http://www.artwoo.com Returned search results for medicare part d Copyright 2008 Tue, 07 Oct 2008 05:45:26 +0000 http://www.artwoo.com/rss/medicare+part+d http://www.artwoo.com/article/a-step-by-step-guide-to-medicare-part-ds http://www.artwoo.com/article/a-step-by-step-guide-to-medicare-part-ds#comments Fri, 26 May 2006 12:32:04 +0000 medicare part dextra helpprescription drug plangapdonut holepremiumstotal http://www.artwoo.com/article/a-step-by-step-guide-to-medicare-part-ds Medicare Part D is nothing short of confusing. By May 15 of this year, if you haven't signed up for the program, you could end up without drug coverage, or have to pay the penalty for applying after the deadline. The penalty is a 1% increase in your premium for each month after May 2006 in which you don't enroll.

The following is a step-by-step guide designed to get down to the basics of Medicare Part D, cut through the jargon, and tells you exactly what you need to know.

Step #1: Eligibility. Are you eligible for Medicare's new prescription drug plan? Simply put, if you are eligible for Medicare Part A or Part B, you are eligible for Part D.

Step #2: Cost. What will Medicare Part D cost you? For drug expenses in the range of $0-$250, you pay 100% of the cost. When and if your costs fall between $250-$2,250, the plan pays for 75%, and you pay for 25%.

At this point, the infamous coverage gap, often referred to as the "donut hole," comes into play. Essentially, if your total drug costs, which include what you and the plan pay for prescriptions, exceed $2,250 per year, you pay 100% of your drug costs after that point until you reach $3,600 in out-of-pocket expenses (total $5,100 in drug costs). But after you escape from the "donut hole," you only have to pay for 5% of your drug costs.

What you pay also includes the usual insurance costs associated with a drug plan. If you do not qualify for extra help, you will pay: monthly premiums, a yearly deductible, and co-pay or co-insurance for each prescription.

If you qualify for extra help due to a limited income, you will pay: low or no monthly premiums, low or no yearly deductible, low or no co-pay or co-insurance for each prescription, and you don't have to worry about the coverage gap.

Through Medicare's prescription drug plan, you must choose drug coverage from one of the many private plans made available for the purpose of Medicare Part D. This is usually the point at which people become the most confused. There is a wide range of plans from which to choose, and in the end, the right one for you depends on your unique circumstances. Search for the plan that offers the lowest total costs for the year, including your premiums, deductibles, co-payments or co-insurance for each prescription, and any drug costs you pay during the coverage gap.

Step #3: Drugs Covered. Choosing an insurance plan also requires that you make a selection based on the specific drugs you need. The list of drugs covered is called a formulary. So when determining which plan is best for you, cost is only one consideration -- you must also make a choice based on the type of drugs covered. Generic and brand name drugs are included in the formularies, but if a drug you take is not on the list, you will either have to pay for it in full, or switch to a similar drug that is covered by the plan.

Step #4: Joining. Signing up for a plan is, luckily, easier than you may think. You can either sign up through the plan's website or through http://Medicare.gov.. Another option: call the company offering the plan you desire, or call Medicare directly. Article was written by Katerina Mitrou sponsored by http://www.medicare-news.com.">http://www.medicare-news.com... http://Medicare-news.com provides news articles, updates, Q and A, and tutorials to help people understand all parts of Medicare with a special focus on Medicare Part D (the prescription drug plan). Article reproductions must include a link to http://www.medicare-news.com.">http://www.medicare-news.com... ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/medicare-and-medicaid-plans http://www.artwoo.com/article/medicare-and-medicaid-plans#comments Tue, 22 Aug 2006 18:27:05 +0000 medicarelou gehrigs diseaseamyotrophic lateral sclerosishealth careextra helpmedicaidpayroll taxes http://www.artwoo.com/article/medicare-and-medicaid-plans Medicare is America's health insurance program for citizens or permanent residents age 65 or older. Some patients younger than age 65 can also qualify for Medicare, including those who have disabilities and those who have permanent kidney failure or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's disease). Medicare helps pay for the cost of health care, but it does not cover all medical expenses or the cost of most long-term care.

The program is financed by a portion of the payroll taxes paid by workers and their employers, as well as monthly premiums deducted from Social Security checks. The Medicare program is run by The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

Medicare has four parts. Part A is hospital insurance which helps pay for inpatient services in a hospital, nursing facility or hospice, and some forms of home health care. Part B helps cover doctors' services and many other medical services and supplies not covered by hospital insurance. Part C, or Medicare Advantage, allows patients to receive all of their health care services through one of the provider organizations listed under Part C. Part D is prescription drug coverage.

Medicare and Medicaid are two different programs. Medicaid is a state-run program providing hospital and medical coverage for low-income residents, and each state has its own eligibility rules and coverage benefits. Some people qualify for both programs. Information about the Medicaid program is available from local medical assistance agencies, social services or welfare offices.

Considering the high cost of medical care, Medicare provides patients with great financial savings. An average monthly premium of approximately $32 offers two levels of coverage, standard and catastrophic. After a $250 deductible, Medicare pays 75% of the cost of covered medications up to a yearly cost of $2,250. There is extra help for people with limited income and resources. Approximately one third of people with Medicare coverage will qualify for extra help and Medicare will pay for almost all of their prescription drug costs.

Once yearly out-of-pocket prescription costs exceed $3,600, which often happens in the event of serious health problems such as AIDS, cancer or heart disease , catastrophic coverage takes effect and Medicare covers up to 95% of the remaining drug charges for the rest of the year. Many health plans will offer more coverage, smaller deductibles or premiums lower than $32. Most patients with limited income and resources will pay only a few dollars for each prescription. Frank Vanderlugt is interested in Medical Care. http://www.centermedicare.com ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/smaller-than-expected-medicare-premium-increases http://www.artwoo.com/article/smaller-than-expected-medicare-premium-increases#comments Tue, 19 Sep 2006 06:27:07 +0000 medicare partpremiumsfortunatelymedicaid serviceshttpoutpatient hospitaldouble digits http://www.artwoo.com/article/smaller-than-expected-medicare-premium-increases premiums for Medicare, for most the payments have jumped up by 5.6% to $93.50 monthly or ($1,122 a year). Overall though most agree, this increase in premiums is a lot smaller than many expected. Almost all the Insurance companies were predicting that the premium increases would hit high double digits, but fortunately for our senior citizens the volume of services and tests that are normally ordered by doctors for their patients through Medicare have been slowing down.

