The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) revealed on Thursday, August 31st 2023, that the initial group of ten Medicare Part D medications slated for negotiation under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) has been identified.

These drugs have been designated based on the outlined criteria within the IRA. This legislation mandates that CMS prioritize drugs with the highest Medicare expenditure and minimal competition, among other considerations. The resulting roster encompasses medications that are crucial for numerous Medicare recipients in treating various conditions such as cancer, diabetes, blood clotting, heart failure, autoimmune disorders, and chronic kidney disease. Negotiations regarding pricing will commence this year between CMS and the participating pharmaceutical manufacturers. […]

A Guide to the Annual Enrollment Period

The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) is an important timeframe for making changes to your Medicare coverage options, if needed. AEP occurs annually from October 15 to December 7, with any changes you make taking effect from January 1. What Changes Can You Make During AEP? The changes you can make during AEP depend on your current Medicare coverage. Below, you’ll find information about the actions you can take based on your current situation: If […]

National Immunization Awareness Month

August marks Immunization Awareness Month, a time when we focus on the health of seniors by educating on immunizations. Seniors staying up-to-date with vaccinations can play an important role in preventive care. Fortunately, Medicare Part B and D plans offer comprehensive coverage for a range of vaccines, ensuring that older adults can access the protection they need to lead healthier, active lives. The recently passed Inflation Reduction Act Lowers Health Care Costs for Millions of […]

7 Senior Skincare Tips for Radiant Aging!

Discover the beauty of graceful aging with us as we welcome you to our senior skincare blog, where the joy of these summer months awaits! Our mission is to celebrate the natural transformations of our skin throughout life’s journey and provide expert guidance in caring for your skin. With a focus on health, radiance, and vibrancy, we have gathered 7 essential skincare tips in this blog. Together, let us embark on a journey to ensure […]

National Vision Month: Prioritize Vision and Hearing Health

May is National Vision Health Month, a time to emphasize the significance of maintaining healthy eyesight. Our sense of sight is vital for navigating our daily lives, yet we frequently take it for granted. This month serves as a reminder to take care of our vision and spread awareness about the importance of early detection and treatment of vision problems. One of the goals of National Vision Health Month is to promote regular eye exams. […]

5 Tips to Protect Yourself from Medicare Fraud: Stay Safe and Informed

As a senior citizen, you rely on Medicare to provide you with the medical care you need to stay healthy.  Unfortunately, scammers and fraudsters also know how valuable your Medicare benefits are, and they will go to great lengths to try to trick you into giving up your personal information or signing up for services you do not need. Here are some tips to help you avoid Medicare fraud:       1.            Protect your Medicare card: […]

Travel and your Medicare Coverage- Know Before You Go!

When choosing health care coverage, it’s important to consider your vacation plans. If you’re someone who frequently travels, spends time away from home, or splits your time between different locations, it’s essential to factor these key points into your decision when choosing a Medicare plan or reviewing your existing coverage.  Key points to keep in mind: Medicare plans may not work the same way everywhere you go. Some plans only provide coverage within the state […]

Medicaid Redetermination

Beginning April 1, 2023, states will be able to terminate Medicaid enrollment for people no longer eligible. Medicaid Beneficiaries, you may be at risk of losing your Medicaid coverage due to the end of a COVID-19 pandemic continuous enrollment rule. It is crucial that you understand the need for Medicaid redetermination and respond in a timely manner. If you enrolled in Medicaid during the pandemic, you may not have been exposed to the annual Medicaid […]

Medicare Prescription Drug Inflation Rebate Program

We have some exciting news to share with you! The Biden-Harris Administration recently launched the Medicare Prescription Drug Inflation Rebate Program, which will protect you and taxpayers against drug price hikes that exceed the inflation rate. Starting from April 1, 2023, you will have access to 27 Part B prescription drugs that will be available at lower coinsurance rates.  Depending on your individual coverage, you may save between $2 and $390 per average dose. This […]

Out-of-Pocket Costs to Anticipate

As we are now a couple of months into 2023, it’s important for Medicare beneficiaries to understand the out-of-pocket expenses associated with their healthcare coverage. While Medicare provides essential healthcare benefits for millions of seniors and people with disabilities, it does not cover all medical costs. This is where Medicare Advantage, Part D plans, and Supplemental plans come into play. Understanding the out-of-pocket costs associated with these plans can help you make more informed decisions […]