurance News