Retirement Healthcare and Medicare
Retirement expert Bob Carlson’s research and knowledge on how to get the most out of healthcare options
Found 325 Articles.
Get access to our full article archive by subscribing to Retirement Watch and Retirement Watch Spotlight Series.
Knowing When Long Term Care Insurance is for You
Insurers and insurance agents often are mystified at the numbers. Despite their efforts to sell long-term care insurance policies, only a small percentage of the potential buyers own LTCI. I’m not bothered when insurers miss profit opportunities. But I am concerned when people don’t protect themselves by purchasing insurance they should have. Let’s take a […]
Understanding Medicare Supplement Plans
You’ve been inundated with advertising for the array of Medicare-related programs, for it is annual enrollment time. In recent months we reviewed Medicare Advantage plans, original Medicare, and Part D prescription drug coverage. In this visit, we review Medicare Supplemental coverage (or Medigap) policies. Many people who are covered by original Medicare also select a […]
Examining Part D Prescription Drug Plans
Open enrollment for Medicare’s Part D prescription drug pro-gram is almost here. Marketing has begun, and you can sign up from Nov. 15 – Dec. 31. Only entering its fourth year, enrollment grows each year, and surveys show satisfaction among enrollees. One constant about Part D so far is change. Premiums, other costs, and coverage […]
Updating Medicare Advantage
Earlier this year we told you to expect changes in Medicare Advantage plans, because Congress was reducing reimbursements to insurers and making other changes. The plan offerings for 2010 are in, and you do indeed face changes in Advantage plans. Almost all Medicare beneficiaries have an Advantage plan available to them. But about 7% of […]
SUBSCRIBE TO RETIREMENT WATCH SPOTLIGHT SERIES
In my new Retirement Watch Spotlight Series, I’ll share my newest breakthrough strategies for protecting your assets and growing your portfolio, including how to prepare for the next market downturn. Click here now to learn more.
Choosing from Medicare’s Options
Medicare enrollment season is almost upon us. Every year, Medicare beneficiaries have a six-week period beginning Nov. 15 to select their medical plans. New Medicare members face the same choices when they enroll. Many of you have decisions to make. Even if you are happy with your Medicare plan, it is a good idea to […]
When Medicaid Will Pay for Long-Term Care
Many people still expect that government programs will pay for their long-term care needs. They do not understand the limited assistance government programs provide for long-term care needs. Medicare, the program for those 65 and older, has restricted coverage for stays at long-term care facilities. The coverage generally is only for brief periods of rehabilitation […]
Estimating the Cost of Long-Term Care
The cost of long-term care is a mystery to many Americans. They hear the cost is high, and occasionally they hear quotes of national averages of the cost. But that does not help an individual plan for the cost or decide whether to buy long-term care insurance or how much to buy. A valuable tool […]
Changes Coming to Medicare Advantage Plans
The Medicare Advantage plans have been one of the more popular innovations in Medicare. Enrollment is up to 10.5 million, from only 5.4 million in 2005. But these plans will see some changes later this year, and that could increase costs or decrease benefits for enrollees. Traditional Medicare is a fee for service program that […]
