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Where to buy glasses online using insurance FAQsWhat is FSA/HSA? A FSA, or flexible spending account, is an account provided by your employer in order to save on taxes and pay for qualified expenses. An HSA, or health savings account, is a type of flexible spending account geared towards qualified medical expenses. By enrolling in a High Deductible Health Plan and opening an HSA, your monthly insurance premium is usually lower, while tax exempt dollars from your HSA pay for higher deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, and other health-related costs. When ordering glasses online, you'll be prompted for your PD, or pupillary distance.

Persons: Read, you'll Organizations: IRS

☆ It's open enrollment season for health coverage. If you're self-employed, you can't afford to ignore it
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-13 | by ( Cheryl Winokur Munk | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +6 min

Picking health insurance on your own — without the help of a human resources department — can be daunting. Instead of throwing up your hands in frustration, here are answers to questions self-employed individuals often have about open enrollment. Doing nothing will mean they are automatically reenrolled in last year's marketplace plan. How much health insurance costs the self-employed Cost will vary, depending on the plan you choose, who is covered and what subsidies you're eligible for. If you want more specific help, you can also choose to work with an agent or broker who is trained and certified to sell marketplace health plans in the state they are licensed.

Persons: Anthony Lopez, Alexa Irish, Laura Speyer, enrollees, Lopez, You'll Organizations: Getty, Centers, Medicare, Medicaid Services, U.S . Department of Health, Human Services, deductibles, state's Department of Insurance Locations: trepidation, eHealth

☆ Weight-loss drugs just got cheaper — and better
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-11 | by ( Hilary Brueck | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

Eli Lilly just debuted its powerful new weight-loss drug, Zepbound. Normally, when newer, better drugs are introduced, they match the price of similar drugs already available or come at a premium . Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk have said that about 50 million people have some level of insurance coverage for weight-loss drugs. But some experts were skeptical, because employers and insurers don't typically pay the list price for drugs. Craig Garthwaite, an economist at Northwestern University, argued competition will drive the net prices of weight-loss drugs lower still.

Persons: Eli Lilly, —, Wegovy, LLY, It's, Mike Mason, coinsurance, Antonio Ciaccia, Crystal, We're, David Risinger, Dave Ricks, David Ricks, Eli Lilly's Mason, Mason, Craig Garthwaite, Garthwaite Organizations: Service, pharma, Nordisk's Wegovy, Ozempic, Deutsche Bank, 46brooklyn Research, Crystal Cox, Novo Nordisk, Zepbound, Wegovy, American Enterprise Institute, Northwestern University Locations: Mounjaro

☆ Here are some key open enrollment tips and strategies for employees
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-07 | by ( Annie Nova | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +9 min

Jimvallee | Istock | Getty ImagesOpen-enrollment workplace checklist ✔ Health insurance ✔ Savings and spending accounts ✔ Dental and vision plans ✔ Life insurance ✔ Disability insurance ✔ Retirement savings ✔ Beneficiary selection1. If your spouse has their own health insurance option at work, you'll want to both sit down and compare the different offerings. Many employees will notice that the health insurance plans offered by their company don't include dental and vision coverage. Consider life, disability insuranceDuring open enrollment, employees will typically also be presented with different disability and life insurance options. Short-term disability coverage is very limited, she said: "Everyone needs long-term disability coverage unless they have enough savings that they could basically retire if they can't work anymore."

Persons: Caitlin Donovan, Gruber, Jean Abraham, Warby Parker, Pat Greenhouse, Abraham, Donovan, you'll, Jonathan Gruber, Louise Norris, Norris, Carolyn McClanahan, McClanahan, Ryan Viktorin, Viktorin Organizations: Istock, Getty, Savings, Patient Advocate, University of Minnesota, Harvard, Boston Globe, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, IRS, Healthinsurance.org, Planning Partners, CNBC's, Pew Research Center, Partners, Fidelity Investments Locations: Cambridge , Massachusetts, Jacksonville , Florida

☆ Column: US Medicare drug negotiations a good start on bringing down healthcare costs
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-31 | by ( Mark Miller | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +6 min

And in 2025, a $2,000 annual cap on out-of-pocket costs for drugs under Medicare Part D takes effect. But drug costs are just one aspect of the healthcare cost problems confronting seniors. Inadequate protection from out-of-pocket costs across the Medicare program also poses a threat. Enrollees in fee-for-service Medicare can appeal direct to Medicare; in Medicare Advantage, the appeal process begins with your specific insurer. She also recommends that enrollees review their monthly statements that explain what healthcare services have been covered.

