Author: Helen Grace Rivera

If you or someone you care about has a medical condition that makes it hard to live at home, you’ve probably heard of “DME,” or Durable Medical Equipment. It sounds like bureaucratic talk, but for elders, it might mean the difference between being comfortable and having a hard time. DME contains important things like wheelchairs,…

Too many people think they’re being wise by staying with COBRA when they leave their work, but then they incur huge fees and a lifetime Medicare penalty afterward. This mistake can cost you thousands of dollars whether you’re in your early 60s, newly retired, or just starting to use Medicare for the first time. And…

Let me be clear: missing your Medicare enrolment window is more than just a mistake on paper. It could cost you a lot of money. And not just once; these punishments last for the rest of your life. I’ve helped seniors who were a few months late to their Initial Enrolment Period. Every year, they…

To be honest, most seniors are not getting the free preventive care they need. I’m not talking about a vague benefit that you’ll never use. I’m talking about real screenings and services that Medicare already pays for, and they are often free for you. But millions of people skip them every year. Why? Sometimes it’s…

When you turn 65, it’s not just a milestone; it’s also a point of no return for your health insurance. And I’ve seen too many competent, responsible folks make Medicare mistakes that they could have avoided that cost them thousands of dollars over time. You or someone you care about is probably about to make…

To be honest, Medicare costs a lot of money. If you have a fixed income, even a tiny monthly premium or medication co-pay can feel like a big impact. But millions of seniors don’t know that they can get considerable support through a program called Extra support. This includes no premiums, no deductibles, and controlled…

If you or someone you care about is over 65, heart disease has probably already affected your life in some way. It’s the number one cause of death for older people in the U.S. That alone makes one wonder if Medicare really helps pay for heart disease care. And what does that mean for 2025?…

If you live on a low income and are over 65 or have a condition that qualifies, you can be what is known as “dual eligible.” But let’s be clear: this isn’t just a label from the government. It could mean the difference between having trouble paying for care and ultimately obtaining the support you…

Let’s discuss about Medicare Advantage now that you know the basics of Medicare. This plan, which is often called Part C, is offered by private insurance companies that Medicare has approved. It’s a way to get your Medicare benefits through a private plan, but it’s not the same as regular Medicare in a few ways.…

To put it plainly, missing your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) can have lifelong consequences. Your birthday month is included in your IEP, which begins three months prior to your 65th birthday and concludes three months later. That is a window of seven months. Easy, isn’t it? However, a surprising number of people overlook it because…