#Best Medicare Advantage Plans

[txmed-solutions]

Medicare Advantage Agent Can Help You Navigate Your Options

As you age, planning for your healthcare needs becomes increasingly important. Understanding your options, such as Medicare Advantage Plans and dental insurance, is crucial for maintaining your health and well-being. 

A Medicare Advantage agent can be a valuable resource in navigating the complexities of Medicare, helping you find a plan that suits your needs. Additionally, selecting the best dental insurance in Texas ensures that you have access to necessary dental care, contributing to your overall health.

Understanding Medicare Advantage Plans

Medicare Advantage Plans, also known as Medicare Part C, provide an alternative way to receive your Medicare benefits. These plans are offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare and typically include all the benefits of Original Medicare (Parts A and B) while often offering additional services.

Key Features of Medicare Advantage Plans

Coverage Beyond Original Medicare: Many plans offer benefits like vision, hearing, and wellness programs, which are not included in Original Medicare.

Cost Structure: Medicare Advantage Plans often come with lower premiums but may include additional out-of-pocket costs. It's essential to understand how these costs work.

Network Restrictions: Some plans require you to use a specific network of doctors and hospitals. Familiarize yourself with network restrictions to ensure your preferred providers are included.

The Role of a Medicare Advantage Agent

Navigating the world of Medicare can be overwhelming, which is where a Advantage agent comes into play. These professionals specialize in helping individuals understand their options and choose the best plan for their needs.

How a Medicare Agent Can Assist You

Personalized Guidance: An agent can provide tailored recommendations based on your health needs, budget, and preferences.

Comparison of Plans: With numerous Medicare Advantage Plans available, an agent can help you compare the features, benefits, and costs of different options.

Understanding Enrollment Periods: They can explain enrollment periods and assist you in completing the necessary paperwork to enroll in your chosen plan.

Tips for Choosing a Knowledgeable Agent

When selecting a Medicare agent, consider the following:

Credentials: Ensure they are licensed and have experience in Medicare.

Reputation: Look for reviews or testimonials from previous clients to gauge their reliability and service quality.

Communication Style: Choose an agent who communicates clearly and is willing to answer your questions thoroughly.

Finding the Best Dental Insurance in Texas

Dental health is an essential component of overall well-being, particularly for seniors. As dental needs increase with age, having the best dental insurance in Texas is crucial to accessing necessary care without incurring exorbitant costs.

Importance of Dental Health

Maintaining good dental health can help prevent various health issues, including heart disease and diabetes. Regular dental visits ensure early detection and treatment of potential problems, making dental insurance a valuable investment.

Key Features to Look for in Dental Insurance

When searching for dental insurance, consider the following factors:

Types of Coverage: Look for plans that cover preventive, basic, and major dental services.

Network of Dentists: Ensure that the plan has a broad network of dentists in your area.

Waiting Periods: Some plans may have waiting periods for certain procedures. Check these details before enrolling.

Cost Structure: Understand premiums, deductibles, and coverage limits associated with the plan.

Common Dental Insurance Plans in Texas

Several dental insurance options are available in Texas, each offering different benefits and coverage levels. Here are some popular choices:

1. PPO Dental Plans

Flexibility: These plans allow you to see any dentist, though you’ll pay less if you use in-network providers.

Coverage Options: Typically cover preventive care at 100%, basic care at 80%, and major care at 50%.

2. HMO Dental Plans

Cost-Effective: These plans usually have lower premiums but require you to choose a primary dentist and obtain referrals for specialists.

Limited Choices: While cost-effective, they may restrict your choice of providers.

3. Indemnity Dental Plans

Freedom of Choice: You can choose any dentist, but you may have to pay upfront and get reimbursed later.

Higher Premiums: These plans often come with higher premiums compared to PPOs and HMOs.

4. Dental Discount Plans

Cost Savings: While not insurance, these plans offer discounts on dental services at participating providers.

No Limits: They often do not have annual limits, making them appealing for those needing extensive dental work.

How a Medicare Advantage Agent Can Help with Dental Insurance

Understanding how dental insurance fits within your Medicare coverage is essential. Many Medicare Advantage Plans include dental benefits, making it easier for seniors to access necessary dental care.

Benefits of Dental Coverage in Medicare Advantage Plans

Comprehensive Care: Many plans offer dental services such as routine check-ups, cleanings, and even major dental work.

Convenience: Having dental coverage as part of your Medicare Advantage Plan simplifies billing and coordination of care.

How an Agent Can Assist in This Process

Clarifying Coverage: A Medicare Advantage agent can help clarify what dental services are covered under your plan.

Identifying Gaps: They can identify any gaps in coverage and suggest additional dental insurance options if necessary.

Conclusion:

Choosing the right Medicare Advantage agent and securing the best dental insurance in Texas are essential steps in maintaining your health and well-being as you age. With a knowledgeable agent by your side, you can navigate the complexities of Medicare and find a plan that meets your specific needs. Furthermore, investing in dental insurance ensures you have access to the care necessary to maintain your overall health.

