Articles written by Sean Mcphilamy
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Understanding the phases of Part D coverage
Prescription Drug Plan coverage is a valued element within Medicare. Known more commonly as Part D of Medicare, these policies are offered by privately managed insurance companies, and regulated both...
Medicare and your right to appeal a discharge
If you or a loved one are receiving in-patient medical care, there comes a time when that care will end. Hopefully, this is because the patient is ready for discharge, but sometimes, the patient is...
What's new in Medicare benefits for 2024?
Medicare coverage and costs change each year, so it’s important to understand and review your benefits. Here’s an overview of what’s new in 2024. Medicare Part A and Part B costs in 2024 Medic...
Denied Medicare Part D coverage? You can appeal
While I am writing this month’s article, we are in the last few days of the annual Open Enrollment Period, when you may sign up to change your enrollment in a Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan. T...
Medicare: Choosing doctors and other providers
Choosing a medical provider can be both challenging and overwhelming for many patients. Here in the Great Land, Alaskans often travel significant distances to obtain healthcare. Medicare can help,...
Marketing can be intense for Medicare drug plans
During Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period, you will likely experience more marketing from private Medicare insurance providers, such as Part D prescription drug plans. Companies try to reach c...
Time to review your Medicare Prescription Drug Plan
From Oct. 15 through Dec. 7, I encourage you to review and, if needed, change your Prescription Drug Plan under Part D coverage. Changes you elect will become effective on Jan. 1. Certified Medicare c...
Medigap policies help cover out-of-pocket costs
As you may know, Original Medicare (Parts A and B) covers approximately 80 percent of the cost of most services. But what about the remaining 20 percent, or even the other out-of-pocket costs like...
Medicare coverage for health-related transportation
Ambulances are a critical resource in transporting patients to and from medical facilities, like hospitals. Ambulances are medically equipped and staffed by professionals like paramedics and...
Your Medicare Part D prescription benefits
Medicare includes Part D, the prescription drug benefit, offered through private health insurance companies. Each prescription drug plan meets federal requirements as managed by the Centers for...
Medicare coverage for mental health
Mental health care can diagnose and treat mental illnesses or mental health conditions. A mental illness or mental health condition may affect your thinking, feeling or mood. Examples of mental health...
Medicare and making the most of your doctor visits
Obtaining the best health care involves good communication between you and your doctor. Today I will help explain how you can build an effective relationship with your doctor and make the most of...
Medicare coverage for home health care
Receiving home health care can be available for some Medicare recipients. To be eligible for Medicare coverage of home health services, you must be homebound. In other words, it must be difficult for...
When is the correct time to enroll in Medicare?
Enrollment into Medicare or choosing different Medicare coverage may only happen during specific times of the year. This month we will learn about these enrollment periods, so you can make the most...
Here is what's new in Medicare for 2023
Medicare coverage and costs normally change each year, so it is important to understand and review your benefits. Here is an overview of what’s new in 2023. Part A Medicare Part A covers inpatient h...
Don't confuse Marketplace insurance with Medicare
Medicare and Marketplace health insurance can easily be confused, but the two are different federal benefit programs. The Health Insurance Marketplaces were created by the Affordable Care Act. These...
Medicare offers benefits to military veterans
As a military veteran, this month’s topic resonates with me. Medicare can work with military-related healthcare, whether you are a military veteran or a military retiree. As a reminder, Original M...
Review and update your Medicare Part D plan
Medicare Part D, the prescription drug benefit, is the part of Medicare that covers most outpatient prescription drugs. Part D is offered through private companies as a standalone prescription drug...
Medicare Open Enrollment presents options
Another autumn is upon us, and one thing that means is that Medicare's Open Enrollment Period (OEP) will be happening soon. Each year from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7, you can make changes to your...
Medicare Open Enrollment season is approaching
You may make changes to your Medicare Part D prescription drug plan coverage each year during Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period, which runs Oct. 15 to Dec. 7. Beginning in September, you may r...
Services that Medicare does not cover
Our Medicare benefits were established under the Social Security Amendment of 1965, reflecting the restrictions and limitations of most health insurance at that time. This law excluded coverage for...
Identifying and fighting Medicare fraud
This June, we acknowledge 25 years of progress helping each other in preventing Medicare fraud. We appreciate your efforts, both for yourself, your fellow Alaskans, and all who benefit from Medicare....
Filing Medicare grievances and complaints
Things don’t always go according to plan. When unforeseen challenges or mistakes occur, you may wish to know to whom you may voice your concerns and who can help resolve your concerns. For an a...
Medicare and preventive care
Preventive care is the care you receive to prevent illness, detect medical conditions and keep healthy. A service is considered preventive if you have no prior symptoms of the disease. In contrast,...
Medicare decisions when you have other coverage
Medicare-related decisions can be quite challenging, especially when you or your spouse areabout to turn age 65, during your Initial Enrollment Period. The decisions can be even more complicated when...