Even though the premiums have increased at a smaller than expected rate, there is a down side for the wealthier beneficiaries. Those Medicare holders that are a little more financially stable, will end up paying more for their Medicare Part B Plan. The Medicare Part B Plan covers their doctor's visits and outpatient hospital care. For those who make $80,000 a year (or a couple that makes over $160,000 a year), the payment will change to $106 a month. That increases their yearly payment to $1272, a fairly small percentage of that level of income. As for the seniors that make more than $80,000 a year (or a couple that makes over $160,000 a year), the payments are increasing to $162 a month (or $1,944 a year).

The Center of Medicare and Medicaid Services states that those who pay the most will actually get services worth much more. In addition, these higher payments will reduce the governments costs by $20 Billion dollars over the next decade. So those that are wealthier will not only be receiving a much better service but they are also helping the government by cutting the costs.

For most the increase in premiums is the lease of their worries, many are still trying to understand all the recent changes to the system. Which Plan best suites your needs is far more important, choosing the wrong Plan could land up costing you many thousands of dollars. http://www.CarlHampton.com http://www.fcdtcm.com - Have an opinion or a question you would like me to answer, then write me! http://www.CarlHampton.com ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-you-can-get-affordable-supplemental-health-care-insurance-for-seniors http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-you-can-get-affordable-supplemental-health-care-insurance-for-seniors#comments Mon, 10 Dec 2007 16:24:59 +0000 medicare supplement plansupplemental health caremedical savings accountcare insurance planhealth care insuranceprescription drug coveragehealth care medicare http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-you-can-get-affordable-supplemental-health-care-insurance-for-seniors
That's where affordable supplemental health care insurance for seniors comes into the picture. By purchasing an affordable supplemental health care insurance policy, seniors can rest assured that all of their health care costs will be covered, and not just the health care Medicare covers.

When seniors purchase an affordable supplemental health care insurance policy, they can stop stressing about the next health care bill the mailman drops off. After all, if you already have health care insurance, you shouldn't have to worry about health care coverage and costs, right? Wrong. Some health care insurance, such as Medicare for seniors, doesn't cover all health care costs. Luckily, with an affordable supplemental health care insurance policy, seniors won't have to stress anymore.

Many health insurance companies offer affordable supplemental health care insurance policies that are perfect for seniors; however, Medicare offers several affordable supplemental health care insurance policies for seniors as well. When choosing an affordable supplemental health care insurance plan for seniors, the goal is to choose a plan that isn't going to cost anymore than paying for the additional health care costs out-of-pocket would cost. Many seniors are on limited incomes as it is, so considering one of the plans Medicare offers is a good start.

Medicare plans include the original Medicare with Medicare Supplement plan; the Medicare Part D plan which offers prescription drug coverage; the managed care plan, which includes HMOs, PPOs, POS, and cost plans; the Medical Savings Account Plan; the Religious Fraternal Society Benefit Plan; and the Private Fee-for-Service plan. http://www.ezquoteguide.com/health/ http://ezquoteguide.com/health-self-employed.shtml ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/affordable-health-insurance-in-ohio http://www.artwoo.com/article/affordable-health-insurance-in-ohio#comments Thu, 21 Feb 2008 14:15:00 +0000 affordable health insurancesenior health insurancehealth insurance programshealth insurance costsinsurance information programstate health departmenthealth care insurance http://www.artwoo.com/article/affordable-health-insurance-in-ohio affordable health insurance in Ohio. The program is called OSHIIP (Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program), and it is designed to offer resources and services to Ohio seniors on Medicare.

OSHIIP, which was founded in 1992, is administered by the Ohio Department of Insurance and funded by both a federal grant and Ohio. Trained volunteers help people interested in or already receiving Medicare to better understand their Ohio health insurance not only by handing out publications and working information sites, but also by counseling Ohio residents about their options for affordable health insurance in Ohio. In the past 14 years, Ohio residents have saved over three million dollars on health insurance costs thanks to OSHIIP.

OSHIIP provides information about Medicare coverage for seniors, as well as those under the age of 65 with disabilities; health plans with Medicare, such as HMOs; supplemental insurance with Medicare; savings programs to use with Medicare; long-term care insurance and health care insurance when you're being taken care of at home; and health insurance for retirees.

This informational program about affordable health insurance in Ohio is also a member of several organizations, as well as being similar to a network of nationwide state-sponsored health insurance programs.

If you are one of the many Ohio residents on Medicare, or are a family member or friend of an Ohio resident on Medicare, check out OSHIIP. You will learn more about this affordable health insurance in Ohio, as well as how to continue saving money on the cost of health insurance in Ohio. Contact the Ohio Department of Insurance for more information about OSHIIP; or, if you live near an Ohio state health department, give them a call or drive down for a visit for informational pamphlets and brochures about OSHIIP as well as to set up an appointment with an OSHIIP volunteer. http://www.ezquoteguide.com/health/ http://ezquoteguide.com/car-online.shtml ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/affordable-health-insurance-in-ohio http://www.artwoo.com/article/affordable-health-insurance-in-ohio#comments Tue, 06 Feb 2007 14:27:05 +0000 affordable health insurancehealth insurance programshealth insurance costssenior health insuranceohio department of insurancemedicare checkmedicare savings http://www.artwoo.com/article/affordable-health-insurance-in-ohio affordable health insurance in Ohio. The program is called OSHIIP (Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program), and it is designed to offer resources and services to Ohio seniors on Medicare.

OSHIIP, which was founded in 1992, is administered by the Ohio Department of Insurance and funded by both a federal grant and Ohio. Trained volunteers help people interested in or already receiving Medicare to better understand their Ohio health insurance not only by handing out publications and working information sites, but also by counseling Ohio residents about their options for affordable health insurance in Ohio. In the past 14 years, Ohio residents have saved over three million dollars on health insurance costs thanks to OSHIIP.

OSHIIP provides information about Medicare coverage for seniors, as well as those under the age of 65 with disabilities; health plans with Medicare, such as HMOs; supplemental insurance with Medicare; savings programs to use with Medicare; long-term care insurance and health care insurance when you're being taken care of at home; and health insurance for retirees.

This informational program about affordable health insurance in Ohio is also a member of several organizations, as well as being similar to a network of nationwide state-sponsored health insurance programs.