[ohiomedicareplansposts]

📍OhioMedicarePlan is a proud supporter and recognized by the American Association For Medicare Supplement Insurance📍

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[theliveleads]

turning 65 medicare leads

What is Medicare Medicare is a federal health insurance program primarily for people aged 65 and older, "turning 65 medicare leads" though it also covers certain younger individuals with disabilities. It consists of several parts, each covering different aspects of healthcare:

Medicare Part A: Covers hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and some home health care.

Medicare Part B: Covers outpatient services, doctor visits, preventive care, and medical supplies.

Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage): Plans offered by private insurance companies that combine Part A and Part B coverage, often with additional benefits like vision and dental.

Medicare Part D: Prescription drug coverage, offered through private insurance companies.

When and How to Enroll Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): This is the seven-month period that begins three months before the month you turn 65, includes the month you turn 65, and ends three months after that month. It’s crucial to enroll during this period to avoid potential penalties.

Special Enrollment Periods (SEP): If you have qualifying circumstances, such as continuing to work past 65 and having employer coverage, you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.

General Enrollment Period (GEP): If you miss your Initial Enrollment Period and do not qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, you can enroll during the General Enrollment Period, which runs from January 1 to March 31 each year, with coverage starting July 1.

Considerations for Choosing Coverage Medicare Advantage vs. Original Medicare: Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) offer an alternative to Original Medicare (Parts A and B). They often include prescription drug coverage and additional benefits, but restrict you to a network of providers. Original Medicare allows more flexibility in choosing healthcare providers but requires separate enrollment in Part D for prescription drug coverage.

Medigap Policies: Also known as Medicare Supplement Insurance, these policies help cover costs that Original Medicare doesn’t, such as copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. They can provide financial security by limiting out-of-pocket expenses.

Understanding Costs Premiums: Most people do not pay a premium for Medicare Part A (if they or their spouse paid Medicare taxes while working). Part B and Part D premiums are based on income and can change annually.

Deductibles and Copayments: Both Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage have cost-sharing requirements, including deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. Medigap policies can help cover these expenses.

Planning for the Future Reviewing Coverage Annually: Medicare plans can change annually, so it’s important to review your coverage options during the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 to December 7) to ensure your plan still meets your needs.

Considering Long-Term Care: Medicare does not cover long-term care (custodial care), so you may want to consider long-term care insurance or Medicaid planning for potential future needs.

Conclusion Turning 65 and becoming eligible for Medicare is a significant milestone. Understanding the different parts of Medicare, " when and how to enroll, and the various coverage options available can help you make informed decisions about your healthcare. Whether you choose Original Medicare with or without a Medigap policy, or opt for a Medicare Advantage plan, careful planning and consideration of your healthcare needs and budget are key to ensuring you have the coverage you need as you enter this new phase of life."turning 65 medicare leads"

[mcnicholfinancialandhealthcar]

ACA Health Insurance Plans

Discover ACA health insurance plans designed to provide comprehensive coverage under the Affordable Care Act. These plans ensure essential health benefits, preventive care, and protection against high medical costs. Compare different ACA health insurance plans to find one that fits your budget and healthcare needs. Enroll now to secure quality, affordable health insurance for you and your family.

[getmemymedicareblog]

Secure Your Health with the Best Medicare Advantage Plans in 2023

As the new year rolls in, it's time to reassess your healthcare options and choose the best Medicare Advantage plan for your needs. With so many options out there, it can be overwhelming to figure out which plan is right for you. That's why we've done the research and compiled a list of the #best #Medicare #Advantage #plans in #2023. Our team of healthcare experts has analyzed the benefits, costs, and coverage of various plans to bring you the top options available. From low-cost plans to comprehensive coverage, we've got you covered.

[lifeandinsurances]

How do I know if I need Medicare Supplement Insurance?

[collapsedsquid]

An algorithm, not a doctor, predicted a rapid recovery for Frances Walter, an 85-year-old Wisconsin woman with a shattered left shoulder and an allergy to pain medicine. In 16.6 days, it estimated, she would be ready to leave her nursing home. On the 17th day, her Medicare Advantage insurer, Security Health Plan, followed the algorithm and cut off payment for her care, concluding she was ready to return to the apartment where she lived alone. Meanwhile, medical notes in June 2019 showed Walter’s pain was maxing out the scales and that she could not dress herself, go to the bathroom, or even push a walker without help. It would take more than a year for a federal judge to conclude the insurer’s decision was “at best, speculative” and that Walter was owed thousands of dollars for more than three weeks of treatment. While she fought the denial, she had to spend down her life savings and enroll in Medicaid just to progress to the point of putting on her shoes, her arm still in a sling.

Feels like that sort of mistake should be easily a few mil

[dreaminginthedeepsouth]

david rowe :: @roweafr :: would you like nukes with that :: @FinancialReview

* * * * *

"The Bizarro Presidency"

November 20, 2024

Robert B. Hubbell

If Trump's nominations were not so deadly serious, they would qualify as parody bordering on slapstick. On Tuesday, Trump nominated as the head of Medicare a T.V. doctor who promoted hydroxychloroquine as a cure for Covid and who supports privatizing Medicare. The world is upside down.

