Medicare for Caregivers

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Learn the basics of Medicare, including the minimum age for Medicare, who receives Medicare, and the difference between Medicare Part A and B.

Mar 22, 2024

What Is Medicare and How Do I Get Started? Read Article

NCOA partners only with licensed Medicare brokers that meet our strict Standards of Excellence (SOE). Find out how this can help you find the right Medicare plan.

May 20, 2024

What Are the Medicare Standards of Excellence—and How Do They Help Older Adults? Read Article

Two people, whose faces can't be seen, are sitting at a table discussing finances together with their computers.

Nov 20, 2023

What Is a SHIP and How Can It Help Me? Read Article

An older female caregiver looks fondly on a much older senior man who's sitting down, smiling by a window.

Aug 3, 2020

FAQ: Medicare Coverage of Hospice Care Read Article

Medicare Part B covers advance care planning to decide what type of care may be right for you in the event of life-limiting conditions or illness.

Apr 8, 2019

Medicare Coverage of Advance Care Planning Read Article

5 Steps to Getting Started With Medicare

Taking the time to learn about your coverage options, estimate your costs, and talk to a Medicare expert can help you make an informed choice. Use these five steps for yourself—and share it with others who are getting ready to enroll in Medicare.

Learn How to Get Started

If you’re 65 or getting close to it, enrolling in Medicare may be on your mind. This 5-step checklist can help you get started with confidence.

Family caregivers can find financial assistance through their loved one's Medicare Advantage plan, life insurance policy and caregiving grants.

Jun 14, 2024

Finding Financial Assistance for Family Caregivers Read Article

May 20, 2024

Medicare Savings Programs: Who Qualifies and How to Apply Read Article

May 20, 2024

Misleading Medicare Marketing: Don't Be Fooled During Medicare Open Enrollment Read Article

May 20, 2024

Medicare Savings Programs vs. Medicare Medical Savings Accounts: Are They the Same? Read Article

Medicare Guidance

Timing is critically important when it comes to enrolling in Medicare. Use these resources from NCOA to help guide you.

Free help from trusted experts

Navigating Medicare coverage options can be confusing. Get support from a Medicare expert that won't try to pressure you to purchase a specific plan.

Talk to an NCOA Partner Today

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Learn how a Medicare broker can help and why you should consider talking to one.

May 20, 2024

What Is a Medicare Broker and Why Should You Consider Talking to One?

Medically needy programs give high-risk older adults a path to Medicaid-covered long-term care they were denied due to their excess income.

May 7, 2024

Why Is Medically Needy Medicaid Good for Long-Term Care?

Most Medicare Advantage (MA) plans include Medicare prescription drug coverage (Part D). Here’s what you should know when choosing an MA plan.

Apr 23, 2024

Are Prescriptions Covered Under Medicare Advantage Plans?

Worried about your heart health? See which conditions qualify as heart disease and what services, like cardiovascular screenings, that Medicare will cover.

Apr 23, 2024

Does Medicare Cover Heart Disease?

An up close shot of a senior man's hearing aid.

Mar 26, 2024

Medicare and Hearing Health for Seniors

A black senior couple is at the hospital, speaking to the doctor before the senior woman's surgery.

Mar 22, 2024

What Does Original Medicare Cover?

A doctor's stethoscope sits on top of a stack of one hundred dollar bills.

Mar 22, 2024

Understanding Medicare’s Part D Low Income Subsidy (LIS/Extra Help)

Standards of Excellence

Standards of Excellence

Mar 19, 2024

Standards of Excellence

Medicare nursing home coverage is strictly limited. Learn how long Medicare will pay for nursing home care and other ways to manage the expense.

Mar 5, 2024

Does Medicare Cover Nursing Homes? What Older Adults and Caregivers Should Know

Non-medical supplemental benefits are something to think about when choosing a Medicare Advantage plan. Learn about some of the latest extra coverages available.

Mar 5, 2024

The New, Non-Medical Benefits of Medicare Advantage Plans in 2024

Regardless of the type of Medicare coverage, everyone is entitled to certain rights and has certain responsibilities. Learn more.

