Health Plans, Networks, and Provider Relationships Work Together for You

A diverse team of medical professionals smiles at the camera
Health plans often reference their provider networks, describing providers as either in-network or out-of-network. Provider networks include a range of professionals, from nurse practitioners to physical and occupational therapists, in addition to both primary care physicians (PCPs) and specialists. When a provider is in a plan’s network, it means that the plan and the provider have a contractual relationship....
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Medication Reviews: Talking to Your Doctor About Your Prescriptions

An older man examines a medication bottle, as woman uses a laptop
If you’re like the average American over 65, you take about three prescriptions each month (prescribed by more than one doctor) in addition to some over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and supplements. But what do you really know about these medications? Are they safe to take together? Could they cause unwanted side effects? Is it time to stop taking some of them?...
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How Can Seniors Stay Strong? SilverSneakers!

During a recent train ride into work, I experienced the funniest reminder about exercise. For those of you who don’t take the train, let me set the scene… The sun hadn’t come up quite yet, and the weather was cold and dreary. The train car was filled with early morning commuters who were bundled up and,...
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Saving Money: One Prescription at a Time

Senior talking to pharmacist about generic prescription drugs
If you think about it, we’re surrounded by opportunities to save money. Our mail is filled with sales flyers and postcards; stores offer us loyalty cards, “insider” savings clubs, and discounts for buying in bulk; and the Sunday paper is loaded with coupons. But when it comes to saving money on prescriptions, the savings aren’t so easy to find — unless you know where to look....
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A View of Community Health Services from Health Center 4

Philadelphia, PA
As a boy growing up at 45th and Westminster in the heart of West Philadelphia, I often visited the Philadelphia Department of Public Health: Health Center 4. I remember simply referring to it as “the clinic.” It was where I received my immunizations, well check-ups, and got my summer camp waivers signed. I did all the things there that you would do at a “regular doctor.” It wasn’t until later in life that I realized my doctor’s office was actually the local free clinic....
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Health Insurance Covers 100 Percent of Preventive Care….But What Is Preventive Care?

Caring male pediatrician talks with baby boy at free clinic
IBX is often out in the community meeting people at health clinics, community fairs, seminars, festivals, YMCAs, and many more places throughout the region. By now, many consumers know that health insurance plans are required by law to cover 100 percent of the costs for preventive care. However, a question we often hear is, “What is preventive care?” Preventive care is the care you receive to prevent illnesses or diseases....
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In-Network vs Out-of-Network: What Does It Mean?

A lot of things can happen to put you in the market for a new doctor. Maybe you’ve moved to a new town and need to find a pediatrician for your kids’ well-visits. Or your primary care physician (PCP) recommends you follow-up with a specialist. Or you’ve turned 50 and are due to get your first colonoscopy....
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Eligible for a Tax Credit or Subsidy to Help Pay for Health Insurance?

If you’re shopping for an individual or family health plan on the Marketplace, you don’t want to pay more than you have to. Did you know you may be eligible for a health care premium tax credit from the federal government to help pay your monthly premium or out-of-pocket costs?

What Is a Tax Credit/Health Insurance Subsidy?

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Why You Need Dental, Vision, and Hearing Coverage

Older gentleman with glasses
One of the things I hear often from beneficiaries is that they’re concerned to find out that Original Medicare does not pay for everything — especially “extras” like vision, dental, and hearing coverage. If you’re transitioning from employer-provided health care to Medicare, you’ve probably had vision, dental, and hearing benefits all along. Since Medicare doesn’t cover them,...
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