Trump then topped his nomination of Dr. Oz by nominating Linda McMahon to lead—or dismantle--the Department of Education. Linda McMahon is the former CEO of the scandal-plagued World Wrestling Entertainment, which was sued last month for knowingly tolerating the abuse of teenage “ring boys” by the ringside announcer. See Rolling Stone, (10/23/24), Vince and Linda McMahon Named in New ‘Ring Boy’ Sex Abuse Lawsuit Against WWE. (“WWE founders “knew or should have known” about an employee who allegedly assaulted teenage employees in the 1980s, according to five new John Does who have come forward.”)

As with other nominations, those of Dr. Oz and Linda McMahon are insults to the tens of millions of Americans who rely on Medicare and the Department of Education to provide essential health insurance during retirement and educational support for students with special needs. I

have already received emails from readers who are living on a fixed income who are fearful that their Medicare will be privatized by Dr. Oz. For parents with students with special needs, the dismantling of the Department of Education would be a seismic shock and a blow to the health and education of their children.

During Ronald Reagan’s first term, Saturday Night Live produced a skit called the “Bizarro Presidency.” The premise was that Ronald Reagan appointed cabinet members who were the sworn enemies of the federal agencies they headed. The two examples I recall from the skit are Secretary of Interior James Watt who famously said that “killer trees” were the cause of urban pollution. And EPA head Ann Gorsuch (Justice Neil Gorsuch’s mother) did her best to dismantle the EPA by firing 30% of the agency’s employees and replacing them with executives from the oil and logging companies that the EPA was supposed to regulate. (I cannot locate a video of the skit and would appreciate anyone who can post a link in the Comments or forward a link by email. I need some comedic relief.)

The Reagan appointments were a scandal. Trump's appointments are an assault on the federal government designed to advance Trump's dictatorial aspirations. And he is advancing those aspirations by imperiling the health and safety of the American people.

Dr. Oz is a physician who holds an MBA. That hardly qualifies him to run the Department of Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). But he should be disqualified from running CMS because he continuously promoted unproven supplements and fraudulent cures on his television show. A study in the British Medical Journal found that 54% of the supplements and cures promoted by Dr. Oz were “contraindicated” or lacked support. See British Medical Journal, (12/17/14), Televised medical talk shows—what they recommend and the evidence to support their recommendations: a prospective observational study | The BMJ

During the height of the Covid pandemic, Dr. Oz promoted the off-label use of hydroxychloroquine in 25 appearances on Fox News. He also promoted Medicare Advantage plans that Trump hopes will allow the privatization of Medicare. See Newsweek, Mehmet Oz Backed Massive Change to Medicare That Would Impact Millions. During his 2022 Senate campaign, Dr. Oz called for a 20% payroll tax to pay for the privatization of Medicare.

Linda McMahon is a nonsense choice for the Department of Education. Her career has been devoted to taking a regional professional wrestling company and converting it into a publicly traded wrestling company. McMahon’s experience in education consists of planning to become a teacher (but never doing so) and serving for one year (in 2009) on the Connecticut Board of Education. Those credentials do not qualify McMahon to lead the Department of Education—but they may qualify her to dismantle it. See ABC News, Dismantling the Department of Education? Trump's plan for schools in his second term.

As Trump added two wildly unqualified candidates to his proposed cabinet, he told a reporter that he stands by his nomination of Matt Gaetz as Attorney General. See Reuters, Trump says he is not reconsidering Gaetz nomination for attorney general.

Trump's failure to reconsider the nomination is reprehensible. Details continue to emerge about Gaetz’s drug use, payment for sex with (at least) two high school girls (over 18), and his sexual relationship with one 17-year-old high school girl.

Lawrence O’Donnell interviewed the lawyer for two of the high-school girls that Gaetz paid for sex. The attorney said that the girls saw their (then) 17-year-old friend having sex with Matt Gaetz at the home of a retired Florida congressman. See MSNBC, Lawrence: Matt Gaetz cannot possibly survive a Senate confirmation hearing

Although Speaker Mike Johnson does not want the House Ethics Committee to release the report on Matt Gaetz, the committee will vote on the release of the report later this week. But the committee’s vote may be overtaken by the fact that a hacker reportedly obtained the investigative file from a private law firm. See Forbes, Matt Gaetz Controversy Explained: Hacker Reportedly Gets Depositions As Lawmakers Debate Report.

The problem with atrocious nominations like Dr. Oz and Linda McMahon is that they distract attention from dangerous nominations like Matt Gaetz, Robert Kennedy, and Tulsi Gabbard. Gaetz is a threat to democracy; Kennedy is a menace to public health; and Gabbard is a threat to national security.

The problem is also that it is exhausting to force ourselves to care deeply about every dangerous or wildly unqualified nomination proposed by Trump. But we have no choice. We are in this mess (in large part) because Merrick Garland cared more about the reputation of the Department of Justice than he did about bringing Trump to justice—which was the harder path, by far.

Garland chose the path of least resistance—virtuously honoring the internal policies of the DOJ to the detriment of the Constitution and the American people. We must not be like Merrick Garland. We must fight every battle—even when we are exhausted or accused of being “over the top” in constantly raising the alarm about Trump.

And yet, we must also maintain our sanity and self-respect. We must be centered in our lives so that we can help others who are suffering from an incoming administration whose goal is to psychologically torture the majority of Americans who did not vote for Trump.

The nominations to date and those to come are intended to be part of a “Bizarro Presidency” in which the chief law enforcement officer is a criminal, the chief national security officer may be a Russian asset, and the chief health officer does not believe in medical science.

