The 2016 Edition of Maximize Your Medicare is available NOW. Is a new edition really necessary? Yep.
Subscribe to the Maximize Your Medicare Podcast click HERE.
Subscribe to the Maximize Your Medicare Podcast click HERE.
Showing posts with label Medicare. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Medicare. Show all posts
Sunday, December 27, 2015
Saturday, March 7, 2015
MYM Podcast 35: Supreme Court, PPACA, and Medicare
The PPACA is facing a Supreme Court challenge. A plain-spoken English explanation of the case, and lessons for Medicare beneficiaries.
Wednesday, November 5, 2014
MYM Podcast 30: The Maggie Linton Show on SIrius XM
Radio Interview on Sirius XM with The Maggie Linton Show
I spent some time on Sirius XM's The Maggie Linton Show. Many thanks to her for her show, and having me appear!
I spent some time on Sirius XM's The Maggie Linton Show. Many thanks to her for her show, and having me appear!
Listen to the podcast here.
Friday, August 1, 2014
MYM Podcast 26: How to Get Started on Medicare
FREE Android App Available Now
If you don't know where to start, or are too embarrassed to ask, or want to help someone in your life, then start with this free Android app.
Simple as You Like....
You enter your date of birth, and answer some questions about your existing coverage (employee, retiree, married, etc). No personal information stored. Ever.
You get your personalized calendar and your questions answered (even if you didn't know what to ask)...
Your Medicare Open Enrollment Dates
Is it Annual Election Period?
Can I make changes now?
Personalized Report, based on your answers to simple questions
Who Can Use This?
The obvious: those that are turning 65, those that don't know when Medicare begins, those that don't know when to enroll, those that don't know what their rights/options are, those that are married with full-time working spouses, those....get it? Pretty much anyone, anytime.
The not-so-obvious: those with senior parents who don't know how Medicare works, caregivers that need to have background information about Medicare for their patients/clients, those that have employer coverage changed or cancelled, those that pay many hundreds of dollars a month to continue with employer-based retiree plans, those...get it?
Why?
a. Many people aren't asking, when they should be....
b. Many people think they are "stuck," when they aren't....
c. Many people want to help their senior parent, but their senior parents can't / won't talk about getting older....
d. Many people think they cannot "afford it," when there are many options available...
e. Many people don't want to feel "dumb"...Medicare is confusing to almost everyone.
The app is free and you can use it as many times as you want, so that you are on the right path, so that you have an idea about what to consider, so that you can avoid unintended consequences resulting from uninformed choices.
Get it here:
A. Scan this QR code into your Android app (Google Play app):
If you don't know where to start, or are too embarrassed to ask, or want to help someone in your life, then start with this free Android app.
Simple as You Like....
You enter your date of birth, and answer some questions about your existing coverage (employee, retiree, married, etc). No personal information stored. Ever.
You get your personalized calendar and your questions answered (even if you didn't know what to ask)...
Your Medicare Open Enrollment Dates
Is it Annual Election Period?
Can I make changes now?
Personalized Report, based on your answers to simple questions
Who Can Use This?
The obvious: those that are turning 65, those that don't know when Medicare begins, those that don't know when to enroll, those that don't know what their rights/options are, those that are married with full-time working spouses, those....get it? Pretty much anyone, anytime.
The not-so-obvious: those with senior parents who don't know how Medicare works, caregivers that need to have background information about Medicare for their patients/clients, those that have employer coverage changed or cancelled, those that pay many hundreds of dollars a month to continue with employer-based retiree plans, those...get it?
Why?
a. Many people aren't asking, when they should be....
b. Many people think they are "stuck," when they aren't....
c. Many people want to help their senior parent, but their senior parents can't / won't talk about getting older....
d. Many people think they cannot "afford it," when there are many options available...
e. Many people don't want to feel "dumb"...Medicare is confusing to almost everyone.
The app is free and you can use it as many times as you want, so that you are on the right path, so that you have an idea about what to consider, so that you can avoid unintended consequences resulting from uninformed choices.
