Medicare

• Article - Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance): A Beginner's Guide

  Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance): A Beginner's Guide. Who's eligible for Medicare Part A and what hospital care is covered by Medicare Part A?

• Article - Medicare Part D (Prescription Drug Plans): A Beginner's Guide

  Medicare Part D (Prescription Drug Plans): A Beginner's Guide. Who's eligible for Medicare Part D coverage and how much do Part D drug plans cost?

• Article - Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage Managed Care Plans): A Beginner's Guide

  Medicare Part C: A Beginner's Guide. What you need to know about Medicare Part C Advantage plans. Who's eligible? What's covered? How much does it cost?

• Article - Saving Money on Prescription Drugs When Your Parent's Not Covered by a Medicare Part D Plan

  Information to help you save money on prescription drugs when your parent is in the doughnut hole or just not enrolled in Medicare Part D.

• Article - How to Hire an At-Home Caregiver

  How to Hire a Caregiver. Hiring a home care aide or caregiver can help parents remain at home -- and take some pressure off the rest of the family.

• Article - Enrolling in Medicare Programs

  A concise guide to how and when to enroll in Medicare based on your parent's particular circumstances.

• Article - Hospice Care Basics

  Hospice care can make your parent's final days as comfortable as possible. What to expect from hospice care, how to pay for it, and where to find it.

• Checklist - 8 Points to Consider When Choosing a Medicare Managed Care Plan

  Is a Medicare Managed Care Plan (Medicare Advantage) right for your parent? Learn the pros, cons, and costs of these health insurance plans.

• Article - Medicare and Long-Term Care: What’s Covered, What’s Not

  Learn the basics about Medicare coverage for home care and nursing facilities. How much does Medicare pay for home care? What type of care is covered?

• Article - Medigap: A Beginner's Guide

  Medigap: A Beginner's Guide. What is medigap? What are the medigap insurance plans and what do they cover? Are my parents eligible for medigap?

• Article - Is My Parent Eligible for a Medigap Insurance Policy?

  A medigap insurance policy covers many medical costs...

• Checklist - 8 Things to Look for in a Nursing Home Agreement

  Nursing home agreements affect your parent's care in a nursing home. Here's what to look for in a nursing home agreement.

• Article - 8 Preventive Screenings Medicare Will Cover

  Medicare isn't very good at covering preventive medicine...

• Checklist - Choosing a Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan

  These eight questions will help you figure out which Medicare Part D prescription drug plan is right for your parent.

• Checklist - 10 Things You Should Know About Your Parents' Finances

  Know the answers to these 10 elderly parent finance questions. Where do they keep their financial records? Do they have a durable power of attorney?

• Article - How to Choose a Medigap Insurance Policy

  Everything you need to know to choose a Medigap insurance policy.

• Article - Medicaid: A Beginner's Guide

  Medicaid: A Beginner's Guide. What is Medicaid? Who qualifies for Medicaid? What does Medicaid cover?

• Article - Choosing Hospice Under Medicare

  Medical treatment during a person's final months of...

• Article - Medicare Coverage for Mental Health and Alzheimer's Care

  Modern medicine recognizes that many mental and emotional...

• Article - Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance): A Beginner's Guide

  Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance): A Beginner's Guide. Medicare Part B covers doctor bills and outpatient costs. But what does it really cover?

• Article - Medicare: A Beginner's Guide

  Medicare: A Beginner's Guide. What is Medicare? Who's eligible for Medicare? What's covered by Medicare? How much does Medicare cost?

• Article - Meet Caring.com's Experts

  Caring.com's experts answer your questions on stroke, medicare, medicaid, in home care, home health care, finances, estate planning, diabetes, dementia, cancer, and more.

• Article - Help Your Parent Identify Aids to Deal With Low Vision

  Modern aids make low vision far less troublesome than your parent might expect. Help him find the tools he needs to cope with his limited vision.

Blog Posts

• Blog Post - Medicare: Billing Hassles Ahead

  Medicare patients may be in for a billing nightmare this summer. They should check with their doctors to see if Medicare coverage will be affected.

• Blog Post - Medicare Reimbursement Mess Fixed -- For Now

  Medicare reimbursements to doctors were increased when Congress solved a Medicare reimbursement mess, but only temporarily.

• Blog Post - Doctors Don't Seem to Care for Medicare

  Although the vast majority of doctors accept Medicare, many place limits on how many Medicare patients they'll take in their practice because the government reimburses them at a relatively low rate.

• Blog Post - Should Family Members Who Provide Alzheimer's Care Be Paid?

