Medicare for Older Adults

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What Is Medicare?
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What Is Medicare Open Enrollment?

If you’re 65 or getting close to it, enrolling in Medicare may be on your mind. This 5-step checklist can help you get started with confidence.

Jun 28, 2023

5 Steps to Getting Started With Medicare Read Article

An older Hispanic couple, alongside their son, are looking at a computer, discussing their financial situation together.

Oct 15, 2020

3 Ways to Prepare for Medicare Open Enrollment Read Article

Medicare Open Enrollment Is Here!

Medicare's Open Enrollment runs October 15 through December 7. Get help understanding your Medicare plan options, how much it might cost you, and when you are required to make a decision. Explore NCOA's resources, tools, and experts.

Get Enrollment Help Today

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People who enroll in Medicare Part D outside of specific periods may face a late enrollment penalty.

Oct 31, 2023

What Is the Penalty for Enrolling Late in Medicare Part D? Read Article

Oct 31, 2023

What Are Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs)? Read Article

Oct 31, 2023

Explore Your Medicare Coverage Options Read Article

Oct 31, 2023

Understanding Your Medicare Choices Read Article

What Is Medicare? A Guide from NCOA

If you're turning 65, you're eligible to apply for Medicare. But oftentimes, understanding the different parts of Medicare, when to enroll, and which type of care is not covered by Medicare can seem complicated. That's why we've created this helpful resource.

Read NCOA's Guide to Medicare

Learn the basics of Medicare, including the minimum age for Medicare, who receives Medicare, and the difference between Medicare Part A and B.

Medicare Guidance

Timing is critically important when it comes to enrolling in Medicare. Use these resources from NCOA to help guide you.

Free help from trusted experts

Navigating Medicare coverage options can be confusing. Get support from a Medicare expert that won't try to pressure you to purchase a specific plan.

Talk to an NCOA Partner Today

Medicare Enrollment Assistance
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A black female pharmacist is returning the credit card to female senior woman after receiving the payment.

Oct 31, 2023

Medicare Part D: How to Get "Extra Help" Paying for Prescriptions

If you can’t pay your out-of-pocket Medicare costs, a Medicare Savings Program (MSP) can help. See who qualifies and where to get an application.

Oct 30, 2023

Medicare Savings Programs: Who Qualifies and How to Apply

Medicare scams are common and come in all different forms. Learn about the warning signs of a scam—and smart ways to keep your information safe.

Oct 30, 2023

5 Warning Signs of a Medicare Scam—and How to Protect Yourself

Worried about your heart health? See which conditions qualify as heart disease and what services, like cardiovascular screenings, that Medicare will cover.

Oct 30, 2023

Does Medicare Cover Heart Disease?

The major difference between Medicare and Medicaid is that Medicare depends on age and Medicaid depends on income. Some older adults qualify for both.

Oct 30, 2023

What Is the Difference Between Medicare and Medicaid?

Choosing a Medicare plan is an important decision, but it’s not necessarily an easy one. Here’s where to turn for unbiased support and guidance.

Oct 30, 2023

Who Is the Best Person to Talk to About Medicare?

Older hand reaching for prescriptions in medicine cabinet

Oct 27, 2023

What Is Medicare Part D?

Prescription drug costs can add up and not everyone qualifies for Medicare’s Part D Low Income Subsidy (LIS/Extra Help) program. There are other ways to get help with prescription drug costs such as taking generic drugs and finding a Patient Assistance Program.

Oct 27, 2023

How to Get Help With Your Prescription Drug Costs

Can you cancel a Medigap policy at any time? There are rules that impact when you can buy or switch Medigap policies. Here's what you need to know.

Oct 26, 2023

How to Change Your Medigap Policy: A Guide

A large question mark is in the center of the screen on a digital tablet that a senior person is holding.

Oct 26, 2023

8 Questions to Ask Before Buying a Medigap Policy

Learn what you may pay for Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage.

Oct 25, 2023

What Are Medicare Part D Costs in 2024?

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Oct 25, 2023

Medicaid and Medicare Savings Programs

Learn the differences between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage and how to sign up for coverage.