If you are one of the many Ohio residents on Medicare, or are a family member or friend of an Ohio resident on Medicare, check out OSHIIP. You will learn more about this affordable health insurance in Ohio, as well as how to continue saving money on the cost of health insurance in Ohio. Contact the Ohio Department of Insurance for more information about OSHIIP; or, if you live near an Ohio state health department, give them a call or drive down for a visit for informational pamphlets and brochures about OSHIIP as well as to set up an appointment with an OSHIIP volunteer. http://www.ezquoteguide.com/health/ http://ezquoteguide.com/car-online.shtml ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/medigap-insurance-fills-holes-left-by-medicare http://www.artwoo.com/article/medigap-insurance-fills-holes-left-by-medicare#comments Mon, 04 Feb 2008 17:35:00 +0000 private insurance companiesmedicare insurancemedicare part a and bphysician fees65th birthdayskilled caremedical check http://www.artwoo.com/article/medigap-insurance-fills-holes-left-by-medicare
Medicare was enacted by the US government in the 1960's as a means of providing medical benefits and support for retirees, or those who are above the age of 65. Medicare has certain provisions of which medical treatments are to be covered, such as hospital stays, x-rays, tests, medications, and others. There are specific parts in which the benefits are explained in detail. However, because Medicare is provided by the government, it can have some imposed limits as to what can be covered, so as a lot more people can be taken care of.

Because of some limitations of the Medicare insurance program, private insurance companies in the United States offer these Medicare clients an alternative, and that is Medigap insurance. Just as the name implies, Medigap bridges the gaps in the coverage which Medicare can not take care of, due to certain limitations.

Medigap is only made available to current policy holders of Medicare. They may apply three months before and three months after their 65th birthday, with not medical check up needed. Also, the insurer must be enrolled in Medicare Part A and B in order to be eligible for Medigap. There are also some private companies that give their retiring employees Medigap insurance. The terms and conditions for the sale and purchase of Medigap is different in each state.

Medigap benefits are labeled A to L, with each package covering only specific aspects of medical treatments that an insurer might need. Some examples are for hospital stays, physician fees, foreign travel emergencies, preventive care, prescription drugs, skilled care, and others. You may look at several other websites that can provide more detailed information about Medicare and Medigap as insurance options for people ages 65 and older.

Your Medigap policy generally fits together with Medicare Part A and Part B. You still have to pay the premiums for Medicare Part B, Medigap does not replace that, it's in addition to it. The premium for Medigap is paid directly to the insurance company. Also, please be aware that your Medigap policy is not going to cover your spouse, each of you will need to have separate coverage with individual Medigap policies.

Comparing Medigap insurance policies is easy. Each insurance company must include standardized benefits allowing the purchaser to compare related items in the policy and be able to identify the best deal at a glance. Web services such as InsuranceDesk.com make it easy for you to compare costs among numerous insurance companies. When you enter your information, you will receive quotes from several local insurance agents, allowing you to simply choose the best plan at the best price. To find out more about insurance: http://www.insurancedesk.com For information about alternative medicine: http://www.goldbamboo.com ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-you-can-get-affordable-supplemental-health-care-insurance-for-seniors http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-you-can-get-affordable-supplemental-health-care-insurance-for-seniors#comments Thu, 22 Mar 2007 23:40:00 +0000 supplemental health carehealth care insurancehealth care costshealth care medicarehealth care billmedicare part dmedicare supplement plan http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-you-can-get-affordable-supplemental-health-care-insurance-for-seniors health care costs that Medicare failed to pick up?

That's where affordable supplemental health care insurance for seniors comes into the picture. By purchasing an affordable supplemental health care insurance policy, seniors can rest assured that all of their health care costs will be covered, and not just the health care Medicare covers.

When seniors purchase an affordable supplemental health care insurance policy, they can stop stressing about the next health care bill the mailman drops off. After all, if you already have health care insurance, you shouldn't have to worry about health care coverage and costs, right? Wrong. Some health care insurance, such as Medicare for seniors, doesn't cover all health care costs. Luckily, with an affordable supplemental health care insurance policy, seniors won't have to stress anymore.

Many health insurance companies offer affordable supplemental health care insurance policies that are perfect for seniors; however, Medicare offers several affordable supplemental health care insurance policies for seniors as well. When choosing an affordable supplemental health care insurance plan for seniors, the goal is to choose a plan that isn't going to cost anymore than paying for the additional health care costs out-of-pocket would cost. Many seniors are on limited incomes as it is, so considering one of the plans Medicare offers is a good start.

Medicare plans include the original Medicare with Medicare Supplement plan; the Medicare Part D plan which offers prescription drug coverage; the managed care plan, which includes HMOs, PPOs, POS, and cost plans; the Medical Savings Account Plan; the Religious Fraternal Society Benefit Plan; and the Private Fee-for-Service plan. http://www.ezquoteguide.com/health/ http://ezquoteguide.com/health-self-employed.shtml ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/medicare-part-dmedicare-part-d-faqs http://www.artwoo.com/article/medicare-part-dmedicare-part-d-faqs#comments Thu, 14 Jun 2007 00:19:55 +0000 prescription drugsmedicare part dprescription drug plancatastrophic coveragejeff nelligandonut holemedicaid services http://www.artwoo.com/article/medicare-part-dmedicare-part-d-faqs prescription drugs. Of course, that doesn't mean you understand it. Here, we answer your frequently asked questions.

1. WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR PART D?

Anyone with Medicare=97that is, anyone over age 65, or under 65 with disabilities.

2. WHAT DOES MEDICARE PART D COST?

There are hundreds of different plans, with an average premium of about $22 a month. If you're under a certain income level, you may qualify for free coverage.

3. HOW DO I GET PART D?

You can sign up within three months prior to or three months after turning 65. If you don't sign up then, you can't sign up again until the following November and you may pay a penalty.

Once you've chosen a plan, you have to stick with it for the rest of the year=97but everyone is allowed to switch plans between November 15 and December 31.

4. WHAT WILL I BE PAYING FOR PRESCRIPTION DRUGS?

First, you must meet your plan's deductible (this year, the deductible can be no higher than $265). After that, you're responsible for 25 percent of the cost of covered prescription drugs until together you and your plan have spent $2,400. At that point you've reached the Part D coverage gap or "donut hole," in which you must pay the full cost of drugs.