Persons: Biden, ”, Hector Ortiz, Sarah Murdoch, Murdoch, ” Murdoch, Joe Biden, Mark Miller, Matthew Lewis Organizations: U.S, drugmakers, Medicare, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Seniors, Medicare Rights Center, Center, Reuters, Thomson

☆ U.S. government sets penalties on 43 drugs over price hikes
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-09 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

The Biden administration on Friday announced it would impose inflation penalties on 43 drugs for the third quarter of 2023, having fined 27 earlier this year, in a move it said would lower costs for older Americans by as much as $449 per dose. Drugmakers hiked the price of these 43 drugs by more than the rate of inflation and are required to pay the difference of those medicines to Medicare, the federal health program for Americans over age 65. "People taking 43 of these drugs could pay less (in coinsurance) to access these important treatments, starting July 1," Dr. Meena Seshamani, director for Medicare at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services told reporters. Biden announced in March that his administration would subject 27 drugs to inflation fines for the second quarter of this year. The new list of 43 replaces that selection for the third quarter of 2023.

Persons: Joe Biden, Biden, Drugmakers, Dr, Meena Seshamani, Joe Biden's Organizations: Social Security, OB Johnson Park Community, Centers, Medicare, Medicaid Services Locations: Hallandale Beach , Florida, coinsurance

☆ Bernie Sanders says price of Alzheimer's treatment is unconscionable, calls on HHS to take action
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-07 | by ( Spencer Kimball | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Sen. Bernie Sanders on Wednesday called on the U.S. Health and Human Services Department to take action to ensure seniors can actually afford the expensive Alzheimer's treatment Leqembi. Sanders, who chairs the Senate Health Committee, in a letter to HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra called the $26,500 annual price tag for Leqembi set by drugmakers Eisai and Biogen "unconscionable." Sanders said the "outrageously high price" of Leqembi "will prevent seniors who need this drug from receiving treatment." Most Medicare patients suffering from Alzheimer's would not be able to afford the 20% co-payment of more than $5,000 a year for Leqembi, Sanders said. Co-payments, along with coinsurance and deductibles, are medication and health services costs that patients must personally pay for out of pocket, as opposed to being covered by their health insurance.

Persons: Sen, Bernie Sanders, Sanders, Xavier Becerra, drugmakers Eisai, Becerra, Mr Organizations: U.S, Capitol, U.S . Health, Human Services Department, Health, Medicare, HHS, Services, Leqembi, Democratic, Senate, Clinical Locations: Washington , DC, Vermont

It also partners with Costco to offer Canadian members discounts on any Pets Plus Us Pet Insurance plan. Types of Pet Insurance Plans from Pets Plus UsPets Plus Us coverage is offered in a few different tiers, which include a starter tier of accident-only coverage. To file a claim with Pets Plus US, you can:Submit a claim online at Portal.PetsPlusUs.comBegin a claim by emailing submissions@petsplusus.comFax claims information to 1-855-456-PETS (7387)You can also file a pet insurance claim through the mail using the following address:Pets Plus UsSuite #400, 710 Dorval DrOakville, ON L6K 3V7Pets Plus Us Pet Insurance FAQsDoes Pets Plus Us offer pet insurance plans in the United States? Methodology: What Went into Our Pets Plus Us Pet Insurance ReviewBefore we wrote this Pets Plus Us review, we gathered information from more than 20 pet insurance providers offering similar pet health coverage. Pets Plus Us Pet Insurance Competitors PetSecure Pet InsurancePHI Direct Pet InsuranceFetch Chevron icon It indicates an expandable section or menu, or sometimes previous / next navigation options.

☆ Health plans could soon reduce coverage for preventive care. Here's what to know
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-13 | by ( Annie Nova | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Around 100 million people with private insurance got preventive care required under the ACA in 2018, one estimate found, making it the provision with the widest reach. Insurers generally must not impose copays or deductibles on the recommended preventive care. "Many preventive care services are not covered by this decision," Simon said. Health plans will still be required to ensure no copays for many preventive services, including birth control and mammograms, Simon said. Some states have their own mandates, meanwhile, around free preventive care.

☆ 75% of Medicare beneficiaries worry about affording costs beyond premiums. Here’s how high out-of-pocket costs can go
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-24 | by ( Sarah O'Brien | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

watch nowOther beneficiaries instead decide to pair Parts A and B with a standalone Part D plan and, often, a Medigap plan, which covers part of the out-of-pocket costs that come with Parts A and B. Basic Medicare has no out-of-pocket limitIf you have only basic Medicare, there is no cap on what you might spend in any given year. "If you can find a plan that has a lower out-of-pocket limit, such as $3,000 or $4,000, that is a benefit to you." "Both Medigap and Medicare Advantage Plans do a good job of this, since most Medigap plans cover the 20% [coinsurance] and Advantage Plans have caps on Parts A and B spending." Part D does come with catastrophic coverage that kicks in once out-of-pocket expenses reach $7,400 in a given year, Roberts said.

