Author: Chad Farnum
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Medicare’s 3-Day Rule and Two-Midnight Rule
Medicare has specific guidelines for hospital stays and skilled nursing facility (SNF) coverage, and two important rules—the 3-Day Rule and the Two-Midnight Rule—play a crucial role in determining eligibility for certain benefits. What Is the 3-Day Rule? The 3-Day Rule requires Medicare beneficiaries to have a medically necessary inpatient hospital stay of at least three consecutive days before Medicare will cover skilled…
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Medicare as a Secondary Payer
The Medicare system is designed to ensure that Medicare doesn’t use taxpayer dollars to pay claims that are covered by other insurance. However, the process also ensures that your medical bills are paid on time without you having to submit mountains of paperwork or take any other action. It doesn’t work perfectly every single time,…
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Being Eligible for Part A on Someone Else’s Work Record
If you haven’t worked long enough to get Medicare Part A benefits without paying premiums, you may qualify on the work record of your current or former spouse. But the rules vary according to different circumstances. Your current/former spouse has enough credits If your current or former spouse has earned 40 work credits, you can…
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Workers Age 65 and Over
What you need to know if you continue working after you reach age 65. If your employer offers group health insurance, how does Medicare affect you regarding Medicare? Generally, if your employer has 20 or more full-time employees, and you’re age 65 or over, you’re entitled to the same group health benefits as any other employee. The group…
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Home Health Care Services
Home Health Care Services provides some of the same types of care that you might receive in a skilled nursing facility but in your own home. These include: Skilled Nursing Care: provided on a part-time basis (no more than eight hours a day over a period of 21 days or less) and include services such…
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Choosing a Medicare Supplemental Policy
Your choice of a Medicare Supplemental Policy depends on two things: which one provides closest to your needs and how much you’re willing to pay for it. The latter point depends on several factors: I recommend purchasing the supplemental policy with the most comprehensive set of benefits that you can afford at the time of…
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The Problem with Medicare Advantage
Medicare enrollees are moving in greater numbers than ever to the program’s managed care option to save money. However, the tradeoff are hidden costs and plan restrictions, beginning with much less ability to use their preferred doctors and hospitals. In theory, prospective Medicare Advantage enrollees can review lists of in-network providers before opting into a plan.…
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Medicare Initial Enrollment Questionnaire
Medicare does not automatically know if you have any other health coverage, so about three months before you become eligible for Medicare, you will receive a letter in the mail informing you on how to complete the Medicare Initial Enrollment Questionnaire. It’s in your best interest to complete this form without delay. There are two…
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Part D Medication Therapy Management (MTMP) Program
Medications have powerful effects on the body, and not always in ways that are good for you. If you take many drugs for different conditions and they interact badly together, you may even wind up with more symptoms. It’s recommended to have your pharmaceutical intake reviewed from time to time by your doctor or pharmacist.…
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Medicare Annual Enrollment Period
One month from now begins the annual Medicare Annual Enrollment Period or Annual Election Period from October 15 to December 7. During this time, you can join, change or drop a Medicare Advantage Plan or a Part D Prescription Drug Plan. You Can: – Change from Original Medicare (Parts A & B) to a Medicare…
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