How Americans Can Slash Prescription Costs Without Risking Their Health

Medication Costs Force Hard Choices

Prescription drugs are becoming a financial strain for millions of Americans. Rising costs are leaving families to choose between paying rent, buying groceries, or filling life-saving prescriptions. Research shows that 27% of Americans skip prescriptions each month because they cannot afford them. Even more alarming, more than half of all adults filling prescriptions this year said the cost was a burden. One in three reported cutting back on basics like food and clothing just to pay for medicine. [Read more…]

It’s that time of year again. As the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period kicks off from October 15th through December 7th, thousands of seniors are scrambling to find the best deals on health plans. Thankfully, Agent Angels has been voted the #1 resource for helping seniors enroll in affordable Medicare plans, and they’ve been doing it in record time. [Read more…]

In a monumental shift, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) have expanded Medicare coverage for allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplants (HCT) for eligible patients over 65 suffering from myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). [Read more…]

In a comprehensive new report, the National Institute for Public Employee Health Care Policy shines a spotlight on the increasingly critical role of Medicare Advantage Employer Group Waiver Plans (MA-EGWPs) in providing health coverage for retirees in the public sector. As health care costs continue to rise, this report comes at a pivotal moment for public sector employers seeking cost-effective and reliable options for their retired employees. [Read more…]

In a bid to safeguard the rights of seniors in New York State, the New York StateWide Senior Action Council (StateWide) has unmasked the latest scheme preying on unsuspecting individuals during Medicare’s annual enrollment period (AEP). Termed the “Medicare Fraud of the Month,” this revelation sheds light on Medicare Marketing Violations occurring from October 15 through December 7, 2023. [Read more…]

As the annual Medicare Open Enrollment Period (OEP) swings into action, millions of Medicare beneficiaries across the United States are facing a barrage of marketing tactics aimed at persuading them to switch plans. Lasting from October 15 to December 7 each year, OEP allows Medicare beneficiaries to review and choose the Medicare plans that best suit their needs. This includes beneficiaries enrolled in Original Medicare who can explore and change their prescription drug plans (Part D) and Medigap plans. [Read more…]

Medtronic plc (NYSE :MDT), a global leader of healthcare technology, announced today that the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services will expand Medicare coverage for all types continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) including adjunctive and nonadjunctive CGMs. CGMs that are compatible with Medtronic insulin pumps will be covered. The rule was published on December 21st, 2021. It will become effective 60 days after publication. [Read more…]

Medtronic plc (NYSE :MDT), a global leader of healthcare technology, announced today that the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services will expand Medicare coverage for all types continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) including adjunctive and nonadjunctive CGMs. CGMs that are compatible with Medtronic insulin pumps will be covered. The rule was published on December 21st, 2021. It will become effective 60 days after publication. [Read more…]

The American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons President Daniel K. Guy MD, FAAOS issued the following statement to address the recently passed bill which will delay some of those planned reductions in Medicare payment in 2022. [Read more…]

Zing Health is among 16 Medicare plans nationwide to have been recognized by HealthMetrix Research as cost-sharing insurance effective. Zing Health’s Signature Care HMO Plan, which has a $0 monthly deductible and a $0 premium, is the only Medicare Advantage plan to earn the Excellence designation in 2022 Medicare Benefits Value. [Read more…]

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), has released the final Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS). This doubles the 3.75 percent harmful cut to surgeons and surgical practice that will negatively impact patient access to care. [Read more…]

While Medicare Advantage Registration Throughout the country is Greater than it’s ever been, a Current Poll of Medicare beneficiaries by GoHealth (Nasdaq:GOCO) revealed that overall awareness of the program and its options isn’t keeping pace. [Read more…]

More than half (57%) of Medicare subscribers believe daily health routines are more important now than in years past, and 76% are interested in using plan benefits and incentives to help them maintain preventive health habits. The findings were published today in the 2020 Medicare Study from InComm Payments, a survey of more than 2,500 Medicare subscribers conducted in Nov. 2020. [Read more…]

Health Alliance Plan (HAP), a Michigan-based nonprofit health plan, is cautioning consumers about a recent Medicare scam. Unsuspecting consumers are being engaged in conversations about their Medicare coverage with a Medicare “representative” and, during the call, are asked for their Medicare ID number. This can result in unauthorized changes or even a complete change in the consumer’s Medicare Advantage plan. [Read more…]

Medicare recipients need to act now to pick their plans for 2018. The open enrollment period closes December 7. This enrollment period is usually the only chance Medicare recipients have each year to choose a new health plan — either switching between traditional Medicare and a private Medicare Advantage plan, changing from one Medicare Advantage plan to another, or adding or changing prescription drug coverage. [Read more…]

On July 30, 1965, Lyndon B. Johnson signed Medicare as well as Medicaid into law. The following year, slightly more than 19 million older Americans had Medicare coverage.

Since then, Medicare has grown, and today covers more than 54 million Americans. And, since its inaugural year, a number of changes have been made including the addition of outpatient prescription drug benefits in 2003 when George W. Bush signed the Medicare Modernization Act into law.

However, even with changes over the years, one thing has remained a constant – enabling qualifying Americans easier access to physician care.

To recognize 50 years of providing Medicare coverage, Pennsylvania’s medical associations offer their thoughts on what Medicare has meant to the delivery of health care. [Read more…]