What is the CVS and Aetna Merger? Last year, CVS provided prescriptions to an estimated 94 million customers while Aetna provided coverage to an estimated 22 million. In a $69 million dollar deal, CVS officially purchased Aetna on November 28, 2018. The CVS and Aetna deal will strengthen the two companies, create better care coordination, and improve costs for beneficiaries …
Remembering President George H.W. Bush President George H.W. Bush was a humble and ambitious leader who died on November 30, 2018, at the age of 94. He was responsible for walking the U.S. through important milestones like the Americans with Disabilities Act, Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty, and Operation Just Cause. He will be remembered as a veteran, congressman, vice president, …
Does Medicare cover genetic testing for cancer? Cancer is the leading cause of death worldwide and impacts millions of patients and families each year. Fortunately, genetic testing for cancer, which is growing in popularity, can be a great tool for understanding your risk of developing cancer. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services …
Prescription Discount Cards 101 Do you have a high deductible or copayment for your prescription drugs? Did you get a new prescription that is not covered by your insurance? Well, great news – a discounted prescriptions network may help cover some of those costs. What is a discounted prescriptions network? A discounted prescriptions network provides prescription discount cards. These cards …
The Medicaid Look Back Period: What You Need to Know What is the Medicaid look back period? Medicaid is designed to provide health care to those with low income or limited assets and is administered through each state. When applying for Medicaid, the state social security office is responsible for confirming you have limited income and assets. The Medicaid look …
Drug Price Transparency: Everything You Need to Know The Henry J Kaiser Family Foundation estimates that $1 out of every $6 in Medicare spending is for prescription drugs. These medications play an important role in the health of 59 million seniors and Medicare eligibles. Drug price transparency is crucial in informing consumers and developing new strategies that address the issue …
Fall Prevention: Tips, Tricks, and Exercises According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, falls are the leading cause of injury and death in older adults. Falls can occur at any time and can range in severity. Seniors and Medicare eligibles can suffer from significant injuries or pain. These injuries can generate yearly costs exceeding $50 billion. Fall prevention …
Medicare Advantage 2019 Changes On October 12, 2018, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) announced the 2019 Original Medicare premium and deductible increase, but what about Medicare Advantage plans? Unlike Medicare Part A and B, beneficiaries enrolled in MA plans may see a decrease in their premiums for the upcoming year. Medicare Advantage 2019 Premiums In September, CMS announced …
Does Medicare cover flu shots? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that each year, there are over 31.4 million outpatient doctor visits due to the flu virus in the United States. Anyone can get the flu, even the healthiest of people, which is why it’s important to take the necessary preventive measures. Getting an annual flu shot …
2019 Medicare Premiums and Deductible Increase On October 12, 2018, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced the 2019 Medicare premiums and Medicare deductible increase for Part A and B. These changes may be small, but CMS strives to empower beneficiaries and promote complete transparency when it comes to selecting healthcare coverage. Medicare deductibles and premiums increase due …