Medicare For The Lazy Man Podcast

In the Medicare Advantage Minute we hit the high points in an article entitled "Medicare Advantage So Far: Five Things To Know!" The bottom line was a bunch of MA plan representatives whining  about what they think was a niggardly increase in their payment schedule from the Treasury. In the "Your Medicare Benefits 2025" segment we have a very short discussion about hospital beds. Further discussions touched on Bass Ale and finally settled on a lengthy description of the best client I could ever want to have! Contact me at: DBJ@MLMMailbag.com (Most severe critic: A+)                   Visit us on: BabyBoomer.ORG Inspired by: "MEDICARE FOR THE LAZY MAN 2025; Simplest & Easiest Guide Ever!" on Amazon.com. Return to leave a short customer review & help future readers. Official website: https://www.MedicareForTheLazyMan.com.

In the "Medicare Advantage Minute" we go through news article reporting that the majority of MA members are confused. It had some other negatives to report about Medicare Advantage as well In "Your Medicare Benefits 2024 (or maybe 2025)" we learn exactly how Medicare covers in-home hospice care. Contact me at: DBJ@MLMMailbag.com (Most severe critic: A+)                   Visit us on: BabyBoomer.ORG Inspired by: "MEDICARE FOR THE LAZY MAN 2025; Simplest & Easiest Guide Ever!" on Amazon.com. Return to leave a short customer review & help future readers. Official website: https://www.MedicareForTheLazyMan.com.

Patients with Medicare Advantage insurance coverage: rural hospitals are asking themselves whether they can afford to keep accepting them! This is the subject of our "Medicare Advantage Minute" today. In "Your Medicare Benefits 2025" we learn how Medicare would cover home infusion therapy services. Then we spot check some rate increase statistics in order to determine whether inflationary trends are still exerting upward pressure on insurance premiums. They are. Medicare is not allowed to provide and pay for drugs whose only function is weight loss. Some of the newly distributed GLP-1 drugs provide weight loss effects as well as beneficial treatment of heart disease and type 2 diabetes. This causes a high demand for these expensive meds. Finally, we learn what some pinko organization thinks are the best states and worst states for overall health care access. Contact me at: DBJ@MLMMailbag.com (Most severe critic: A+)                   Visit us on: BabyBoomer.ORG Inspired by: "MEDICARE FOR THE LAZY MAN 2025; Simplest & Easiest Guide Ever!" on Amazon.com. Return to leave a short customer review & help future readers. Official website: https://www.MedicareForTheLazyMan.com.

In our MA Minute we scan the article:      Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage; Ill health often leads to a plan switch! Bottom line: if one gets sick, one begins to see how MA plans can cause misery! In today's "Your Medicare Benefits" we learn how and when Medicare will help with Home Health Services. Client Robert from Virginia is unhappy with the level of Medical inflation that has caused his HDG rates to increase 19%. His home state has just enacted a birthday rule whereby Robert can change companies without having to provide evidence of good health. Birthday rules like this are spreading across the land. Insurance companies say they drive up their costs, leading to premium increases. On the other hand, they can allow overburdened people covered by expensive supplements to have an escape hatch.  Contact me at: DBJ@MLMMailbag.com (Most severe critic: A+)                   Visit us on: BabyBoomer.ORG Inspired by: "MEDICARE FOR THE LAZY MAN 2025; Simplest & Easiest Guide Ever!" on Amazon.com. Return to leave a short customer review & help future readers. Official website: https://www.MedicareForTheLazyMan.com.