Get it here:
A. Scan this QR code into your Android app (Google Play app):
B. Click here.
Thursday, June 12, 2014
MYM Podcast 24: Veterans Administration (VA) and Medicare
The VA Debacle and Medicare
I think it has to be called a debacle, right? Infuriating, sad, tragic.
I think it has to be called a debacle, right? Infuriating, sad, tragic.
The Veterans Administration situation may lead to questions about what veterans can do. Veterans are specifically addressed in my book, Maximize Your Medicare, and in this podcast.
Listen to the podcast here.
Listen to the podcast here.
Wednesday, June 4, 2014
MYM Podcast 22: How to Help Our Aging Parents
"What Can We Do For Our Aging Parents?"
I got asked this question, and many related questions, on an internet radio station.
Even if you want to help a senior parent, it is difficult to know where to begin. I make suggestions on how to start, and what to ask.
You can subscribe to this podcast here.
I got asked this question, and many related questions, on an internet radio station.
Even if you want to help a senior parent, it is difficult to know where to begin. I make suggestions on how to start, and what to ask.
You can subscribe to this podcast here.
Thursday, May 15, 2014
MYM Podcast 21: Guest Susan Im, Immigration Attorney and Asian-American Advocate
I Know Her as "Sue," But She's An Adult Now...
We talk about Susan's professional practice in Immigration Law, and let her talk to how the process currently plays out. She also talks about a variety of outreach programs for minorities and newcomers to the U.S. Website: www.imlaw.biz
I remind her (opaquely) that I used to call her when we were younger (we attended college together), and she never picked up the phone....good thing she still has a good sense of humor.
You can subscribe to this podcast here.
We talk about Susan's professional practice in Immigration Law, and let her talk to how the process currently plays out. She also talks about a variety of outreach programs for minorities and newcomers to the U.S. Website: www.imlaw.biz
I remind her (opaquely) that I used to call her when we were younger (we attended college together), and she never picked up the phone....good thing she still has a good sense of humor.
You can subscribe to this podcast here.
Tuesday, May 6, 2014
MYM Podcast 20: Guest Brian Sheridan, Occupational Therapist and owner, Level11 Physical Therapy
Guest: Brian Sheridan, Owner of Level11 Physical Therapy
We talk about Brian's personal history, his full-time use of a wheelchair, and how it led to his career as owner of Level11 Physical Therapy. There is more information about different types of Physical Therapy clinics, and some ways to reach him. www.level11pt.com is the website of his practice.
Enlightening stuff, and some hints on what to look for if/when you require physical therapy.
You can subscribe to this podcast here.
We talk about Brian's personal history, his full-time use of a wheelchair, and how it led to his career as owner of Level11 Physical Therapy. There is more information about different types of Physical Therapy clinics, and some ways to reach him. www.level11pt.com is the website of his practice.
Enlightening stuff, and some hints on what to look for if/when you require physical therapy.
You can subscribe to this podcast here.
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
MYM Podcast 19: Guest Deb St. Hilaire, author of Divaluation
This Just In: Women Fill Lots of Roles
I spoke with Deborah St. Hilaire, author of Divaluation, and life coach. We talked about the many, many, many different roles that a working female plays, weirdly made more extreme by the progress made by those women who can.
I learned a lot, Deb mentions that she has ways for people facing similar issues to connect. Good stuff. We will do it again when she launches her online radio station.
You can listen to this episode here.
You can subscribe to this podcast here.
I spoke with Deborah St. Hilaire, author of Divaluation, and life coach. We talked about the many, many, many different roles that a working female plays, weirdly made more extreme by the progress made by those women who can.
I learned a lot, Deb mentions that she has ways for people facing similar issues to connect. Good stuff. We will do it again when she launches her online radio station.
You can listen to this episode here.
You can subscribe to this podcast here.
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
MYM Podcast 17: Get Extra Help for Rx, and It Gets Better (FIXED)
The previous link was broken (sorry). This is now fixed.
For Those That Qualify for "Extra Help," Rx Aid is Just the Beginning
For Those That Qualify for "Extra Help," Rx Aid is Just the Beginning
As the cost of specialty prescriptions skyrockets, according to a New York Times in an article yesterday, April 15, this podcast covers a federally-funded program called Extra Help which can help towards those costs.
