B Medicare Aware Podcast

22/10/2021

Have you reviewed the 2022 Medicare & You handbook? This is the time of the year to do it and shop for Medicare prescription drug and Medicare Advantage plans. The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) started on October 15th and ends on December 7th. 😀📢

23/11/2020

I'm on a mission to make Medicare better for all of us. Eventually, we will all have Medicare. I've just launched MedicareEvolution.com to work with the . Please read this petition and add your signature. Our seniors deserve better. Thank you. http://chng.it/Jsdbxft9xh

99 signatures are still needed! Improve Medicare benefits for our citizens

13/11/2020

COVID-19 cases and deaths are setting records daily. For some of what we have learned during the pandemic, listen to this week's episode. https://anchor.fm/b-medicare-aware/episodes/COVID-19-Update-eme1fb

We are still in the middle of a Pandemic and COVID-19 cases and deaths are setting records. Since Medicare beneficiaries make up a large percentage of the severe cases and deaths, I am providing an update that includes some of what we have learned. Even though this podcast is Medicare focused, this....

06/11/2020

Are generic drugs inferior to their brand-name equivalents? How can they be as good when they are so much cheaper? This episode answers these questions and more. 😀 https://anchor.fm/b-medicare-aware/episodes/Brand-name-versus-Generic-Drugs-em3og9

Choosing to switch your brand name medication to a generic is not an easy decision for some Medicare beneficiaries. For others, they anxiously await the next generic release. Many generics are substantially less expensive than their brand name equivalents. Why is that? Are generics inferior? While s...

30/10/2020

While shopping for a Medicare prescription drug plan, there are important things to be aware of. This week's episode goes over these need to know items. https://anchor.fm/b-medicare-aware/episodes/Before-Picking-a-Prescription-Drug-Plan-elpmgc

Like I mentioned in Episodes 4 and 5, few parts of Medicare impact the daily lives of most beneficiaries like Medicare Part D. Medicare beneficiaries take more prescription drugs than any other group of U.S. citizens. In this episode, I explain what you need to know while you shop for a prescription...

23/10/2020

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. In this episode, I talk about Medicare cancer screenings. "An ounce of cancer prevention is worth a ton of cancer cure." -Robert A. Wascher https://anchor.fm/b-medicare-aware/episodes/Medicare-Cancer-Screenings-elffm1

Benjamin Franklin said that “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Medicare Cancer screenings save lives. Medicare beneficiaries have these benefits and should be aware of them. In this episode, I list and explain each one. October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. If you ha...

16/10/2020

While Medicare plan shopping during the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), you may find an otherwise great plan that has restrictions on one of your prescription drugs. This week's episode talks about Coverage Determination and how it is requested. Let me know what you think. https://anchor.fm/b-medicare-aware/episodes/Coverage-Determination-Decision-el53a3

While you are shopping for a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan or Medicare Advantage Plan, you may find a plan that almost checks all the boxes. One of your prescription drugs may not be in the plan’s formulary or it would be subject to utilization management like a quantity limit. What shoul...

09/10/2020

If you have a Medicare Advantage plan or thinking about getting one during the upcoming Annual Enrollment Period, you will want to listen to this episode. https://anchor.fm/b-medicare-aware/episodes/Understanding-Medicare-Advantage-ekqe8s

Statistics show that more Medicare beneficiaries are enrolling in Medicare Advantage plans. You may be in one now or considering it for the upcoming Annual Enrollment Period (AEP). In this episode, I will list and explain the Things to know about Medicare Advantage Plans according to Medicare.gov. B...

02/10/2020

Many Medicare beneficiaries have other coverage and Medicare. Find out how your other plans coordinate benefits with Medicare in my latest episode of B Medicare Aware. https://anchor.fm/b-medicare-aware/episodes/Coordination-of-Benefits-with-Medicare-ekg7pe

25/09/2020

If you haven't heard about the changes to the Medicare Plan Finder, check out our new episode. https://anchor.fm/b-medicare-aware/episodes/Medicare-Plan-Finder-ek5dc6

The Medicare Plan Finder is the most used tool on Medicare.gov. In 2019, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) launched a modernized and redesigned Plan Finder. In this episode, I talk about the improvements and give step-by-step instructions on using it. Whether you have Original Medic...

20/09/2020

The Annual Enrollment Period is from October 15th to December 7th. This is an opportunity for a bonding moment with your parents and grandparents.

My weekly podcast gives you straight forward explanations for how Medicare works. Whether you are new to Medicare or have been on for a while, you will benefit.

18/09/2020

There are some important changes for Medicare beneficiaries with diabetes. 🥳 https://anchor.fm/b-medicare-aware/episodes/Important-Improvements-if-on-Insulin-ejqn61

Approximately one in five Medicare beneficiaries are affected by diabetes. If you are a beneficiary on insulin or know someone who is, you will want to listen to this episode. For plan year 2021, there are numerous improvements to Medicare diabetes benefits. I encourage you to be familiar with these...

11/09/2020

Prepare for changes to Medicare in 2021. https://anchor.fm/b-medicare-aware/episodes/Whats-New-for-2021-ejf769

There are some significant changes to Medicare planned for 2021. What are they? Why make these particular changes? In this episode, I list and explain most of the important ones. Before the upcoming Annual Enrollment Period, you should be informed of any changes that could affect you. If you are a M...