In the Medicare Advantage Minute" we hear news about seven prior authorization updates from various locations. Since prior authorizations are a big problem with MA plans, this could be good news for the improvements these plans sorely need! In the "Your Medicare Benefits 2024" segment we find out how Medicare might cover HIV screenings. What follows is a short description of shopping for the best Medicare Supplement plan at the lowest cost: SIMPLIFIED! One of my insurance companies is good enough to notify me when clients are scheduled for a rate increase. Some of my clients have the very comprehensive Plan G with this company and I read off a list of the rate increases these clients can expect to receive: shocking compared to the one rate increase scheduled for the client with HDG Plan: a $3.50 monthly increase! I'll take that kind of increase all day every day! Contact me at: DBJ@MLMMailbag.com (Most severe critic: A+)                   Visit us on: BabyBoomer.ORG Inspired by: "MEDICARE FOR THE LAZY MAN 2025; Simplest & Easiest Guide Ever!" on Amazon.com. Return to leave a short customer review & help future readers. Official website: https://www.MedicareForTheLazyMan.com.

My appearance on a Phoenix radio show led to a brief expression of admiration for another guest's revised professional opinion. That, in turn, confused the hostess who expressed consternation that one would make reference to some other guest. Go figure.  I expect an invitation will be issued soon to my new best friend! Meanwhile, in the Medicare Advantage Minute we report on the Department of Justice filing charges against three giant insurance companies. Apparently, they have been paying huge kickbacks to brokerage firms using unscrupulous tactics while pushing victims into MA plans.  In the "Your Medicare Benefits 2024" segment we take a peek at how Medicare might over screening and treatment for Hepatitis C. Finally, a radio show caller seeking a free book turned out to be a more interesting conversationalist than one might have expected. Contact me at: DBJ@MLMMailbag.com (Most severe critic: A+)                   Visit us on: BabyBoomer.ORG Inspired by: "MEDICARE FOR THE LAZY MAN 2025; Simplest & Easiest Guide Ever!" on Amazon.com. Return to leave a short customer review & help future readers. Official website: https://www.MedicareForTheLazyMan.com.

The Medicare Advantage Minute is pre-empted so that we can spend the time examining the current state of Part D Prescription Drug Plans (PDP).  We also do some speculation about the economic pressures facing these plans and what changes might be necessary for the year 2026. In the "Your Medicare Benefits 2024" we learn the eligibility requirements and the extent to which Medicare will cover Hepatitis B screening and treatment. Finally, a quiz reveals the healthiest states vs. the unhealthiest states in the USA for older Americans. Contact me at: DBJ@MLMMailbag.com (Most severe critic: A+)                   Visit us on: BabyBoomer.ORG Inspired by: "MEDICARE FOR THE LAZY MAN 2025; Simplest & Easiest Guide Ever!" on Amazon.com. Return to leave a short customer review & help future readers. Official website: https://www.MedicareForTheLazyMan.com.

After a spirited history lesson that finishes our Axis Sally hunk, we enter the "Medicare Advantage Segment". There we learn a little about part of the basis upon which payments by the Federal Government are made to the MA plans. In the "Your Medicare Benefits 2024" segment we are treated to a very complete explanation of precisely how Medicare reimburses the cost of hearing aids. Finally, Randy is challenged with a quiz concerning which of the states are most favorable and which are least favorable for working mothers.  He needs to sharpen his guessing skills! Contact me at: DBJ@MLMMailbag.com (Most severe critic: A++)                   Visit us on: BabyBoomer.ORG Inspired by: "MEDICARE FOR THE LAZY MAN 2025; Simplest & Easiest Guide Ever!" on Amazon.com. Return to leave a short customer review & help future readers. Official website: https://www.MedicareForTheLazyMan.com.

First order of business today is a history lesson: Axis Sally gave her last propaganda broadcast this date in 1945. In the Medicare Advantage Minute we learn good news:                          Republicans are waking up to the reality that MA plans are turning on Medicare participants like rabid dogs! How will Medicare cover Hearing & Balance exams? Find out in today's segment drawn from the pages of "Your Medicare Benefits 2024". Quiz for the Podcast Producer: Which are the best and worst states for nurses? Finally, we address one dozen FAQs (frequently asked questions)  about Medicare. According to the Content Creator, this was an outstanding segment!   Contact me at: DBJ@MLMMailbag.com (Most severe critic: A+)                   Visit us on: BabyBoomer.ORG Inspired by: "MEDICARE FOR THE LAZY MAN 2025; Simplest & Easiest Guide Ever!" on Amazon.com. Return to leave a short customer review & help future readers. Official website: https://www.MedicareForTheLazyMan.com.

