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Medicare Nation

107 episodes - English - Latest episode: almost 4 years ago - ★★★★★ - 144 ratings

How much would you pay out-of-pocket for a five day hospital stay on Medicare? The majority of people have no idea!
The problem with Medicare is there is too much information. An overwhelming amount of information and not enough resources. Medicare Nation solves that problem by educating you about all the things you want to know about Medicare, but are afraid to ask. This podcast will educate you about the components of Medicare, the different categories of Medicare Plans and Medicare benefits. On other episodes I’ll interview expert guests in the health and wellness field, about diseases, Medicare issues and current changes to the Medicare program.
Medicare Nation is dedicated to answering all your questions about Medicare.
Expert information and insights regarding Medicare and you!
Further information can be found on www.callsamm.com
Give us feedback on Facebook! www.facebook.com/MedicareNation

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Episodes

CMS Hands Out Civil Money Penalties To 3 More Medicare Plans

June 12, 2020 11:30 - 26 minutes - 24.2 MB

Hey Medicare Nation! www.TheMedicareNation.com Today, I'm finishing up my series on the Medicare Plan Sponsors that CMS has issued Sanctions and/or Civil Money Penalties for in 2020! THREE more plan sponsors to discuss! CMS sent notice to Ms. Aparna Abburi, President of Health Care Service Corporation (HCSC), on February 28, 2020, that CMS was imposing a Civil Money Penalty in the amount of $381,272.00! HUGE Penalty people! According to CMS Summary of Non-Compliance, HCSC disclos...

CMS SLAPS Humana With Hefty Civil Money Penalty

May 29, 2020 11:30 - 26 minutes - 24.5 MB

Hey Medicare Nation! Medicare Nation CMS Imposes a Civil Money Penalty against HUMANA! CMS conducted an "Audit" of Humana's Medicare Operations from June 3, 2019 through June 21, 2019. Humana failed to comply with Medicare requirements related to Part D formulary and benefit administration and coverage derterminations, appeals, and grievances in violation of 42 C.F.R. Part 423, Subparts C and M. Humana's failures in these areas were systemic and adversely affected, or had the subst...

CMS Imposes BIG Sanctions on Delaware Life Ins. Company

May 15, 2020 11:30 - 18 minutes - 17.3 MB

Hey Medicare Nation! Medicare Nation Today, I'm informing you about The Centers For Medicare & Medicaid Services Notice, given to Mr. Art Carlos, CEO of Delaware Life Insurance Company. In a notice dated January 31, 2020, CMS notified Mr. Carlos that they were immediately imposing Intermediate "Sanctions" against Delaware Life Insurance Company. CMS determined that Delaware Life Insurance Company is "in substantial violation of Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plan requiremen...

How Much Does it Cost For COVID19 Services Under Medicare?

April 10, 2020 18:30 - 22 minutes - 20.5 MB

Hey Medicare Nation! www.TheMedicareNation.com Medicare has taken many steps to assist you during the COVID-19 crisis. Coronavirus tests Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers a test to see if you have coronavirus (officially called COVID-19). This test is covered when your doctor or other health care provider orders the test. I spoke about testing for COVID-19 in the previous episode, dated April 1, 2020. Listen to episode 101 to learn more about COVID-19 Testing. Your costs i...

COVID19 Update: Testing, Phone Numbers & 50 State Status

April 01, 2020 11:30 - 28 minutes - 26 MB

Hey Medicare Nation! www.TheMedicareNation.com It’s April 1st and over One Million People have been diagnosed with the COVID-19 Virus Worldwide! On this week’s episode….. I provide a time-line of the events of the Pandemic as well as updates on COVID-19 testing and Important phone numbers should you have symptoms or questions about COVID-19. I also have a “list” of phone numbers, for EACH Health Department in All 50 States! You can email me at  [email protected] for the...

Where Do I Go To Get Tested For The Corona Virus?

March 13, 2020 11:30 - 31 minutes - 28.5 MB

Hey Medicare Nation! We're smack in the middle of a Corona Virus Pandemic! The Medicare Nation I wanted to give you an episode that is full of USEFULL information. I know you've been hammered by the news, internet and newspapers about the Corona Virus. Let's start with a very important fact: Human coronaviruses were first identified in the mid-1960s. The 1960's people! the coronavirus gets its name from a distinctive corona or in a scientists world…a “Crown of Sugary Proteins,”...