☆ Medical debt can be 'a bit of a surprise,' expert says — and 21% who have it owe $5,000 or more
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-22 | by ( Sarah O'Brien | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Antonio_diaz | Istock | Getty ImagesThe largest bills are mostly owed to hospitalsThe Urban Institute study found that 73% of adults with medical debt owe hospitals at least some of it. Almost two-thirds, or 63%, of adults with past-due medical debt incurred it when they had insurance, the research found. An estimated 100 million adults have medical debtOverall, an estimated 41% of people — or about 100 million adults — face medical debt, ranging from under $500 to $10,000 or more, according to a report from the Kaiser Family Foundation. watch nowNo Surprises Act is reducing unexpected billsOne of the biggest causes of unexpected large medical bills historically was out-of-network providers being involved in your care — often at a hospital — without you realizing it. Some medical debt is dropping off credit reports

"Starting on April 1, Medicare beneficiaries will pay lower coinsurance for Part B drugs that raise prices faster than inflation," White House Domestic Policy Adviser Susan Rice told reporters on a press call. Companies that raise prices higher than the inflation rate will be required to pay Medicare the difference in the form of a rebate. The government will start invoicing the companies for the rebates in 2025 but Medicare will start reducing out-pocket-costs for members in April. Medicare began examining the price increases in October 2022 for Medicare Part B drugs, often used in the hospital, that are complicated biologic drugs or drugs with only one manufacturer. Price increases for half of all drugs covered by Medicare outpaced inflation from 2019 to 2020, which averaged 1% that year.

☆ Medicare beneficiaries could pay less for 27 drugs covered under Part B starting next month
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-15 | by ( Sarah O'Brien | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Some Medicare beneficiaries will begin paying less next month for 27 prescription drugs whose prices have increased at a rate that outpaces inflation, government officials announced Wednesday. Depending on their individual coverage, beneficiaries could save between $2 and $390 per average dose for these drugs starting April 1, according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. "Some of these drugs are life-saving for various conditions and situations like organ transplants," said Elizabeth Gavino, founder of Lewin & Gavino and an independent broker and general agent for Medicare plans. Beneficiaries who typically pay 20% coinsurance under Part B will see their share decline based on a lower inflation-adjusted price for the drugs on this list. And, the list of drugs impacted by this coinsurance adjustment may change quarterly.

☆ Most Medicare Advantage users are happy with their plan. What to do if you're not
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-02 | by ( Sarah O'Brien | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

momcilog | E+ | Getty ImagesFor the most part, Medicare beneficiaries in Advantage Plans are happy with their coverage, a new study suggests. However, if you're among those who are not thrilled about your 2023 Advantage Plan, you can do something about it. Or, they can drop the one they have altogether in favor of basic Medicare (Part A hospital coverage and Part B outpatient care coverage). Additionally, if you drop your Advantage Plan, don't assume that you'll be able to get a so-called Medigap policy, which many beneficiaries pair with basic Medicare. This means that once you move to a different Advantage Plan or drop it for basic Medicare, the change is generally locked in for the year.

Those costs are leading more and more pet parents to purchase pet insurance, something Evans sees as a no-brainer. Unlike human medical insurance, which pays the providers directly, even the best pet insurance plans provide reimbursements. Here's how to file a pet insurance claim in six steps. Know your pet insurance plan inside and outBefore you can file a claim, you need to know what your pet insurance does and doesn't cover. While filing a pet insurance claim might seem like a hassle initially, it's well worth the effort.

☆ Medicare expenses in retirement could top $383,000 for a couple with high drug costs, study finds
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-16 | by ( Sarah O'Brien | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

"You don't want to be shocked when you get to retirement and find this out, or discover that Medicare doesn't cover everything," Fronstin said. Representing an extreme case, a couple with high prescription drug expenses would need to have saved $383,000 to have a 90% chance of having enough to cover their health-care costs. Advantage Plan coverageThe second coverage scenario analyzed in the study involves a Medicare Advantage Plan, which delivers Parts A and B, and typically Part D, as well extras like dental and vision. Of Medicare's 64.5 million beneficiaries, 29.1 million are enrolled in Advantage Plans and that number is expected to continue growing. While many Advantage Plans have no premium, they do have their own deductibles, copays or coinsurance and out-of-pocket maximums that vary from plan to plan.

☆ Most Alzheimer’s patients would pay up to $26,500 per year for new treatment Leqembi
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-09 | by ( Spencer Kimball | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

Few seniors with early Alzheimer's disease will have access to the new treatment Leqembi due to its high cost and very limited coverage by Medicare. "Even with Medicare coverage, beneficiaries would still be responsible for 20% coinsurance, and that's not a trivial amount." An investigation by lawmakers in the House concluded that the FDA approval process for Aduhelm was "rife with irregularities." "It's not going to be widely available even to people who are potentially eligible based on whether or not they have mild cognitive impairment related to Alzheimer's disease," Neuman said. CMS plans to provide broader coverage for Leqembi if the treatment receives full FDA approval under the traditional process, according to an agency statement.

