Health Care Benefits for Older Adults

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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 1, 2023

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

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Oct 12, 2022

Medicare Enrollment Periods Read Article

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Mar 11, 2021

A Complete Guide to Medicare Open Enrollment Read Article

BenefitsCheckUp®

Find out how BenefitsCheckUp connects millions of older adults and people with disabilities with benefits programs that can help pay for health care, medicine, food, utilities, and more.

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BenefitsCheckUp® makes it easy to find benefits to help you pay for food, medicine, health care, and more. Find out how to get help today.

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Your location, health, age at retirement, lifestyle, and longevity all influence your overall health care costs in retirement. Learn why you should plan for health care in retirement.

Sep 28, 2023

Why Retirement Planning Should Include Medicare and Health Care Costs Read Article

Sep 27, 2023

Does Long-Term Care Insurance Cover Memory Care? A Comprehensive Guide Read Article

Sep 25, 2023

Does Medicare Cover Memory Care? A Comprehensive Guide Read Article

Sep 22, 2023

Does Long-Term Care Insurance Cover Assisted Living? A Comprehensive Guide Read Article

Medicare Open Enrollment Is Here

Medicare's Open Enrollment runs October 15 through December 7. Get help understanding your Medicare plan options, how much it might cost you, and when you are required to make a decision. Explore NCOA's resources, tools, and experts.

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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 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

Medical debt affects millions of older adults and can have a major impact on your financial security. Here’s what to do if those medical bills are piling up.

Sep 6, 2023

How Does Medical Debt Affect Older Adults?

Does Medicaid cover memory care? The answer isn’t so straightforward. Learn about the types of services Medicaid covers for people with dementia.

Aug 22, 2023

Does Medicaid Cover Memory Care?

For qualifying beneficiaries, Medicaid typically pays 100% of nursing home costs. Learn more about Medicaid nursing home coverage and how it works.

Aug 22, 2023

Does Medicaid Pay for Nursing Homes? A Comprehensive Guide

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

Aug 10, 2023

How to Choose a Medicare Plan During Open Enrollment

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.

Jul 27, 2023

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

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

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.

Jul 7, 2023

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

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

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.

Jun 28, 2023

5 Steps to Getting Started With Medicare

Can Medicaid help cover the costs of assisted living? Learn about Medicaid waiver programs and how they can make long-term care more affordable.

Jun 22, 2023

Does Medicaid Pay for Assisted Living?

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?

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

Jun 7, 2023

Does Medicare Pay for Assisted Living?

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

The end of the public health emergency (PHE) also means the end of Medicaid coverage for millions of Americans. Here’s how you can prepare.

May 12, 2023

Unwinding of Medicaid Continuous Coverage: What Does It Mean for You?

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

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

Apr 7, 2023

What Is the Difference Between Medicare and Medicaid?

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

If you can’t pay your out-of-pocket Medicare costs, a Medicare Savings Program (MSP) can help. See who qualifies and where to get an application.

Mar 29, 2023

Medicare Savings Programs: Who Qualifies and How to Apply

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?

Read about low-income older adults who learned they qualify for financial help through local and government benefits programs. See if you’re eligible, too.

Mar 14, 2023

How One 68-Year-Old Found More Than $7,000 in Life-Changing Benefits

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.

Mar 13, 2023

Who Is the Best Person to Talk to About Medicare?

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?

Inflation hits older adults hard. Discover crucial benefits programs that help bridge the gap between income and the rising costs of daily living.

Mar 3, 2023

Benefits Programs That Can Help Older Adults Reduce Monthly Expenses

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.

Mar 1, 2023

A 7-Point Checklist for Choosing a Medicare Advantage Plan

During Medicare Open Enrollment (Oct. 15-Dec. 7), ads for Medicare Advantage plans may intentionally or unintentionally mislead you into thinking one plan is better for you than another. Here's what to look out for.

Mar 1, 2023

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

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

Mar 1, 2023

What Are Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs)?

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?

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.

Feb 28, 2023

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

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?

Medicare Savings Programs and Medicare Medical Savings Account Plans can both help you manage your Medicare costs—but their similarities end there. Get the facts.

