Medicare answers help people with Medicare, their families and caregivers–understand Medicare benefits and options. Articles feature Medicare coverage advice, basic health tips, and links to vital health care resources. For in-depth Medicare information and resources, visit the Medicare Rights Center’s free and independent online reference tool, Medicare Interactive.
Dear Marci,
I just looked at my mother’s latest Explanation of Benefits, and her equipment supplier is continuing to bill Medicare for a knee CPM machine that my mother rented after a fall, but has since returned. Should I look into this further, both to protect my mother and to avoid scamming Medicare?
– Karen (Rock Springs, WY)
Dear Marci,
I recently enrolled in premium-free Part A, but learned that I will have to pay a premium for Part B. Could I get some information on Medicare Savings Programs, which I’m told would cover my Part B premium?
– Toshio (Philadelphia, PA)
Dear Marci,
Is it ever permissible to delay enrolling in Medicare altogether? I’m still a year off from turning 65, I’m working and covered by my workplace health plan, and I’d like to weigh all options open to me.
– Amanda (Olive Branch, MS)
Dear Marci,
How does Medicare coordinate with insurance from an employer?
– Zayden (Buffalo, NY)
Dear Marci,
I am in charge of my father’s care, and he was recently hospitalized as an inpatient. How does his Medicare work for his hospital stay, and what can I do if the hospital wants to release him before I think he’s ready to be discharged?
– Julianne (Cary, NC)
Dear Marci,
My wife’s recent hospitalization was confusing for both of us and we are having difficulty figuring out her bills. How can we better understand Medicare coverage for hospital stays and how much services will cost us?
– Dustin (Chicago, IL)
Dear Marci,
I just turned 65 and don’t feel like I know very much about what’s covered and what’s not covered under Medicare. How can my doctor help me get the services and care I’m entitled to receive, and how can I be sure her recommendations are in my best interests?
– Noreen (Jonesboro, AR)
If you have Medicare and are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage (MA) plan, you can switch to Original Medicare during the Medicare Advantage Disenrollment Period (MADP), which occurs every year from January 1 to February 14.
Dear Marci,
While I am not anticipating any problems with my private insurance plan, I would like to be prepared for the worst. If difficulties arise, am I allowed to change plans at any time?
– Ronald (Bowman, ND)
Dear Marci,
I’m not satisfied with my Medicare Advantage Plan, and I’d like to switch either to another plan or go back to Original Medicare. When is it permissible for me to make a change?
– Winifred (Pearland, TX)
Dear Marci,
I just looked at my mother’s latest Explanation of Benefits, and her equipment supplier is continuing to bill Medicare for a knee CPM machine that my mother rented after a fall, but has since returned. Should I look into this further, both to protect my mother and to avoid scamming Medicare?
– Karen (Rock Springs, WY)
Dear Marci,
I recently enrolled in premium-free Part A, but learned that I will have to pay a premium for Part B. Could I get some information on Medicare Savings Programs, which I’m told would cover my Part B premium?
– Toshio (Philadelphia, PA)
Dear Marci,
Is it ever permissible to delay enrolling in Medicare altogether? I’m still a year off from turning 65, I’m working and covered by my workplace health plan, and I’d like to weigh all options open to me.
– Amanda (Olive Branch, MS)
Dear Marci,
How does Medicare coordinate with insurance from an employer?
– Zayden (Buffalo, NY)
Dear Marci,
I am in charge of my father’s care, and he was recently hospitalized as an inpatient. How does his Medicare work for his hospital stay, and what can I do if the hospital wants to release him before I think he’s ready to be discharged?
– Julianne (Cary, NC)
Dear Marci,
My wife’s recent hospitalization was confusing for both of us and we are having difficulty figuring out her bills. How can we better understand Medicare coverage for hospital stays and how much services will cost us?
– Dustin (Chicago, IL)
Dear Marci,
I just turned 65 and don’t feel like I know very much about what’s covered and what’s not covered under Medicare. How can my doctor help me get the services and care I’m entitled to receive, and how can I be sure her recommendations are in my best interests?
– Noreen (Jonesboro, AR)
If you have Medicare and are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage (MA) plan, you can switch to Original Medicare during the Medicare Advantage Disenrollment Period (MADP), which occurs every year from January 1 to February 14.
Dear Marci,
While I am not anticipating any problems with my private insurance plan, I would like to be prepared for the worst. If difficulties arise, am I allowed to change plans at any time?
– Ronald (Bowman, ND)
Dear Marci,
I’m not satisfied with my Medicare Advantage Plan, and I’d like to switch either to another plan or go back to Original Medicare. When is it permissible for me to make a change?
– Winifred (Pearland, TX)
