What is the Medicare hospice care benefit? Hospice is a program of end-of-life pain management and comfort care for those with a terminal illness. Medicare’s hospice benefit offers end-of-life palliative treatment, including support for your physical, emotional, and other needs. It is important to remember that the goal of hospice is to help you live […]
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April 2019: Medicare Coverage of Hospice Care
September 2019: Fall Open Enrollment
Fall Open Enrollment Fall Open Enrollment runs October 15 through December 7, and is the time of year when you can make changes to your Medicare coverage. You can make as many changes as you need to your Medicare coverage during Fall Open Enrollment. The last change you make will take effect on January 1, […]
August 2019: Medigap Plans
What are Medigap Plans? Medigaps are health insurance policies that offer standardized benefits to work with Original Medicare (not Medicare Advantage). They are sold by private insurance companies. If you have a Medigap, it pays part or all of certain remaining costs after Original Medicare pays first. Medigaps may also cover health care costs that […]
July 2019: Medicare Savings Programs
What are the Medicare Savings Programs? Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs), also known as Medicare Buy-In programs, are state programs that assist you with paying your Medicare costs. These costs include premiums, deductibles, coinsurance charges, and copayments for Part A and B. There are three main programs*, each with different benefits and eligibility requirements: MSP […]
June 2019: Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage Standard Appeals
What can I do if I get a denial for a health care service or item? If you receive a denial from Original Medicare or your Medicare health or drug plan, you have the right to appeal. An appeal is a formal request for review of a decision made by your Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, […]
WAHBE 2019-2020 New Producer Certification Webinar
Due to the large volume of new producers who have shown interest in certifying with the Exchange, the Washington Health Benefits Exchange will be holding a webinar training on Thursday, June 6 from 9 am – 12 pm. You can register for the webinar here. All producers are required to submit a $50 certification fee […]
2019 Premera Blue Cross Medical & Dental Sprint
Sell a new medical plan and or add a dental plan to an employee group of 5-50 employees* 7.1.19 through 1.1.20 Effective Dates $30 per Medical member $5 per Peak Care Network Member $20 per add of Dental member new or to existing Medical * No Minimum requirement * No Maximum payout We’re here to help. […]
May 2019: How does Medicare Pay for Prescription Medication?
Part B and Part D Prescription Drug Coverage Part A covers the drugs you need during a Medicare-covered stay in a hospital or a skilled nursing facility (SNF). Part B covers most drugs administered by your doctor or at a dialysis facility, but the provider or the facility must buy and supply the drugs. Part […]
March 2019: Emergency Care
How does Medicare cover emergency room services? If you have Original Medicare, Part B covers emergency room services anywhere in the U.S. Emergency room services are typically provided when you have a medical condition that requires immediate action, such as an injury or sudden illness. Medicare Advantage Plans must also cover emergency room services anywhere […]
February 2019: Medicare Enrollment Periods
When can I sign up for Medicare Part A and/or Part B? If you are already receiving benefits from the Social Security Administration or Railroad Retirement Board at the time you become eligible for Medicare, you will be automatically enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B. If you don’t yet receive benefits or if you […]