(Understanding the rules about Social Security benefits and when to start claiming Social Security can be difficult. But they’re critically important, especially for women — since women typically live longer lives than men. The new book, What’s the Dea… Continue reading
Beginning this year and continuing into 2020, Medicare Advantage plans (ones from private insurers typically for people 65 and older) have increased flexibility to provide coverage for what the government calls supplemental benefits. These are services… Continue reading
Here are two eye-popping facts: Someone turning 65 will have a nearly 70% chance of needing long-term care in the future. And the annual cost of a private room in a nursing home (national median) is over $100,000 a year, according to the recent Genwort… Continue reading
(This article originally appeared on The Conversation site.) Health care is Americans’ No. 1 priority, based on recent polls, so it’s no wonder it’s been a hot topic in the Democratic primary. Every candidate is offering a plan, ranging from Vice Presi… Continue reading
(The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services updated its Medicare Plan Finder on October 9, 2019, to address one of the flaws that the Next Avenue story on October 8 had pointed out. The story now reflects that.) The Fall Open Enrollment Period for … Continue reading
All 10 Democratic candidates for president who’ve qualified for the debate on Thursday, September 12 have voiced support for various pieces of legislation to lower drug prices. Some of their ideas even align with proposals from President Donald Trump, … Continue reading
Medicare covers most health care services, including preventative care. But as new users of the federal health insurance program soon find out, it typically does not cover routine dental, vision and hearing care. Medicare may cover some of these servic… Continue reading
Medicare covers most health care services, including preventative care. But as new users of the federal health insurance program soon find out, it typically does not cover routine dental, vision and hearing care. Medicare may cover some of these servic… Continue reading
Medicare paid for Betty Gordon’s knee replacement surgery in March, but the 72-year-old former high school teacher needed a nursing home stay and care at home to recover. Yet Medicare wouldn’t pay for that. So Gordon is stuck with a $7,000 bill she can… Continue reading
Much of the media attention over the Democratic presidential candidates’ two-night showdown in Motown focused on who had the knockout jabs and lines. I was watching to hear what the 20 White House hopefuls said they’d do to try to make lives better for… Continue reading