You’ve been watching the presidential campaign, so you can’t miss the references to Obamacare. It’s a significant component of the rhetoric for all the candidates. Hillary wants to add to it, Bernie wants a “Medicare for All” program, and Trump wants to repeal it altogether. We haven’t heard much else about healthcare from the candidates.… Continue reading Note to Candidates: Health Care is More Than Obamacare
A favorite of so many baby boomers. Sargent Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band and the song “When I’m 64”. As baby boomers reach age 64, “When I’m 64” has a new health care meaning: Applying for Medicare. But if you’re not yet age 65, why do you have to think about applying for Medicare? What’s… Continue reading When I’m 64……
>Unequivocally, yes, you do. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, approximately 70% of Americans who are currently age 65 or older will need some type of long term care in the future. And the costs associated with long term care continue to rise. A 2013 Genworth Cost of Care Survey indicated… Continue reading Do I Need to Worry About Future Health Care Expenses?
The Medicare system may not be totally fixed, but the physician payment formula is. The “doc fix”, as it has become known, passed the Senate this week with a rousing 92 to 8 victory, after passing the House 392-37. It now moves to President Obama and he has indicated the he will sign the bill.… Continue reading Is Medicare “Fixed’?
Is anyone really sure who is paying for healthcare? Who paid before the Affordable Care Act? Who is paying for it now? Let’s see if we can clarify this for everyone…. Premiums are fully paid though my paycheck for my employer sponsored plan.Unlikely. Probably not even close. Last year, the average cost of family coverage… Continue reading Who is Really Paying for Health Care: Four Myths
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) is only a year old, and while many of its provisions aren’t effective until 2014, or like the CLASS act have been repealed, fortunately Medicare beneficiaries have already seen some savings. Whether these savings become more significant over time, however, remains to be seen. The most publicized ACA success is… Continue reading Hello Medicare: Looking Good!
There has been significant media coverage of the Medicare overhaul that is will impact recipients. What is important to note, and has not been a major focus, is the effective dates of the premium support program. Beginning in 2022, the current Medicare system would be converted to a premium support system. At the same time,… Continue reading Premium Support: Read the Medicare Fine Print
Kenken puzzles, mathematical brain teasers, are usually published next to the crossword puzzle in most daily newspapers. While they are popular with some individuals, others are unfamiliar with the steps involved in working out the solutions to a KenKen. The same is true for Medicare and Health Insurance KenKens. The various components of Medicare —… Continue reading Can You Solve a Healthcare KenKen?
October and November are traditionally the months when large employers offer employees the opportunity to enroll in benefits for the coming year. These plans may include 401ks, other retirement programs, and of course, health insurance. Many open enrollments include several benefits fairs that give a chance for providers to showcase their offerings so that employees… Continue reading Federal Government Open Enrollment: Medicare