But once you have spent $3,850=97including what you've paid for your deductible, copays and coinsurance, but not premiums=97you qualify for catastrophic coverage. Under this, you pay $2.15 for a generic or preferred drug and $5.35 for other drugs, or 5 percent of the drug's price (whichever is greater) for the rest of the year.

5. SHOULD I SIGN UP FOR MEDICARE PART D, EVEN IF I DON'T TAKE A LOT OF MEDICATIONS?

"We urge everyone to sign up," says Jeff Nelligan, spokesperson for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. "Situations change=97and they can change pretty rapidly."

6. HOW SHOULD I CHOOSE A PRESCRIPTION DRUG PLAN?

Because there are so many plans, there are many different cost structures. Some plans may have a higher monthly premium, but they may also have a lower deductible or cover more medications. Their copayments may be lower as well.

**Keep in mind the following factors:**

DEDUCTIBLES

These vary widely=97they can be anything from zero to $265.

PARTICIPATING PHARMACIES

Make sure there's one on the plan that's convenient to you. Also, if you spend winters in one state and summers in another, make sure both places have participating pharmacies. Some plans may offer a mail-order program that delivers drugs directly to your home.

MEDICATIONS

Make sure that the drugs you currently take are in the formulary. If not, you won't get coverage for them, nor will they count toward your deductible. Some plans require doctors to prove that you really need the drug. You can find information about each plan and what it offers by visiting http://medicare.gov or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE.

Now that you better understand Medicare Part D, you can make wiser choices about prescription drug coverage.

Writer: Leslie Pepper =A9MediZine's Healthy Living, Second Quarter 2007 Get a FREE 2-year subscription to REMEDY, one of MediZine's award-winning health publications - http://www.healthisnow.com Sign up today! Also check out http://www.HealthyUpdates.com, a health education web site. ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/insurance-medical-senior-you-can-get-the-assistance-you-need http://www.artwoo.com/article/insurance-medical-senior-you-can-get-the-assistance-you-need#comments Sat, 26 Aug 2006 00:27:07 +0000 medical insurance policyindividual medical insurancemedicare enrollmentseniorsluckilysocial security benefitscar tips http://www.artwoo.com/article/insurance-medical-senior-you-can-get-the-assistance-you-need medical insurance policy. However, neither of these solutions is feasible for many seniors who, in their Golden Years, have retired from working.

It is just as important, if not more important, for seniors to have medical insurance. As we get older, we tend to have more medical problems. Without employment to either offer or help pay for medical insurance, what are seniors supposed to do? Some may be able to depend on their spouses or family members for financial help, but what happens when that money runs out? What happens if that money does not exist in the first place?

Luckily, there are a few federal and state-funded assistance programs that can help seniors get the medical insurance they need. One of the most popular assistance programs for senior is Medicare.

Medicare automatically provides medical insurance to any individual over the age of 65 who receives Social Security benefits; however, seniors do not have to currently receive Social Security benefits in order to obtain medical insurance from Medicare. All they have to do is apply for Medicare.

Enrollment will not be automatic for these individuals, so it's recommended that they apply as soon as they celebrate their sixty-fifth birthday, regardless of whether or not they plan to retire at age 65.

If you are a retired senior and can not afford to pay for medical expenses, much less an individual medical insurance policy, consider applying for Medicare. If you already receive Social Security benefits you will be automatically enrolled; if you do not; however, make sure to apply once you are age 65. http://www.myquoteguide.com/Car-Tips.shtml http://www.ezquoteguide.com/car/ http://www.ezquoteguide.com/health/ ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/nightmare-for-many-senior-citizens-the-donut-hole http://www.artwoo.com/article/nightmare-for-many-senior-citizens-the-donut-hole#comments Fri, 09 Nov 2007 11:30:01 +0000 medicare part ddonut holemedicare enrolleesmedicare drug planmedicare plangapformulary drugs http://www.artwoo.com/article/nightmare-for-many-senior-citizens-the-donut-hole donut hole", what insurers and bureaucrats prefer to call the dreaded "coverage gap". Regardless of what you choose to call it, the Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage gap "donut-hole" can be a real shocker and a nightmare for many senior citizens on fixed incomes.

What is the Medicare Part D donut hole? Essentially, few enrollees are exempt from the coverage gap unless they purchase an expensive Medicare drug plan that offers 100% coverage or are otherwise exempt due to extremely low income.

Otherwise, you will have to pay 100% of your drug costs, rather than a small co-pay, once your annual prescription costs reach $2400 and until you pay $3850 out of your own pocket. What costs are added up to reach this $2400 threshold? - the actual cost of your prescriptions basically - add your deductible ($250), your drug co-payments and the amounts paid for your medicines by your Medicare plan. Once these add up to $2400, you are on your own until your out-of-pocket cost reaches $3850. What costs paid by you are added up to reach the $3850, before you can return to making only co-payments for prescriptions? - your deductible, your co-pays in the initial period and payments made by you for covered prescriptions during the gap from a pharmacy in your plan's network. NOT counted: your monthly premiums, payments for drugs not in your plan's formulary, drugs purchased from a pharmacy not in your plan's network, drugs purchased from foreign countries or drugs received from a patient assistance program or free samples from your doctor. * Note: Dollar limits are scheduled to increase yearly.

Why is there a coverage gap or "donut hole" in Medicare Part D coverage?

The simplified answer is the cost of full coverage. Plan advocates had to make choices. Their goal was to give all Medicare enrollees help with their drug costs and expand that benefit for low income enrollees and those with catastrophic drug costs. The estimated cost of a Medicare Part D plan without a coverage gap was far above the total amount authorized by Congress.

What can I do to get through this coverage gap without purchasing an expensive 100% coverage plan?

1.) Ask your Medicare Part D plan administrator if your income is low enough to be eligible for 100% coverage

2.) Apply for prescription assistance programs. Ask your druggist. The manufacturers of many drugs offer these programs as does the Partnership for Prescription Assistance (888-477-2669). Caution: Assistance programs are available only if your income is low enough to qualify.

3.) This is a free program you should certainly check out: Anyone can get a free prescription drug discount card that most pharmacies accept by either printing one at SuperRxcard.com or requesting one by e-mail at info@superrxcard.com. There are similar very good programs that offer prescription discount cards, some may have eligibility requirements and some have enrollment fees. The above has neither. All programs can save you a lot of money depending on your medication.

