Frequently Asked Questions
Find the answers to all of your Medicare questions.
Chronic Disease Treatment
Chronic Disease Treatment A chronic disease is defined as a medical disease lasting three months or more. Medications cannot cure these illnesses, and vaccines will not prevent them, nor do they disappear on their own. Most chronic diseases are caused by poor eating...
What You Need to know about the Medicare Initial Enrollment Period
Medicare's Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) is an essential part of beginning your Medicare coverage. Whether you plan to retire at age 65 or wait until later, it's imperative you understand your Medicare Initial Enrollment Period. Here what you need to know: IEP is...
18 Medical Words to Never, Ever Confuse
18 Medical Words to Never, Ever Confuse Medical terminology can be difficult to understand and often confuse. However, there are many words that are not interchangeable and using them could make a medical mistake, endangering your health. Learning the difference in...
Science Says, You’ll Be Happiest During These Two Years of Your Life
Do you think you've experienced the happiest years of your life? Medicare Pathways wants to share some good news with you; the best is yet to come! According to new research, we're happiest at two points in our lives, not just one. Researchers at the London School of...
April is Alcohol Awareness Month
April is Alcohol Awareness Month As you get older, alcohol may start to effect you differently. You may become more sensitive to it, and your regular drinking habits could become a problem. Drinking too much alcohol can cause falls and fractures. Alcohol can also...
5 Often Misunderstood Health Care Terms
How well do you know the terms associated with your health care plan? According to industry surveys, most Americans overestimate their knowledge of basic health care details. Don't let a lack of clarity get in the way of making the right decisions. Take a look at...
Should You Retire in 2018?
Should You Retire in 2018? Are you considering retirement for 2018? There are several factors you should review and questions you need to answer before you "clock out" for good. Do you have enough savings to support you? Before you consider retiring, do the math on...
Will Medicare Pay for an Ambulance or other Transportation?
Medicare Coverage for an Ambulance and other Medical Transportation Services Typically, Medicare only covers Ambulance services to and from a hospital, critical access hospital (CAH), or skilled nursing facility (SNF), when other transportation could endanger your...
Medicare Enrollment Deadlines You Shouldn’t Miss
Medicare Enrollment Deadlines You Shouldn't Miss Most people become eligible for Medicare during the months surrounding their 65th birthday. It's important to remember your initial enrollment period because if you do not sign up for Medicare during this time, you...
Children & End-Stage Renal Disease
Children & End-Stage Renal Disease Learning that your child has End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) can be one of the hardest things you have to face as a parent. There are many important questions such as: What kind of treatment is available for ESRD? What is the best...
In the News: Hospitals Looking For Ways You Can Save on Prescriptions
Hospitals Looking for Ways You Can Save on Prescriptions Due to increasing costs and the shortage of supply for generic drugs, groups presenting over 450 hospitals are planning to form their own drug company. According to a recent article posted, there are four large...
Welcome to Medicare Preventive Visit
After signing up for Original Medicare Part B, you will receive what is called a “Welcome to Medicare” preventive visit within the first 12-months. During the visit, you and your doctor will review your medical and social history. You will also receive counseling and...
Turning 65 Checklist
If you're about to turn 65 (or know someone who is) it's time to consider things that can affect your finances and healthcare. Download this awesome tool to help start preparing for the decisions you need to make before turning 65. Questions? Give us a call at...
Expect your New Medicare ID Number Soon!
Expect your New Medicare Number Soon! Expect to see a new Medicare ID number soon! The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released a list of dates identifying when each state’s Medicare beneficiaries should expect to receive their new...
How do I get Medicare to cover my power wheelchair?
How do I get Medicare to cover my power wheelchair? The first step is to speak with your doctor! You may feel you need one, or your doctor might suggest a power wheelchair, but either way, you must have an office visit with your doctor before you can have Medicare...
Retirees Don’t Shop Around for a Medicare Plan and That’s a Big Problem!
Reviewing Medicare Plan options can be a daunting task for most retirees, but it could save you thousands of dollars. There is nothing exciting about an annual Medicare plan review, and for some retirees the experience is awful. Nearly a quarter of Medicare...
New Medicare ID Cards Dropping Social Security Number
New Medicare ID Cards Dropping Social Security Numbers to Help Prevent Identity Theft The Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA) of 2015 requires the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to remove Social Security Numbers from all Medicare ID...
What is the 5-Star Rating System?
What is the 5-Star Medicare Rating System? Medicare Part D Prescription Drug plans and Medicare Advantage (Part C) Plans are different in terms of costs and coverage by each carrier and in most cases, service areas. Every January, plans change their coverage and...