Oct 23, 2023

Weighing the Pros and Cons of Medicare Advantage

There’s Medicare Open Enrollment, 10/5-12/7, and Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment, 1/1-3/31. Find out how they differ and how to make the most of these options.

Oct 20, 2023

What's the Difference Between Medicare's Open Enrollment Period and Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment?

Here’s what you should expect to pay out-of-pocket throughout the year if you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage/Part C plan.

Oct 20, 2023

How Much Does Medicare Part C Cost?

Veterans age 65 or older can enroll in Medicare while maintaining their VA or TRICARE for Life benefits. Learn how it works.

Oct 19, 2023

How Does Medicare Work with VA Benefits and TRICARE for Life?

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Oct 19, 2023

How to Avoid the Medicare Part D Donut Hole

The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period is a great time to consider whether a Medicare Advantage plan is right for you. Here’s what you should know.

Oct 18, 2023

3 Things You Should Know About Medicare Advantage Plans

Does Medicare cover you anywhere you go? From Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage, find out how portable your benefits are.

Oct 18, 2023

Does Medicare Cover You Anywhere?

If you receive both Medicare and Medicaid, you may qualify for a Dual Eligible Special Needs Plan (D-SNP), which combines all your benefits into one plan. Here’s what older adults need to know.

Oct 18, 2023

What Is a Dual Eligible Special Needs Plan (D-SNP)?

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Oct 18, 2023

What Are the Costs of Medicare Advantage?

A senior Black woman is receiving medical treatment in the hospital.

Oct 16, 2023

What Is the Medicare Deductible?

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Oct 16, 2023

How Much Does it Cost for Medicare Parts A and B?

Use this handy checklist from NCOA and Aetna if you’re considering making changes to your current Medicare Advantage plan or enrolling in a new one during the Annual Enrollment Period.

Oct 13, 2023

A 7-Point Checklist for Choosing a Medicare Advantage Plan

Before choosing a plan, it’s important to have a good understanding of what your Medicare out-of-pocket costs might be for the year.

Oct 13, 2023

What You'll Pay in Out-of-Pocket Medicare Costs in 2024

Medicare nursing home coverage is strictly limited. Learn how long Medicare will pay for nursing home care and other ways to manage the expense.

Oct 11, 2023

Does Medicare Cover Nursing Homes? What Older Adults and Caregivers Should Know

Your location, health, age at retirement, lifestyle, and longevity all influence your overall health care costs in retirement. Learn why you should plan for health care in retirement.

Sep 28, 2023

Why Retirement Planning Should Include Medicare and Health Care Costs

Medicare may pay for some memory care costs for eligible enrollees with dementia. Understand what’s covered and other ways to pay for long term Alzheimer’s care.

Sep 25, 2023

Does Medicare Cover Memory Care? A Comprehensive Guide

While Medicare does not cover independent living costs, there are other ways to pay. See how and whether this housing choice is right for you.

Sep 22, 2023

Does Medicare Cover Independent Living? A Comprehensive Guide

Medicare Advantage plans may cover certain things that original Medicare cannot, like dental care, vision care, hearing aids, transportation, or gym memberships. Here's what to know and what to ask.

Sep 20, 2023

What Are Medicare Advantage Supplemental Benefits?

Medicare can now negotiate drug prices with drug companies as part of the Inflation Reduction Act. Find out what this means for Medicare beneficiaries.

Sep 14, 2023

Can Medicare Negotiate the Cost of Prescription Drugs?

As with other transitions in life, becoming eligible for Medicare can bring up a lot of questions and concerns. Here’s some advice to make your shift to Medicare a bit smoother and simpler.

Sep 7, 2023

Your First Medicare Plan: Options to Consider as You Approach 65

A senior man is looking up, where many question marks surround him - indicating that he's trying to make a decision.

Aug 10, 2023

How to Choose a Medicare Plan During Open Enrollment

The FDA fully approved Leqembi® for early-stage Alzheimer’s treatment and Medicare Part B covers it. Here’s what to know about access, cost, and more.

