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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3 Changes Coming to Medicare That Every Beneficiary Should Know About

Good news! Some much anticipated changes to Medicare are on the horizon. So, whether you’re recently retired, newly enrolled in Medicare, or you’ve been on Medicare for a while, here’s what you need to know.

1. A New Look for Your Medicare Card

Your Medicare card is getting a makeover. Beginning in April of this year,...
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3 Things You Need to Know About $0 Premium Medicare Advantage Plans

Would you believe it’s possible to get all your health care coverage through a Medicare Advantage plan and not pay a monthly premium? Well, you can, and I want to give you the full scoop on how you can get quality coverage with no monthly premium.

The Truth Behind $0 Premium Plans

Medicare Advantage plans (known as Part C plans) combine your Original Medicare Part A and B benefits into one plan....
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What Is a Special Enrollment Period?

If you lose coverage through a job, have a kid, get married, or move, you don’t have to wait for the open enrollment period to shop for a new health plan.
Try as you may to plan ahead, you can’t always see the future. But if you lose the health care coverage you have through a job, have a kid, get married, or move, you don’t have to wait for the open enrollment period to shop for a new health plan. Read on to learn more about applying for health insurance during the special enrollment period....
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5 Ways Health Insurance Can Help You Save Money While Pregnant

With so many doctor appointments and tests, you probably already know how important health insurance is when you’re pregnant, let alone after you have your baby. But you may be interested to learn about some of the valuable extras your plan offers, and how your health insurance can help you save money while pregnant. Every health insurance plan varies,...
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Your Explanation of Benefits (EOB), Explained

You found a doctor, made an appointment, received care, and picked up your prescriptions. A few weeks later, you get a letter or an email from Independence with a document that says, in all capital letters, “THIS IS NOT A BILL.” So if it’s not a bill, what is it?

Meet your EOB

Your Explanation of Benefits (EOB) — also called a Plan Activity Statement — breaks down the exact costs every time you receive care....
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On Your Behalf: Designating a Personal Health Representative

Depending on what type of access you grant them; a personal health representative can help you with a range of health care decisions.
Maintaining the privacy and control of your health care is important, but so is ensuring that decisions about your health are in capable hands in the event you can’t make them yourself. If you would like to give someone the authority to make medical decisions on your behalf or have access to your private health information,...
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5 Medicare Milestones You Should Know About

Medicare milestones
Medicare can be a challenge to understand and navigate. But planning well in advance of your Medicare eligibility (for many that’s your 65th birthday) can help you get every dollar in Medicare benefits. These five helpful Medicare milestones will aid you as you start planning for your 65th birthday. If you’re looking for even more information about eligibility,...
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