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Managing Costs & Coverage
You have a lot more to learn as you sign up for Medicare — and after. Find out about what’s covered and what’s not, what’s free and the costs you’ll have to pay.
About Medicare
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What is Medicare?
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Series
How to Choose Your Plan
Only you can decide the best Medicare option for your needs — and you can be selfish about it.
Spouses don’t have to pick the same plan. If you and your partner aren’t the same age, you won’t necessarily be starting Medicare at the same time. You may have to plan for that.
You’ll want to look at the costs of premiums, deductibles, copayments and coinsurance and plan for a few things that aren’t covered. But every year, Medicare gives you some free stuff that you won’t want to miss.
Articles in this series
Series
Balancing Costs, Coverage
Medicare won’t cover all your health care costs, so it’s worthwhile to brush up on tax laws and all the little rules that will affect what you pay in premiums, deductibles and other cost-sharing that affect Medicare.
If your income is on the high end, you’ll have to pay more than the basic premiums for Part B and Part D. The costs related to Part D prescription plans have changed a lot in the past few years, but practices such as prior authorization and step therapy could delay the coverage you need.
Articles in this series
AARP Navigator
Medicare Initial Enrollment
This customizable online program simplifies Medicare, empowering AARP members to make informed decisions with confidence and receive support throughout the process.
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Series
Essential Terms to Remember
The government has its favorite phrases when talking about Medicare coverage and costs.
Even if you’ve dealt with health insurance before now, you might never have encountered some of these terms. (We’re looking at you, advance beneficiary notice.)
You’ll learn about those notices, summary notices, accepting assignment, prescription formularies and other terminology you’ll need to know to understand original Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans.
Articles in this series
On-Demand Webinar
Your Income and Medicare Premiums
Your earnings determine how much the government subsidizes your Medicare payments. Understand how this works, and what you will pay.
On-Demand Webinar
Explore several programs that provide financial assistance to people with limited resources or who have certain conditions. They can help pay Medicare premiums, deductibles, copayments and prescription drug costs.
On-Demand Webinar
Understand the rules around HSA accounts and contributions and their impact on enrolling in Medicare.
On-Demand Webinar
Neglected dental, vision and hearing issues can have a cascading effect on your health. Learn what Medicare covers and how you can find coverage.
On-Demand Webinar
Learn about Medicare considerations if you are still working at age 65.
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Series
Does Medicare Cover This?
Medicare covers some things that might surprise you. Other times, you might wonder why Medicare doesn’t cover a particular piece of medical equipment or a service.
The devil’s in the details. More than 40 stories from acupuncture to wellness care delve into the specifics.
Want to stop smoking? Medicare has you covered. Want to lose weight? It depends. Worried about dementia? You can get screenings, but you’ll need other financing for assisted living or long-term care. Dig into our trove of information.
Articles in this series