04/09/2020

Look out for your Annual Notice of Change later this month. https://anchor.fm/b-medicare-aware/episodes/Whats-in-the-Annual-Notice-of-Change-ANOC-ej47ov

The Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) is sent out to those on Medicare Advantage and Stand Alone Part D (PDP) prescription drug plans at the end of September. In this episode, I go over each section of this important document. The information contained in the ANOC will help you to determine if your cur...

04/09/2020

Get familiar with the Special Enrollment Periods. https://anchor.fm/b-medicare-aware/episodes/Part-D-Special-Enrollment-Periods-eiet8v

Medicare has its share of restrictions. Special Enrollment Periods allow Medicare beneficiaries some flexibility to make the necessary changes when life throws a curve. There isn’t a solution for every circumstance but being aware that these Special Enrollment Periods exist and knowing a little ab...

04/09/2020

Are you a or person? https://anchor.fm/b-medicare-aware/episodes/Medigap-or-Medicare-Advantage-Person-ei4gq9

When choosing to supplement Original Medicare, beneficiaries fall into two categories. They are either Medigap or Medicare Advantage people. People make that decision based on different factors. Do they consider monthly premium or being able to keep their doctor? Maybe they consider what they pay or...

04/09/2020

Do you want to know about saving on Medicare prescriptions? https://anchor.fm/b-medicare-aware/episodes/Help-with-Prescription-Costs-ehq709

Many Medicare beneficiaries rely on their prescription drug plan for affordable prescription prices and premiums. What if having a plan is not enough? You still can't afford to fill some of your prescriptions. Maybe, you are filling enough for half of the month at a time or even taking less than pre...

04/09/2020

This episode about COVID-19 is useful for everyone. Join the conversation. https://anchor.fm/b-medicare-aware/episodes/B-COVID-19-Aware-ehef4s

We are in the middle of a Pandemic. The Novel Coronavirus/COVID-19 has changed how we live, work, and think. Medicare beneficiaries make up a large percentage of the cases, hospitalizations, and deaths. Why is that? What can we do to lower the risk of our seniors? Even though this podcast is Medicar...

04/09/2020

Check out my latest episode of my , . You can listen on , , or your favorite podcast app. https://anchor.fm/b-medicare-aware/episodes/Whats-in-the-Annual-Notice-of-Change-ANOC-ej47ov

The Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) is sent out to those on Medicare Advantage and Stand Alone Part D (PDP) prescription drug plans at the end of September. In this episode, I go over each section of this important document. The information contained in the ANOC will help you to determine if your cur...

29/08/2020

Check out my latest episode of my , . You can find it on , , or your favorite podcast app.

Most people think of Medicare Part D when you mention Medicare prescriptions. In this episode, I go over the prescriptions that are not covered by Part D because they are covered by Medicare Part B. Too often, Medicare beneficiaries look for a Part D insurance plan that covers their blood glucose te...

29/08/2020

Let's mask up!

29/08/2020

Yes. Some prescriptions are covered by Part B.

Most people think of Medicare Part D when you mention Medicare prescriptions. In this episode, I go over the prescriptions that are not covered by Part D because they are covered by Medicare Part B. Too often, Medicare beneficiaries look for a Part D insurance plan that covers their blood glucose te...

29/08/2020

A Special Enrollment Period can be a life saver!

Medicare has its share of restrictions. Special Enrollment Periods allow Medicare beneficiaries some flexibility to make the necessary changes when life throws a curve. There isn’t a solution for every circumstance but being aware that these Special Enrollment Periods exist and knowing a little ab...

29/08/2020

Let's see if you're a Medigap or Medicare Advantage Person.

When choosing to supplement Original Medicare, beneficiaries fall into two categories. They are either Medigap or Medicare Advantage people. People make that decision based on different factors. Do they consider monthly premium or being able to keep their doctor? Maybe they consider what they pay or...

29/08/2020

You might qualify for help with your Medicare prescription costs.

Many Medicare beneficiaries rely on their prescription drug plan for affordable prescription prices and premiums. What if having a plan is not enough? You still can't afford to fill some of your prescriptions. Maybe, you are filling enough for half of the month at a time or even taking less than pre...

29/08/2020

Everyone can benefit from this episode about COVID-19. Stay Safe!

We are in the middle of a Pandemic. The Novel Coronavirus/COVID-19 has changed how we live, work, and think. Medicare beneficiaries make up a large percentage of the cases, hospitalizations, and deaths. Why is that? What can we do to lower the risk of our seniors? Even though this podcast is Medicar...

29/08/2020

Check out part 2 of the Part D prescriptions episode!

For many Medicare beneficiaries, few parts of Medicare affect their well being and daily life like Medicare Part D. This two part episode covers what you need to understand about your prescription drug benefits. Once you have listened to Part 2 of this episode and each episode before, you will have....

29/08/2020

Medicare Prescription Part D is a big topic. Check out episode 1 of 2.

For many Medicare beneficiaries, few parts of Medicare affect their well being and daily life like Medicare Part D. This two part episode covers what you need to understand about your prescription drug benefits. Once you have listened to Part 2 of this episode and each episode before, you will have....

29/08/2020

What happened to Plan F? This episode explains why this popular plan went away.

For years, Medicare beneficiaries had a "go to" Medicare Supplement plan. Their friends, families, and agents probably automatically recommended Plan F to them knowing they were getting the "best of the best." What do people who are new to Medicare choose now to supplement their Medicare since Plan....

29/08/2020

Check out episode 2 of my podcast!

There are several misconceptions about Original Medicare Parts A and B. I address some of them in this episode. The main one is the cost of just having Part A and or Part B and no Supplement or Medicare Advantage plan. Parts A and B are the foundation of Medicare. To understand what you are buying t...