Medicare Planning
Medicare planning news and analysis, including coverage of the Medicare Advantage program, Medicare supplement insurance, the Medicare Part D prescription drug program, and Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly plans.
Doctors dropping Medicare patients
By staff WriterDoctors and other medical services providers have long complained about low Medicare reimbursement rates. As a result of these rates, there has been a steady increase in the rate of doctors deciding to drop out of the program.
October 28, 2010
FAQ: Medicare Annual Wellness VisitsCan you explain the new "annual wellness visits" that are coming to Medicare in 2011? What do they cover? How do they compare to the "Welcome to Medicare" exam which is currently available?
October 19, 2010
New Medicare self-help bookThe author of a new self-help book about navigating the Medicare system sets out to educate the public about a system that regularly presents new changes and challenges.
October 19, 2010
Random rants on Medicare AdvantageOn Sept. 21, it was announced that the average monthly premium in Medicare Advantage (MA) plans will drop to $35.69 in 2011--45 cents less than the average monthly cost in 2010. Here are some of the more interesting reactions to the news.
October 19, 2010
Random rants on Medicare AdvantageOn Sept. 21, it was announced that the average monthly premium in Medicare Advantage (MA) plans will drop to $35.69 in 2011--45 cents less than the average monthly cost in 2010. Here are some of the more interesting reactions to the news.
October 19, 2010
Seniors face complicated Medicare choicesFor seniors planning to make changes to their Medicare plans during this year's enrollment period (Nov. 15 through the end of the year), it may make sense to begin reviewing options now.
October 13, 2010
GAO Weighs in on Medicare Advantage MailersThe U.S. Government Accountability Office says the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services followed the rules but took an "unusual" action when it told carriers to stop mailing Medicare Advantage plan enrollees warnings about pending legislation.
October 12, 2010
FAQ: Medicare Educational EventsHow many people have to be in attendance for a meeting to be considered an "educational event" under CMS's marketing guidelines?