Considering Medicare Advantage? Get the Facts

A doctor talking to an older adult about her Medicare Plan
You might have heard Medicare Advantage plans discussed as an alternative to “original” Medicare, but did you know that these plans have been around, in some form, since the very beginning of Medicare? Medicare Advantage plans are part of a program that allows private insurers to provide Medicare benefits to enrollees on behalf of the federal Medicare program....
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Family Health Insurance: Taking Care of Those Who Depend on You

Family of 4
You would probably go to great lengths to protect your family, and enrolling in family health insurance is one of the most important ways to do just that. Here are five good reasons to keep your family covered:

1. Health insurance helps keep your family healthy

Health care isn’t just about taking care of illnesses and injuries when they arise....
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How does Independence Blue Cross decide which medications to cover?

Doctor and patient rx
Health insurance companies maintain a list of covered prescription medications. This list is called a formulary, and it is an important tool for you and your doctor. It’s the master list of all the generic and brand-name drugs for which plan members receive benefits, and can help members and providers choose medications that will be most cost-effective....
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Value-Based Care: Understanding Price vs. Value in Healthcare

Health professionals talking
As with any big decision or large investment you make, one critical component should be understanding the difference between the price you’ll pay and the value you’ll receive. When it comes to your organization’s healthcare benefits, likely your second largest expense after payroll, knowing what you are getting for your money is more complex than ever before....
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For Caregivers: Helping a Loved One Navigate the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period

An older adult with a younger adult reading a health plan brochure.
Providing care for an older adult is rewarding, but it can also be demanding. Navigating the world of Medicare and the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) doesn’t have to add to your stress, though. Although there is a lot to consider during AEP, with a little bit of knowledge, you’ll be navigating Medicare decisions like a pro....
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Save Money with Medicare’s New Benefits for Beneficiaries

You probably already know that Medicare Advantage plans cover lots of benefits that aren’t a part of Original Medicare, but did you know that starting January 1, 2019, the savings are about to increase? The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) have expanded health plans’ ability to offer health-related benefits as part of their Medicare Advantage plan benefits,...
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HMO vs. PPO: A Quick Guide

Woman and man considering health plan choices
Consider the differences between HMO and PPO health plans when choosing your health coverage. There are many different types health plans out there, but HMO and PPO health plans remain among the most common. Let’s break down how these plans differ.

HMO Health Insurance Plans

HMO stands for Health Maintenance Organization....
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4 Questions to Ask Yourself When Comparing Your Medicare Coverage Options

A loaf of bread, a container of milk, and a stick of butter — a well-thought-out shopping list is worth its weight in gold — it not only saves time and money but also prevents return trips to the store. The same is true when shopping for a Medicare plan — knowing the type of coverage you want and how much you can afford will make your search that much easier....
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Ready to Retire? When You Should Leave Your Spouse’s Employer Health Plan.

“I’m about to retire but my spouse is still working, and I have coverage through his/her employer. What do I do now; should I enroll in Medicare?” This is a common question I hear almost every day — and it can be a challenging one to figure out. My simple answer is: it depends....
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