Medicare NOW Covers Acupuncture

January 24, 2020 12:30 - 16 minutes - 15.2 MB

Hey Medicare Nation! www.TheMedicareNation.com It's still January...but February is right around the corner. Spring WILL come. I promise! Let me give you some good news! Medicare is now covering Acupuncture! As of January 21, 2020, The Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), will cover acupuncture for "Chronic Low Back Pain." Let's look at the coverage in the Medicare National Coverage Determination Manual. Section 1862(a)(1)(A) of the Social Security Act  Up to "12" v...

Unhappy With Your Medicare Advantage Plan? Change it Now!

January 03, 2020 12:30 - 13 minutes - 12.4 MB

Hey Medicare Nation! www.TheMedicareNation.com It's 2020!  Love the sound of that! Right now...... the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period is in full swing. If you are on a "Medicare Advantage Plan," you have the opportunity to make a ONE TIME change, between January 1st through March 31st. You can change from one Medicare Advantage Plan to another Medicare Advantage Plan. You can "disenroll" from the Medicare Advantage Plan you're on and go back onto "Original Medicare." W...

2020 Medicare Changes Announced!

November 09, 2019 12:30 - 21 minutes - 19.9 MB

Hey Medicare Nation! CMS just announced the 2020 Medicare Part B Premium increase! CMS also announced 2020 Part A Deductible and co-pays, as well as the Part B annual deductible. Here's a look at what's changing in 2020: Medicare premiums, deductibles, and co-payment amounts are adjusted each year in accordance with the Soc Sec Act.      SOCIAL SECURITY   Increase:    1.6%  (Avg $24 more a month)   Average Monthly SS Check $1,503.00       2020 - PART A DEDUCTIBLE A...

Part D Prescription Drug Plan Info For 2020

October 04, 2019 16:13 - 34 minutes - 31.2 MB

Hey Medicare Nation! www.TheMedicareNation.com It's October! That means it's Medicare Time! The Annual Enrollment Period is just around the corner. Did you receive your "Annual Notice of Changes (ANOC)" for your Medicare Advantage Plan or Prescription Drug Plan? If not....contact your plan and request the ANOC. Today......I want to talk with you about Part D Prescription Drug Coverage for 2020! Medicare has set the maximum Part D Deductible for 2020 at $435.00. Medicare Advanta...

How Do I Get Drugs During A Weather Emergency

September 04, 2019 11:30 - 20 minutes - 18.5 MB

Hey Medicare Nation! www.TheMedicareNation.com How Do I get treatment & prescriptions during a weather emergency? Hurricane Dorian is moving up the East Coast of the U.S., and MILLIONS of people have evacuated the coastlines, to seek safety. What happens if you get sick or you need to fill prescriptions while you’re away from home during a weather emergency? Or…. What happens if you need to move into a Skilled Nursing Facility, but you haven’t fulfilled the “3 Day Prior Hospitali...

With Two Shingles Vaccines Available, Which One Should I Get?

August 02, 2019 11:30 - 21 minutes - 19.6 MB

Hey Medicare Nation! www.TheMedicareNation.com If you are turning 65 or still working on  an employer group insurance plan, you may need assistance in finding the Medicare plan that fits YOUR unique needs. You may have a loved one in a nursing home or in an assisted living facility, who is not receiving proper care. Call me! You can hire me as a consultant to assist you with Medicare issues! Call 855-855-7266 or eMail me at [email protected] Tell me the situation an...

CMS Approves Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitors

July 05, 2019 11:30 - 21 minutes - 20 MB

Hey Medicare Nation! www.TheMedicareNation.com Help your PARENTS, Spouses and Friends "SUBSCRIBE" to Medicare Nation! With almost 100 episodes on Medicare and Medicare Resources available, your loved-one will be able to find answers to their Medicare questions! Use the "Purple" colored icon on an Apple phone or .... download Stitcher, Himalaya or Player FM when using Android phones. Search for "Medicare" and "click" on the Medicare Nation logo. You'll see the "subscribe" button...