But we recognize the long con that Trump is playing. We must be serious in our opposition without allowing Trump to engage or enrage our emotions. This is strictly business. Deadly serious, strictly business. We must maintain professional distance even as we invest our hearts and minds to the fullest extent in preserving democracy by resisting Trump's anti-democratic moves.

We can do that. The Bizarro Presidency is a gambit. Recognize it. Resist it. Call it by its name—fascism. But do not let it gaslight or dispirit us. Every day that we can maintain resistance is one day closer to the end of Trump's last term in office.

Morning Joe and Mika Brzezinski show us how not to act

CNN is reporting that Morning Joe and Mika Brzesinski met with Trump to “restart communications” because they are afraid of Trump. See CNN, ‘Morning Joe’ meeting with Trump was driven by fears of retribution from incoming administration, sources say.

Professor Timothy Snyder reminds us constantly that the first step to surrendering to tyranny is to “obey in advance”—i.e., to give up resistance before the battle has been joined.

Morning Joe and Mika Brzesinski have “obeyed in advance.” They have shown us what surrender looks like. We must not be them.

Reuters is reporting the “contours of a peace deal” in Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine

Reuters is reporting on an exclusive basis that Russia is open to a Trump-brokered “peace deal” that maintains Russia’s control over Ukrainian territory that it has unlawfully seized from Ukraine. See Exclusive: Putin, ascendant in Ukraine, eyes contours of a Trump peace deal | Reuters.

The problem with the Reuters’ story is that it is written from the perspective of Russia—in which “peace” means victory for Russia and surrender for Ukraine.

Imagine, for example, if Canada engaged in an unprovoked attack against the US and seized the states of Washington, Idaho, Montana, and North Dakota.

Canada then leaks to the press that it would agree to a “peace deal” that awards Canada the four US states that it seized in the war of aggression.

How likely is it that the US—or Ukraine—would agree to surrender substantial portions of its territory to the aggressor?

As noted in the Reuters article, Ukraine entertained a proposal for a ceasefire in the early days of the war (2022)—when Russia had nearly encircled Kyiv. The conditions on the ground have since improved considerably for Ukraine, although Russia controls about 20% of Ukraine’s sovereign territory. It is also true that public opinion in Ukraine is shifting toward a “negotiated peace”—a phrase that contains oceans of ambiguity. Everyone is in favor of peace. The question is, “At what cost?”

The poll was conducted by Gallup. In a particularly callous aside, Gallup noted that its results did not include responses from Ukrainians living in areas seized by Russia—a cohort that might have strong feelings about a negotiated surrender.

Concluding Thoughts

The urge to declare the “answers” explaining the 2024 electoral outcome is strong. Whatever those answers are, most of them will improve with the benefit of more time and additional data.

For example, we don’t yet know how the House will be decided. At the moment, it is looking like 214 to 221—a four vote margin for Republicans. But temporarily eliminating three seats for Trump cabinet nominees reduces the margin of control to two votes—214 to 218. (E.g., if Republicans suffered two defections, the House would be tied 216 to 216 and any motion or legislation would fail because they would not have a majority.)

But Adam Gray (CA-13) is within 227 votes of taking the lead as ballot curing and counting continue. If Gray were to win, then the margins of control for Republicans (discussed above) would reduce to three votes (before vacancies for cabinet nominations) and one vote (if three vacancies are caused by cabinet confirmations).

Those margins are extraordinarily thin and could be affected by illness, accident, or family emergencies. A one-vote margin of control will require the cooperation of Democrats on important bills—and provide Democrats with leverage not apparent in the “binary” election descriptions of who “won” and “lost.”

Another area of Democratic influence that has emerged is the progress made on state supreme courts. See Mark Joseph Stern, Slate, 2024 Election: The surprising bright spot for progressives.

As explained by Stern, Democrats won important victories in Michigan, Kentucky, Montana, Arkansas, Mississippi, and (likely) North Carolina. I recommend Stern’s article, which describes the significance of those victories.

My point is this: In the deluge of articles scolding Democrats, no one is highlighting the fact that Democrats scored important victories on the supreme court in red states. Since that fact isn’t included in the “Lazy Journalist’s Guide for Reporting on the 2024 Election,” it is not something you will read about in the op-ed pages of legacy media.

So let’s spread the word about Democrats’ hidden successes that run counter to the “landslide” narrative that legacy and right-wing media are spreading. It was a close election and a tough fight. We held our own—and we have every right to be proud of those efforts! Stay strong and keep the faith!

[Robert B. Hubbell Newsletter]

[cherryblossomshadow]

Kamala Harris Talks About Her Own Medicare for All Plan With Ady Barkan | NowThis

NowThis Impact

Love to see a politician discussing the nuances of their policies, the difference between two “Medicare for All” plans fluently and respectfully. I would still prefer Bernie’s plans to hers, but it is so encouraging to see her talking to a disabled activist so vulnerably.

.

@/sagesufferswell

Never seen the other guy be vulnerable, honest or open to even a civil conversation with a disabled person.

.

Excerpts below the cut:

3:00

Ady Barkan, disability activist: As California attorney general, you took action against insurance industry greed and successfully won a $320 million settlement from a private Medicare Advantage plan that was defrauding California.