  Paying family caregivers is controversial and has pitfalls to beware of if you go this route.

• Blog Post - Aging Parents and Dental Care: A Life-and-Death Issue

  Regular dental care for your parents can be a matter of life and death.

• Blog Post - In Case of Stroke, Better Call a Neurologist

  New research suggests that stroke patients treated by neurologists have better outcomes.

Questions & Answers

• Question - Is there any inexpensive insurance for the disabled?

  Medicare Part A and Part B, Medicaid, and Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage may all be available to someone on permanent disability.

• Question - Will Medicare pay for an assisted living facility?

  Medicare doesn't pay for assisted living. Medicaid, not Medicare, pays for some assisted living for very low-income seniors in a few states.

• Question - Does Medicare cover me while I'm in Canada?

  Medicare does not cover regular medical care or most emergency care in Canada, but can cover emergencies in a few situations.

• Question - Will Medicare pay for a physical trainer, physical therapy and massage therapy for Parkinson's?

  Can Medicare pay for massage, physical therapy, and a trainer for a Parkinson's patient? It may pay for a therapist who can do massage or training.

• Question - Can my dad get help to pay for shots after chemo?

  Medicare pays little of outpatient hospital charges. A hospital that accepts Medicare amounts, or care in the doctor's office, saves a bundle.

• Question - Does Medicare pay anything for Emergency air flights?

  This question has been answered by a Caring.com Expert

• Question - Will medicare pay for oral surgery for patients with osteoporosis?

  Medicare can cover oral surgery on bones of the mouth or jaw if it's the kind of work performed by physicians as well as by nonj-M.D. oral surgeons.

• Question - Will my SSI and Medicare benefits change when I reach full retirement age?

  Unanswered. Can you help?

• Question - Should my parents keep Medicare and private insurance?

  This question has been answered by a Caring.com Expert

• Question - Does Medicare cover lifting and transporting a parent to dialysis?

  Will Medicare pay to transport an elderly patient to dialysis? No, Medicare won't pay for dialysis transportation unless a doctor prescribes it.

• Question - Will Medicare help pay for an assisted living facility?

  Medicare doesn't cover assisted living at all, but in some states Medicaid can pay the full cost of assisted living for an elder with little money.

• Question - How can I get a repalcement Medicare card?

  You can replace a lost Medicare card either online or at a local Social Security office.

• Question - Should one use Medicare benefits to pay for in-home care before long term care insurance?

  Unanswered. Can you help?

• Question - Can people "protect" their home and have Medicaid pay for nursing home care?

  Can you protect your home from Medicare while in a nursing home? You don't need to protect your home from Medicare, because it can't seize your home.

• Question - Do You Have to Be Bankrupt to Get Medicaid?

  Do you have to be bankrupt to qualify for Medicare or Medicaid home care? Can Medicaid take your house? Medicaid does have very low limits for assets.

• Question - How long will Medicare cover physical therapy after a knee replacement?

  This question has been answered by a Caring.com Expert

• Question - How can I get a replacement Medicare ID card?

  This question has been answered by a Caring.com Expert

• Question - Does my mother have to sign a home lien for short-term nursing home care?

  Medicare or Medicaid can cover all or most of short-term nursing home costs, but a nursing home might want a home lien from a private-paying patient.

• Question - Where can I find the rule regarding Medicare and COBRA coverage?

  Medicare is the primary payer of covered medical bills when an employee or spouse also has COBRA coverage.

• Question - Can I be removed as the "responsible party" from a nursing home agreement?

  It may be illegal or unenforceable for a nursing home to require a family member to be the "responsible party" for a relative's nursing home bills.

• Question - Will black lung benefits or Medicare Parts A and B pay for a skilled nursing home?

  This question has been answered by a Caring.com Expert

• Question - How do I get my husband signed up for Medicare Part D?

  Medicare Part D drug coverage is very inexpensive for people eligible for Medicaid and in nursing homes.

• Question - Does Medicare cover adult diapers or pads?

  Does Medicare cover adult diapers or pads when an elderly parent is incontinent? Do medical supply companies bill Medicare for adult diapers or pads?

• Question - What is meant by "medically neccessary" or under what circumstances will Medicare pay for long-term care?

  This question has been answered by a Caring.com Expert

• Question - Should I sign a payment agreement with my mother's rehab center?

  This question has been answered by a Caring.com Expert

• Question - Do any Medigap policies include drug coverage, or must you also get a Part D supplement from another source?