CMS Slaps Agewell NY With Civil Money Penalty

June 21, 2019 11:30 - 17 minutes - 16.3 MB

Hey Medicare Nation! www.TheMedicareNation.com Today, I'm discussing how the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) SLAPPED Agewell New York LLC with a Civil Money Penalty of $39,200! CMS conducts audits to ensure Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plans are following conditions of the current contract as well as Medicare rules & regulations.  From March 9, 2018 through May 15, 2018, CMS Conducted an audit of Agewell's 2016 Medicare financial information. In a financial a...

Is ColoGuard Covered Under Medicare?

June 14, 2019 11:30 - 18 minutes - 16.6 MB

Multi Target Stool DNA Test  vs. Fecal Occult Blood Test  Hey Medicare Nation! www.TheMedicareNation.com Have you subscribed to Medicare Nation? Don’t know how? If you have an Apple iPhone……. Click on the “Purple” icon…. With the white microphone. When the page opens….Click on SEARCH. Type in Medicare. Medicare Nation comes right up… WHY……BECAUSE….. it’s a TOP 100 APPLE PODCAST Nation! Click on that Beautiful Flag “Medicare Nation” Logo. When the page opens….Click on the SUBSCRIBE ...

Are Reverse Mortgages A Scam? MN 091

May 31, 2019 15:40 - 43 minutes - 40.1 MB

Hey Medicare Nation! www.TheMedicareNation.com I'm not an expert on Reverse Mortgages......in fact, I don't know much about them. I have heard about Reverse Mortgages on commercials, in newspapers and on FaceBook feeds. I never had the need to learn about Reverse Mortgages, so...... I never did......until...... a client asked me about them. When a client asks me a question about Medicare..... I know the answer. I'm a Medicare Expert....I'm in the business of knowing as much as I can ...

What's The Difference Between Medicare Supp Plan "G" & Plan "N"

May 17, 2019 11:30 - 15 minutes - 14.4 MB

Hey Medicare Nation! www.TheMedicareNation.com On the Last episode.....I spoke to you about Medicare Supplement Plan "F" and High Deductible Plan F. Today....I'm going to talk about Medicare Supplement Plan "G" and Plan "N" Plan "G" allows you to "purchase" an insurance policy, where you pay a monthly premium to the carrier...... in return...... Medicare Supplement Plan G, will pay ALL your Medically necessary out-of-pocket deductibles, co-insurance and co-pays...... EXCEPT for ......

MN089 What's The Difference Between Plan F & High Deductible Plan F

April 15, 2019 11:30 - 34 minutes - 31.2 MB

Hey Medicare Nation! www.TheMedicareNation.com More than 10,000 people a day are turning 65! While qualifying for Medicare Part A and Part B, Medicare Beneficiaries are VERY confused as to what type of plan to enroll in, to "supplement" Original Medicare. By zipcode, a Medicare Beneficiary may have over "100 Plans" to choose from to help supplement their Original Medicare. That's an ENORMOUS amount of research to do!                  If you have the time and enjoy doing all that re...

Does Medicare Pay For Emergency Care While Traveling?

March 15, 2019 11:30 - 23 minutes - 21.4 MB

Hey Medicare Nation! www.TheMedicareNation.com It's almost Spring time! For many people, this has been a terrible winter. Many Medicare Nation listeners have been emailing me to find out if Medicare covers "Emergencies" while traveling across the U.S. or abroad. That's a great question! Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage Plans Do cover "Emergency Care" AND  Urgent Care ANYWHERE in the United States and it's Territories. An "Emergency" is Life-Threatening. An example would be ...

Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period is NOW!

January 11, 2019 12:30 - 18 minutes - 16.8 MB

Hey Medicare Nation! htpps://www.TheMedicareNation.com   Today, I'm going to speak with you about the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period. CMS...Centers For Medicare & Medicaid Services has issued a new regulation that began January 1, 2019. Under 42 CFR 422.62(a)(3)....CMS published the following: During the MA OEP, MA plan enrolles may enroll in another MA plan or disenroll from their MA plan and return to Original Medicare. Individuals may make only one election during t...

