Did you know that moving could affect your Medicare coverage? Before you start packing boxes, here is what you need to know. If You Have a Medicare Advantage (Part C) Plan Medicare Advantage plans are tied to a specific service area. If you move outside that area, your plan generally will not cover routine care at your new location, although emergency and urgently needed care are always covered anywhere in the U.S. Moving outside your plan's service area triggers a Special

There are more ways to save on your Medicare prescriptions than most people realize. Here's what to know. All month we've been walking through how Medicare Part D works, from formularies to tiers to making sure your medications are covered. We're wrapping up May with something just as important: the practical tools and programs that can lower what you actually pay at the pharmacy. 1. Ask Your Doctor About Generics or Biosimilars Generic drugs are copies of brand-name drugs

Did you know your Medicare drug coverage can change every single year, even if you don't do anything? Here's what to watch for, and how we can help. One of the most common surprises Medicare beneficiaries face at the start of a new year is finding out that a medication they rely on has been dropped from their plan's coverage, moved to a higher cost tier, or now requires extra steps before it will be filled. The good news is that this is entirely preventable if you know what t

Why does one prescription cost you $5 while another costs $80, even with the same Medicare drug plan? The answer is drug tiers. If you've ever looked at your Part D plan and felt confused about why your medications cost what they do, you're not alone. Understanding drug tiers and how copays work can make a real difference in what you pay and which plan you choose. As always, the SGIA Medicare Benefit Consultants are here to help you understand, enroll in, and switch your Part

If you have Medicare, prescription drug coverage doesn't come automatically and understanding how it works can save you real money. Let's start with the basics. What is Medicare Part D? Medicare Part D is optional prescription drug coverage available to anyone with Medicare. You can get it two ways: a stand-alone Prescription Drug Plan (PDP) paired with Original Medicare, or bundled inside a Medicare Advantage plan. Either way, Part D is offered through private insurance co

Medicare covers more than most people realize. Many beneficiaries use their basic benefits but unknowingly leave some of the most valuable preventive services on the table. Here are some of the most commonly missed preventive benefits and what you should know about each one. The "Welcome to Medicare" Preventive Visit If you are new to Medicare, this one-time visit is available within your first 12 months of having Part B, and many people never schedule it. It includes: A revi

Many Medicare beneficiaries don't realize that some of the most valuable benefits included in their coverage cost nothing to use. Taking advantage of your no-cost preventive care benefits is one of the smartest financial decisions you can make. Preventive Care Is Already Included in Your Coverage Most preventive services under Medicare Part B are available at no cost when your provider accepts assignment , including: Your Annual Wellness Visit Cardiovascular and cancer scre

Knowing what Medicare covers is the first step, but scheduling and using your preventive care benefits is what makes the difference for your health. Many Medicare beneficiaries have access to these no-cost services but never use them simply because they are not sure how to get started. Here is a simple guide to help you take action. Step 1: Confirm Your Coverage Before scheduling any preventive service, it is important to confirm how you receive your Medicare coverage: If you

Spring is a great time to take stock of your health, and the good news is that Medicare already has you covered. Many Medicare beneficiaries don't realize just how many preventive services are included in their coverage at no cost. Taking advantage of these benefits every year is one of the best things you can do for your health and your budget. What Are Preventive Services? Preventive services are tests, screenings, counseling sessions, and visits designed to help you stay