Can you talk a little bit about that case and what it taught you?

Kamala Harris: Let’s be clear about this: Access to health care should be a human right, and not just a privilege of those who can afford it. It has been a business model that is motivated by profit over public health.

Government has three essential functions: public education, public safety, and public health.

And we’ve got to do a better job, which is why I have a Medicare for All plan. Everybody should be covered, and money should not be the reason people don’t get the health care they deserve.

Ady: You originally co-sponsored Bernie’s Medicare for All plan, but recently, you said you are not comfortable with it anymore. You have come out with your own different vision.

Can you explain your plan, and why you believe it is better than the Medicare for All bill you originally co-sponsored when you first came to the Senate?

Kamala: Bernie’s bill is good, but we could do better.

I was meeting with people around the country who were saying, look, we want to have an option of having a private plan. Don’t take away our options.

And so I said, ok, under my Medicare for All plan, there will be an option for a public plan or a private plan, but the insurance companies are going to have to play by our rules, which means the private plans cannot charge copays, cannot charge deductibles.

The other point that I wanted to make is the coupling of insurance with employment. That’s gotta stop because there are so many people in our country who are losing their jobs.

…

5:15

Ady: As you know, I also have a perspective on this question.

I would like to tell you why I believe that single-payer Medicare for All is the best approach, and I’d like you to tell me where you disagree.

Kamala: Ok.

Ady: First, only Medicare for All will get everyone the care they need. Under your plan, millions of people like me will still be denied care by their for-profit insurance company during the 10-year transition period and afterwards. In addition, people will avoid getting needed care because of high copays and deductibles.

Second, only a true Medicare for All system will drive down costs. It will save us hundreds of billions of dollars per year in administrative and billing costs that are the result of a for-profit insurance system. That will not happen if providers still have to bill numerous insurance companies.

Finally, there is the political reality. The insurance industry is going to do everything it can to block any of these proposals, including yours, which means the only way to win is with a huge grassroots movement. And from what I can see, that enthusiasm only exists for Medicare for All. So, where am I wrong?

…

8:00

Ady: Ok, Senator, last question. Since my diagnosis, I have been thinking a lot about my legacy. I’m curious: What do you want your legacy to be after you eventually exit the stage of national politics?

How do you want to be remembered?

Kamala: I want to be remembered as having lifted the quality of life and circumstances of everyone, and in particular, those who historically have been outside the access to resources, and power, and opportunity. I want to know that my life has been about actually having impact. I’ll tell you, Ady, so much of the work I’ve done over my career, it’s not been about a lovely speech, not been about some grand gesture. The work that I have done, in my career and that I hope to continue to do is about actually showing that when you put resources into the people and you see the capacity of people, that they will thrive and we all will benefit as a result.

Ady: Sen. Harris, this has been a real pleasure. Thank you so much for being here.

Kamala: Thank you, Ady. It means a lot to me to sit here with you.

[medicarenationwide12]

Guiding Your Medicare Journey: Exploring Medicare Nationwide

Introduction: Accessible Healthcare Solutions with Medicare Nationwide

Medicare Nationwide serves as a guiding light for individuals navigating the complexities of Medicare across the United States. Committed to providing accessible healthcare solutions, Medicare Nationwide offers a comprehensive range of services and resources to empower beneficiaries in making informed decisions about their healthcare options.

Comprehensive Coverage Understanding

Understanding the nuances of Medicare coverage is essential for maximizing healthcare benefits. Medicare Nationwide provides extensive information on each aspect of Medicare. From Medicare Part A, which covers hospital stays and inpatient care, to Medicare Part B, encompassing outpatient services and medical supplies, Medicare Nationwide ensures beneficiaries have a thorough understanding of their coverage options.

Enrollment Assistance

Enrolling in Medicare can be overwhelming, especially for newcomers. Medicare Nationwide offers enrollment assistance to guide beneficiaries through the process with ease. Whether individuals are enrolling for the first time or exploring coverage options during the annual enrollment period, Medicare Nationwide provides guidance and support. By explaining enrollment periods, eligibility criteria, and coverage options, Medicare Nationwide empowers beneficiaries to make well-informed decisions.

Comparing Medicare Advantage Plans

Medicare Advantage plans, or Medicare Part C, provide an alternative way for beneficiaries to receive their Medicare benefits. Medicare Nationwide helps beneficiaries compare available Medicare Advantage plans in their area. By evaluating plan features, costs, and coverage options, beneficiaries can choose the plan that best fits their healthcare needs and financial situation.

Understanding Prescription Drug Coverage

Prescription drug coverage, known as Medicare Part D, is crucial for many beneficiaries. Medicare Nationwide offers valuable insights into Medicare Part D plans, including coverage details, formularies, and costs. Understanding prescription drug coverage options allows beneficiaries to access necessary medications affordably.

Exploring Supplemental Coverage Options

In addition to Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans, beneficiaries may consider Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) policies. Medicare Nationwide provides guidance on selecting the appropriate Medigap plan, including coverage options, costs, and enrollment requirements. This supplemental coverage fills gaps in Medicare coverage, providing added peace of mind.