Feb 15, 2023

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

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Feb 10, 2023

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

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

Jan 20, 2023

Does Medicare Cover Heart Disease?

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

If you receive both Medicare and Medicaid, you may qualify for a Dual Eligible Special Needs Plan (D-SNP), which combines all your benefits into one plan. Here’s what older adults need to know.

Nov 30, 2022

What Is a Dual Eligible Special Needs Plan (D-SNP)?

Original Medicare excludes most dental, vision, and hearing care services—with some exceptions. Here’s what older adults need to know.

Nov 22, 2022

What Medicare Covers for Dental, Vision, and Hearing: A Guide for Older Adults

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.

Nov 18, 2022

What You'll Pay in Out-of-Pocket Medicare Costs in 2023

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.

Nov 12, 2022

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

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

Nov 10, 2022

Does Medicare Cover You Anywhere?

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 31, 2022

3 Things You Should Know About Medicare Advantage Plans

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Oct 27, 2022

What Are the Costs of Medicare Advantage?

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Oct 24, 2022

Medicare Parts A and B Costs

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

Oct 21, 2022

The New, Non-Medical Benefits of Medicare Advantage Plans in 2023

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

Oct 17, 2022

Are Prescriptions Covered Under Medicare Advantage Plans?

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

Sep 30, 2022

What Medicare Part D Costs in 2023

A close up shot of a prescription bottle, money, pills, demonstrating the high-cost of prescriptions.

Aug 9, 2022

Prescription Help from States and Drug Manufacturers

A telehealth service is a full visit with a provider that requires real-time communication through audio and video technology. Find out how Medicare covers telehealth.

Aug 6, 2022

How Medicare Covers Telehealth Services

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

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.

Jul 11, 2022

Diabetes and Insulin: A Guide to Paying with Medicare

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

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.

May 19, 2022

How Do Benefits Enrollment Centers Help Older Adults?

Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) are groups of doctors, hospitals, and other health care professionals that work together to give you better care.

May 3, 2022

Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs): What You Need to Know

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Jan 26, 2022

Medicaid and Medicare Savings Programs

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Jan 19, 2022

How to Get Help Paying for Food, Housing, and Healthcare

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Dec 22, 2021

How to Avoid the Medicare Part D Donut Hole

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Oct 18, 2021

How to Move from Expansion Medicaid to Medicare

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Sep 28, 2021

Junk or Not? How to Sort Your Medicare Mail

A caucasian male doctor is giving medical advice to his older adult patient.

Sep 22, 2021

Transitioning from the Health Insurance Marketplace to Medicare

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Sep 15, 2021

Turning 65? Follow Your Path to Medicare

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

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Jul 16, 2021

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

A senior Caucasian man is at his doctor's office receiving a wellness exam. The Black doctor is examining the man's throat.

Jul 7, 2021

Using Medicare Benefits Post-COVID

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Jun 29, 2021

How Medicare Works with Federal Employee Health Insurance

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Jun 17, 2021

What Is Medicaid Estate Recovery? And How Does It Work?

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

Mar 18, 2021

What Is a SHIP and How Can It Help Me?

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Mar 17, 2021

SSDI and Medicare: 5 Things You Need to Know

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

Mar 10, 2021

How to Enroll in Medicare Advantage

People who enroll in Medicare Part D outside of specific periods may face a late enrollment penalty.

Jun 22, 2020

What Is the Penalty for Enrolling Late in Medicare Part D?

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Apr 28, 2020

What Is a Part D Indication-Based Formulary?

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Nov 23, 2019

When Is the Medicare General Enrollment Period?

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Aug 1, 2019

4 Tips to Stop Scammers Now

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 closeup shot of the pages of a calendar turning, indicating time passing.

Nov 1, 2018

Understanding the Medicare Enrollment Periods

An older Asian woman is holding a red thought bubble sign in her hand that has a yellow question mark inside of it.

Mar 30, 2018

Questions to Ask Before Joining a Medicare Advantage Plan

A large question mark is in the center of the screen on a digital tablet that a senior person is holding.

Mar 30, 2018

Questions to Ask Before Purchasing a Medigap Policy

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