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.
FAQ: Medicare Part B Drug Coverage
By Mike AlexanderAn agent asks, "What outpatient drugs are covered by Medicare Part B?"
March 03, 2011
Medicare may cover STD testsMedicare officials are considering expanding coverage to include tests for sexually transmitted diseases, such as syphilis and hepatitis B, Reuters is reporting.
February 25, 2011
FAQ: Medicare Part B Premiums and the COLA IssueAn agent asks, "I sell Medicare products, and I see premiums rising at different rates when I know the clients' incomes are almost equal, and not above $75,000. Are there other criteria involved?"
February 17, 2011
Rich Medicare seniors: get ready to pay moreWhile the Obama administration trumpets the new health care provision that eventually will close the "doughnut hole," it rarely mentions another piece of the law which requires affluent Medicare beneficiaries to pay more for prescription drugs.
February 17, 2011
CMS Unveils 2012 Medicare Advantage Payment ProposalThe federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services says preliminary 2012 payment policies for Medicare drug and health plans should maintain beneficiary choice.
February 17, 2011
Rich Medicare seniors: get ready to pay moreWhile the Obama administration trumpets the new health care provision that eventually will close the "doughnut hole," it rarely mentions another piece of the law which requires affluent Medicare beneficiaries to pay more for prescription drugs.
February 16, 2011
4 Medicare Sales Opportunities to Explore During Lock-In Period"Lock-in" is a term used to describe the period of time during which most Medicare beneficiaries are unable to change their underlying Medicare coverage.
February 14, 2011
GAO Eyes Medicare FFS Plan BidsManagers of most Medicare Advantage plans seem to be shooting for similar profit margins, according to officials at the U.S. Government Accountability Office.