  This question has been answered by a Caring.com Expert

• Question - How do I become a paid caregiver for my own family?

  This question has been answered by a Caring.com Expert

• Question - Does Medicare offer assistance for transportation equipment?

  Medicare Part B can pay most of the cost of wheelchairs and walkers.

• Question - Will my Medicare cover a deviated septum?

  Medicare can cover treatment of a deviated septum if the treatment is "medically necessary."

• Question - How can I get Medicare to pay for my wife's glasses?

  Will Medicare pay for glasses after eye surgery? When a lens is implanted during cataract surgery, Medicare Part B pays for basic glasses.

• Question - Does Medicare pay for glasses after cataract removal?

  Does Medicare pay for glasses after someone has cataract surgery? Yes, in most cases Medicare will pay for one pair of glasses after cataract surgery.

• Question - My mom recently passed away- will I be responsible for the medical bills that were not covered by Medicare?

  Unanswered. Can you help?

• Question - Where do I go to find eligibility rules for Medicare home care?

  Where can I learn about Medicare home care eligibility? Medicare eligibility for home health care is complex -- first order a booklet from Medicare.

• Question - What help is available to pay for prescription drugs?

  Can your parent get financial help to pay for prescription drugs? Does Medicare cover drugs, or are there other ways to get help paying for prescriptions?

• Question - How can I evaluate the insurance companies that offer Medigap plans?

  You can check on the reliability of a company selling a Medigap policy through Medicare and your state's insurance department.

• Question - Are accidents in a foreign country covered by Medicare?

  Medicare doesn't cover medical care during foreign travel, but a Medicare Advantage plan or Medigap insurance policy might.

• Question - Can you use VA benefits in conjunction with Medicare?

  You can use both Medicare and VA medical benefits, if you qualify for both.

• Question - Recently, after one month in the hospital with end stage...

  This question has been answered by a Caring.com Expert

• Question - Does Medicare help with the cost of handicap lifts or ramps?

  This question has been answered by a Caring.com Expert

• Question - After cataract surgery with a lens implant, does Medicare cover any of the cost of new glasses?

  This question has been answered by a Caring.com Expert

• Question - Will Medicare help him pay my salary and secondary insurance help pay for my client's care?

  Unanswered. Can you help?

• Question - If someone cannot pay their Medicare premium can they get an extension or will the plan be terminated?

  This question has been answered by a Caring.com Expert and a Community Member

• Question - Does Medicare cover prescription eyeglasses?

  This question has been answered by a Caring.com Expert

• Question - How can I help my mom, who has chronic pulmonary disease, from across the country?

  This question has been answered by a Caring.com Expert

• Question - What health insurance options are available to someone on Social Security Disability, not yet eligible for Medicare, and whose spouse has no health coverage through her employer?

  This question has been answered by a Caring.com Expert

• Question - Does Medicare provide coverage for type 1 diabetes?

  This question has been answered by a Caring.com Expert

• Question - Will my grandmother lose medicare benefits if she is checked out of a rehab center without a dr's approval?

  This question has been answered by a Caring.com Expert

• Question - Will Medicaid or Medicare help pay for my mother's long-term care?

  Will Medicaid or Medicare help pay for my mother's long term care? Medicare will cover 100 days in a nursing home if certain qualifications are met.

• Question - Will Medicare pay for the shingles vaccine?

  Medicare covers flu, pneumonia and hepatitis B immunizations but doesn't cover the shingles vaccine.

• Question - If I move my mother in with me will it affect her Medicare/Medicaid status?

  This question has been answered by a Caring.com Expert

• Question - Will Medicaid or Medicare pay for my indigent father's nursing home bills?

  Will Medicaid or Medicare pay for my indigent parent's nursing home? I Yes, Medicaid will cover nursing home costs for eligible patients.

• Question - What is my mother's liability to Medicare if she enters a nursing home?

  Unanswered. Can you help?

• Question - Can my mother continue to see her current physical therapist if she isn't Medicare certified?

  This question has been answered by a Caring.com Expert

• Question - Does Medicare cover psychologist's visits?

  Medicare can pay some of the cost of care by a Medicare-participating psychologist. A doctor's referral is usually required.

• Question - Should I take Medicare Part B even though I still work full-time and have health insurance from work?

  This question has been answered by a Caring.com Expert

• Question - Can SSI/Medicare/Medical/Hud Section 8 look for repayments of benefits paid to date, when I am no longer eligible for benefits going forward?

  This question has been answered by a Caring.com Expert

• Question - Will Medicare cover hospitalization if my mother had only been discharged for one day?