Feb 28, 2024

State Health Insurance Assistance Program

Our integrated care toolkit breaks down Medicare and Medicaid coverage options in an easy-to-understand format for counselors and consumers.

Feb 27, 2024

Obesity Treatment and Medicare: A Guide to Understanding Coverage

What is IRMAA and Am I Eligible for an Adjustment?

Feb 21, 2024

How to Request an Adjustment to Your IRMAA Medicare Premium

When you earn too much money to qualify for Medicaid, a Medicaid spend down of your extra income on medical care can help you become eligible.

Feb 20, 2024

What Is Medicaid Spend Down?

Benefits Enrollment Centers (BECs) help Medicare-eligible, low-income older adults and younger adults with disabilities find and enroll in all the benefits programs for which they qualify.

Feb 12, 2024

How Do Benefits Enrollment Centers Help Older Adults?

The FDA fully approved Leqembi® for early-stage Alzheimer’s treatment and Medicare Part B covers it. Here’s what to know about access, cost, and more.

Feb 5, 2024

Alzheimer's Medication Leqembi is Covered by Medicare—But Access and Effectiveness Questions Remain

A senior woman of what looks to be native descent is looking at a qualified health plan with her partner who is a man. What is a QHP? Find out how these plans may help you get the coverage you need before you become Medicare-eligible.

Jan 27, 2024

What Is a Qualified Health Plan (QHP)?

Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs) are opportunities to make changes to your Medicare coverage outside the normal enrollment windows. Learn what they are and how to qualify.

Jan 26, 2024

Understanding the Medicare Enrollment Periods: A Guide for Professionals

If you have Medicare Part B, you are eligible for a cognitive screening with your physician during your Annual Wellness Visit.

Jan 19, 2024

Ask for a Cognitive Evaluation During Your Next Annual Wellness Visit

The Medicare Savings Programs and the Medicare Shared Savings Program have similar names, but they're different. Learn how these programs work.

Jan 18, 2024

What’s the Difference Between the Medicare Savings Programs and the Medicare Shared Savings Program?

Make sure you read your Medicare notices. They include important information, such as why your care was denied and how you can appeal.

Jan 18, 2024

How to Start the Medicare Appeals Process

No prescription drug coverage? The Limited Income NET Program offers short-term cost relief for Medicare enrollees who qualify for Extra Help.

Jan 16, 2024

What Is the Limited Income NET Program (LI NET)?

Will LINET pay for my medications? How do I use LINET at the pharmacy? Where do I submit drug claim forms? Find answers in this straightforward guide.

Jan 16, 2024

Navigating LI NET: Everything You Need to Know About Using Your Benefits

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Jan 12, 2024

Alzheimer's Drug Aduhelm Narrowly Covered by Medicare

Congress eliminated cost-sharing for all vaccines covered under Medicare Part D, meaning Medicare now covers the entire cost of the shingles vaccine and others recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.

Jan 5, 2024

Are All Vaccines Fully Covered by Medicare and Medicaid?

A senior Hispanic woman is getting her pneumonia vaccine.

Jan 5, 2024

Does Medicare Cover the Pneumonia Vaccine?

Closeup shot of a hospital bill alongside a Medicare enrollment form.

Jan 2, 2024

Medicare Enrollment Periods: A Guide for Older Adults

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Jan 2, 2024

SSDI and Medicare: 5 Things You Need to Know

Close up shot of a person holding a cell phone, looking at their calendar trying to make a decision.

Dec 19, 2023

When Is the Medicare General Enrollment Period?

Timing is critically important when it comes to enrolling in Medicare. Here's what you need to know.

Dec 13, 2023

When Is the Best Time to Enroll in Medicare?

Original Medicare does not cover 20% of your medical costs or prescription drugs. To bridge the cost gap, people with Medicare can choose Medicare Supplement (Medigap) or Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C) coverage.

Dec 13, 2023

How to Cover the Medical Costs Medicare Doesn't Cover

Choosing a Medicare plan is an important decision, but it’s not necessarily an easy one. Here’s where to turn for unbiased support and guidance.