Conclusion: Empowering Healthcare Decision-Making

In conclusion, Medicare Nationwide is a trusted resource for navigating the complexities of Medicare. By providing comprehensive coverage understanding, enrollment assistance, and support in exploring coverage options, Medicare Nationwide empowers beneficiaries to make informed decisions about their healthcare coverage. With Medicare Nationwide's guidance, beneficiaries can confidently navigate the Medicare landscape and access the healthcare they need.

[ralfmaximus]

On the 17th day, her Medicare Advantage insurer, Security Health Plan, followed the algorithm and cut off payment for her care, concluding she was ready to return to the apartment where she lived alone. Meanwhile, medical notes in June 2019 showed Walter’s pain was maxing out the scales and that she could not dress herself, go to the bathroom, or even push a walker without help.

It would take more than a year for a federal judge to conclude the insurer’s decision was “at best, speculative” and that Walter was owed thousands of dollars for more than three weeks of treatment. While she fought the denial, she had to spend down her life savings and enroll in Medicaid just to progress to the point of putting on her shoes, her arm still in a sling.

Ready for the next AI nightmare? Insurance claims.

Unpaywalled version of the article here.

[mariacallous]

Once again, the debt ceiling is in the news and a cause for concern. If the debt ceiling binds, and the U.S. Treasury does not have the ability to pay its obligations, the negative economic effects would quickly mount and risk triggering a deep recession.

The debt limit caps the total amount of allowable outstanding U.S. federal debt. The U.S. hit that limit—$31.4 trillion—on January 19, 2023, but the Department of the Treasury has been undertaking a set of “extraordinary measures” so that the debt limit does not yet bind. The Treasury estimates that those measures will be sufficient at least through early June. Sometime after that, unless Congress raises or suspends the debt limit before June, the federal government will lack the cash to pay all its obligations. Those obligations are the result of laws previously enacted by Congress. As our colleagues Len Burman and Bill Gale wrote in a recent Brookings piece, “Raising the debt limit is not about new spending; it is about paying for previous choices policymakers legislated.” 

The economic effects of such an unprecedented event would surely be negative. However, there is an enormous amount of uncertainty surrounding the speed and magnitude of the damage the U.S. economy will incur if the U.S. government is unable to pay all its bills for a time—it depends on how long the situation lasts, how it is managed, and the extent to which investors alter their views about the safety of U.S. Treasuries. An extended impasse is likely to cause significant damage to the U.S. economy. Even in a best-case scenario where the impasse is short-lived, the economy is likely to suffer sustained—and completely avoidable—damage. 

The U.S. government pays a lower interest rate on Treasury securities because of the unparalleled safety and liquidity of the Treasury market. Some estimates suggest that this advantage lowers the interest rate the government pays on Treasuries (relative to interest rates on the debt of other sovereign nations) on the order of 25 basis points (a quarter of a percentage point) on average. Given the current level of the debt, this translates into interest savings for the federal government of roughly $60 billion this year and more than $800 billion over the next decade. If a portion of this advantage were lost by allowing the debt limit to bind, the cost to the taxpayer could be significant. 

How will the U.S. Treasury operate when the debt limit binds? 

One cannot predict how Treasury will operate when the debt limit binds, given that this would be unprecedented. Treasury did have a contingency plan in place in 2011 when the country faced a similar situation, and it seems likely that Treasury would follow the contours of that plan if the debt limit were to bind this year. Under the plan, there would be no default on Treasury securities. Treasury would continue to pay interest on those Treasury securities as it comes due. And, as securities mature, Treasury would pay that principal by auctioning new securities for the same amount (and thus not increasing the overall stock of debt held by the public). Treasury would delay payments for all other obligations until it had at least enough cash to pay a full day’s obligations. In other words, it will delay payments to agencies, contractors, Social Security beneficiaries, and Medicare providers rather than attempting to pick and choose which payments to make that are due on a given day. 

Timely payments of interest and principal of Treasury securities alongside delays in other federal obligations would likely result in legal challenges. On the one hand, the motivation to pay principal and interest on time to avoid a default on Treasury securities is clear; on the other, lawsuits would probably argue that holders of Treasury securities have no legal standing to be paid before others. It is not clear how such litigation would turn out, as the law imposes contradictory requirements on the government. Treasury is required to make payments, honor the debt, and not go above the debt limit: three things that cannot all happen at once. 

Treasury may have the legal authority to mint and issue a “collectible” trillion-dollar platinum coin and deposit it at the Federal Reserve in exchange for cash to pay the government’s bills. However, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen noted recently that the Fed, reluctant to intervene in a partisan political dispute, might not accept the deposit. Others argue that the 14th Amendment to the Constitution—which says that “the validity of the public debt of the United States … shall not be questioned”—would allow the Treasury to ignore the debt limit. But those actions would certainly be viewed as circumventing the law that establishes the debt ceiling, and they would likely not prevent havoc in the debt market and many of the ill effects on the economy described below.  

How much would non-interest federal spending have to be cut? 

If the debt limit binds, and the Treasury were to make interest payments, then other outlays will have to be cut in an average month by about 20%. That would be necessary because over this period as a whole, the Congressional Budget Office expects close to 20 cents of every dollar of non-interest outlays to be financed by borrowing. However, the size of the cuts would vary from month to month because infusions of cash to the Treasury from tax revenues vary greatly by month. Tax revenues in July and August tend to be fairly muted. Thus, the required cuts to federal spending when an increase in federal debt is precluded are particularly large during these months. If Treasury wanted to be certain that it always had sufficient cash on hand to cover all interest payments, it might need to cut non-interest spending by 35% or more. 