  Medicare Part A covers inpatient costs for up to 150 days in any one benefit peeriod.

• Question - Will Medicare pay for more than one MRI in a year in the same area?

  Will Medicare pay for more than one MRI in one year? It's best to make sure your doctor gets approval from Medicare for the second MRI beforehand.

• Question - My parents have a Medicare supplement insurance plan; if we...

  This question has been answered by a Caring.com Expert

• Question - Will Medicare Parts A and B pay for treatment in a psychiatric hospital?

  Medicare Part A pays for up to 190 lifetime days in a psychiatric hospital, plus more inpatient psychiatric coverage in a general hospital.

• Question - Does medicare cover Chiropractic care and services?

  This question has been answered by a Caring.com Expert

• Question - Does Medicare B pay at a higher rate for the required ambulance transport of a morbidly obese bariatric patient?

  Unanswered. Can you help?

• Question - Does Medicare cover children?

  Medicare does not cover medical care for children, but Medicaid and related programs do cover care for children in low-income families.

• Question - Does someone have to be 50 years old to get Medicare if they are receiving Social Security Disability?

  You are eligible for Medicare at any age if you have received Social Security disability benefits for at least 24 months.

• Question - Does Medicare cover prescription eyeglasses?

  This question has been answered by a Caring.com Expert

• Question - How do I help my father decide which Medigap plan is right for him?

  This question has been answered by a Caring.com Expert

• Question - My dad needs 24-hour care and is in a nursing home but has no assets and Medicare won't continue to pay. What do I do?

  This question has been answered by a Caring.com Expert and a Community Member

• Question - Does Medicare cover adult day care for Alzheimer’s...

  Does Medicare cover adult daycare? Medicare cover adult daycare only in very limited ways, like psychiatric help administered at the daycare center.

• Question - Can you help explain Medicare Part D?

  For a small monthly premium, a Medicare Part D plan can help pay prescription drug costs for someone on Medicare through long-term disability.

• Question - Does an inheritance affect Medicare eligibility?

  This question has been answered by a Caring.com Expert

• Question - Why hasn't the age for signing up for Medicare changed to coincide with the eligibility date for drawing social security?

  This question has been answered by a Caring.com Expert

• Question - If I go on Medicare, will my provided health coverage still be in effect?

  Unanswered. Can you help?

• Question - Do I Need Medicare Part D If I Have Blue Cross/Blue Shield from work?

  You may not need a Medicare Part D drug plan, and won't be penalized for not signing up, if you have employer-sponsored drug coverage.

• Question - Which Medicare Advantage plans cover the 48 states and Puerto Rico?

  This question has been answered by a Caring.com Expert

• Question - Does an inheritance affect my Medicare (due to disability) eligibility?

  Will my inheritance affect my Medicare benefits from disability? Medicare benefits aren't affected by an inheritance, except possibly Part B benefits.

• Question - Can my parents access a nursing home without a hospital stay?

  This question has been answered by a Caring.com Expert

• Question - How much will Medicare cost me?

  How much will Medicare cost? Medicare part A probably won't cost you anything, whereas the cost of part B will be based on your income.

• Question - Do I have to have Medicare?

  This question has been answered by a Caring.com Expert

• Question - Will we have to pay out of pocket for nursing home care for my grandmother who has Alzheimers?

  This question has been answered by a Caring.com Expert

• Question - I have a 98 yr old father who can still get around however...

  This question has been answered by a Caring.com Expert

• Question - Can a Medicare-friendly doctor demand payment in full first?

  This question has been answered by a Caring.com Expert

• Question - Do you need a prescription for a walker?

  This question has been answered by a Caring.com Expert

• Question - Can Medicaid take a house to pay for nursing home care?

  This question has been answered by a Caring.com Expert

• Question - How do I enroll a terminal cancer patient in hospice?

  Finding hospice services and learning their requirements is easy. Getting the best fit might take a little more work.

• Question - How do you get financial help if you are between 55 and 60 years old?

  A few government financial benefits are available to someone under age 60.

• Question - Where can I find the list of medical suppliers?

  This question has been answered by a Caring.com Expert

• Question - Am I eligible for disability?

  If you're under 65 and can't do substantial paid work, you may get Social Security disability, SSI and Medicaid, plus Medicare after two years.

• Question - Where do I get financial help for my 88 year old mother?

  A senior with low income and assets can qualify for SSI benefits of $600 to $800 per month, Medicaid and a very low-cost prescription drug plan.