Jul 27, 2023

Alzheimer's Medication Leqembi Now Covered by Medicare—But Access and Effectiveness Questions Remain

Older adults with low income may struggle to afford Medicare’s out-of-pocket costs. Medicare Savings Programs can help—learn what they’re all about.

Jul 14, 2023

5 Steps to Getting Started With Medicare Savings Programs

There are special rules around when you need to stop contributing to a health savings Account (HSA) before joining Medicare. Here's what to know.

Jun 29, 2023

What Older Adults Need to Know About Health Savings Accounts and Medicare

Medicare Part B covers durable medical equipment (DME) like wheelchairs, walkers, oxygen equipment, and some medical supplies, but you must have it prescribed by your doctor. Learn more about how to ensure coverage for this type of support.

Jun 15, 2023

Durable Medical Equipment: What's Covered by Medicare?

Will Medicare pay for assisted living? Learn about Medicare’s coverage limitations and various options for funding this type of long-term care.

Jun 7, 2023

Does Medicare Pay for Assisted Living?

A senior Caucasian woman is at her mailbox collecting letters, looking straight on at the camera.

May 25, 2023

Did You Receive a Letter from the Social Security Administration? Here’s What You Need to Know

Medicare plans can change every year—that’s why all beneficiaries should check their coverage annually to see if it’s still a good fit. Here’s what you need to know.

Apr 27, 2023

Why Older Adults Should Review Their Medicare Coverage Each Year

Learn about the Medicare Special Enrollment Periods for situations including losing Medicaid, being released from incarceration, and living in an area impacted by an emergency or disaster.

Apr 7, 2023

What to Know About New Medicare Special Enrollment Periods for Exceptional Circumstances

Changes to Medicare in 2023 mean you will get coverage sooner after enrollment. Here's what to know.

Apr 7, 2023

Understanding Changes to Medicare Enrollment Periods in 2023

Qualified Disabled Working Individual (QDWI) is one of four Medicare Savings Programs that can help lower your out-of-pocket Medicare costs. Learn how it works.

Mar 28, 2023

What Is the Qualified Disabled Working Individual Program?

The Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) program can help you lower your out-of-pocket Medicare costs if you have low income. Find out if you qualify.

Mar 4, 2023

What Is the Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) Program?

During Medicare Open Enrollment (Oct. 15-Dec. 7), ads for Medicare Advantage plans may intentionally or unintentionally mislead you into thinking one plan is better for you than another. Here's what to look out for.

Mar 1, 2023

Misleading Medicare Marketing: Don't Be Fooled During Medicare Open Enrollment

The Qualifying Individual (QI) program is one of four Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs). Find out what it covers and who qualifies for help.

Mar 1, 2023

What Is the Qualifying Individual (QI) Program?

Learn the basics of Medicare, including the minimum age for Medicare, who receives Medicare, and the difference between Medicare Part A and B.

Mar 1, 2023

What Is Medicare and How Do I Get Started?

NCOA partners only with licensed Medicare brokers that meet our strict Standards of Excellence (SOE). Find out how this can help you find the right Medicare plan.

Feb 28, 2023

What Are the Medicare Standards of Excellence—and How Do They Help Older Adults?

The Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) program helps people in need pay for their Medicare premiums and cost sharing. See what it covers and who qualifies.

Feb 16, 2023

What Is the Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) Program?

Medicare Savings Programs and Medicare Medical Savings Account Plans can both help you manage your Medicare costs—but their similarities end there. Get the facts.

Feb 15, 2023

Medicare Savings Programs vs. Medicare Medical Savings Accounts: Are They the Same?

Congress eliminated cost-sharing for all vaccines covered under Medicare Part D, meaning Medicare now covers the entire cost of the shingles vaccine and others recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.

Jan 3, 2023

Medicare and Medicaid Now Fully Cover Preventive Vaccines

Medicaid is a public health insurance program for people with low income and limited resources. Find out who is eligible and how to apply.

Dec 9, 2022

What Is Medicaid? A Guide for Older Adults

A close up shot of a Shingles vaccine vial with a syringe in the foreground.

