Medicare

Finding affordable health insurance before age 65 can be tricky, but there are ways to avoid letting your coverage lapse.

Home care payment options include Medicare and Medicaid plans, but VA benefits and long-term care insurance may also help pay for care.

Confusion often arises surrounding use of the term “skilled nursing.” Understanding the terminology used in the long-term care industry is an important first step in determining viable care options for an aging loved one.

If you missed Medicare Open Enrollment’s deadline on December 7, there are still a few options available to help you make the most of your coverage.

Medical billing errors are surprisingly common, and it is up to you to be diligent about understanding your health insurance coverage and correcting inaccuracies. Know what red flags to look for and how to handle errors before you pay the bills.

Learning how the annual Medicare Open Enrollment period works will help you weigh your options and choose the best health coverage for yourself or a loved one.

Discover strategies for selecting the best Medicare Advantage plan for you during Medicare's Annual Election Period, which runs from October 15, 2015 until December 7, 2016.

For seniors who are living with hearing loss, devices like hearing aids can facilitate communication, boost their confidence and desire to socialize, and increase overall quality of life. Unfortunately, hearing aids are often paid for out of pocket.

Reports estimate that between 75 and 80 percent of medical bills contain errors that cost patients and caregivers thousands of dollars. Learn how to prevent these billing mistakes and dispute them with health care providers and insurance companies.

Federal, state and local governments offer many services and benefits for seniors and their caregivers, but few people know these resources exist or how to access them. This is your go-to guide for elderly assistance programs.

Sometimes the need for aids is immediately apparent, for example, in the case of a broken hip. Other times the need appears gradually. Be alert to the potential need for an assistive device, as seniors commonly try to downplay changes in their abilities.

When a senior loved one is receiving palliative care at home, different parts of Medicare will cover different items and services.

It can be tempting for seniors to avoid enrolling in Medicare programs that provide coverage they don’t currently want or need, but health care needs can change quickly. While it’s possible to add additional coverage later on, it can be costly.

Medicare Advantage Plans and Part D plans can mitigate the growing costs of prescription drugs, but many seniors cannot afford this additional coverage. The Extra Help program assists low-income individuals in paying for their premiums and medications.

The rules that govern therapeutic leave for nursing home residents depend on how a how a senior’s care is being paid for. Avoid costly mistakes by learning about Medicare and Medicaid bed hold policies.

For years, Medicare cards have plainly displayed beneficiaries’ Social Security numbers, leaving millions of seniors vulnerable to identity theft. Fortunately, the government has implemented system improvements to protect this sensitive information.

It is important for seniors and their caregivers to stay on top of changes in health and medical coverage. A bit of foresight can go a long way for a busy caregiver on a budget.

Every health care situation is unique, and this can make enrolling in Medicare even more complicated. Chances are help is available, but when in doubt, ask for assistance.

Lawmakers have finally passed a "doc fix" law that will change the way doctors participating in Medicare are paid. The new legislation also contains some measures that will affect older Americans.

If you could design a new Medicare plan from the ground up, what would you include? Discover how everyday Americans would alter one of the largest federal aid programs in the country.