4.) Use generic drugs whenever available. Use them during you initial period too, not just during the donut hole. Purchasing generics and utilizing the cards mentioned above could keep you from ever falling into the Medicare Part D coverage gap. Be sure to purchase you medicines from a pharmacy that is in your plan's network.

5.) Contact your Social Security office or your state's health department to ask if you might qualify for any programs that give extra help if your drug costs are very high.

Medicare Part D is a wonderful thing for most of us. To make it work for you, educate yourself as much as you can about the program. Start by asking your druggist for advice. He should be able to help you select the best plan for your specific needs. Mark Thevenot authors family-friendly health articles. Visitors to his website http://www.SuperRxcard.com can print a free drug card that is accepted at over 57,000 pharmacies. ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/prescription-for-success http://www.artwoo.com/article/prescription-for-success#comments Wed, 17 Oct 2007 11:14:59 +0000 social security and medicarehealth care costsmedicare systemshealth care programsocial security trustsocial security trust fundgovernment health care http://www.artwoo.com/article/prescription-for-success Social Security Trust Fund will run dry.

The hospital insurance funds of Medicare (Government health care program) are currently paying out more than it takes in.

It is projected that Medicare's payments for doctors and prescription drugs will rise faster than the nation's overall economic growth. Therefore, causing beneficiaries' premiums, co-payments, and deductibles to rise faster than their incomes!

As a retiree, it is assumed that Medicare (if you are eligible) will cover most of your health care costs. Though, if we are to believe that the Social Security and Medicare systems are in such a state, we best be prepared to bear potentially major health care costs.

It is estimated that a couple, aged 65 years, will spend in excess of $200,000.00 over the next 20 years on health care; even if they are covered by Medicare!

Consider this: if you are aged 65 years (or older), it is highly probable that you may need dental care, eye glasses, hearing aids, regular check-ups; at some stage, possibly even long-term nursing home care. Do you know that apart from ONE free check-up when you first enroll with Medicare, these services are not covered?!

Social Security was created in 1945. By 1955, 42 workers paying the system paid for ONE retiree. In 2007, they are paying for 3. By 2030, every working couple will have their very own retiree to support! Thus, the significant, and rising, imbalance between workers and beneficiaries.

There are 2 issues to consider when deciding "to retire, or not to retire;" life expectancy, and investment acumen.

If you decided to retire at 62 years of age, you will receive 75% of full Social Security benefits each month for the rest of your life. Wait to retire at age 66, and you will receive 100%. If you can hold out until you are 70, you will be paid 132% of your full benefit.

The bottom line is: soaring medical costs accompany increased longevity. The Social Security and Medicare systems seem to be worsening, not improving. Perhaps, saving for health care costs, in retirement, means thinking outside of the box; a health care mutual fund may be just the prescription for success?! "Your" Money Matters By Carl Hampton From the Author of "From Credit Despair To Credit Millionaire" http://www.CarlHampton.com ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-right-home-medical-equipment-for-you http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-right-home-medical-equipment-for-you#comments Wed, 12 Jul 2006 08:27:10 +0000 durable medical equipmentmedical equipment dealermedicarehospital bedsneverthelesshandicapped personoxygen tanks http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-right-home-medical-equipment-for-you handicapped person to do every day activities in an effortless manner. It comprises of items such as walkers, wheelchairs, oxygen tanks, and hospital beds. It also comprises of things such as medication dispensers, rehabilitation equipment, convalescent care products, mobility aids and other things. What's more, by providing financial support to homeowners and landowners to carry out home alterations, the Federal housing organizations want to have an effect on the lives of aged and handicapped persons.

With overhead costs of a good number of the common durable medical equipment reaching upwards of $1,200, the call for for compensation by Medicare is important. This high charge of medical equipment forces aged people to be dependent on Medicare. But the regulations leading to what is covered are a lot puzzling and time consuming. Find a durable medical equipment dealer and depend on their knowledge, skill and direction.

The supplementary medical insurance program, hire or procurement of durable medical equipment is covered Under Medicare Part B. Nevertheless, certain limitations are specified which aged people have to be conscious of when thinking of acquiring durable medical equipment through a medical supplier.

These limitations can cost the aged person a lot of money if they are oblivious of the limitations leading to coverage of durable medical equipment by Medicare.

Assisting the aged person in pre-purchase decisions of what all the durable medical equipment Medicare will cover can lead to considerable savings. For example, a good number of regular rejections comprise of oxygen and hospital beds, and coverage is not offered to people in accomplished nursing homes.

Aside from home medical equipment, superiority, reliable medical equipment is an essential part of each and every medical practice. It cannot be exaggerated that despite the fact that the practice of medicine is an art, medical equipment is the science behind the execution of that art.

More and more, patients are becoming more refined in their perception of the medical provisions and medical equipment that is being used to take care of them. This means that a health care supplier has to be on familiar terms with and comprehend not only how their equipment functions, but also have assurance that the medical equipment they use is of the utmost nature.

Both the specialized and home health customers are now asking for a lot of their medical equipment and medical provisions right from their computer. Charges are low and the condition is outstanding. If you are employed in the health care field you will require medical provisions to aid you with your work. Excellent products that you know you can be sure of will give you better assurance during challenging state of affairs.

You can read more about that at http://www.responsemedical.info plus otherbenefits. More about medical insurance and home medical equipment at http://www.responsemedical.info/resmed/medical-health-information-technology.php dedicated to helping through the web. ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/a-breach-in-medicare-data http://www.artwoo.com/article/a-breach-in-medicare-data#comments Wed, 25 Oct 2006 16:27:07 +0000 medicare servicesmedicare systemmedicaid agenciesdepartment of veteran affairsgovernment accountability officegaocomputer security system http://www.artwoo.com/article/a-breach-in-medicare-data computer security system that holds information of those enrolled in Medicare and Medicaid. The results have shown that personal information could be modified, misused, or even worse deleted. That disruption in information could lead to problems with Medicaid and Medicare services. Although that breach in security is being fixed, there is still information out there that can be attained my any hacker because the system is used by most of the Medicaid agencies, private contractors and health care providers.