Dec 7, 2022

Is There a Free Shingles Vaccine for Seniors? Here’s What You Should Know

Medicare Advantage and Medigap are not the same. Learn how these plans work, the differences between the two, and the pros and cons of each.

Dec 2, 2022

What Is the Difference Between Medicare Advantage and Medigap?

Learn how to search for your best Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage plan, when to sign up, and more.

Nov 30, 2022

Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Coverage: What Older Adults Need to Know

Original Medicare excludes most dental, vision, and hearing care services—with some exceptions. Here’s what older adults need to know.

Nov 22, 2022

What Medicare Covers for Dental, Vision, and Hearing: A Guide for Older Adults

Original Medicare does not cover 20% of your medical costs or prescription drugs. To bridge the cost gap, people with Medicare can choose Medicare Supplement (Medigap) or Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C) coverage.

Nov 18, 2022

How to Cover the Medical Costs Medicare Doesn't Cover

Non-medical supplemental benefits are something to think about when choosing a Medicare Advantage plan. Learn about some of the latest extra coverages available.

Oct 21, 2022

The New, Non-Medical Benefits of Medicare Advantage Plans in 2023

Most Medicare Advantage (MA) plans include Medicare prescription drug coverage (Part D). Here’s what you should know when choosing an MA plan.

Oct 17, 2022

Are Prescriptions Covered Under Medicare Advantage Plans?

Closeup shot of a hospital bill alongside a Medicare enrollment form.

Oct 12, 2022

Medicare Enrollment Periods

A telehealth service is a full visit with a provider that requires real-time communication through audio and video technology. Find out how Medicare covers telehealth.

Aug 6, 2022

How Medicare Covers Telehealth Services

Introduced in 2011, the Medicare Annual Wellness Visit is a free benefit focused on health promotion and preventive care.

Jul 28, 2022

The Medicare Annual Wellness Visit: What Older Adults Should Know

For people enrolled in Original Medicare (Parts A & B) the differences between a participating provider, a non-participating provider, and an opt-out provider, are important to understand.

Jul 28, 2022

What the 3 Types of Health Care Providers Mean for Medicare Beneficiaries

Make sure you read your Medicare notices. They include important information, such as why your care was denied and how you can appeal.

Jul 11, 2022

How to Appeal a Medicare Coverage Denial

With rising costs, it’s natural to be worried about affording your insulin. Learn what Medicare covers and how you can save on your diabetes medication.

Jul 11, 2022

Diabetes and Insulin: A Guide to Paying with Medicare

An up close shot of a senior man's hearing aid.

Jun 21, 2022

Medicare and Hearing Health for Seniors

Help fight Medicare fraud and abuse this Medicare Fraud Prevention Week and all year long with these tips from the Senior Medicare Patrol.

Jun 1, 2022

Medicare Fraud And Abuse: How Seniors Can Protect Themselves

Benefits Enrollment Centers (BECs) help Medicare-eligible, low-income older adults and younger adults with disabilities find and enroll in all the benefits programs for which they qualify.

May 19, 2022

How Do Benefits Enrollment Centers Help Older Adults?

close up of brain scans

Apr 18, 2022

Alzheimer's Drug Aduhelm Narrowly Covered by Medicare

A doctor takes a nasal swab from a senior woman for genetic testing.

Jan 3, 2022

Get the Facts on Medicare Coverage for COVID-19

A senior Hispanic woman is getting her pneumonia vaccine.

Nov 23, 2021

Does Medicare Cover the Pneumonia Vaccine?

Learn about the many changes in store for low-income Medicare beneficiaries in 2024, including new flexibility with the Medicare Savings Program and the impact of the recent Inflation Reduction Act.

Oct 18, 2021

How to Move from Expansion Medicaid to Medicare

Older Hispanic man getting mail out of his mailbox outside.

Sep 28, 2021

Junk or Not? How to Sort Your Medicare Mail

A caucasian male doctor is giving medical advice to his older adult patient.

Sep 22, 2021

Transitioning from the Health Insurance Marketplace to Medicare

A close up shot of a birthday cake with a lot of candles being lit.