Dec 12, 2023

Who Is the Best Person to Talk to About Medicare?

If you have Medicare and get SNAP, you may wonder how that affects your eligibility for the Part D Low Income Subsidy (LIS). Here's what you need to know.

Dec 7, 2023

Does Getting SNAP Affect My Eligibility for Part D LIS/Extra Help?

New policy changes in 2024 will increase the number of Medicare-approved mental health providers and help more older adults get the care they need.

Dec 1, 2023

Expanded Mental Health Care Access for People With Medicare

The Medicare Part B Diabetes Self-Management Training (DSMT) benefit helps eligible beneficiaries learn to manage their diabetes. A Medigap plan offers benefits to pay for costs not covered by Medicare Parts A and B.

Nov 20, 2023

How to Pay Your Medicare Premiums

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps people with low income eat healthier. But it offers several financial benefits as well. Learn why it makes financial sense.

Nov 8, 2023

How to Apply for Medicare: A Guide for Older Adults

If you’re enrolled in Medicare Part D, there are certain times and situations when you have the ability to switch plans. Here’s what you need to know.

Nov 8, 2023

How To Change Medicare Part D Plans

Will Medicare pay for assisted living? Learn about Medicare’s coverage limitations and various options for funding this type of long-term care.

Nov 7, 2023

Does Medicare Pay for Assisted Living?

A senior man is looking up, where many question marks surround him - indicating that he's trying to make a decision.

Nov 7, 2023

How to Choose a Medicare Plan During Open Enrollment

With rising costs, it’s natural to be worried about affording your insulin. Learn what Medicare covers and how you can save on your diabetes medication.

Nov 6, 2023

Diabetes and Insulin: A Guide to Paying with Medicare

Sponsored by state Medicaid agencies, Medicare Savings Programs relieve some out-of-pocket Medicare expenses for people with low income.

Oct 31, 2023

What Are Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs)?

Get answers to your questions and stay on top of updates and support for working with the Healthy Aging Programs Integrated Database (HAPI-D).

Oct 31, 2023

Explore Your Medicare Coverage Options

A black female pharmacist is returning the credit card to female senior woman after receiving the payment.

Oct 31, 2023

Medicare Part D: How to Get "Extra Help" Paying for Prescriptions

An older Asian woman is looking at her tablet while seated outside at a cafe.

Oct 31, 2023

Understanding Your Medicare Choices

Medicare scams are common and come in all different forms. Learn about the warning signs of a scam—and smart ways to keep your information safe.

Oct 30, 2023

5 Warning Signs of a Medicare Scam—and How to Protect Yourself

There is a lot riding on your choice of a Medicare plan. Here are six questions to consider before deciding on your coverage options.

Oct 30, 2023

Top 6 Questions to Ask Before Enrolling in a Medicare Plan

The major difference between Medicare and Medicaid is that Medicare depends on age and Medicaid depends on income. Some older adults qualify for both.

Oct 30, 2023

What Is the Difference Between Medicare and Medicaid?

Prescription drug costs can add up and not everyone qualifies for Medicare’s Part D Low Income Subsidy (LIS/Extra Help) program. There are other ways to get help with prescription drug costs such as taking generic drugs and finding a Patient Assistance Program.

Oct 27, 2023

How to Get Help With Your Prescription Drug Costs

Learn what you may pay for Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage.

Oct 25, 2023

What Are Medicare Part D Costs in 2024?

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Oct 25, 2023

Medicaid and Medicare Savings Programs

Learn the differences between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage and how to sign up for coverage.

Oct 23, 2023

Weighing the Pros and Cons of Medicare Advantage

There’s Medicare Open Enrollment, 10/5-12/7, and Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment, 1/1-3/31. Find out how they differ and how to make the most of these options.

Oct 20, 2023

What's the Difference Between Medicare's Open Enrollment Period and Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment?

Veterans age 65 or older can enroll in Medicare while maintaining their VA or TRICARE for Life benefits. Learn how it works.

Oct 19, 2023

How Does Medicare Work with VA Benefits and TRICARE for Life?