In addition, there are additional benefits that are part of this. Many of these are unknown, and Medicare beneficiaries should take full advantage.
Wednesday, April 9, 2014
MYM Podcast 16: 12-Month Trial Period
First Time in a Medicare Advantage Plan? You Can Change....
Very few people know that the Medicare rules regarding enrollment are largely in a consumer's favor. A perfect example is here. If it is your first time in purchasing a Medicare Advantage plan, and it has been in effect for less than 12 months, the you can change to another Medicare Advantage plan, OR return to original Medicare, and couple it with a Medigap & stand-alone prescription plan (Medicare Part D). No calendar restrictions.
Listen to the podcast here.
Subscribe to the podcast here.
Very few people know that the Medicare rules regarding enrollment are largely in a consumer's favor. A perfect example is here. If it is your first time in purchasing a Medicare Advantage plan, and it has been in effect for less than 12 months, the you can change to another Medicare Advantage plan, OR return to original Medicare, and couple it with a Medigap & stand-alone prescription plan (Medicare Part D). No calendar restrictions.
Listen to the podcast here.
Subscribe to the podcast here.
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
MYM Podcast 15: MyMedicareAnswers.com and Observation Status (again)
Expert Contributor and Observation Status
You can see me and my comments, as well as my answers to questions from readers online: http://www.mymedicareanswers.com. Interesting site, powered by Humana, Inc, the nation's second largest carrier of Medicare Advantage plans. I am one of 6 Expert panelists asked to contribute. I can say that the site isn't a marketing tool of Humana's offerings, but rather, it's a good site with unbiased information.
You can also hear the latest and (not greatest) update on Observation Status, an important term that Medicare beneficiaries must clearly understand.
You can also hear the latest and (not greatest) update on Observation Status, an important term that Medicare beneficiaries must clearly understand.
Saturday, January 18, 2014
MYM Podcast 11: Why Would I Cancel My Retiree Group Coverage?
If You Require Substantial Medical Care....
The total out-of-pocket expenses can exceed the difference in premium. Many people believe that they cannot make a change in coverage if this happens to you. That is not quite right, but you will need to think of a number of different issues. That said, the financial difference may make it worth the effort.
You can listen here.
Send me your questions: jae [at] maximizeyourmedicare [dot] com
The total out-of-pocket expenses can exceed the difference in premium. Many people believe that they cannot make a change in coverage if this happens to you. That is not quite right, but you will need to think of a number of different issues. That said, the financial difference may make it worth the effort.
You can listen here.
Send me your questions: jae [at] maximizeyourmedicare [dot] com
Saturday, January 11, 2014
MYM Podcast 10: Radio Interview on WSGW AM790 Healthline
Rather than talking to myself...
You can hear my interview on Healthline, a radio show on WSGW AM790, with host Art Lewis. He is a Medicare beneficiary, and a very knowledgeable one! So, our conversations are usually very interesting, especially when the interviewer is this good.
Click here to listen.
You can hear my interview on Healthline, a radio show on WSGW AM790, with host Art Lewis. He is a Medicare beneficiary, and a very knowledgeable one! So, our conversations are usually very interesting, especially when the interviewer is this good.
Click here to listen.
Thursday, January 9, 2014
MYM Podcast 9: Medicare and Financial Planning
You should resist the temptation of chasing equity returns if that means ignoring Medicare or healthcare cost planning, because the downside of ignoring Medicare, what it covers, and what it does not, can make portfolio returns moot.
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
MYM Podcast 6: Can I Still Change Medicare Coverage Now?
Surprise: The Rules Work For You, Not Against
People keep the age-old thought that they have to use the Annual Election Period only in order to make changes to their Medicare configurations. Nope. The reality is that you have options under the current rules, and in some situations, it is highly favorable to do so. MYM Podcast 6 tells you about some ways that you can make a change even after the Medicare Annual Election Period is over, with a few examples included.
Click here to listen.
