Health Insurance for Seniors

Finding affordable health insurance before age 65 can be tricky, but there are ways to avoid letting your coverage lapse.

Reading explanation of benefits statements is an ongoing task for caregivers who help elderly parents with their healthcare and finances. Use this guide to understand your EOB statements when reviewing your parents' medical insurance bills.

Medical billing errors are surprisingly common, and it is up to you to be diligent about understanding your health insurance coverage and correcting inaccuracies. Know what red flags to look for and how to handle errors before you pay the bills.

Reports estimate that between 75 and 80 percent of medical bills contain errors that cost patients and caregivers thousands of dollars. Learn how to prevent these billing mistakes and dispute them with health care providers and insurance companies.

The annual Medicare Open Enrollment Period runs from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7. Use these tips to research plans, save time and money, and make an informed decision about health insurance coverage.

Learn which financial options pay for care at home. Explore using Medicaid, Medicare, long-term care insurance, or veteran’s programs to pay for home health aides and personal in-home care.

Medicare Advantage Plans are another way for seniors to receive Original Medicare and additional benefits like vision, dental and hearing coverage. Learn more to see if a Part C plan might be a good fit for you or your aging loved one.

Medicare Insurance supplements liked Medigap and Medicare Advantage for your elderly parents.

It can be tempting for seniors to avoid enrolling in Medicare programs that provide coverage they don’t currently want or need, but health care needs can change quickly. While it’s possible to add additional coverage later on, it can be costly.

An Accountable Care Organization is a collection of health care providers who come together and agree to be responsible for the care, quality, and cost of healthcare services for a set group of people.

The CLASS Act, part of the Affordable Care Act, has been halted by the Obama Administration. The CLASS Act was meant to save the government money while giving people the option to purchase affordable long-term care insurance.

There is a foundation that operates the largest public service program in America, including individual eye care. Click to read Dr. Maisel's full answer.

Podiatric issues like arthritis, structural foot deformities and complications from diabetes can make it hard for seniors to find shoes that fit properly. Family caregivers offer tips for finding and affording orthopedic shoes and custom orthotics.

Much misinformation persists among patients and even doctors about being discharged against medical advice. Caregivers and seniors should understand their rights to avoid being pressured into staying in the hospital or consenting to medical procedures.

Cannabis is a hot topic among elders who are weary of prescription drugs and seeking alternatives for managing symptoms like pain and anxiety. But medical marijuana isn’t for everyone—there are medical, legal and financial implications to consider.

This tool locates and provides contact information for prescription drug assistance programs that offer financial aid to people who need help paying for prescription medications.

The world of hospital bills and insurance claims can be confusing, but medical billing advocates are specially trained to help patients and their families make sense of all their paperwork and save money by detecting costly billing errors.

Each year, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) offers an open enrollment period for Medicare Advantage Plans from January 1 through March 31. During this period, seniors can switch Advantage Plans or return to Original Medicare.

Decisions made during the annual open enrollment period (October 15–December 7) will impact a Medicare beneficiary’s health care coverage for the entire coming year. Be sure to research your options carefully and choose wisely.

Low-income seniors with limited assets may be able to receive more comprehensive health care coverage through both Medicare and Medicaid.