Choosing a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan for 2019

November 16, 2018 12:30 - 26 minutes - 23.9 MB

Hey Medicare Nation! You are getting ready for Thanksgiving and you haven't even looked at Prescription Drug Plans for 2019. Don't panic!  I have your back :) There are Prescription Drug Plan changes for 2019.  Listen to this episode to learn about the NEW changes and make a confident decision to enroll in the Medicare Prescription Drug Plan that fits your unique needs. Here is the link to the Medicare.gov website as an additional resoure: www.medicare.gov Have a question abo...

2019 Medicare Premium & Deductibles MN085

October 13, 2018 11:30 - 19 minutes - 18.1 MB

Hey Medicare Nation! It's October! Lots of changes going on in the Medicare landscape. Social Security recently announced the 2019 COLA, and for those of you on Social Security and Social Security Disability, you will be receiving a 2.8% raise in your monthly check. Social Security raise goes into effect January 1, 2019. Social Securtiy Disbility goies into effect December 31, 2018. Some more good news is.....the payroll taxes for Medicare & Social Security are staying the same in ...

MN084 FDA Issues Recall of Levothyroxine (Thyroid Tablets)

August 24, 2018 11:30 - 18 minutes - 17.4 MB

Hey Medicare Nation! I have a special show for you today. The FDA has issued a "Voluntary Recall" on Westminster Pharmaceuticals of all lots of their Levothyroxine and Liothyronine (Thyroid Tablets). Westminster Pharmaceuticals, LLC, which has its Corporate HQ in Tampa, Florida, is voluntarily recalling all lots, within the expiration date, of Levo-thyroxine and Lio-thyronine (Thyroid Tablets) dosages of 15 mg, 30 mg, 60 mg, 90 mg, & 120 mg up to the wholesale level. These products a...

Is Medical Marijuana the Drug of Choice For Pain? MN083

June 22, 2018 11:30 - 42 minutes - 38.7 MB

Hey Medicare Nation! Medicare Nation The topic of Medical Marijuana is BOOMING! I had to bring back Dr. Rachna Patel to update us on what's going on in the Medical Marijuana Community. Currently, there are 9 States, plus the District of Columbia (DC), that have "Legalized" the "Recreational" use of Marijuana. The 9 States are: 1. Alaska 2. California 3. Colorado 4. D.C. 5. Massachusetts 6. Nevada 7. Oregon 8. Vermont 9. Washington Twenty-Nine (29) States, have L...

99% of Individuals With Foot Drop Don't Know About WalkAides MN082

May 25, 2018 11:00 - 29 minutes - 27.4 MB

Hey Medicare Nation! Millions of people are diagnosed with "Foot Drop." Some people also call it......"Drop Foot." Help A Child or Adult Walk Again! Either way, Foot Drop is a serious matter! Foot Drop is a weakness or paralysis of the muscles involved in lifting the front part of the foot, necessary for walking. Foot Drop causes a person to drag the foot and toes, or engage in a high-stepping walk called a steppage gait. Foot Drop Increases the risk of falling.   Who Can Be ...

NEW Medicare Cards Are Mailing Out Now MN081

April 13, 2018 11:30 - 28 minutes - 26.3 MB

Hey Medicare Nation! Do you know what "Drop Foot" is? Foot Drop is a weakness or paralysis of the muscles involved in lifting the front part of the foot necessary for walking. It causes a person to drag the foot and toes, or engage in a high-stepping walk called a "steppage gait." This increases the risk of falling for individuals.  There are about 70,000 people diagnosed with Food Drop in the State of Florida alone! I have teamed up with the Freedom to Walk Foundation, to assist...

Special SEP For Medicare Beneficiaries Affected by California Wildfires MN080

February 02, 2018 14:00 - 15 minutes - 14.6 MB

Hey Medicare Nation! www.TheMedicareNation.com Special Election Period Extended through March 31, 2018 for Medicare Beneficiaries Affected by California Wildfires. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has extended the Special Election Period (SEP) for Medicare Beneficiaries affected by the California Wildfires to March 31, 2018. Any Medicaer Beneficiary who resides in, or resided in an area for which the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) declared a disaster are...

