The Benefit Nerd

05/07/2018

How confident are you when it comes to understanding & using your health insurance? Let's face it, the healthcare landscape is complex. What is most frustrating for you when it comes to accessing care for yourself and/or loved ones?

Understanding the way insurance works and individual plan details can dramatically impact the way Americans seek and receive care.

04/27/2018

Short-term medical plans have been a topic around the water cooler of late. The current administration is planning to extend the length of coverage to no more than 12 consecutive months. Currently coverage is limited to 3 consecutive months, with few options to work around.

While not fitting the traditional definition of insurance, these plans do have their time & place. However, pre-existing conditions can still be a barrier for many needing this type of coverage.

It is important you have a trusted professional walk you through your options, so you understand the benefits & limitations before purchasing a plan.

What is the #1 thing you wish you understood about your current coverage?

04/05/2018

Retirement on your mind? Check out Kiplinger's tax guide to see how your State rates.

State-by-State Guide to Taxes on Retirees

03/26/2018

Quick video that walks you through the new Medicare cards coming to a mailbox near you, mailings begin April 2018 & run through April 2019.

Key notes:
1) Make sure your address is updated with the Social Security Administration (SSA) as they are going to mail the new cards to the address they have on file. If you or someone you know needs assistance in communicating with the SSA they need to assign a representative. This can be done using Form SSA-1696, which can be found at www.ssa.gov.
2) Being using your new card as soon as it arrives. Destroy your current Medicare card once your new card arrives.
3) There is NO payment for your new card & you do not have to request your new card. Medicare & SSA are not going to call you to request information to mail your new card, they already have this information. Do not give out personal information or share payment information to get your new Medicare card.

New Medicare cards are coming! Medicare is mailing new cards between April 2018 and April 2019. The new card has a Medicare Number unique to you, instead of ...

03/12/2018

Here is some exciting news for Medicaid beneficiaries! Check out Amazon.com for details on how to get a reduced membership for your family.

Medicaid recipients can now get an Amazon Prime discount just for uploading a picture of their card.

03/09/2018

We are hopeful that Medicare will soon step up and provide dental coverage. In the meantime, think about your plan. Some Medicare Advantage plans provide dental coverage, but it is important to check for in-network providers near you & coverage limits. Also important to talk with your dental provider & understand options if you choose to go with Original Medicare (no dental benefits).

Medicare doesn't include dental coverage, and some retirees don't realize the costs and complications of paying for oral care.

03/01/2018

Yes please! We agree with Medicare Rights Center, the time is now Medicare.

All Medicare beneficiaries should be able to access dental care - not just through Medicare Advantage plans, where the access can be even more limited depending on networks in your area.

A great first step would be to allow preventive cleanings every 6 months at no cost to the beneficiary.

This week, economist Austin Frakt outlined the economic and health impacts associated with Medicaid’s lack of dental coverage for adults in many states. These associations range from an increased risk of cancer and heart disease, to complications for pregnancy, to social stigma and difficulty find...

02/25/2018

This is a good read for those curious about Social Security Retirement benefits. Know your options & the professionals who can help you navigate them.

There are hundreds of Social Security strategies, but married couples can focus on 10 to 15 major approaches, say financial advisors.

02/22/2018

02/14/2018

If you could have one benefit, other than health insurance, offered by your employer what would it be?