Recent Senior Health Articles


The In’s and Out’s of Medicare’s E-Prescribing Bonus Program

Published by Steve Hedberg on April 19, 2009

With the passage of the Medicare Improvements for Patient and Providers Act, some doctors who use E-Prescribing Systems will be eligibile to participate in Medicares E-Prescribing Bonus Program.

This Medicare E-Prescribing Bonus Program FAQ answers some commonly answered questions.

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Medicare Lift Chair Quiz

Published by Steve Hedberg on March 20, 2009

Take the Medicare Lift Chair Quiz and find out if you qualify for reimbursement. It is important to note that Medicare does not currently cover the complete cost of a lift chair, but only provides reimbursement for the lift mechanism.

If you do qualify for a Medicare Lift Chair, you will also need a prescription from your doctor and a Certificate of Medical Necessity.

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Medicare Revokes Billing Privileges of Over 1100 Medical Equipment Dealers

Published by Steve Hedberg on January 11, 2009

In a press release dated December 29, 2008, officials at Medicare officially announced that they were revoking billing privileges of over 1100 durable medical equipment suppliers. This represents the next chapter in an ongoing battle between Medicare and allegations of fraud against medical equipment dealers in Florida and California.

Durable medical equipment refers to things like wheelchairs and oxygen supplies. In total, Medicare reported that over $1 billion was spent on fraudulent claims in 2007.

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Many Worried about Changes to Medicare

Published by Steve Hedberg on December 15, 2008

Changes set to take effect in January have some Medicare recipients worried. These changes will effect the way oxygen machines are covered, specifically effecting those who have been using oxygen machines for over three years.

However, top Medicare Officials state that there is no need for concern.

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Understanding Medicare and Lift Chairs

Published by Steve Hedberg on December 4, 2008

Today, there are millions of Americans that are on Medicare. Medicare is a program offered by the Federal Government to ensure that citizens that are over sixty-five, or those that suffer from certain diseases, are able to receive affordable medical care. Many things are covered, including hospital stays, prescription medicine, and some types of durable medical equipment.

Durable medical equipment covers many types of home mobility aids. Things like adjustable beds, oxygen equipment, glasses, and wheelchairs fall into the category of durable medical equipment. Lift chairs also fall into this category, but are only partially covered.

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Medicare Part D 2009 Open Enrollment

Published by Steve Hedberg on October 29, 2008

Medicare is a health insurance program that is funded and run, in large part, by the federal government. This insurance program is primarily offered to those who are over sixty-five, but is also available to some people who receive disability benefits, have severe kidney disorders, or suffer from Lou Gehrig’s Disease. This program was first introduced in the sixties and since then there have been several major changes to what is covered and how it is covered.

One of the biggest changes was the creation of a program that helps cover the cost of prescription drugs. This program is called Part D Medicare benefits and was added to Medicare in 2006. This year the open enrollment for a Medicare Prescription Drug plan will be held between November 15, 2008 and December 31, 2008. Failure to sign up during this time does not prohibit the insured to receive these benefits, but it will mean they will have to pay increased premiums.

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Medicare and Lift Chairs

Published by Steve Hedberg on October 16, 2008

Today, nearly forty five million Americans use Medicare every year. Medicare is a service that is a federally funded insurance plan that is generally available to people who are over the age of sixty-five. While most of those that use Medicare are over sixty-five, around 10% are under the age of sixty five. These individuals, who are under sixty-five, are required to meet several different requirements, such as being affected by severe kidney disorders or Lou Gehrig’s disease.

Medicare is responsible for providing affordable health care to millions of Americans every year. This includes doctors visits, trips to the hospital, and, beginning in 2006, prescription medicine. One of the other things that Medicare covers is the cost of Durable Medical Equipment. Durable medical equipment refers to many different types of home medical equipment, including mobility scooters, electric wheelchairs, as well as lift chairs. Most people who are eligible for Medicare are also eligible to have this type of equipment covered.

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The Medicare Patient and Providers Act

Published by Steve Hedberg on August 4, 2008

Medicare is a type of insurance that is funded by the federal government. It is provided to American citizens who are over the age of 65 or those who have certain types of disabilities.

Medicare was signed into law by Lyndon B. Johnson on July 30, 1965. Over the past forty-three years we have seen many changes in Medicare and the way benefits are provided. This past month, several very important changes to Medicare Law took place with the passage of The Medicare Improvement for Patients and Providers Act of 2008, Bill H.R. 6331. With the passage of this Bill into Law, Congress sent a very clear message to the President.

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Medicare Advantage Plans

Published by Steve Hedberg on August 2, 2008

Medicare is a type of health insurance that is available to American citizens who are over the age of 65 or disabled. Signed into law in the 1960′s, Medicare covers the cost of visits to the doctor, certain kinds of medical equipment, and hospital stays.

Traditionally Medicare plans have been administered completely by the federal government, but, starting in 1997, people eligible for Medicare where given the option to use private insurance companies. These plans, called Medicare Advantage plans, are directly administered by private insurance companies, but funded by Medicare.

This article discusses Medicare Advantage plans in more detail and explains their pros and cons.

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Medicare: Durable Medical Equipment

Published by Steve Hedberg on June 5, 2008

Medicare is a type of insurance that is offered by the federal government and is primarily for individuals who are over 65. Medicare covers things like visit to the hospital and doctor, but it can also cover home medical equipment. Durable Medical Equipment refers to many different types of home medical equipment. This includes things [...]

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