The Government Accountability Office however, is stating that maybe there was no breach in security since they cannot find an "audit trail" which would document the use of the computer network. If there was an "audit trail" then the GAO could detect where the intrusion was. But the GAO did state there were some problems. Passwords can very easily be guessed by an outsider so there is potential for an unauthorized user to get access to the system because there is little or not much password control. The second problem is that Medicare information is not encrypted which means a hacker can view all medical information as is. Another major problem is that there is no system in place that keeps records of who uses the network or what they do.

Whether the GAO can find the breach or not, the fact that the information is not safe is scary and needs to be adjusted immediately. This now means that the information for millions of people is just floating around for anyone to see. That is a concern to those people on the Medicare system because they trust the system to keep their personal information private and secure.

This is not the first time there has been a concern in the safety of computer systems. In May of 2006 a laptop was reported stolen from the home of an employee of the Department of Veteran Affairs. The laptop had information about millions of veterans across the U.S. That included their social security numbers, dates of birth, name and home addresses. The network also documents financial and medical information which shows a veteran's diagnosis, services and payments.

If this information were to fall into the wrong hands an entire network of institutions could be effected. That means banks, insurance companies, hospitals, health plans, nursing homes, private contractors and federal agencies. It's time for a better and safer system of record keeping. "Your" Money Matters By Carl Hampton From the Author of "From Credit Despair To Credit Millionaire" http://www.CarlHampton.com http://www.fcdtcm.com ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/medical-insurance-for-seniors http://www.artwoo.com/article/medical-insurance-for-seniors#comments Fri, 25 Aug 2006 14:27:20 +0000 supplemental health insurancesocial security administrationmedicare insurancemedicaidmedicare paymentsupplemental security incomemedigap insurance http://www.artwoo.com/article/medical-insurance-for-seniors
Most seniors qualify for either Medicare or Medicaid, depending on their income and situation. Medicare is available to those who are at least 65 years old, and have legally lived in the US for at least 5 years before applying. Medigap insurance is supplemental health insurance taken out by some seniors as a way of supplementing their Medicare insurance.

Medicaid is funded by the government and administered by individual states under their department of insurance. Qualification for Medicaid also depends on an individual's assets, income and type of residence. Medicaid will usually cover most or all of the costs of nursing home admission and the accompanying care that is necessary.

Some seniors, because of a particularly low income or a specific disability, may also qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) a program administered by the Social Security Administration. This program offers several benefits including providing monthly supplemental payments, food stamps and assistance with hospital visits and drug costs.

If you don't qualify for Medicaid, what is known as long term care insurance can be purchased for long term stays in nursing homes or assisted living facilities. If you are shopping for long term insurance, you should consider what other benefits are covered under the plan, the costs of premiums and whether the policy covers pre-existing conditions.

Seniors may also find themselves using the services of Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) HMOs generally accept Medicare payment and offer lower cost deductibles or co-payments. They also put an emphasis on preventative medicine as well as the actual treatment, and many provide eye care, dental services and emergency care when necessary. http://www.myquoteguide.com/Car-Tips.shtml http://www.ezquoteguide.com/car/ http://www.ezquoteguide.com/health/ ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/aarp-fights-medicare http://www.artwoo.com/article/aarp-fights-medicare#comments Thu, 13 Apr 2006 20:00:06 +0000 health care optionsunited healthcare insurance companyaarp health care optionssupplemental health insuranceaarp membersethel percy andrusmetlife http://www.artwoo.com/article/aarp-fights-medicare Health Care Options Program is a unique AARP-endorsed program offering health insurance, as well as special savings on services and health information. AARP saves consumers from having to do individual research, as they have interviewed a long list of health-care companies on costs and benefits before choosing their preferred list of organizations they felt best served people 50 and older.

The program has become extremely popular, and today, over 3.5 million AARP members and their spouses are covered by one or more of the health insurance plans offered through AARP Health Care Options. The Program is exclusively available to AARP members and their spouses in all 50 states and U.S. territories.

AARP has offered a health insurance program since the organization was founded in 1958 by retired educator Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus. The program was renamed AARP Health Care Options a few years ago, and has been expanded from its original purpose of supplemental health insurance to include primary health insurance, long-term care insurance, discounts on eye health services and discounts on prescription and non-prescription drugs.

The companies which offer health insurance through AARP Health Care Options are large well-establish industry players such as United HealthCare Insurance Company and United HealthCare Insurance Company of New York. They hold the policies for AARP Group Hospital Plans, Supplemental Medical Plans, Hospital Advantage Plans, Medicare Supplement Plans, and Personal Health Insurance Plan . A.M. Best is an independent organization which evaluates insurance company financial performance, and its 2005 Best Rating for both United HealthCare Insurance Company and United HealthCare Insurance Company of New York is A+. Metropolitan Life Insurance Company is the insurer of the AARP Long-Term Care Insurance Plan. MetLife was rated " Superior " (A+) by A.M. Best in 2004.

Through the AARP Health Care Options, AARP members and their spouses can enroll in quality health insurance products. These included Medicare supplement insurance plans, primary health insurance plans, hospital indemnity supplemental insurance plans, and long-term care insurance plans. Dental insurance is also available in some states. The Program also offers discounts on eye exams and eyewear, as well as discounts on prescription and non-prescription drugs, and a wide assortment of other healthy living products. Also, AARP offers home delivery of Medicare reimbursable medical supplies.

AARP members can get savings on prescriptions under the AARP MedicareRx Plan. This is a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan ("PDP") insured by United HealthCare Insurance Company or United HealthCare Insurance Company of New York for New York residents, along with their affiliates named "UnitedHealthcare."

There are even savings on vitamins and nutritional supplements. The AARP Pharmacy Services, Health Essentials catalog offers exclusive AARP Pharmacy brand products with significant savings compared to national brands. They also offer a wide assortment of competitively priced, name brand, OTC medications, hair and skin care, sleep comfort and fitness products.

Medical Supply Services, part of AARP Pharmacy Services, offers Medicare Part B reimbursed medical supplies, including a full complement of diabetes, respiratory, and ostomy supplies, plus mobility-enhancement products. Orders processed under Medicare are shipped free to the client's home, and AARP handles all the claim forms, and bills both Medicare Part B and the client's supplemental insurance carrier.

AARP can its members up to 60% on glasses and contacts. AARP Eye Health Services covers eyewear at some of the most popular optical retailers.