How would a binding debt limit affect the economy? 

The economic costs of the debt limit binding, while assuredly negative, are enormously uncertain. Assuming interest and principal is paid on time, the very short-term effects largely depend on the expectations of financial market participants, businesses, and households. Would the stock market tumble precipitously the first day that a Social Security payment is delayed? Would the U.S. Treasury market, the world’s most important, function smoothly? Would there be a run on money market funds that hold short-term U.S. Treasuries? What actions would the Federal Reserve take to stabilize financial markets and the economy more broadly? 

Much depends on whether investors would be confident that Treasury would continue paying interest on time and on how long they think the impasse will persist. If people expect the impasse will be short-lived and are certain that the Treasury will not default on Treasury securities, it is possible that the initial response could be muted. However, that certainty would in part depend on whether there are swift legal challenges to the Treasury prioritizing interest payments and subsequent rulings.  

Regardless, even if the debt limit were raised quickly so that it only was binding for a few days, there could be lasting damage. At the very least, financial markets would likely anticipate such disruptions each time the debt limit nears in the future. In addition, the shock to financial markets and loss of business and household confidence could take time to abate. 

If the impasse were to drag on, market conditions would likely worsen with each passing day. Concerns about a default would grow with mounting legal and political pressures as Treasury security holders were prioritized above others to whom the federal government had obligations. Concerns would grow regarding the direct negative economic effects of a protracted sharp cut in federal spending.  

Worsening expectations regarding a possible default would make significant disruptions in financial markets increasingly probable. That could result in an increase in interest rates on newly-issued Treasuries. If financial markets started to pull back from U.S. Treasuries all together, the Treasury could have a difficult time finding buyers when it sought to roll over maturing debt, perhaps putting pressure on the Federal Reserve to purchase additional Treasuries in the secondary market. Such financial market disruptions would very likely be coupled with declines in the price of equities, a loss of consumer and business confidence, and a contraction in access to private credit markets. 

Financial markets, businesses, and households would become more pessimistic about a quick resolution and increasingly worried that a recession was inevitable. More and more people would feel economic pain because of delayed payments. Take just a few examples: Social Security beneficiaries seeing delays in their payments could face trouble with expenses such as rent and utilities; federal, state, and local agencies might see delays in payments that interrupt their work; federal contractors and employees would face uncertainty about how long their payments would be delayed. Those and other disruptions would have enormous economic and health consequences over time.  

Given that those disruptions would likely occur when the economy is growing slowly and perhaps contracting, the risk that the crisis would quickly trigger a deep recession is heightened. Moreover, tax revenues, the only resource the Treasury would have to pay interest on the debt, would be dampened, and the federal government would have to cut back on non-interest outlays with increasing severity. 

In a worst-case scenario, at some point Treasury would be forced to delay a payment of interest or principal on U.S. debt. Such an outright default on Treasury securities would very likely result in severe disruption to the Treasury securities market with acute spillovers to other financial markets and to the cost and availability of credit to households and businesses. Those developments could undermine the reputation of the Treasury market as the safest and most liquid in the world. 

Estimates of the effects of a binding debt limit on the U.S. economy 

It is obviously difficult to quantify the effects of a binding debt limit on the macroeconomy. However, history and illustrative scenarios provide some guidance. 

Evidence from prior “near-misses”: 

As discussed in this Hutchins Center Explains post, when Congress waited until the last minute to raise the debt ceiling in 2013, rates rose on Treasury securities scheduled to mature near the projected date the debt limit was projected to bind—by between 21 basis points and 46 basis points, according to an estimate from Federal Reserve economists—and liquidity in the Treasury securities market contracted. Yields across all maturities also increased a bit as well, according to the Federal Reserve economists’ study—by between 4 basis points and 8 basis points—reflecting investors’ fears of broader financial contagion. Similarly, after policymakers came close to the brink of the debt limit binding in 2011, the GAO estimated that the delays in raising the debt limit increased Treasury’s borrowing costs by about $1.3 billion that year. The fact that the estimated effects are small in comparison to the U.S. economy likely reflects that investors didn’t think it very likely that the debt ceiling would actually bind and thought that if it did, the impasse would be very short-lived. 

Evidence from macroeconomic models: 

In October 2013, the Federal Reserve simulated the effects of a binding debt ceiling that lasted one month—from mid-October to mid-November 2013—during which time Treasury would continue to make all interest payments. The Fed economists estimated that such an impasse would lead to an 80 basis point increase in 10-year Treasury yields, a 30% decline in stock prices, a 10% drop in the value of the dollar, and a hit to household and business confidence, with these effects waning over a two-year period. According to their analysis, this deterioration in financial conditions would result in a mild two-quarter recession, leading to an increase in the unemployment rate of 1.25 percentage points and 1.7 percentage points over the following two years. Such an increase in the unemployment rate today would mean the loss of 2 million jobs in 2022 and 2.7 million jobs in 2023. 

