Category Archives: News & Views Magazine

Medicare Changes Doctors have complained for years that they’re not paid adequately for time-consuming work associated with managing care for chronically ill older patients: talking with families; and consulting with specialists and pharmacists. Each year Medicare policies (or regulations) are reviewed and changes may be implemented. As of 1/1/2017, under the new rules, doctors will…

Have you noticed there seems to be a number of changes this year with health insurance? Whether you are on Medicare or have health plans through an Obamacare Affordable Care Act plan (ACA) or group insurance, it seems deductibles are up, out of pockets are up as are premiums for many. Now: what’s important; for…

Are you buying health insurance? Premiums increasing? As President Clinton said about Obamacare (ACA) (it’s) “the craziest thing in the world”. So, why are heath insurance premiums up so much? Also, why are insurance companies terminating current plans and choosing not to offer new plans. Companies state they are losing money – big money. Blue…

Medicare open enrollment started 10/15 and continues to 12/7.  Obamacare (ACA) open enrollment starts on 11/1 until 1/31/2017.  So, both older and young people will be seeking information during the same time frame. QUESTION:  I received notice that my Medicare Advantage (MAPD)is being cancelled.  What options do I have?  You actually have many options.  The…

Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) will begin 10/15 and continue through 12/7. The AEP is when most people can change their Medicare Advantage (MA) and Medicare Drug Plans (Part D). So, you will see a flood of commercials and perhaps receive phone calls.  What do you need to know? DOs: If you have an MA…

Are you turning 65 and going on to Medicare? Or have you been on Medicare, had a Medicare Plan and really do not know how the plan would work for you?  You aren’t alone. Often people do not understand how Medicare and how the coverage they have works.  Most often you hear this when someone…

Have you ever heard “I cannot pay for my prescriptions”?  Or, “my husband died and my income has been cut dramatically”. Statements like these are common, especially for people who have been retired for 20 years.  Prescription drugs are the tool for physicians to help people manage chronic conditions.  When prescription costs are too much…

It’s late at night, you’re alone and driving home.  You’re tired, but still have a couple miles to go.   At last, you’re about a half mile from home.  You relax and fall asleep at the wheel.  You go off the road waking up when you’re going over some big bumps.  You’re off the road…

What can a person, or business, do if they own a life insurance policy and no longer need or cannot pay for the policy?   Did you know: approximately 90% of all life insurance policies issued lapse before paying a claim.  A policy can lapse because premiums are not paid or term life insurance ends…

Higher insurance deductibles!  Higher co-insurance!! More out of pocket expense!!!  What can a person do to control their out of pocket expense? To be clear, first, a person is best served by having a good medical or Medicare health plan.  In addition, some people purchase supplemental policies to pay “extra benefits” to help cover deductibles…