Medicare Advantage Minute:                                                                                   MA plans are the ones squeezing more billions of dollars from the US Government. In the "Your Medicare Benefits 2024" segment, we learn how Medicare would cover Health & Wellness Education Problems A review of some insurance company rate increase filings (requests) as reported by several states seem to indicate that inflation is still causing upward pressure on insurance premiums. Finally, a sister recommends "Medicare for the Lazy Man" to a potential new client and her husband. Her letter points out an often overlooked point. Those who are age 65+ and covered by an employers group insurance plan have the freedom to enroll in Medicare anytime they think it would be advantageous. Crummy network, substandard benefits or maybe the required contribution is too high. Or for no reason at all.... Contact me at: DBJ@MLMMailbag.com (Most severe critic: A+)                   Visit us on: BabyBoomer.ORG Inspired by: "MEDICARE FOR THE LAZY MAN 2025; Simplest & Easiest Guide Ever!" on Amazon.com. Return to leave a short customer review & help future readers. Official website: https://www.MedicareForTheLazyMan.com.

Interrupting a lengthy run, our usual kick-off feature has been temporarily suspended: No Medicare Advantage Minute article warning new Medicare eligibles about the dangers of MA plans. In our other regular segment we learn how Medicare might cover Gym memberships and fitness programs. Possibly the shortest segment in "Your Medicare Benefits 2024" history!  In Iowa news, a nurse has been sentenced to a stretch in the Big House for allowing a patient under her care to die of neglect. This episode reminded me of those I have helped escape MA plans after they were forced to endure substandard rehab facilities while recovering from surgical procedures. With a Medicare supplement plan, you have complete freedom of choice as to where you seek treatment! I go through a list of seven changes in Medicare for 2025. You would think we already know about all of these! Another guessing game with the Podcast Producer: name the safest and the most dangerous states in America! Finally, I run through a list of Medicare myths! Contact me at: DBJ@MLMMailbag.com (Most severe critic: A+)                   Visit us on: BabyBoomer.ORG Inspired by: "MEDICARE FOR THE LAZY MAN 2025; Simplest & Easiest Guide Ever!" on Amazon.com. Return to leave a short customer review & help future readers. Official website: https://www.MedicareForTheLazyMan.com.

In the "Medicare Advantage Minute" segment, our article of the day has a headline that reads: "The Decline of PPO in Medicare Advantage". When times are tight, MA plans reduce the number of plans with the greatest freedoms. This leads to a discussion of the greatest Medicare supplement plan ever created: High Deductible Plan G. A combination of the finest health insurance protection with the most cost-effective premium rates. Almost everyone who sees it ends up buying one! How about "Your Medicare Benefits 2024"? In that article we find out how glaucoma screenings are covered by Medicare! Contact me at: DBJ@MLMMailbag.com (Most severe critic: A+)                   Visit us on: BabyBoomer.ORG Inspired by: "MEDICARE FOR THE LAZY MAN 2025; Simplest & Easiest Guide Ever!" on Amazon.com. Return to leave a short customer review & help future readers. Official website: https://www.MedicareForTheLazyMan.com.