Macroeconomic Advisers conducted a similar exercise in 2013. It assessed the economic costs of two scenarios—one in which the impasse lasted just a short time and another in which it persisted for two months. Even in the scenario in which the impasse was resolved quickly, the economic consequences were substantial—a mild recession and a loss of 2.5 million jobs that returned only very slowly. For the two-month impasse, which included a deep cut to federal spending in one quarter, offset by a surge in spending in the next quarter, the effects were larger and longer lasting. In the analysis, such a scenario would lead to the near-term loss of up to 3.1 million jobs. Even two years after the crisis, there would be 2.5 million fewer jobs than there otherwise would have been. 

In 2021, when an impasse among policymakers once again threatened Treasury’s ability to pay its obligations, Moody’s Analytics concluded that the costs to the U.S. economy of allowing the debt limit to bind then would be severe. In Moody’s simulation, if the impasse lasted several months in the fall of 2021, employment would decline by 5 million and real GDP would decline almost 4% in the near term before recovering over the next few quarters. 

Conclusion 

While greatly uncertain, the effects of allowing the debt limit to bind could be quite severe, even assuming that principal and interest payments continue to be made. If instead the Treasury fails to fully make all principal and interest payments—because of political or legal constraints, unexpected cash shortfalls, or a failed auction of new Treasury securities—the consequences would be even more dire. 

The workarounds that have been proposed—the platinum coin, borrowing anyway, prioritizing payments—either bring significant legal uncertainty or are not sustainable solutions. These unlikely workarounds do not avoid the chaos that is inherent to the debt ceiling binding. The only effective solution is for Congress to increase the debt ceiling or, better yet, abolish it. 

[lunaamorris]

5 Ways For Small Business Owners To Reduce Their Taxable Income

Taxes can be anxious for a small business owner. You wear multiple hats, and one of the last things you want to do is give more of your hard-earned business profits to the nation.

Fortunately, there are many tax savings methods to reduce your taxable liability as a business owner. If you need methods to reduce your taxable income, consider some of the following ways below.

Employ a Family Member

The most suitable way to reduce taxes for your small business is by hiring one of your family members. The Internal Revenue Service allows for a variety of opportunities, all with the potential advantage of sheltering income from taxes. You can even hire your kids.

By hiring family members, small business owners can pay a lower marginal rate, or eliminate the tax on the income paid to their kids.

It is crucial to point out that earnings need to come from justified business goals. The IRS also lets small business owners have the benefit of reducing their taxes by hiring a spouse.

Depending on the advantages they may have through another job, you can even put aside retirement savings for them.

Start a Retirement Plan

As a small business owner, you give up a 401(k) contest compared to an employer. However, different retirement account options maximize retirement savings and reap valuable tax benefits. There are a variety of different retirement plan opportunities for business owners on the IRS website as a tax savings strategy.

Save Money for Healthcare Needs

One of the best methods to reduce small business taxes is by setting aside money for healthcare necessities. Medical costs continue to grow, and while you may be healthy now, saving money for unpredictable or future healthcare needs is crucial.

You can complete this through a Health Savings Account if you have a qualified high-deductible health plan.

By using HSAs, the business, and the employees can decrease taxes and potentially associated medical expenses.

Change Your Business Structure

As a small business owner, you do not have the advantage of an employer paying a part of your taxes. You are on the hook for the whole amount of Social Security and Medicare taxes.

As a limited liability company if your business is taxed you have to pay those taxes, though in distinctive circumstances you can eliminate half of those two tax responsibilities.

While there are different things to consider in this switch, like paying yourself adequate pay and other risks, it is a good way to reduce your taxable responsibility.

Deduct Travel Expenses

If you travel so much, you can reduce your business taxes. Business travel is completely deductible, though individual travel does not enjoy the same benefit. However, to maximize their business travel, small business owners can mix individual journeys with a justifiable business strategy.

With smart business tax planning, you can decrease your taxable revenue as a small business owner and maintain more of your funds operating for you. Just remember to consult a tax expert to assure you qualify for the possible savings.

[getmemymedicareblog]

Medicare advantage plans are a popular private insurance option for those who do not qualify for Medicare. However, there are certain advantages and disadvantages to Medicare Advantage.

[claeysgroup]

Your Best Medicare Option: Supplement, Advantage Plan, or Employer Coverage? How would you feel if your insurance agent told you he has a medical insurance plan for you that is an 80 / 20 plan (meaning, you just pay 20% of the medical costs) and has a monthly premium of only $164.90? In today’s market, you would consider that a good deal, right? And you might feel that having to pay only 20% of your future medical costs is a good risk for that premium. Medical Coverage that Risks You $60,000?!!! But suppose you buy that plan and then discover that, in a worst case scenario, your risk could be as much as $60,000 in a calendar year! How would you then feel about that plan?! That “plan” describes Original Medicare. (For more specifics on Original Medicare, see my blog post, How Does Medicare Work?) ...via Claeys Group Insurance Services - Tyler, TX Medicare Insurance Agency

[jessalynpito]

Best Rated Medicare Advantage Plans

Discover the Best Rated Medicare Advantage Plans with JessalynPito. We provide expert insights and comparisons to help you find top-rated plans that suit your healthcare needs. Explore affordable, high-quality options and make informed decisions for your health coverage today.