Frequently Asked Questions
Find the answers to all of your Medicare questions.
Do I Need a Living Will?
Living wills are documents that state the type of medical care you want to receive near the end of your life under specific circumstances. In some states, it will only go into effect once your doctor certifies your health condition and verifies that you are...
What is a Qualified Medical Expense for My MSA?
Generally, the idea for a Medicare Savings Account (MSA) plan is to pay for qualified medical expenses. The money you spend on these expenses will not be taxed, but it will be subject to income tax if you use the money on anything else. Even though all qualified...
Do I need a Medical Savings (MSA) account?
Plans by private companies that the federal government pays to administer Medicare benefits are knowns as Medicare Savings Account plans (MSA). Like Medicare Advantage plans, they provide all of the same benefits, protections, and the like as Original Medicare....
Will Medicare Cover Podiatrist Visits?
Medicare coverage is available for many necessary podiatry-related services. A podiatrist can help many patients with diabetes, arthritis, and other conditions that cause foot, leg, and ankle issues. However, Medicare does not cover routine foot care such as corns,...
Are You Eligible For Programs That Help Lower Medicare Costs?
You may be unaware that Medicare has programs that help lower some of its costs. Medicare Pathways is here to help navigate you through each program and find out if you qualify for it. One of the more commonly known programs is Medicaid. Medicaid: In case you don't...
Is Long-Term Care Covered by Medicare
Does Medicare Cover Long-Term Care Long-term care, known as LTC, refers to a range of services and support to help you perform everyday tasks. LTC can be given in a nursing home, assisted living, or another setting. It may include medical care, therapy, 24-hour care,...
What is Respite Care?
Respite care provides relief to in-home caregivers of hospice patients; this is done by arranging a brief inpatient care period – up to 5 days. You can get respite care more than once, but only occasionally. Medicare pays for this just under the hospice benefit....
Does Medicare Cover Telehealth Services?
A complete visit with a provider using a telephone or video technology that uses audio and video communication is known as a telehealth visit. Original Medicare will cover some telehealth benefits like professional consultations, office visits such as psychiatry...
Does Medicare Cover Hospice Care?
Medicare offers a hospice benefit to beneficiaries who have terminal illnesses, allowing them to receive palliative, quality, end-of-life care. What type of care is covered? Medicare covers a good variety of hospice services, equipment, and medications, such as:...
What SNF Benefits Does Medicare Cover?
If someone is ready to leave a hospital stay but not quite ready to be sent home, they might be transferred to a skilled nursing facility (SNF). Skilled nursing facilities provide 24-hour medical care to patients. Medicare Part A covers skilled nursing care, but for a...
Should I Turn Down Medicare Part B if I Have Job-based Coverage?
If you are Medicare-eligible but still working, you may be enrolled in job-based coverage. This is coverage your employer or union offers to you and your family. Being enrolled in job-based coverage can allow you to delay your Medicare enrollment. However, depending...
How Do I Know if I Qualify for Equitable Relief?
Equitable relief allows you to request the following from the SSA (Social Security Administration). Immediate Medicare enrollment Retroactive Medicare Enrollment Elimination Your Medicare Part B late enrollment penalty (LEP) To request this, you must have failed...
What are the Medicare Part B Late Enrollment Penalties?
Unless you have insurance based on you or your spouse’s current job or are eligible for a Medicare Savings Program (MSP), you will have to pay a 10% Medicare Part B premium penalty for each 12 months you are not enrolled in Medicare Part B. In most cases, you will pay...
How to Enroll in Medicare if You Missed Your Initial Enrollment Period
Did you miss your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP), but you still need to enroll in Medicare? You will most likely need to enroll during a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) or the General Enrollment Period (GEP). Special Enrollment Period You may be eligible for a Part B...
Original Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage – What is the difference?
Today, there are more Medicare options than ever before! There are countless Medicare Advantage plans to choose from in addition to Original Medicare. But this can make it hard for you to choose – which is right for you, Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage? For...
How Medicare Works with Railroad Retirement Benefits
Typically, you are eligible for Medicare if you are eligible for Social Security benefits or Railroad Retirement benefits. However, there are a few significant differences to notes if you enroll in Medicare as a retired railroad worker. Your enrollment into Medicare...
Should I Enroll in Part D?
Do not dismiss the idea of enrolling into a Medicare Part D plan right away because you currently have adequate coverage or do not take any prescription drugs. Weigh the options and consequences before not enrolling – or it could cost you more in the long run. Do I...
What You Need to Know about Low Income Assistance Programs
The United States of America has many benefit programs for individuals and families with low income. We are here to help guide you through each program. The Low-Income Assistance Programs that you are eligible for can include receiving medical insurance, a tax credit...