Many seniors are worried about how the upcoming changes in Medicare Affect will affect them. For those who have lost their Medicare Supplement health coverage, the AARP Health Care Options program may be able to help. Many AARP members have a guaranteed right to enroll in certain AARP Medicare Supplement Plans under specific conditions. The client is required to apply within 63 days of the term date of the prior health plan, and provide a copy of the Notification of Rights letter from this prior insurer with the new application. This notice must verify the circumstances of the previous plan's termination and describe the policy holder's right to guaranteed issue of Medicare Supplement insurance. Guaranteed issuance rights vary by state, and in some states, plans may be available on a continuous, open enrollment basis.

Enrollment is accessible online at the AARP official site. **************** About The Author **************** J Schipper is interested in the AARP http://www.aarp-now.info http://www.blue-cross-basic-fed-blue.info http://www.cataract-eye-surgery-bonita-springs.info http://www.diabetes-testing-2006.info **************** About The Author **************** Please use the HTML version of this article at: http://www.isnare.com/html.php?id=40955 ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-get-affordable-supplemental-health-care-insurance-for-seniors http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-get-affordable-supplemental-health-care-insurance-for-seniors#comments Sat, 24 Feb 2007 08:27:02 +0000 supplemental health carehealth care insurancehealth care serviceshealth insurance plancare insurance planhealth insurance policyseniors http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-get-affordable-supplemental-health-care-insurance-for-seniors supplemental health care insurance? Many people are not; these days, most people sign up with their employer-sponsored health care insurance plans, or purchase individual health care insurance plans if their employers do not provide health benefits. While these methods work for many individuals, seniors should consider purchasing affordable supplemental health care insurance.

Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about supplemental health care insurance for seniors.

What is supplemental health care insurance?

Simply put, supplemental health care insurance kicks in and pays for what your regular health insurance policy does not.

Why should seniors consider purchasing supplemental health care insurance?

Seniors don't always have the steady income that younger individuals have. If a senior's regular health insurance plan doesn't cover a significant portion of health care services, it may be difficult for the senior to pay for the gap between what is covered and what is not. Some seniors have a nest egg set aside to handle situations such as these; some even have separate insurance policies they can fall back on, such as life insurance policies. However, not all seniors have the extra money set aside to cover the gap in health care insurance; an affordable, supplemental health care insurance would work for them.

What does supplemental health care insurance provide?

The kind of coverage available with an insurance plan always depends on the insurance company from which you purchase the plan. Many supplemental health care insurance plans offer cash benefits and compensation for lost income. Some supplemental health care insurance plans even cover pre-existing conditions; pre-existing conditions are prevalent among seniors.

Do I need supplemental health care insurance if I already have Medicare?

Yes, having an affordable supplemental health care insurance plan is especially wise for seniors with Medicare, as Medicare doesn't often cover long-term health care, care provided at home or in a nursing home, or the costs of prescription medication. http://www.ezquoteguide.com/health/ http://www.ezquoteguide.com/car-new-jersey.shtml ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/using-a-health-savings-account-to-buffer-the-coming-medicare-insolvency http://www.artwoo.com/article/using-a-health-savings-account-to-buffer-the-coming-medicare-insolvency#comments Wed, 02 May 2007 14:30:01 +0000 medicare trust fundsocial security and medicaremedicare recipientshealth savings accountbrookings institutiontrillionmedical retirement http://www.artwoo.com/article/using-a-health-savings-account-to-buffer-the-coming-medicare-insolvency Medicare Trust Fund will soon be out of money, and there will be no practical way for the government to continue to provide the level of benefits that current Medicare recipients receive. The result will be serious rations, waiting periods, and a reduction in benefits. If you wish to maintain your medical freedom, and have access to a high level of medical service, you must be prepared to pay for it yourself. The best strategy is to take good care of your health, and to build up your medical retirement fund as large as possible by using a Health Savings Account.

The Coming Medicare Insolvency

The total federal debt is now over $10 trillion. But if you also include the current unfunded liabilities of social security, Medicare, and other programs, the total federal debt is at least $54 trillion. This number has been confirmed in three separate studies - by the American Enterprise Institute, the National Center for Policy Analysis, and the Brookings Institution.

It is difficult to get a grasp of a number that big. That's $180,000 per person currently living in the United States. It is four times the U.S. Gross Domestic Product, the measure of the final value of all goods and services produced in this country in the course of a year.

As the program is currently structured it is unsustainable, and the fund is expected to be depleted by 2018. That is a mere 11 years from now. The shortfall in Social Security and Medicare revenues will continue to increase as the years go by - it will exceed $2 trillion by 2030. At that point, half of all tax dollars will have to go to Social Security and Medicare.

That clearly can't happen. Instead, the system will face massive cuts in benefits, probably in addition to large tax increases.

Who Will Pay Your Medical Expenses During Retirement?

So will Medicare be there for you? It depends on how old you are. Unless you are retiring in the next couple years, I certainly wouldn't count on it, particularly if you want to insure that you have access to high quality medical care during your retirement years.

Last year Fidelity Investments reported that the average couple retiring in 2006 would need $200,000 just to cover medical expenses during retirement. That estimate did not include the cost of over-the-counter medications, most dental services and, long-term care, if needed. And it did not include the charges that are currently paid by Medicare.

If we cannot depend on Medicare to be there for us, the only smart solution is to save as much money as possible. This will ensure that you can obtain the quality care you need. If you are not currently putting as much money as possible aside to pay for these expenses yourself, you are making a serious mistake.

What Is Your Solution?

As most readers already know, the very best tool for accumulating funds for future medical expenses is a Health Savings Account. An HSA is the only investment that provides a tax deduction when you deposit the money, yet never taxes the money if it is used to pay for qualified medical expenses.

Therefore, you should put as much money as possible into your HSA, and withdraw as little as possible. The contribution limit for 2007 is $2,850 for an individual, and $5,650 for families. Those over 55 can also contribute an $800 catch-up contribution. Making the maximum contribution each year will help you build a medical retirement fund that can be used to pay future medical expenses, tax-free.

Rather than withdrawing money from your account to pay for medical expenses as they occur, you should pay for medical expenses that are not covered by your health insurance, out of your own pocket. Save your receipts (for doctor visits, eye glasses, aspirin, etc), and leave your money in the account to grow tax-deferred. There is no time limit before you have to reimburse yourself, so you can make the most of this tax-free investment.