Subscribe to the MYM Podcast:
iTunes
Everything else
Monday, December 9, 2013
MYM Podcast 4: Observation Status Correctly Explained
Outpatient Hospital Rules Have Changed
For some unknown reason, newspapers and local TV stations continue to report that this is a problem. Don't get me wrong, it remains to be the source of confusion. HOWEVER, the story should be that the rules have improved substantially, and that if you stay over two midnights, then you will be presumed to have "inpatient" status, thus avoiding much of the controversy. Click here to listen.
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
MYM Podcast 2: Annual Election Period Ending Soon
This episode focuses on what to do during Medicare Annual Election Period, which ends on Midnight, December 7th. That is this Saturday. Click here to listen.
Sunday, October 6, 2013
This Happens: Companies Changing Retiree Benefits
This Happens
Large, stable employer has to compete on a global scale. Employee benefits erode, for active employees and retirees. This year, a dramatic change to prescription drug benefits may warrant an entirely new strategy and approach.
Group Plans Used to Have No Coverage Gap
The point is that group plans frequently eliminated the Coverage Gap. That point alone may have led a retiree to choose to stay enrolled in the employer's plan. However, the employer has created a new structure of prescription drug benefits. The previous superiority of prescription drug benefits may be eliminated. If this is the case, then the price and extent of medical (non Rx) benefits need to be examined.
Can You Change? Yes.
For those that determine that the existing group plan should be cancelled, a private Medicare alternative (Medicare Advantage / Medigap) can be selected. A stand-alone PDP (Medicare Part D plan) can be selected. The person would qualify for a Special Election Period, which allows this selection when a group plan is cancelled, whether or not that cancellation is voluntary or involuntary.
Problem: Timing
Companies frequently have a very limited calendar, i.e. their enrollment/selection period is very tightly defined, and may/may not coincide with the Medicare calendar. As a result, your group benefits should be examined as soon as you receive it. This is one of those instances when a qualified advisor may need to be contacted.
Saturday, August 10, 2013
Medicare ABCs LIVE Webinar
Monday, August 29th, 11:00AM (EST)
Some people would rather have a verbal explanation, because a book may create followup questions. Some people don't know where to begin to ask. I wrote Maximize Your Medicare to address this, and the audience is enormous: more than 9,000 will turn 65 everyday in the United States. This will continue for most of the next 2 decades.
You Can Ask Me Questions LIVE
I will go through Medicare and explain its components. I will explain how it differs from health insurance that many have been used to. I have done so at libraries, senior centers, and on talk radio shows. I have heard and seen the level of uncertainty on people's faces and in their voices. Adult-age children need to have this information: you get pulled into the situation, and usually (unfortunately), under unfavorable circumstances. Caregivers face questions continuously regarding what Medicare covers, and what it does not.
Money Back Guaranteed
At $3.99, it is inconceivable (to me, I am biased) that you will not get your money back. There will be information that is not widely known, until it may be too late. Frequently, this could have been avoided. In any case, if you join the Webinar, and find that it isn't worth the $3.99, then I will refund your money. Guaranteed.
Some people would rather have a verbal explanation, because a book may create followup questions. Some people don't know where to begin to ask. I wrote Maximize Your Medicare to address this, and the audience is enormous: more than 9,000 will turn 65 everyday in the United States. This will continue for most of the next 2 decades.
You Can Ask Me Questions LIVE
I will go through Medicare and explain its components. I will explain how it differs from health insurance that many have been used to. I have done so at libraries, senior centers, and on talk radio shows. I have heard and seen the level of uncertainty on people's faces and in their voices. Adult-age children need to have this information: you get pulled into the situation, and usually (unfortunately), under unfavorable circumstances. Caregivers face questions continuously regarding what Medicare covers, and what it does not.
Money Back Guaranteed
At $3.99, it is inconceivable (to me, I am biased) that you will not get your money back. There will be information that is not widely known, until it may be too late. Frequently, this could have been avoided. In any case, if you join the Webinar, and find that it isn't worth the $3.99, then I will refund your money. Guaranteed.
$3.99 Medicare ABCs Live Video Webinar
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