You CAN Disenroll From Your Medicare Advantage Plan NOW! MN079

January 19, 2018 17:00 - 34 minutes - 31.5 MB

Hey Medicare Nation! It's January 2018! I hope everyone made informed decisions regarding your Medicare Advantage Plans for 2018. If you missed the last episode, go back and listen to it! I discussed the Medicare Premiums, co-pays and co-insurance for 2018. Many of you have sent me emails "asking me" if you can change your Medicare Advantage Plan in January. The answer is......yes....with specific guidelines. Currently, it is the Medicare Advantage Plan "Disenrollment Period." ...

CMS Announces 2018 Medicare Premiums MN078

November 18, 2017 09:00 - 33 minutes - 30.8 MB

Hey Medicare Nation! The Center For Medicare & Medicaid Services has finally announced 2018 Premiums and deductibles for Part A & Part B of Medicare. Just as I had anticipated...... CMS has increased the Part B premium in 2018. A hefty amount....I might add. The 2018 Part B Premium for 2018 will be $134.00. Over 50 Million Medicare beneficiaries were protected by the "held harmless" regulation in 2017. Those Medicare beneficiaries did not see an increase in their Part B Premium for...

Special Election Period For Weather Related Disaesters

November 03, 2017 08:30 - 33 minutes - 30.8 MB

Hey Medicare Nation! It's Medicare Annual Enrollment Time! The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period runs from October 15th through December 7th, each year. Many of you are looking at different Medicare Advantage Plans and Prescription Drug Plans for 2018. Some of you are staying with the Medicare Advantage Plan you're already on. What many of you don't know.......is that the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has added a Special Election Period for individuals affected by wea...

How to Save $1,608 or More in Medicare Costs

October 06, 2017 08:30 - 33 minutes - 30.8 MB

Hey Medicare Nation! It's October, and that means it's Medicare season! If you need help navigating the 2018 Medicare Advantage Plans or Medicare Prescription Drug Plans, I'm available to help! Go to my website...... www.TheMedicareNation.com  and click on the "contact" button. Send me a short email of how I can assist you and I'll get back to you with details.   How many of you receive excess letters, brochures and booklets from Medicare insurance companies? I'm sure most of you d...

MN075 2018 Prescription Drug changes

October 01, 2017 08:30 - 33 minutes - 30.8 MB

2018 Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Cost Sharing It's October folks! Medicare season has begun! As of October 1st, licensed health insurance agents may begin speaking about 2018 Medicare Advantage Plans and stand-alone prescription drug plans. If you have a relationship with a licensed health insurance agent, Medicare Specialist or Medicare Consultant, they will more than likely start contacting you about your current plan. This is the time to discuss your concerns with your Medic...

MN074 CMS Slaps Fallon Healthcare With Huge Civil Money Penalty

July 07, 2017 10:00 - 21 minutes - 19.5 MB

Hey Medicare Nation! Here I am bringing you yet another Medicare Advantage Plan Sponsor, being slapped by CMS, for failing to comply with Medicare requirements related to Part C (Medicare Choice) and Part D (Medicare Prescription Drug Plans). Today, I will be discussing the CMS Civil Money Penalty (CMP) that was imposed on Fallon Community Health Plan. On June 29, 2017, a letter was issued to Mr. Richard Burke, the President and CEO of Fallon Community Health Plan, from Vikki Ahern, Di...

MN073 CMS Releases Sanctions on Cigna Medicare Plans

June 19, 2017 12:00 - 33 minutes - 30.8 MB

Hey Medicare Nation! I'm so happy to be here and tell you the latest, regarding Cigna-HealthSpring (Cigna) Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plans (MAPD) and Prescription Drug Plans (PDP). In January of 2016, CMS suspended Cigna from enrolling NEW Medicare Beneficiaries into their Medicare Advantage and stand-alone Prescription Drug Plans. The following States were affected by the suspension: Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Tenn...

MN072 What Vaccinations Are Covered Under Medicare?

April 28, 2017 08:30 - 33 minutes - 30.8 MB

Hey Medicare Nation! Learn More About Medicare Here I receive many questions from clients and listeners about Medicare.  A question that is quite common is: "What vaccinations are covered under Medicare?" That's what this week's episode is all about.... vaccinations! There are currently three vaccinations that are covered under preventative and screening services under Medicare: 1. Flu Shot 2. Hepatitis Shot 3. Pneumococcal Vaccine   Flu Shot If you are enrolled in Me...

