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I often hear comments from Medicare beneficiaries about how they considered themselves to be reasonably intelligent people until they started trying to figure out Medicare. Dont worry. That is a normal feeling. Medicare can be confusing.
The first step is to choose the type of Medicare plan that fits you. There are two types of Medicare plans. You need to know the difference between Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage. They are not the same in fact, they work very differently. Once you understand how each option works then you can move on to figuring out what plan suits you.
It is important to have someone on your side when choosing a Medicare plan. You need to answer a few questions to make sure you are choosing a plan that meets your individual needs. Do your doctors participate in the plan? What insurance is accepted by your preferred hospitals? Do you travel out of the area frequently? Do you want an HMO, PPO or Medigap? Do you prefer to pay for medical expenses as they occur or in predictable payments? Will you incur penalties? How do the private plans compare to employer or state plans? Once youve decided which route works best for you, then you can move on to actually choosing the plan.
Choosing a Medicare plan can seem confusing, but an experienced Medicare broker can make it as easy as having a conversation over a cup of coffee. They know what questions to ask, the plan details and how healthcare in your area works, which makes sorting through plan options easier.
Take the guess work out of Medicare by working with a local, face to face Medicare broker that represents both types of Medicare plans and multiple insurance carriers. They will get you the information you need to make the right decision. They know the questions to ask, the deadlines you need to meet and what coverage is required. They can help you adapt your coverage every year to meet your changing healthcare needs and provide support for the life of your policy.
Editors Note: This article was submitted by Jolynn Allen, Agency Principal, AIS Medicare & More. She may be reached at 719-404-3202 or by email at info@aismedicareandmore.com
Medicare has been changing yearly and 2026 will be no exception. What is ahead for Medicare this fall and why?Carriers are still feeling the effects of the Inflation Reduction Act, which passed in 2022, but just took full effect in January of 2025. Beginning January 1, 2025, people with Part D plans through traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans with prescription drug coverage, won't pay more than $2,000 over the calendar year in out-of-pocket costs for their prescription medications, the donut hole or coverage gap is eliminated and there is a new payment plan to spread drug costs through the year. Those changes came at a cost to other benefits. The Inflation Reduction Act significantly increased the carriers expenses and in response benefit cuts occurred for 2025 and will continue for 2026. Carriers had to absorb the steep cost increase for the mandatory prescription drug plan changes by balancing the budget, which included increases in beneficiaries copays, deductibles added to plans, the plan maximum out of pocket increased, non-medical benefits were reduced, a prescription drug deductible was added, and prescriptions were re-tiered or eliminated from the list of covered drugs. 2026 will see further adjustments as the carriers remove most benefits deemed non-medical. Seniors who have grown accustomed to benefits such as an over-the-counter allowance or food subsidy may see those benefits sharply reduced or eliminated this fall. Plans must be submitted to Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services for approval in early spring to be ready for the enrollment period in fall to be active for the following calendar year, so carriers have had little time to study the impact of the Inflation Reduction Act on overall costs. Insurance moves slowly. The changes we are feeling in 2025 are the result of a bill passed in 2022 and will continue to affect plans in 2026. This fall will feel like a continuation of the benefit cuts seniors faced in the fall of 2024 as carriers work to balance the budget while considering the increased prescription costs and trying to maintain the plan benefits seniors rely on. For more information visit: aismedicareandmore.com Editors Note: This article was submitted by Jolynn Allen with AIS Medicare & More. Jolynn is the owner of AIS Medicare & More and may be reached at: 719-404-3202
In Colorado, In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) is a Medicaid-funded program designed to assist individuals with disabilities or elderly individuals who need help with daily activities. These services enable individuals to live independently in their own homes rather than in institutional settings. IHSS provides support with tasks like personal care, housekeeping, meal preparation, and medication management.Eligible participants must meet specific criteria, including being a Colorado resident, requiring assistance due to a disability, and meeting income and resource limits. Services are tailored to each individual's needs and are delivered by trained caregivers, who may be family members or professional aides.IHSS is an essential resource for people with disabilities or the elderly, enhancing their quality of life by promoting independence while providing necessary care. It also alleviates the financial burden of long-term institutional care, offering a more cost-effective and personalized solution for those in need. Editor's Note: This article was submitted by Amazing Care Home Health Services. For more information they may be reached at 303-755-3170.
For 40 years, Sangre de Cristo Community Care has provided compassionate, expert support to patients and families facing chronic and serious illnesses. Now, we are proud to introduce our new Dementia Care Program, a groundbreaking initiative designed to enhance the quality of life for individuals living with dementia while providing much-needed support for their caregivers.This Medicare-approved program offers dedicated care navigators, 24/7 nurse support, caregiver training, and respite careall aimed at enabling individuals to remain in their homes and communities for as long as possible. With a mission deeply rooted in dignity and quality of life, our team ensures that both patients and caregivers receive personalized guidance and access to essential community resources.Available throughout Southern Colorado, this program is open to Medicare beneficiaries with a dementia diagnosis who are not in a nursing home or PACE program. Self-referrals and provider referrals are accepted.If you or a loved one could benefit from this program, please call 719-553-1919 to learn more. At Sangre de Cristo Community Care, we continue to expand our services with compassion, knowledge, and positivitybecause every moment matters. Editors note: This article was submitted by Stephanie Ivankovich, Marketing Communications Manager for Sangre de Cristo Community Care, and many be reached at 719-542-0032 or by email at stephanie.ivankovich@sangre.org.
AIS Medicare & More has been serving Southern Colorado seniors since 2008. We have started to spread all throughout Colorado, to broaden our reach and help more Colorado seniors. Our complimentary Medicare appointments are available in office, at your home, by phone or by computer. We believe in educating you about your Medicare options and both Medicare systems, so you can make an educated and informed decision that meets both your health insurance needs and fits your budget. Our agents are with you for life. We provide annual policy reviews, lifetime claims service, account management and prefer if you call us not the carriers. We want to know what is going on in order to better assist you with any of your needs in the future. We help you with State and Federal programs, Medicare Savings Reimbursement, Extra Help, Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs, Veterans Programs, Long Term Care Medicaid and more. By combining all of the programs available to you with your Medicare plan benefits, we can improve your overall coverage and reduce your out of pocket expenses. We are on your team! We want to ensure that you are taking advantage of all of the benefits available for you.