Margaret Johnson Ware
Independent Consultant, MyMedicareMatters.org
Margaret Johnson Ware, MBA, has more than 15 years of experience assisting individuals in navigating issues regarding health insurance, family caregiver support and access to health services. She is an independent consultant to individuals, families and aging and health organizations, including MyMedicareMatters.org.
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Question
What are the time requirements for Medicare Part D explanation of benefits?
This is an excellent example of why it's a good idea to sign up for a personal account with mymedicare.gov Having immediate access to... This is an excellent example of why it's a good idea to sign up for a personal account with mymedicare.gov Having immediate access to EOBs and other paperwork (including the option of receiving your "Medicare and You" booklet electronically) can keep you up to date. The system will also alert you about preventive tests that you are due for! see more
Question
Medicare supplement and medigap travel outside of US. Anyone experience this?
My initial reaction is that you don't want to try and be too "cute" about something like this. Rules like a 60-day window are... My initial reaction is that you don't want to try and be too "cute" about something like this. Rules like a 60-day window are there to insure that you are a "traveller," not a part-time resident of another jurisdiction. You may also want to look into supplemental travel insurance policies, although they may have some or all of the same stipulations.
Also remember that these policies are for emergency treatments. More than one "out of the country" claim from the same general area may raise a red flag. Having said that, I would keep documentation of all my entrances and exits (plane tickets, passport stamps, etc.) to back up any claim you may have to make. see more
Also remember that these policies are for emergency treatments. More than one "out of the country" claim from the same general area may raise a red flag. Having said that, I would keep documentation of all my entrances and exits (plane tickets, passport stamps, etc.) to back up any claim you may have to make. see more
Question
Mom's SS check was direct deposited into our joint checking acct. before she passed. Do I have any recourse?
Social Security always pays the month following -- you have to be alive for the whole month to qualify, as people have pointed out. So if... Social Security always pays the month following -- you have to be alive for the whole month to qualify, as people have pointed out. So if it was the April deposit that was canceled, there is something wrong.
I would start first with the local Social Security office and point out the mistake. If for some reason that is not successful, I would urge you to contact your Congressional Representative's local office. This is exactly what the case workers on staff are for. They have a relationship with Social Security and should be able to "fix" it. Let us know what happens! see more
I would start first with the local Social Security office and point out the mistake. If for some reason that is not successful, I would urge you to contact your Congressional Representative's local office. This is exactly what the case workers on staff are for. They have a relationship with Social Security and should be able to "fix" it. Let us know what happens! see more
How does the penalty under Medicare part D work?
First, remember that your mom has "saved" money all these years by not having a Part D plan, so hopefully that makes the penalty a bit easier to swallow. In addition, depending on her financial situation, she may not be subject to the penalty. Her medical condition qualifies her for Home and Community-Based care through Medicaid.
You can see information on Part D and the penalties, In addition, a SHIP counselor at your local senior center can assist. If your state has a State Pharmaceutical Assistance program, she may be eligible to enroll immediately (also true if she is relatively low-income.)
I would do a lot of investigation before enrolling a dementia patient in an HMO. I would want to make sure that they had a full complement of specialists that she needed. Again, a Medicaid Waiver program may be her best choice. see more