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Oct 19, 2023

How to Avoid the Medicare Part D Donut Hole

The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period is a great time to consider whether a Medicare Advantage plan is right for you. Here’s what you should know.

Oct 18, 2023

3 Things You Should Know About Medicare Advantage Plans

Does Medicare cover you anywhere you go? From Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage, find out how portable your benefits are.

Oct 18, 2023

Does Medicare Cover You Anywhere?

A hundred dollar bill, with Ben Franklin showing through, is surrounded with prescription pills.

Oct 18, 2023

What Are the Costs of Medicare Advantage?

Use this handy checklist from NCOA and Aetna if you’re considering making changes to your current Medicare Advantage plan or enrolling in a new one during the Annual Enrollment Period.

Oct 13, 2023

A 7-Point Checklist for Choosing a Medicare Advantage Plan

Before choosing a plan, it’s important to have a good understanding of what your Medicare out-of-pocket costs might be for the year.

Oct 13, 2023

What You'll Pay in Out-of-Pocket Medicare Costs in 2024

Proper medication management is important to manage your overall health, monitor chronic conditions, and reduce your risk for a fall.

Oct 6, 2023

When to Apply for Medicare

Medicare may pay for some memory care costs for eligible enrollees with dementia. Understand what’s covered and other ways to pay for long term Alzheimer’s care.

Sep 25, 2023

Does Medicare Cover Memory Care? A Comprehensive Guide

While Medicare does not cover independent living costs, there are other ways to pay. See how and whether this housing choice is right for you.

Sep 22, 2023

Does Medicare Cover Independent Living? A Comprehensive Guide

Medicare Advantage plans may cover certain things that original Medicare cannot, like dental care, vision care, hearing aids, transportation, or gym memberships. Here's what to know and what to ask.

Sep 20, 2023

What Are Medicare Advantage Supplemental Benefits?

Medicare can now negotiate drug prices with drug companies as part of the Inflation Reduction Act. Find out what this means for Medicare beneficiaries.

Sep 14, 2023

Can Medicare Negotiate the Cost of Prescription Drugs?

As with other transitions in life, becoming eligible for Medicare can bring up a lot of questions and concerns. Here’s some advice to make your shift to Medicare a bit smoother and simpler.

Sep 7, 2023

Your First Medicare Plan: Options to Consider as You Approach 65

Older adults with low income may struggle to afford Medicare’s out-of-pocket costs. Medicare Savings Programs can help—learn what they’re all about.

Jul 14, 2023

5 Steps to Getting Started With Medicare Savings Programs

There are special rules around when you need to stop contributing to a health savings Account (HSA) before joining Medicare. Here's what to know.

Jun 29, 2023

What Older Adults Need to Know About Health Savings Accounts and Medicare

Medicare Part B covers durable medical equipment (DME) like wheelchairs, walkers, oxygen equipment, and some medical supplies, but you must have it prescribed by your doctor. Learn more about how to ensure coverage for this type of support.

Jun 15, 2023

Durable Medical Equipment: What's Covered by Medicare?

A senior Caucasian woman is at her mailbox collecting letters, looking straight on at the camera.

May 25, 2023

Did You Receive a Letter from the Social Security Administration? Here’s What You Need to Know

Medicare plans can change every year—that’s why all beneficiaries should check their coverage annually to see if it’s still a good fit. Here’s what you need to know.

Apr 27, 2023

Why Older Adults Should Review Their Medicare Coverage Each Year

Changes to Medicare in 2023 mean you will get coverage sooner after enrollment. Here's what to know.

Apr 7, 2023

Understanding Changes to Medicare Enrollment Periods in 2023

Qualified Disabled Working Individual (QDWI) is one of four Medicare Savings Programs that can help lower your out-of-pocket Medicare costs. Learn how it works.

Mar 28, 2023

What Is the Qualified Disabled Working Individual Program?

The Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) program can help you lower your out-of-pocket Medicare costs if you have low income. Find out if you qualify.

Mar 4, 2023

What Is the Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) Program?

The Qualifying Individual (QI) program is one of four Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs). Find out what it covers and who qualifies for help.

