Medigap Plans May Be Answer To Rate Increase Frustration

September 11, 2023

Question: I just got a letter from my Medicare Supplement Plan and the letter says the monthly premium rates are going up? It is a HUGE increase! Answer: Well, I have to say that I have heard this from a lot of people recently on this topic. Each year at about this time, the insurance companies send a letter to all their enrollees informing them of the proposed rate increase to begin January 1. The letter you received states that this increase has been submitted to the New York State Department of Finance Services, so it is not the final word. The final announcement of the actual price ...

How Long Before Flex-Spending Account Has To Be Used

August 21, 2023

Question: I have a Flex-Spending Account how long do I have to use the money that I have in it? Answer: In the past I have talked about Flex-Spending Accounts (FSA) and HSA (Health Savings Account) and the differences between them. An HSA is a pre-tax way of saving money to pay for medical expenses later. The HSA is available for those individuals who have a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP). A HSA is an account that is in your name. The money deposited into the HSA is not taxed when taken directly from your wages. You can also deposit money into this account from other sources. ...

Is Long Term Care Insurance A Good Purchase?

August 14, 2023

Question: I have been considering Long Term Care Insurance (LTCI), and would like to know what you recommend? Answer: Long Term Care Insurance (LTCI) can be a useful tool to help pay for healthcare services you may need in the future, but not for everyone. As a Geriatric Care Manager, I can work with individuals who already have LTCI and want to begin using it to help pay for their care. I can also help evaluate whether LTCI is a useful purchase for you. It is important to understand how LTCI protects you and helps pay for care. LTCI usually reimburses you for care you have already ...

What’s To Be Done With Notice Of Unordered, Unreceived COVID Tests?

August 7, 2023

Question; I received an Medicare Summary Notice with COVID tests ordered, but I didn’t order them, and I didn’t get them. What should I do? Answer: Whenever you go to see your doctor or are admitted to the hospital, your benefits are processed through your insurance provider. The insurance carrier will either mail you a Summary Notice or an Explanation of Benefits notice. Traditional Medicare recipients receive a Medicare Summary Notice (MSN). This notice alerts you to the fact that a provider has billed Medicare using your ID number for a service or office visit. You have heard ...

Insulin Pump Savings Delayed For Medicare Users

July 31, 2023

Question: I use an insulin pump and I didn’t see the savings on my insulin like you previously discussed. Can you explain why? Answer: Insulin is used to help your body process the glucose in your body. For most individuals this insulin is injected via a needle or more recently, a pen type injector. For some individuals this is not adequate for controlling their blood sugar levels. These individuals may use an Insulin Pump. An Insulin Pump is a small device that delivers insulin through a catheter directly into the body. This device allows a continuous supply of insulin to be ...

I Have Seen Signs For Senior Health Matters. What is that? Are you affiliated with that?

July 17, 2023

Answer: Senior Health Matters is a campaign that has been initiated by Culture Care Senior Living, which now own Tanglewood Manor, Memory Gardens, Comfort Today and the Magnolia. Culture Care Senior Living is new to our region but has provide services in four counties of Pennsylvania for a number of years. Culture Care Senior Living is guided by three core values, Resident Focus, Team Empowerment and Continuity of Care. Using the three core values as the starting point, the upcoming Senior Health Matters Expo is a point of introduction for us. These core values are the basis, which ...