MN071 The Special Election Period Medicare Secretly Wont Tell You About

April 07, 2017 08:30 - 35 minutes - 32.1 MB

Hey Medicare Nation! Over 17.5 Million of you are on a Medicare Advantage plan. And many of you have been, or know of a situation where your doctor has left the “network” and you are told by your Medicare Advantage Plan Carrier that you must find a new doctor. You tell your Medicare Advantage Plan carrier that you would like to change plans to keep your doctor, and they will tell you something that goes like this….”I’m sorry, you are unable to change plans mid-year. You will have to wait u...

Is a Colonoscopy the Only Type of Colo Rectal Preventative Exam Available? MN070

March 17, 2017 08:30 - 33 minutes - 30.8 MB

Hey Medicare Nation! March is colon cancer awareness month! Medicare offers different types of "preventative" tests and exams, which aid in diagnosing illnesses and diseases, such as colon cancer. Always speak with your primary care physician or specialist doctor, to discuss your medical history, family history regarding illness and diseases, as well as any signs & symptoms you may have. This will assist your physician in determining which type of "preventative" test or exam, is best...

MN069 How to Make an Appointment With a Medicare Supplement Plan

March 10, 2017 09:30 - 33 minutes - 30.8 MB

Hey Medicare Nation! I receive many phone calls from clients, who say they were unable to schedule an appointment with a new doctor; even though they are on a Medicare Supplement Plan.  I made many phone calls, with my clients to physician offices, in order to fix these issues. What I found out didn't surprise me. Many of the staff at physician office's across the country are inadequately trained in the different types of Medicare Plans. I decided to educate you on how to make an a...

MN068 How Do I Replace My Medicare Card?

March 03, 2017 09:30 - 21 minutes - 19.5 MB

Hey Medicare Nation! Many of you carry your Medicare ID card in your wallet or purse. If you are a Medicare Advantage beneficiary, you have a “separate” medical ID card from the insurance carrier. It is not necessary to carry your Medicare ID card, If you have a Medicare Advantage ID card. Who should carry their Medicare ID Card? If the official Medicare program is your “primary” insurance, you should be carrying your Medicare ID card. Now….. let me discuss with you how you can carry...

MN067 What Do The Letters on my Medicare ID Card Mean?

February 24, 2017 09:30 - 14 minutes - 13.4 MB

Hey Medicare Nation! I hope everyone is having an awesome week! Say goodbye to February! I know all of you Northerners are thrilled to see it go! Bring it on March! You know, I see many, many clients and one of the top questions I am asked is, "What does the letter on my Medicare ID card mean?" It happens so often, I figured I better dedicate an episode to just that! The Social Security Administration (SSA) assigns a letter and a number, (if you fit into a sub-group) when you apply...

MN066 Welcome To Medicare Visit vs. Annual Wellness Visit

February 17, 2017 09:30 - 15 minutes - 14.2 MB

What is the Difference Between a Welcome to Medicare Visit  vs. an Annual Wellness Visit?  A "Welcome to Medicare" preventive visit: Is an introductory visit only within the first 12 months you have Medicare Part B. This visit includes a review of your medical and social history with your Primary Physician, as well as possibly including preventive services, including: Certain screenings, shots, and referrals for other care, if needed Height, weight, and blood pressure measurements A c...

MN065 A Vet Helping Veterans

February 10, 2017 09:30 - 33 minutes - 30.8 MB

Hey There Medicare Nation! Today, I'm speaking with a special guest. I'm speaking with my good friend James Van Prooyen. James recently retired from the military, where he spent twenty years in the Air Force. James didn't always want to serve in the Military. At first, James wanted to follow in his grandfather's footsteps and become an electrician. While James was a senior in High School, in Northern Michigan, he was introduced to a recruiting officer. James learned a great deal abou...

MN064 Is Medicare Paying for Medical Marijuana?

