A myriad of issues are in the forefront of the 2024 Presidential election. The economy, immigration, national security, and reproductive rights have been put forth as the key concerns in the upcoming election. Where is health care on this list? We hear that insulin is $35 per month for retirees and prescription drugs are too… Continue reading Health Care in 2024: Is This Still An Issue?

That depends.  In the throes of Medicare enrollment period, we are being bombarded with Medicare Advantage advertisements touting its benefits. According to an August 2023 study done by Kaiser Permanente, in 2020 Medicare Advantage covered more than 44% of enrollees or 25.7 million people with Medicare. This number is only increasing: the same study found… Continue reading Is Medicare Advantage Really an Advantage?

It’s a media blitz. Open enrollment for Medicare began October 15th. If you’re new to this process, or even if you’ve been a participant, each year brings something novel. Where to start? Good question. Today, let’s talk about prescriptions: Part D plans. Part D plans come in many flavors. You can enroll in a plan… Continue reading Welcome to Medicare: Let the Games Begin

That depends on the definition of health care. There’s health insurance (private, exchange, Medicare et al). In addition, there is the day-to-day care that individuals exercise with respect to their own health. Let’s look at this simple question as it relates to one’s own health. If you have a cold, cough, fever. What’s the first… Continue reading The Healthcare Abyss Post Covid: What’s Different

Medicare For All? Doubtful. So far, we have been told by some 2020 Democratic candidates that there will no premiums, no deductibles, no lifetime maximums, no pre-existing condition restrictions, to name a few. All for free! Who can resist that? Except that you know that nothing is free. Let’s dig a little deeper and ask… Continue reading “I have a plan for that…”

Yes, it is possible to avoid some surprise medical bills. Really? It will take some work on your part, but it is certainly worth your time to closely investigate any medical care, whether preventative or otherwise, to manage your health care expenses carefully. Don’t assume anything. While your doctor make be acquainted with the parameters… Continue reading How can you avoid surprise medical bills?

Maybe not the car, but hopefully your health insurance. In an unusual bipartisan action, the House passed a bill that would repeal the “Cadillac tax”, scheduled to be imposed on high-cost employer health insurance in 2022. The act, titled the Middle Class Health Benefits Repeal Act, passed with a 419-6 vote, would kill this excise… Continue reading Will You Be Driving A Cadillac in 2022?

It’s hard to believe that there is actually a definition for a “surprise medical bill”.  There are real circumstances where a medical bill qualifies as a “surprise”, and the House Energy and Commerce subcommittee, and many states, would like to offer a solution for those who are faced with such surprises. First, let’s describe what… Continue reading What exactly is a surprise medical bill?

When the ACA was passed in 2010. the now famous phrase “If you like your health plan, you can keep your doctor” was born. It proved to be false. Life went on, millions more people were able to access health care. As we all saw, however, many physicians wanted no part in the new health… Continue reading What If My Doctor Doesn’t Accept Medicare?