As soon as possible, you may also want to transfer some of the money into mutual funds. While some HSA administrators are paying interest rates as high as 5%, the only way you are going to really grow the account is to get a much higher return on your money. Many HSA administrators offer a discount brokerage option, so you can place your funds in virtually any stock or mutual fund.

For a family that contributes the maximum contribution each year, it is quite reasonable to assume an HSA account value well over $1 million after 25 or 30 years. Medicare may be broke, but at least you won't be.

"Medicare HSAs?"

The solution to the pending Medicare meltdown is very complicated, but it is clear that government-run medical programs don't work. The dismal results can be seen everywhere, from the former Soviet-bloc countries, to the broken down national healthcare systems of Canada and Europe. Medicare must be transformed into a program where seniors have an ownership interest in the money they are spending.

Replacing the government's obligation to provide benefits with a voucher that seniors could use to purchase health insurance from competing private insurers, and/or deposit into a "Medicare Health Savings Account," would bring market efficiencies and competition into the picture. This idea is endorsed by both the American Medical Association and the American Hospital Association.

Retirement HSAs may or may not ever come to fruition. But fortunately, HSA plans are available to those under age 65. If you do not yet have an HSA, get signed up for one now. You will lower your health insurance premiums, and can begin putting money aside for medical expenses you will almost inevitably incur during your older years. By Wiley Long - President, HSA for America (http://www.health--savings--accounts.com) - The nation's leading independent health insurance firm specializing in individual and family coverage that works with a Health Savings Account. ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/diabetes-testing-supply-what-you-need-to-know http://www.artwoo.com/article/diabetes-testing-supply-what-you-need-to-know#comments Fri, 27 Apr 2007 11:54:59 +0000 diabetes diseaseblood glucose meterblood sugar monitorsblood sugar monitorglucose levelglucose levelscrucial http://www.artwoo.com/article/diabetes-testing-supply-what-you-need-to-know diabetes disease. Unfortunately, there is no cure-all miracle drug for those that have to live with diabetes, but there are several things that can help a person keep his or her diabetes under control. These tools, also known as diabetes testing supplies, will help an individual monitor the progress of the diabetes and keep a watch on his or her glucose levels.

There are several important diabetes testing supplies that a person usually uses in order to help him or her get a handle on their diabetes. A few of them are the blood sugar monitors, testing strips, as well as lancets that are included with diabetes testing supply packages. The blood sugar monitors are not at all expensive, but the testing strips are very expensive compared to the blood sugar monitor. One can think about the price difference compared with the cost of razors and razor blades. Likewise, the blood sugar monitor is relatively inexpensive compared with the testing strips. However, testing strips for people with diabetes are a crucial part and tool in helping an individual keep up to date on his or her diabetes situation. In a normal month span, a person may go through as many as one hundred testing strips, depending on the type and severity of the diabetes. The testing strips are included in testing supplies because a person will normally use 2 or 3 testing strips per day. The checks are normally done in the morning, at noontime, and sometime in the evening.

One thing to know about diabetes testing strips is that they must be compatible with the blood glucose meter. Purchasing off-brand strips may not even be the best idea simply because they may give you a skewed reading of your glucose level, thereby skewing the results on the testing strip. If you are on Medicare, however, the testing strips should be provided free of charge at the prescription of the doctor. If you need more testing strips than what is normally provided, the doctor will usually write a letter to Medicare explaining the situation. The doctor is the official authority when it comes to dealing with Medicare.

However, if you use a lancet for diabetes testing alone, that is a whole other situation that must be considered. There are several different kinds of lancets- you can purchase one that is an automated lancet, as well as those that require you to puncture your finger yourself to check your blood glucose level.

For all of these supplies, the best thing to do would be to check with your doctor about how to go about getting these diabetes testing supplies. They may suggest ordering them direct through your health insurance provider or you may even be able to get them through a pharmacy, clinic, or hospital completely free of charge! Whatever the scenario, be careful and cautious about where you go to get your diabetes testing supplies, as not everywhere you go to check them out may be the same! Jane Scaplen writes and submit articles on health related topics for http://www.ArticlesFactory.com and http://www.HealthAndFitnessAdvices.com ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-save-money-and-get-discount-long-term-health-care-in-oregon http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-save-money-and-get-discount-long-term-health-care-in-oregon#comments Thu, 14 Feb 2008 10:20:00 +0000 long term health care insurancehealth care insurancelong term healthlong term health careinflation adjustmenthealth care policyhealth specialist http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-save-money-and-get-discount-long-term-health-care-in-oregon long term health care. That same report went on to say that Medicare pays almost nothing toward long term care.

When you also factor in that today more and more younger people, through either accident or illness, are finding themselves in need of one form of long term care or another it becomes painfully obvious that the need for discount long term health care in Oregon has never been greater.

What exactly do we mean by long term health care? What exactly does it cover?

Well, if you become ill or suffer an accident that requires any type of special assistance with your daily living needs, such as dressing, bathing, preparing food, eating, or going to the toilet, then you are in need of long term care. Long term care can last a few days, a few weeks, or it can last for years.

The most obvious and perhaps most visible form of long term health care is a nursing home, but many patients requiring long term care live at home and require the services of an in-home health specialist on a daily or less frequent basis.

Long term health care can be expensive. Without discount long term health care insurance most families cannot afford the care with only their own resources.

The good new is, there are 42 companies in Oregon that provide long term health care insurance. The bad news is, for many people the cost of such insurance is a severe financial strain. What are some things you can do to lessen the cost of the monthly premiums on a long term health care insurance policy.

If you are still fairly young (as young as 40) and healthy, then now would be an excellent time to look into a long term health care policy. Why? Because the younger you are when you take out your policy, the less expensive the policy will be. Look at policies which have an inflation adjustment built in, or by the time you need your coverage it could be woefully inadequate.

Get on line and find an insurance site that will let you do a side by side comparison of as many of the 42 companies offering long term health care in Oregon as you can. Factor in different deductibles, different lifetime payment caps, and the different types of assistance that are available until you find a plan that you are both happy with and that you can afford.

Do not allow yourself to believe that Medicare will take care of your long term health needs once you reach 65, because the sad truth is that Medicare pays virtually nothing toward any form of long term health care. Recommended sites for low rate insurance http://ezquoteguide.com/longtermcare/ Discount Long Term Care Quotes http://www.myquoteguide.com/Long-Term.shtml Instant Long Term Care Insurance ]]>