Tag Archives: Medicare

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How to Keep Your Family Healthy this Holiday

Multi Generation Family On Countryside WalkLast Wednesday we held a webinar on 7 Strategies to Keep Your Family Healthy this Holiday. Thank you to everyone who attended. We are thrilled with your interest and participation.
We received a lot of great questions and, due to time limits, we were not able to answer all of them. So as we promised, here are some of your questions and the answers:
1. Do you have to go through your employer to get a Health Savings Account?
ANSWER: No, anyone can set up a Health Savings Account. To qualify, you must be under 65 years old and have high-deductible health insurance.
2. When should I get my flu shot?
ANSWER: Flu season runs from October to May, so the best time to get your flu shot is early fall.
3. What should I do if I think one of my relatives is depressed during the holidays?
ANSWER: Encourage them to see a therapist. Depression is a serious disease that should be handled by medical professionals. If you think your relative just has a case of the “holiday blues,” let them know you are there for them if they want to talk. Encourage them to exercise and get enough sleep. If they are stressed, offer to help in the kitchen, or help watch their kids, run last minute errands, and so on.
4.  How can I help my loved one in an assisted living facility celebrate the holiday?
ANSWER: There are many ways to celebrate with your loved ones in assisted living facilities. If they are unable to come to your celebration, bring some holiday cheer to them. Bring family photos and mementos, decorate Christmas cookies, watch their favorite Christmas movie with them. For my father, I had a special “small” Christmas tree decorated for his room. If the facility they live in is too far away, try Skyping or FaceTiming them and don’t forget to send a thoughtful Christmas card!
5.  How do I enroll in Medicare?
ANSWER: You may be automatically enrolled. If you are, you will get your red, white and blue Medicare card in the mail three months before your 65th birthday. You will need to sign up if you are not getting Social Security or RRB benefits or if you live in Puerto Rico. Apply online at https://www.socialsecurity.gov/medicare/apply.html, visit your local Social Security office, or call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. 
Please continue to send us your questions. We will be scheduling more webinars soon. I’d love to hear from you!
To learn more about your healthcare, please subscribe to MyHealthSpin.com and receive a FREE copy of my toolkit which includes 2 free ebooks and lots of great information.
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How to Choose the Right Health Plan

Last Friday we held our very first webinar on 4 Insider Tips for Choosing the Right Health Plan. Thank you to everyone who attended. We are thrilled with your interest and participation.

We received a lot of great questions and, due to time limits, we were not able to answer all of them. So as we promised, here are some of your questions and the answers:

1. If I signed up for Obamacare and am expecting a baby in May (after enrollment), how do I get my baby coverage?

ANSWER: Having a baby is a “qualifying event” under Obamacare, so you can add the baby when he or she is born. Generally, you will need to sign your baby up for coverage within 60 days of the birth.

2. How do I know whether to pick my employer-provided insurance or Obamacare?

ANSWER: If your employer offers you health insurance, you will not be eligible for Obamacare. You can only buy Obamacare coverage if you cannot get coverage any other way.

3. I’m turning 65 soon. When can I apply for Medicare?

ANSWER: You can apply for Medicare 3 months before your 65th birthday. Enrollment will stay open up to 3 months after your 65th birthday. If you do not sign up within that 7 month timeframe (3 months before, the month you turn 65 and 3 months after) you will have to wait until the next Medicare open enrollment period.

4.  If I change from Obamacare to my new employer’s health plan, can I ever switch back?

ANSWER: If you lose your job or for some reason your employer no longer offers you health insurance, you can reapply for Obamacare. Losing your job or your health insurance is a qualifying event under Obamacare so you won’t have to wait for open enrollment to apply.

5.  I currently have Obamacare insurance but I’m almost 65 years old.  Can I apply for Medicare and use my Obamacare as my supplemental insurance?

ANSWER: No. Once you switch to Medicare, you will not be eligible for Obamacare.

Please continue to send us your questions. We will be scheduling more webinars soon. I’d love to hear from you!

To learn more about your healthcare, please subscribe to MyHealthSpin.com and receive a FREE copy of my toolkit which includes 2 free eBooks and lots of great information. CLICK HERE FOR FREE DOWNLOAD

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What Does Health Insurance Cover? VIDEO

We go to great lengths to prevent ourselves from getting sick, right? However, are those “well check-ups” covered by your health insurance policy? It used to be that insurance companies only covered the services that were most cost effective for them. This video explains how basic services like preventative care are now required to be covered by all health insurance policies (including Medicare).

I hope this post helps you Spin Your Healthcare Your Way!

P.S.

During the next few weeks I’ll be finalizing my ebook, Easy Healthcare: Choosing an Insurance Plan. If you have any questions about specific coverage options, please let me know!