2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines For Older Adults

Last week the newly adjusted MyPlate for Older Adults was released and blends new USDA recommendations with the shifting senior nutritional needs.  MyPlate for Older Adults is based on the 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. While most guidelines apply to adults of any age, the new MyPlate offers adjustments to meet the needs of older Americans. Below are the highlights of a healthy … [Read more...]

Senior Surprise: Getting Switched to a Medicare Advantage Plan

Only days after Judy Hanttula came home from the hospital after surgery last November, her doctor’s office called with bad news: Records showed that instead of traditional Medicare, she had a private Medicare Advantage plan, and her doctor and hospital were not in its network. Neither the plan nor Medicare now would cover her medical costs. She owed $16,622. “I was panicking,” said Hanttula, … [Read more...]

Senior Assistance – In All Aspects of Life

If you are turning 65 or are over age 65, we've compiled a list of resources that may be important to you. Are you 65 or older and in need of information about money, retirement, senior travel, care giving or other senior assistance topics?  We've compiled a list of links that may answer the many questions you have. It is important to educate yourself and stay up to date on current topics. … [Read more...]

2016 Part B Premiums

The new 2016 Part B premiums have been released! Participants can expect the average Part B premium amount to be $121.80 (possibly higher depending on your income). However, keep in mind, because there wasn't a cost-of-living increase for 2016 Social Security benefits participants collecting these benefits will pay the same Part B premium amount they paid in 2015. If you fall into one of the … [Read more...]

Medicare Open Enrollment Period 2015 Ends In 6 Days!

Medicare participants have the opportunity to adjust their plans and coverage in the medicare open enrollment period, which starts every year on October 15th and ends on December 7th 2015. This means you only have 6 days left! The medicare open enrollment period is designed to permit participants to assess their health needs and what they may need for 2016. What can you do in the medicare open … [Read more...]

2016 Medicare Part B Premiums Announced

We first heard that Medicare Part B premiums were expected to increase in 2016. Then it was released this may not be the case. Today the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced the 2016 Medicare Part B premiums. Existing Part B recipients paying for Part B through Social Security = $104.90 (no change in 2016) Existing Part B recipients paying for Part B directly … [Read more...]

Increase in Medicare Part B Premiums May Not Happen

Due to a bipartisan budget deal seniors may not have to worry about the increase in Medicare Part B premiums. The article below by Robert Powell from USA Today talks about what seniors can expect in upcoming Medicare Part B changes. Budget proposal could mean no 52% jump in Medicare Part B premiums Millions of Medicare recipients bracing for a 52% premium increase are one step away … [Read more...]

Medicare Part B Premium Is Expected To Increase In 2016

Almost one third of Medicare Part B recipients are expected to see a 52% Medicare Part B premium increase in 2016. The anticipated rise in premium fees are due to Social Security and Medicare rules. In 2015 there has been little to no inflation and Social Security cannot pay the cost-of-living increase next year, 2016. Because of this the Medicare program must equally extend the premium cost … [Read more...]

Medicare Premiums In 2013

The Medicare premiums in 2013 (for Part B) will be $104.90 per month for most individuals but if your yearly income was higher than the average American you may have to pay more. How much does Part B cost? Most people pay $104.90 for their Part B premium each month. BUT... If your modified adjusted gross income (as reported on your IRS tax return from 2 years ago) is above a certain amount, … [Read more...]

Medicare News: Lipitor Price to Fall

Finally... Lipitor's patent expired on November 30, 2011. The new generic version of Lipitor is called Atorvastatin and should be available at your local pharmacy now. The pricing for this generic version will be less than the "name-brand" but, starting in June 2012, when all drug makers can start making the drug, prices should fall dramatically. By next fall, 2012, the price for generic … [Read more...]