Q. Last year, during the Medicare Open Enrollment Period, my wife and I saw a commercial on television for a Medicare Advantage (MA) plan that sounded almost too good to be true. The company seemed reputable, so we took the claims for better prices and a wider range of services at face value and quickly […]
Navigating Open Enrollment: Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) Offers Three Helpful Resources
Dear Kiwi and Mango, Medicare Open Enrollment is right around the corner. Are there some helpful, reliable resources I can use to help make decisions about coverage? Thanks for your help! Dee Tales — Dear Dee, Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF), an independent source for health policy research, polling, and news (no relationship to the Kaiser […]
Part 2: When Artificial Intelligence and Health Don’t Mix
This is part two of a two-part series. In part one, “Is CMS’s Latest Effort Enough to Hold Medicare Advantage Companies Accountable?” I described how CMS plans to hold Medicare Advantage (MA) companies to higher standards for America’s seniors. This includes cracking down on misleading marketing tactics for Medicare Advantage plans, as well as […]
Part 1: Is CMS’s Latest Effort Enough to Hold Medicare Advantage Companies Accountable?
This is part one of a two-part series. The first part describes the recent rule to “strengthen Medicare Advantage (MA) and hold health insurance companies to higher standards for America’s seniors and people with disabilities by cracking down on misleading marketing schemes by MA plans.” Part 2 will describe how MA insurance companies have been […]
What the New Enhanced Auditing of Medicare Advantage Means for You
Q. I remember reading in one of your articles this past fall that some of the largest Medicare Advantage insurers are submitting inflated bills and that it’s one of the reasons everything is so much more expensive for plan enrollees. I also heard that the way Medicare Advantage plans are currently audited is a big […]
Customers Are Being Misled by Marketers into Signing Up for Certain Private Medicare Advantage Plans
Medicare Advantage plans now enroll nearly half of all Medicare beneficiaries, but some consumers are being misled because of the aggressive marketing campaigns by certain Medicare Advantage plans, and because of the fact that the federal government calls these types of plans “advantage plans,” leading consumers to believe that they provide some kind of advantage, […]
Now This Is SCARY! Medicare Advantage Is Submitting Inflated Bills to Make More Money, Totaling in the BILLIONS!
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 […]
How Does Medicare Advantage Compare to Traditional Medicare?
Dear Oakley, It is Medicare Open Enrollment season, and I’m deciding whether I need a Medicare Advantage plan or if I want to stick with Traditional Medicare. Do you have any research you can share on the subject to help me make up my mind? Thanks for your help! Cam Pere — Dear Cam, On […]
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 […]
What Joe Namath isn’t Telling you About Medicare…
Many of you have seen the Joe Namath commercial talking about the free benefits you can get with Medicare, such as rides to medical appointments, private home aides, delivered home meals, and more. I’m happy to say that the benefits he speaks of are available to eligible clients through my relationship with Medicare Together. They […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
The Five Biggest Things to Know About Medicare
Q. I am turning 65 this year and will qualify for Medicare. I want to make sure I do things properly when it comes to applying. For instance, do I have to wait until I’m actually 65 to start the process, or can I start ahead of time? Also, long-term care is so expensive. Is […]
Surprise Medical Bills May Become a Thing of the Past
Freya (80) had chest pains, a hacking cough, and a high fever when she was visiting her son, Andy. An ambulance was called and she was rushed to a hospital in her health plan’s network. As she headed home after a week’s stay to continue her recovery, she took a measure of comfort that her […]
Open Enrollment 2020: How Veterans Can Best Maximize Their Benefits
Dear Rune, I am a veteran who wants to add Medicare Advantage benefits during open enrollment this year. I have a few questions about my veterans benefits and Medicare plans, and I’m hoping you can help. First, can Medicare Advantage and VA benefits work together? Also, are there any specific Medicare Advantage plans for veterans? […]
Recent Law Expands Coverage of Chronic Care Through Medicare
Q. My wife and I are considering moving to a home in a more rural part of the area, with more land and less traffic. It has been her dream to live away from the hustle and bustle of Northern Virginia for quite a while, but to still be close to the grandchildren. Among my […]
Groceries? Air Conditioners? – Extra Benefits for Medicare Advantage Policy Holders
Michelle recently had a discussion with her mother, Rose, about ways to make Rose’s house more comfortable and easier-to-navigate. Rose’s mobility isn’t what it used to be and she can no longer walk, and is unable to drive herself to the supermarket or to doctor’s appointments. Michelle wants to help her mom improve her quality […]