SeniorTruth

Since Medicare’s open-enrollment window runs from November 15 to December 31, it’s time to decide to keep, switch or modify your current Medicare plan. Be sure you understand any new options for covered services and evaluate their pros and cons.  Here’s a quick review:

Question: The Medicare Summary Notice I just received shows the name of a doctor I’ve never heard of, and certainly never met. Should I be concerned?

Question: The doctor informed me that Mom’s illness is terminal and that, if she would like, Medicare will cover her hospice care needs. How is hospice care coverage different from other Medicare?

Question: My father is on Medicare and is about to be released from a nursing home and rehabilitation center.  He’s recovering from near death and suffers from diabetes, kidney failure, heart disease and depression.  He lives with his 72-year old brother.  What do we need to have in place when he returns home?  I [...]

There’s a confusing maze of government income, health and care programs for seniors out there. Here’s a quick guide to eight of them:

Question: Since I’m covered by Medicare, why might I want to purchase long-term care insurance?
Answer: Many seniors mistakenly believe that Medicare will cover most of their future health care costs. Unfortunately, Medicare coverage for long-term care is very limited. For example, should a Medicare recipient require skilled nursing home care after undergoing surgery, Medicare’s [...]

Question: My husband broke his hip. He’s had surgery and has been in a nursing home for a week receiving physical therapy. Medicare has been paying so far, but the nursing home says he’s not improving, so Medicare and the therapy will stop. What can I do?
Answer: He should be able to keep receiving therapy [...]