Article headline featured in Medicare Advantage Minute: Doctors say, "Dealing with Health Insurance is only getting Worse"! The sad story of an ophthalmologist who was driven to despair and forced to sell his practice in order to cope with the extra work caused by insurance requirements. In "Your Medicare Benefits 2024" we learn how Medicare is likely to cover routine foot care plus foot care for diabetics. Then we recount the facts in the heinous murder of Brian Thompson, the 50-year-old CEO of United Healthcare who was gunned down in Manhattan in cold blood. HIPPA: Huge boondoggle adding extra cost to Medical care and enriching shysters everywhere! The cost of this Kennedy-fostered monstrosity is not worth the "privacy" people have been brainwashed into thinking is so imperative: one Medicare specialist's opinion. Contact me at: DBJ@MLMMailbag.com (Most severe critic: A+)                   Visit us on: BabyBoomer.ORG Inspired by: "MEDICARE FOR THE LAZY MAN 2025; Simplest & Easiest Guide Ever!" on Amazon.com. Return to leave a short customer review & help future readers. Official website: https://www.MedicareForTheLazyMan.com.

Lots of chat about Dr. Oz and his plans for the future of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Unfortunately, the articles I prepared fell into what might be a bottomless pit.  In the Medicare Advantage Minute, Democrats sent a nasty letter to Dr. Oz questioning his support for Medicare Advantage and criticizing his substantial holdings in the biggest MA slut: United HealthCare. From the pages of "Your Medicare Benefits 2024" we learn the short story of how Medicare covers flu shots. CMS (the Federal Government) in a magnificent return to sanity ordered that questions catering to Binary, non-Binary and other confused individuals be stricken from Medicare Advantage applications. Finally, a listener whose wife must have badgered him mercilessly, asked whether gym memberships were an included freebie with their Medicare supplement plan. My answer was that a competing product had the benefit they seek but there would be an endless amount of paperwork and insurance foolishness to deal with. He decided to shine it on and hope that his wife forgets the whole thing. We'll see! Contact me at: DBJ@MLMMailbag.com (Most severe critic: A+)                   Visit us on: BabyBoomer.ORG Inspired by: "MEDICARE FOR THE LAZY MAN 2025; Simplest & Easiest Guide Ever!" on Amazon.com. Return to leave a short customer review & help future readers. Official website: https://www.MedicareForTheLazyMan.com.

During the prelude to our "Medicare Advantage Minute" segment, I erred in identifying the surgeon given credit for the first heart transplant, which was performed in South Africa. Eventually, our subject centered an article with the headline: "Insurers Brace for Continued Medicare Advantage Medical Costs" which was abandoned due to being out of date. In the "Your Medicare Benefits 2024" we learn about Federally Qualified Health Center Services. The final subject centered on an article listing "The 8 Things That Medicare Does Not Cover" which included a surprising number of items demonstrating trouble with Medicare Advantage plans.  Poetic justice! Contact me at: DBJ@MLMMailbag.com (Most severe critic: A++)                   Visit us on: BabyBoomer.ORG Inspired by: "MEDICARE FOR THE LAZY MAN 2025; Simplest & Easiest Guide Ever!" on Amazon.com. Return to leave a short customer review & help future readers. Official website: https://www.MedicareForTheLazyMan.com.

"Health Systems Brace for More ... Uncompensated Care"                                            - Medicare Advantage Minute "Fecal Occult Blood Test Screenings" "Flexible Sigmoidoscopy screenings"                                            - Your Medicare Benefits 2024 The rest of this episode is dedicated to those with body mass indexes over 30 and health problems related to excess weight. Medical science has started to provide pharmaceutical solutions. As with most new developments, it will take time for the price to become more affordable.   Contact me at: DBJ@MLMMailbag.com (Most severe critic: A+)                   Visit us on: BabyBoomer.ORG Inspired by: "MEDICARE FOR THE LAZY MAN 2025; Simplest & Easiest Guide Ever!" on Amazon.com. Return to leave a short customer review & help future readers. Official website: https://www.MedicareForTheLazyMan.com.