Mar 1, 2023

What Is the Qualifying Individual (QI) Program?

The Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) program helps people in need pay for their Medicare premiums and cost sharing. See what it covers and who qualifies.

Feb 16, 2023

What Is the Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) Program?

Medicaid is a public health insurance program for people with low income and limited resources. Find out who is eligible and how to apply.

Dec 9, 2022

What Is Medicaid? A Guide for Older Adults

Medicare Advantage and Medigap are not the same. Learn how these plans work, the differences between the two, and the pros and cons of each.

Dec 2, 2022

What Is the Difference Between Medicare Advantage and Medigap?

Learn how to search for your best Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage plan, when to sign up, and more.

Nov 30, 2022

Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Coverage: What Older Adults Need to Know

Introduced in 2011, the Medicare Annual Wellness Visit is a free benefit focused on health promotion and preventive care.

Jul 28, 2022

The Medicare Annual Wellness Visit: What Older Adults Should Know

For people enrolled in Original Medicare (Parts A & B) the differences between a participating provider, a non-participating provider, and an opt-out provider, are important to understand.

Jul 28, 2022

What the 3 Types of Health Care Providers Mean for Medicare Beneficiaries

Make sure you read your Medicare notices. They include important information, such as why your care was denied and how you can appeal.

Jul 11, 2022

How to Appeal a Medicare Coverage Denial

Help fight Medicare fraud and abuse this Medicare Fraud Prevention Week and all year long with these tips from the Senior Medicare Patrol.

Jun 1, 2022

Medicare Fraud And Abuse: How Seniors Can Protect Themselves

A senior Hispanic woman is receiving her COVID vaccine at home.

Dec 2, 2021

How to Get the COVID Vaccine and Booster to Homebound Older Adults

Older Hispanic man getting mail out of his mailbox outside.

Sep 28, 2021

Junk or Not? How to Sort Your Medicare Mail

A close up shot of a birthday cake with a lot of candles being lit.

Sep 15, 2021

Turning 65? Follow Your Path to Medicare

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Sep 15, 2021

Medicare and the Marketplace: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

If you're shopping around for Medicare Part D drug plan, you should consider several things in addition to costs. Use this checklist to help assess plan options for prescription coverage and costs.

Aug 31, 2021

Checklist to Help You Choose a Medicare Part D Plan

A middle aged man, along with his young son, is taking a stroll in the park with his elderly father that's using a walker.

Aug 27, 2021

Common Questions and Answers for Caregivers About Medicare Open Enrollment

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Jul 29, 2021

It's Medicare's Birthday. A Time for Reflection. A Time for Change.

A senior Caucasian woman is listening to her healthcare options from a Black female doctor.

Jul 16, 2021

Choice Error: How Choosing A Medicare Plan Could Impact Your Finances and Health

A Black senior woman is at her kitchen table, looking at her financials and working on her laptop.

May 11, 2021

5 Steps to Choosing a Medicare Plan

An older man holds a nest that contains two golden eggs and a blank social security card.

Jan 7, 2021

Early Social Security Retirement: A Losing Proposition?

Senior sorts through daily prescriptions and places them into a daily pill container.

Aug 18, 2020

How to Save Money on Medications

An older woman is supporting her senior husband while measuring blood pressure and looking at his medication.

Apr 2, 2020

Ensuring Access to Needed Medications During the COVID-19 Pandemic

An older man is seen placing his hand near his face, indicating a tooth ache.

Sep 3, 2019

Medicare and Dental Coverage

An older Caucasian woman is getting an eye exam.

Sep 3, 2019

Medicare and Vision Coverage

A masked postal worker in New York City holds a canvas bag full of mail and is loading it into his vehicle before heading out for the day.

May 12, 2019

Medicare for Federal and State Employees and Retirees

Older Caucasian couple reviewing medical information with doctor on a tablet.

Mar 30, 2019

Differences Between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage

A senior Caucasian woman is having her blood pressure checked while receiving care in her home.

Mar 28, 2018

4 Ways to Prevent Heart Disease Using Medicare

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