February 03, 2017 09:30 - 54 minutes - 50.3 MB

Hey Medicare Nation! This week I’m discussing Medical Marijuana! 2017 has issued in with additional States Legalizing Marijuana for Medicinal purposes. I am speaking with Dr. Rachna Patel, The Medical Marijuana Expert this week on Medicare Nation. Dr. Rachna Patel completed her undergraduate studies at Northwestern University in Illinois and her Medical studies at Touro University in Vallejo, CA. Dr. Patel is a licensed practitioner in the State of California and is in impeccable sta...

MN063 21 Medicare Advantage Organizations Receive Warnings!

January 20, 2017 09:30 - 37 minutes - 34.1 MB

Hey Medicare Nation! How many of you have just found out your Doctor is leaving the Medicare Advantage Network you're in? I'm certain there are "Thousands of you." That is the #1 complaint I receive from clients, is that their "Doctor" is leaving or has left their Medicare Advantage Plan (MAPD) Network. Medicare has regulations about how a Medicare Advantage Organization (MAO) can "terminate" a Doctor contracted in their network and in reverse, there are regulations on how a Doctor c...

MN062 5 Star Plans Are Available to Enroll in All Year Long

January 13, 2017 09:30 - 33 minutes - 30.8 MB

Hey Medicare Nation! Medicare has announced the 2017 "5 Star Plans." What are 5 Star Plans? Medicare rates all health and prescription drug plans each year, based on a plan's quality and performance. Medicare Star ratings will help you understand the job a plan is doing. There are 2 main types of Star Ratings: 1. Overall Star Rating that combines all of the plan's scores. 2. A Summary Star Rating that focuses on a plan's medical or prescription drug services. A few areas Medica...

MN061 The Medicare Advantage Disenrollment Period is NOW

January 06, 2017 09:30 - 33 minutes - 30.8 MB

Hello Medicare Nation! Happy New Year to everyone. I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season. The Annual Enrollment Period is over. I hope each of you did your due diligence in deciding which plan will fit you best for 2017. I have many episodes available for you to learn all about Medicare Advantage Plans, Original Medicare and Part D of Medicare. If you determine the Medicare Advantage Plan you are on is not suitable for you or a loved one in 2017, you may have other options a...

MN060 Choose The Medicare Plan That Fits Your Unique Needs

November 29, 2016 09:30 - 44 minutes - 40.4 MB

  10 Days left in the Annual Enrollment Period. That's plenty of time to find the plan that fits your needs for 2017, The one change that everyone is talking about is the increase to the Medicare Part B Premium. Last month, Social Security announced a .03% COLA for Social Security beneficiaries in 2017. With the COLA announcement, the hold harmless rule is in effect.                   This means if the social security COLA doesn’t cover the increase to the Medicare Part B base premiu...

2017 Annual Enrollment is Here. What Plan Will You Be On?

November 11, 2016 09:30 - 39 minutes - 35.7 MB

The Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services, has recently announced the costs for Medicare in 2017.  The one change that everyone is talking about is the increase to the Medicare Part B Premium. Last month, Social Security announced a .03% COLA for Social Security beneficiaries in 2017. With the COLA announcement, the hold harmless rule is in effect.                   This means if the social security COLA doesn’t cover the increase to the Medicare Part B base premium, those individual...

MN058 Patient's Are At Risk in ER's Across the U.S.

September 16, 2016 12:00 - 39 minutes - 36.2 MB

Welcome, Medicare Nation! I’m excited about our guest and our important topic today. We’re discussing the confusion surrounding advanced directives. Have you ever thought about what would happen if you can’t speak for yourself and are in an emergency health situation? Who will express your wishes, and will the health care professionals understand? Dr. Ferdinando (Fred) Mirarchi is the ER Director of University of Pittsburgh Medical Center-Hamot. He has a solution!  Tell us about health ca...

MN057 Q&A From The Audience

September 09, 2016 12:00 - 16 minutes - 15.4 MB

Hello Medicare Nation listeners! Today, I’ve put together a few questions from our audience that I’d like to read on the air. Many of you ask the same questions, so I’d like to help out as many of you as I can.   Wendy from King of Prussia, Pennsylvania asks??? HOW DO I GET A REPLACEMENT MEDICARE CARD? If you are on Original Medicare, your Medicare ID card is proof of your Medicare insurance. , If your Medicare card was lost, stolen, destroyed or illegible, you can ask for a replac...

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