Blog
Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 Medicare Changes
By: Chris Grimmond • On: December 29, 2022
When I meet with prospective clients, I begin with a brief explanation of Medicare. Then move on to the hundreds of plans. Drugs are next. This is hard. Clients must lay down their cards; some hold a straight flush of costly medications. The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 is a long-awaited solution to improve Medicare […]
By: Chris Grimmond • On: December 26, 2022
A Health Savings Account (HSA) is a powerful tax-advantaged devise. An HSA, however, can have devastating effect if you do not understand how an HSA works with Medicare. What Is An HSA? A Health Savings Account (HSA) is a type of personal savings account introduced in 2003. It is designed to work with employer health […]
What Is The Medicare Donut Hole?
By: Chris Grimmond • On: December 22, 2022
Many people have heard of the Medicare Donut Hole, but even those on Medicare are not familiar with what the donut hole really means unless they fall into it. When you are in the Medicare Donut Hole, you know it and quickly learn what it means. Clients call me monthly asking, “What’s going on? My […]
What Is The 2023 Medicare Part A Deductible?
By: Chris Grimmond • On: December 21, 2022
The amount of the Medicare Part A Hospital deductible for 2023 is vital because other numbers are based upon it. The Part Hospital A deductible in 2023 is more than just a dollar amount. The Part A deductible for Medicare drives the other copays, coinsurance, and deductibles. Part A not only covers inpatient hospital stays. […]
What Is The Medicare Drug Deductible for 2023?
By: Chris Grimmond • On: December 20, 2022
January begins a new calendar year for Medicare. What does that mean for your Medicare drug deductibles in 2023? For most Medicare members with a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan, you have a deductible. The Medicare drug deductible for 2023 is currently $505. The Part D drug deductible for 2022 was $480, which means […]
By: Chris Grimmond • On: November 16, 2022
I changed how I do my meetings with new clients. I set up their My Medicare login before they leave my office because . . . . Client Problem A client called me because he had an unpaid bill. He claimed the insurance company with his Medicare Supplement policy would not pay his hospital bills. […]
How to Apply For Medicare In Nebraska For 2022
By: Chris Grimmond • On: November 3, 2022
If you have paid payroll taxes (FICA) for 40 quarters (or 10 years), you are eligible to apply for Medicare in Nebraska for 2022. You are eligible for Medicare Part A at zero premium and may purchase Part B at the current cost if your income is below the IRMAA (Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amounts) […]
Medicare Or Employer Provided Health Insurance?
By: Chris Grimmond • On: August 8, 2022
Which Is A Better Deal for You? Medicare Or Employer Health Insurance Congress created a problem in the 1980s when it increased the age for full Social Security benefits. Eligibility was age 65 for both Social Security AND Medicare. Medicare eligibility is still age 65, but full Social Security benefit now is 66 and six […]
By: Chris Grimmond • On: May 19, 2022
What is Medicaid? ‘Medicare For All’ is a slogan that we have heard repeatedly in political campaigns and on the news. Medicare, and Medicaid to a lesser extent, are successful social programs that a majority of Americans embrace. How does Medicaid work? The biggest bones of contention have to do with the funding of Medicaid. […]
By: Chris Grimmond • On: May 16, 2022
Does Medicare Cover Hospice? Many people are still not very familiar with Medicare and hospice. It is actually a fairly new idea. The “end of life movement” began in the ’70s. (The “end of life movement” is separate and distinct from the Euthanasia movement and organizations, like the Hemlock Society.) Medicare did not cover Hospice […]