Medicare Advantage Minute: MA in the headlines...10 recent updates! Your Medicare Benefits 2024: Are routine eye exams covered? How about with diabetes? How about with macular degeneration? How about some correspondence from clients?  Brian wanted some details about the Medicare supplement application process. One important fact is that the insurance company will draw the initial premium right away on the date of approval. Also, after discussing the Medicare situation with friends, he confirmed a fact featured in Medicare for the Lazy Man: Many people are not told about the High Deductible Medicare supplement plan option. Their loss! Finally, an explanation of the fact that Aetna or any other supplement is almost immaterial. Medicare itself does the approvals, the Medicare supplement is just along for the ride. It makes very little difference what company sold you the plan. Contact me at: DBJ@MLMMailbag.com (Most severe critic: A+)                   Visit us on: BabyBoomer.ORG Inspired by: "MEDICARE FOR THE LAZY MAN 2025; Simplest & Easiest Guide Ever!" on Amazon.com. Return to leave a short customer review & help future readers. Official website: https://www.MedicareForTheLazyMan.com.

In Medicare Advantage Minute: we learn about a prestigious study conducted in Boston. The results showed that patients with MA have out-of-pocket expenses that are very close to those with Medicare supplement coverage, in spite of all the crowing about additional free benefits. In the "Your Medicare Benefits 2024" segment we learn how Medicare covers "enteral" nutrition supplies and equipment. Unfortunately, we never hear a definition of the term "enteral"! In response to a valued client, I share my dissection of the cost advantage of HDG over Plan G. This is an esoteric concept with tangible, real world monetary profits to be enjoyed no matter how much or how little medical treatment is needed. New client Mark wrote an Amazon review of the 2025 edition of MLM. He was surprised to fine out that Amazon rules forbid carrying reviews forward from the prior year's edition. Finally, I stretch Randy's brain with another contest: identify the best and worst states in which to work from home. Hint: unless you have an outdoor swimming pool, your location is not considered to be among the preferred work-at-home sites.  Contact me at: DBJ@MLMMailbag.com (Most severe critic: A+)                   Visit us on: BabyBoomer.ORG Inspired by: "MEDICARE FOR THE LAZY MAN 2025; Simplest & Easiest Guide Ever!" on Amazon.com. Return to leave a short customer review & help future readers. Official website: https://www.MedicareForTheLazyMan.com.

"10 Key Questions Facing Medicare Advantage" is the subject for our Medicare Advantage Minute. More trouble ahead? This is the reason we spend time in every episode warning listeners of MA plan dangers! In "Your Medicare Benefits 2024" we learn about how Emergency Department Services are reimbursed by Medicare. As usual they ignore the fact that my clients, and all responsible Medicare participants, will have acquired a Medicare supplement plan to enhance the Medicare reimbursement amount. Average earnings of Medical Doctors by specialty in an interesting way to decide whether you could have chosen a more lucrative path in life! The lowest earning specialties are: Public Health & Preventive Medicine (lowest at $257K per year) Pediatrics and Family Medicine. Highest earners are: Orthopedic & Ortho Surgery ($543K per year) followed by Radiology, Plastic Surgery and Cardiology out of a total of 29 different branches of medicine.   Contact me at: DBJ@MLMMailbag.com (Most severe critic: A+)                   Visit us on: BabyBoomer.ORG Inspired by: "MEDICARE FOR THE LAZY MAN 2025; Simplest & Easiest Guide Ever!" on Amazon.com. Return to leave a short customer review & help future readers. Official website: https://www.MedicareForTheLazyMan.com.

A whistleblower snitched on an allegedly cheating MA plan, leading to a huge negotiated settlement, in our Medicare Advantage Minute. EKGs, ECGs and how Medicare covers them is the subject of our tribute to: "Your Medicare Benefits 2024" The balance of the episode is given over to an analysis of the recorded and requested Medicare supplement rate increases. Conclusion? Medical inflation is still with us and Medicare supplement rate increases exceeding historical averages will plague the industry for the foreseeable future. Contact me at: DBJ@MLMMailbag.com (Most severe critic: A+)                   Visit us on: BabyBoomer.ORG Inspired by: "MEDICARE FOR THE LAZY MAN 2025; Simplest & Easiest Guide Ever!" on Amazon.com. Return to leave a short customer review & help future readers. Official website: https://www.MedicareForTheLazyMan.com.

