Q. I heard recently that most of the largest Medicare Advantage insurers are submitting inflated bills. Is this why everything has gotten so expensive for seniors enrolling in these plans? Also, what is being done about this? Thanks for your help! A. The New York Times recently published an article about how some Medicare Advantage […]
Medicare Advantage Plans May Shorten Stays to Less Time than Original Medicare Covers
A common question among many of our readers is whether Medicare covers long-term care. Medicare does not cover any type of long-term care, whether in nursing homes, assisted living communities, or your own home. Medicare does, however, cover most short-term stays for rehabilitation after a hospitalization, and in some situations, Medicare Advantage plans are cutting […]
Medicare Planning: Federal Report Finds Medicare Advantage Plans Often Deny Necessary Care
Q. Medicare Fall Open Enrollment starts next month. I heard something not long ago about Medicare Advantage plans denying necessary care. This is very worrisome. What do you know about this, and what is being done? Do you have any tips for this year’s upcoming Medicare Open Enrollment? A. Of the more than 64 million […]
Good News! Social Security and Medicare Outlook Is Better Than Projected Last Year
Q. Inflation seems to be having a huge effect on everything. From the price of food in grocery stores to the amount we are spending to fill our cars with gasoline, we’re all being affected in many ways. I’m concerned and afraid to ask about senior programs, since it seems like everything else is being […]
Shining the Spotlight on Bruce Willis and Aphasia
The Hollywood spotlight that has shown on Bruce Willis for almost 40 years, from the TV show Moonlighting in the late ’80s to the movie franchise Die Hard and beyond, is now shining on aphasia, a common disorder in adults over 60 that affects speech and language, and is usually caused by some sort of […]
President Biden Signs Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2022, Extending Medicare Coverage of Telehealth
Q. During COVID, my parents took advantage of telehealth for primary care, neurology, and mental health appointments, and it was covered by Medicare. It was so much easier for them to attend their doctor’s appointments remotely, as neither of them is able to drive at this time. We’re hoping that telehealth will continue to be […]
Are Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids Currently Available and Are They Safe?
Americans may soon be able to buy over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids without an exam or fitting by a hearing health care professional. These lower-priced OTC hearing aids won’t be much bigger than a true wireless earbud, and will be a lot less expensive than a prescription hearing aid. However, there is some confusion about the […]
An 11-Year Fight Ends in Right to Appeal Hospital Observation Status Classifications
Andrew Roney, 70, spent three days in a hospital for an intestinal infection, and to his surprise, he got hit with a bill of $5,000. He had Medicare Part A hospitalization coverage and assumed it would cover his hospital stay. The hospital even told him he was classified as inpatient when he first got there, […]
Our 21 Top Articles of 2021
As the coronavirus pandemic continues, we reflect on the challenges that last year (2021) presented, and all of us here at the Farr Law Firm were glad to see it go and are hopeful for a healthier 2022! Those who read our newsletter or follow our blog know that we covered a lot of ground […]
2022 Key Elder Law Dollar Amounts
Q. Every year, the Farr Law Firm releases the newest figures for Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security. I was wondering if they are available this year and if you can provide a summary of changes for these programs. Thanks for your help! A. Thank you for inquiring about the key elder law dollar amounts for […]
2022 Changes to Medicare
Q. I understand that Medicare’s Open Enrollment began last week and will go until early December. Before I make any decisions. I was wondering if you could tell me about any changes to Medicare that are going to occur in 2022. Thanks so much for your help! A. Medicare’s Open Enrollment runs this year […]
What’s the Deal with the Donut Hole in 2022?
Dear Angel, This year, the 2022 Medicare and You handbook didn’t include all the information regarding the Medicare Part D deductibles and the “Donut Hole.” What am I missing? Thanks for your help! Missy Ing-Infoe —- Dear Missy, You are correct that the 2022 Medicare and You handbook did leave information out regarding the 2022 […]
Navigating Medicare? We Can Help!
Medicare Open Enrollment started this past Friday, October 15, and goes until December 7, 2021. Whether you’re turning 65 or renewing your plan, we can now help you with the cumbersome and challenging Medicare process and Open Enrollment! At the Farr Law Firm, we are always looking for ways to better serve our clients, and […]
What Changed With the Social Security Statement?
Dear Hayek, I heard that the Social Security Benefits Statement has undergone a visual overhaul. What can I expect to see on the newly designed statement? Will the new format be mailed to current and former beneficiaries or only available online? Thanks for your help! Dee Zine — Dear Dee, You are correct. The Social […]
How to Be a Patient Advocate for a Loved One
Q. My father, Rick, has FTD (frontotemporal dementia — the kind that causes him to have behavioral problems such as aggression and lack of respect for the personal space of others) and also suffers from recurring urinary tract infections. On one recent occasion, his UTI was so bad that he was seriously delusional and the […]
What the New Outlook for Social Security and Medicare Means for You
Each year the Trustees of the Social Security and Medicare trust funds report on the current and projected financial status of the two programs. The new 2021 annual report was just released and on a positive note, the pandemic has had a smaller impact on the Social Security trust funds than many feared. The 2021 trustee […]
Be Vigilant: Medicare Won’t Alert You When You Become Eligible for Part B
Sarah celebrated her 64th birthday in October of 2020, meaning she will be 65 this year and eligible for Medicare. Luckily, she is aware that she must enroll or face the consequences of delaying enrollment. She needs to remember to do so herself because the Social Security Administration doesn’t alert people as they near age […]
Special Edition: Unhappy with Your Medicare Advantage Plan? Today is the Last Day to Make Changes or Go Back to Original Medicare!
Medicare Advantage enrollees who are dissatisfied with their plan have until today to switch into another plan or to go back to Original Medicare and, if needed, buy a prescription drug plan. The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment period ends today, March 31. It offers a do-over for people who might have signed up for […]
Medicare Open Enrollment: What Changed in Response to the Coronavirus?
Q. I know that the Medicare Open Enrollment Period starts next month. Have there been any changes that I should know about in response to the coronavirus? Do you have any tips for Open Enrollment? This is my first one. Thanks for your help! A. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the United States for six […]
CMS Launches New Compare Tool, Featuring All Eight Healthcare Tools in One Place
Lois’ mom moved to Northern Virginia last winter. Since she has been here, she has needed new doctors, a hospital for a surgical procedure, and a new physical therapist. Lois tried to be helpful in finding her mother names of providers using The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) compare tools, only to feel […]
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