Get Medicare advice from free state counseling programs When it’s time to choose Medicare health care or prescription drug plans, you might be wishing for some expert advice. Fortunately, state-run counseling programs are available so you can get one-on-one help with Medicare questions for free. These government programs are generally called SHIP, which stands for State Health Insurance and Assistance Programs. Anyone…
Get Medicaid basics in plain language Medicaid is a complicated and messy program. Because it’s so complex, there are many misconceptions. But Medicaid could also be an important lifeline for your older adult if they’re no longer able to pay for the long term care they need. Understanding the basics helps you plan ahead and make more informed decisions. Anne Tumlinson, a…
Medicare myths cause costly mistakes for seniors Medicare is used by nearly 66 million Americans, but there’s still a lot of confusion about how the program works. Commonly repeated myths and misconceptions can lead to costly mistakes for older adults. To help your older adult get their essential health benefits, we share the truth behind 5 common myths about Medicare. Myth #1:…
A Medicare program that covers in home care You probably already know that Medicare doesn’t cover in home care services. However, there is one exception to that rule. Medicare PACE is a government program that helps older adults get the medical and social services they need to continue living in their homes as they age. We explain what PACE is, which services…
Medicaid wants their money back Medicaid is a program that pays for healthcare for people with limited income and assets. It helps low-income seniors by paying for services that aren’t covered by Medicare, like nursing home care and personal care services. If your senior is on Medicaid, you need to know that after their death the state Medicaid program can try to…
Understand Medicare vs. Medicaid to get maximum benefits Medicare and Medicaid can be confusing, partly because the names sound so similar. But they’re two very different government healthcare programs. Medicare focuses on adults age 65 and older and Medicaid focuses on low-income individuals and families. The benefits, costs, and eligibility requirements are different for each program. Neither program has automatic enrollment so…
Prescription medications are a significant cost for most seniors. That’s especially true if they fall into the Medicare Part D coverage gap known as the “donut hole.” That’s when drug costs can skyrocket because they’re not covered. FamilyWize shares 5 expert tips on how seniors can afford to pay for prescriptions when they’re in the Medicare donut hole. For many people,…
Assisted living or nursing care is expensive and many older adults will need to use Medicaid to pay for it. To qualify for Medicaid benefits, many older adults “spend down” or try to reduce their assets to meet the requirements. But the rules are complex, so doing this without help from an elder law attorney could lead to penalties or denial of…
Subscribe to receive our weekly newsletter!