Sep 15, 2021

Turning 65? Follow Your Path to Medicare

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Sep 15, 2021

Medicare and the Marketplace: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

If you're shopping around for Medicare Part D drug plan, you should consider several things in addition to costs. Use this checklist to help assess plan options for prescription coverage and costs.

Aug 31, 2021

Checklist to Help You Choose a Medicare Part D Plan

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Jul 29, 2021

It's Medicare's Birthday. A Time for Reflection. A Time for Change.

Our integrated care toolkit breaks down Medicare and Medicaid coverage options in an easy-to-understand format for counselors and consumers.

Jul 17, 2021

Obesity Treatment and Medicare: A Guide to Understanding Coverage

A senior Caucasian woman is listening to her healthcare options from a Black female doctor.

Jul 16, 2021

Choice Error: How Choosing A Medicare Plan Could Impact Your Finances and Health

A senior Caucasian man is at his doctor's office receiving a wellness exam. The Black doctor is examining the man's throat.

Jul 7, 2021

Using Medicare Benefits Post-COVID

A close up shot of a handbook with the words "Federal Employees Health Benefits Program" on the face.

Jun 29, 2021

How Medicare Works with Federal Employee Health Insurance

Two people, whose faces can't be seen, are sitting at a table discussing finances together with their computers.

Mar 18, 2021

What Is a SHIP and How Can It Help Me?

A closeup shot of a Social Security Administration sign on field office building.

Mar 17, 2021

SSDI and Medicare: 5 Things You Need to Know

Glasses on top of a Medicare Enrollment Form

Feb 10, 2021

What Is Medicare Advantage?

A close up shot of a Medicare enrollment form.

Feb 9, 2021

What Is Original Medicare (Parts A and B)?

Senior sorts through daily prescriptions and places them into a daily pill container.

Aug 18, 2020

How to Save Money on Medications

Medicare's hospice benefit is primarily home-based and provides support for your physical and emotional needs.

Aug 3, 2020

Hospice Care for People with Medicare

Medigap is supplemental insurance purchased from private insurance companies to help cover the “gaps” in Medicare coverage.

Jul 22, 2020

How Medigap Works

Opioids coming out of prescription pill bottle on map of the United States

Apr 28, 2020

Medicare Changes in 2020: Facts for Consumers

A young pharmacist behind the counter is giving prescription instructions to her senior female client.

Apr 28, 2020

What Is a Part D Indication-Based Formulary?

An older woman is supporting her senior husband while measuring blood pressure and looking at his medication.

Apr 2, 2020

Ensuring Access to Needed Medications During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Close up shot of a person holding a cell phone, looking at their calendar trying to make a decision.

Nov 23, 2019

When Is the Medicare General Enrollment Period?

An older Caucasian woman is getting an eye exam.

Sep 3, 2019

Medicare and Vision Coverage

Older Asian couple visiting doctor's office

Jun 25, 2019

Medicare Preventive Services: Coverage and Costs

A masked postal worker in New York City holds a canvas bag full of mail and is loading it into his vehicle before heading out for the day.

May 12, 2019

Medicare for Federal and State Employees and Retirees

Medicare Part B covers advance care planning to decide what type of care may be right for you in the event of life-limiting conditions or illness.

Apr 8, 2019

Medicare Coverage of Advance Care Planning

Older Caucasian couple reviewing medical information with doctor on a tablet.

Mar 30, 2019

Differences Between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage

A closeup shot of the pages of a calendar turning, indicating time passing.

Nov 1, 2018

Understanding the Medicare Enrollment Periods

An older Asian woman is holding a red thought bubble sign in her hand that has a yellow question mark inside of it.

Mar 30, 2018

Questions to Ask Before Joining a Medicare Advantage Plan

A senior Caucasian woman is having her blood pressure checked while receiving care in her home.

Mar 28, 2018

4 Ways to Prevent Heart Disease Using Medicare

Medicare Part B has special rules for covering durable medical equipment (DME) when prescribed by a doctor. Here's what to know.

Nov 28, 2016

Hospital Transition and Discharge Planning

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