• Question - How can I convince my mother's doctor to keep her out of a rehab facility?

  This question has been answered by a Community Member

• Question - How can I get the dental care I need if I can't afford it and have no dental insurance?

  This question has been answered by a Caring.com Expert

• Question - How can I find a new doctor that accepts Medicare?

  The Medicare web site has an interactive tool that can tell you what doctors, listed by their medical specialty, in your area participate in Medicare.

• Question - Can I be held responsible for my mother's medical bills?

  This question has been answered by a Caring.com Expert

• Question - What do I need to apply for Medicaid for my mother, for whom I'm guardian?

  To apply for Medicaid, you need records of income and assets. If it's for nursing home care, you need financial transactions from the past 5 years.

• Question - How can I find a new doctor and can my wife qualify for SSI?

  Medicare's web site has a tool to help you find a doctor who accepts Medicare patients. SSI is based on a couple's joint income and assets.

• Question - If my dad and I jointly own a home, can Medicaid still take it to pay for long-term care expenses associated with a nursing home?

  Unanswered. Can you help?

• Question - Am I responsible for my parent's debt?

  Am I responsible for my parent's debt? I recently discovered that my father has several thousand of dollars of debt. Are parent debts transferable?

• Question - Where can we find low cost dental treatments for my mom in Phoeniz, AZ?

  This question has been answered by a Community Member

• Question - My mother is a veteran's widow. What kind of rights does she have in choosing a home health aide?

  This question has been answered by two Caring.com Experts

Tips & Reflections

• Tip - Get Medicare to Cover Your Parent's Physical Exam

  Except for an initial "wellness" exam when your parent...

• Tip - Beware of Hospital Outpatient Bills Under Medicare

  Under Medicare, hospitals can charge much more than doctors or labs. Taking some basic steps can help you avoid paying too much.

• Tip - Make Sure Your Parents Sign Up for Medicare at Age 65

  Even if your parents have private healthcare insurance...

• Tip - Medicare Managed Care Plan Coverage When Traveling

  Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B provide the same...

• Tip - Save Your Parent 15 Percent on Medical Bills

  Whenever your parent is about to see a doctor or other...

• Tip - Fall Drug-Coverage Checkup

  About 55 percent of people with Medicare have signed...

• Tip - Medicare Can Cover Nursing Facility Recovery

  Medicare Part A can cover your parent's stay in a skilled nursing facility during recovery from an illness or injury. Here's how it works.

• Tip - Save Your Parent Money on Physical Therapy

  Medicare Part B covers physical therapy if a doctor...

• Tip - Look to the Web for Hidden Health Benefits

  Even if your parents are already signed up for Medicare...

• Tip - Medicare Covers Some Obesity Treatment

  Medicare now covers some obesity treatment. Read this tip to find out what treatments are included.

• Tip - Remind Your Mom That Medicare Pays for a Regular Mammogram and Pelvic Exam

  Over the past decade, Medicare has been improving its...

• Tip - Medicare Coverage for Your Parent With Diabetes

  Find out what diabetes services and supplies are covered under Medicare.

News

• News - High Co-Pays Cause Seniors to Go Without Meds

  WEDNESDAY, Sept. 5 (HealthDay News) -- Seniors enrolled...

• News - Medicare Spending Caps Cause Seniors to Stop Meds

  TUESDAY, Sept. 11 (HealthDay News) -- Some American...

• News - Medicare Offers Smallest Rise in Premiums in 6 Years

  MONDAY, Oct. 1 (HealthDay News) -- Medicare's standard...

• News - Women Less Likely to Get Heart Defibrillators

  TUESDAY, Oct. 2 (HealthDay News) -- Women are less...

• News - Medicare Changes Didn't Alter Cancer Care

  MONDAY, Oct. 8 (HealthDay News) -- A 2003 overhaul...

• News - Medicaid Managed Care Seems to Fall Short

  TUESDAY, Oct. 9 (HealthDay News) -- Medicaid enrollees...

• News - Most Medicare Recipients Ignore Colorectal Cancer Screening

  MONDAY, Dec. 10 (HealthDay News) -- The majority of...

• News - Home-Based Senior Care Program Has Limited Benefits

  TUESDAY, Dec. 11 (HealthDay News) -- An intensive,...

• News - Uninsured Benefit Once They Are Covered by Medicare

  THURSDAY, Dec. 27 (HealthDay News) -- People who are...

• News - Medicare Drug Plan Fuels Health-Care Spending

  TUESDAY, Jan. 8 (HealthDay News) -- The new Medicare...