☆ Here are key things you need to know if you’re eyeing a Medigap policy alongside basic Medicare
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-06 | by ( Sarah O'Brien | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +7 min

For about 23% of Medicare's 65.1 million beneficiaries, the solution for covering those outlays is a so-called Medigap plan. The reasons that some beneficiaries instead choose Medigap alongside basic Medicare vary from person to person, according to Elizabeth Gavino, founder of Lewin & Gavino and an independent broker and general agent for Medicare plans. watch nowHere's what to know about Medigap policies if you're considering purchasing one. There's huge variation in costDespite Medigap policies' standardization, the premiums can vary greatly. The way a Medigap plan is 'rated' also mattersAnother difference in Medigap premiums can come from how the plans are "rated."

☆ Some Medicare costs are heading higher in 2023, while others are going down. Here's what you need to know
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-29 | by ( Sarah O'Brien | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

Part B premium and deductible will be lowerThe standard Part B premium will be lower in 2023 — $164.90, down from $170.10 in 2022. While most beneficiaries pay the standard premium, higher-income enrollees pay more due to income-related surcharges (see table below). However, "they are calculated based on income two years prior," said Elizabeth Gavino, founder of Lewin & Gavino and an independent broker and general agent for Medicare plans. And, some of those options either have no monthly charge or will pay your Part B premium. The maximum out-of-pocket limit for Advantage Plans will be $8,300 in 2023 for in-network services.

You can buy your pet insurance through a company you know, like Nationwide pet insurance, or seek a specialty pet insurance provider like the ASPCA. Read our review Read Our Review A looong arrow, pointing rightCompare the best pet insurance in CaliforniaBest overall: PumpkinPumpkin pet insurance gets about as close to a one-size-fits-all solution as you can with insurance. Best cheap pet insurance: LemonadeThe Lemonade pet insurance system is built for digital automation. Best for senior pets: SpotSpot pet insurance offers both wellness plans and accident and illness pet insurance plans. Run pet insurance quotes for comparison: Insider looks at average pricing for pet insurance products being reviewed.

☆ Which to Choose: Medicare or Medicare Advantage?
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-20 | by ( Paula Span | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +13 min

Which to Choose: Medicare or Medicare Advantage? Medicare Advantage plans, like traditional Medicare, are funded by the federal government, but they are offered though private insurance companies, which receive a set payment for each enrollee. The proportion of eligible Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans has hit 48 percent. Which is better: Medicare or Medicare Advantage? Credit... Kenny Holston for The New York Times Unlike most Medicare Advantage plans, traditional Medicare does not include drug coverage.

☆ Here are 4 ways to take advantage of your health-care expenses before the end of the year
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-13 | by ( Sarah O'Brien | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

Take advantage of reaching your deductibleIf you've met your plan's deductible, you may be able to pay less for qualifying health-care services before the end of the year than you would after the deductible resets Jan. 1. Once you've met your plan's deductible, you may or may not face copays or coinsurance — it depends on your plan's out-of-pocket maximum, which may be higher. See if you can get the medical expense tax deductionThere is a tax deduction for medical expenses, although it comes with parameters that prevent some taxpayers from using it. For starters, you can only deduct health-care expenses that exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income. Its gains grow tax-free, and as long as withdrawals are used for qualifying medical expenses, tapping those funds also comes with no tax.

☆ Before dropping a Medicare Advantage plan altogether during open enrollment, compare these key costs
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-02 | by ( Sarah O'Brien | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

FatCamera | E+ | Getty ImagesFor some Medicare beneficiaries, an Advantage Plan ends up not being a good fit. Here's what to consider if you want to ditch an Advantage Plan altogether. Danielle Roberts co-founder of Boomer Benefits"There is not a guarantee that the underwriter will approve you for the Medigap policy," Roberts said. This means it may be wise to avoid dropping your Advantage Plan until you know you'd be able to get the Medigap policy. That 12-month trial period lets you drop an Advantage Plan and return to the Medigap plan you were previously enrolled in.

☆ Here's what you need to know about 2023 Medicare prescription drug plans during open enrollment
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-18 | by ( Sarah O'Brien | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

Mike Mergen | Bloomberg | Getty ImagesIf you're a Medicare beneficiary, now's the time to evaluate your prescription drug coverage for 2023. "It's a quality of life issue," said Elizabeth Gavino, founder of Lewin & Gavino and an independent broker and general agent for Medicare plans. Insulin costs will be cappedSome changes to prescription drug coverage, enacted as part of the Inflation Reduction Act, take effect next year. This include a monthly $35 cap on cost-sharing for insulin under Part D, which will start on Jan. 1. Your tax return from 2021 is generally what would be used to determine whether you're subject to those surcharges in 2023.

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