Medicare Advantage Minute: MA stocks soared following the 2024 election. The implication is that the new administration is more friendly to the evil Medicare Advantage plans. I am not convinced that is true and I have faith that Medicare supplement plans will remain available for responsible, discriminating Medicare participants! DME: Durable Medical Equipment is paid for by Medicare under certain circumstances. Very important: make sure the supplier is enrolled in Medicare! Tragedy strikes Medicare for the Lazy Man: Alert reader Dominick Regina noticed that all of the many customer reviews earned by MLM 2024 were missing from MLM 2025. He thought it was a mistake until I explained. Every year the book starts out with no reviews at all. I then hope and pray that the first bunch of readers are inclined to tell others about their beneficial experience via customer reviews! Which are the best and worst states when it comes to childrens' health? Typical of our experience with WalletHub surveys, those in conservative states take it in the shorts! Two of the many reasons one is likely to be very happy with a Plan HDG purchase over a Plan G: 1) The insured will only pay the low, low HDG premium, socking away the savings in case they are needed! 2) Future rate increases are likely to be smaller and less frequent if historic trends hold true.  Contact me at: DBJ@MLMMailbag.com (Most severe critic: A+)                   Visit us on: BabyBoomer.ORG Inspired by: "MEDICARE FOR THE LAZY MAN 2025; Simplest & Easiest Guide Ever!" on Amazon.com. Return to leave a short customer review & help future readers. Official website: https://www.MedicareForTheLazyMan.com.

The Medicare Advantage Minute points out more trouble for Medicare Advantage plans. Hospitals have seen increasingly aggressive denials of payments with every expectation of more denial pressure to come! In Your Medicare Benefits 2024 we learn how Medicare covers doctor services. No secret, their fees are Part B expenses. Finally, we hear from Linda, wife of a happy MLM Medicare supplement client. Two years away from Medicare age herself, she is concerned because her favorite hospital and long-time doctor have been deemed "out of network" due to a merger or an acquisition. Turns out she has a PPO plan, not an HMO. Even though these providers are "out-of-network" they are not out-of-bounds to Linda. For a somewhat less robust insurance coverage she will still be able to use them at will. Two years from now, with original Medicare plus a supplement, her network concerns should be a thing of the past. I am looking forward to helping Linda join her husband as another happy client! Contact me at: DBJ@MLMMailbag.com (Most severe critic: A++)                   Visit us on: BabyBoomer.ORG Inspired by: "MEDICARE FOR THE LAZY MAN 2025; Simplest & Easiest Guide Ever!" on Amazon.com. Return to leave a short customer review & help future readers. Official website: https://www.MedicareForTheLazyMan.com.

The government has proposed more crackdowns on Medicare Advantage marketing and agent payments. We list these proposals in the Medicare Advantage Minute. In "Your Medicare Benefits 2024" we learn how Medicare is likely to cover kidney dialysis services and supplies. Then we present an editorial that compares and contrasts the annual celebrations that are held for medical professionals. Were all of those years of med school, internship and residency really worth it? Finally, the listener will hear some solid evidence proving that HDG is a much more cost effective supplement plan than regular Plan G. Contact me at: DBJ@MLMMailbag.com (Most severe critic: A+)                   Visit us on: BabyBoomer.ORG Inspired by: "MEDICARE FOR THE LAZY MAN 2025; Simplest & Easiest Guide Ever!" on Amazon.com. Return to leave a short customer review & help future readers. Official website: https://www.MedicareForTheLazyMan.com.

Medicare Advantage Minute: The Feds propose "health equity" mandates that will address a couple of the worst elements of MA plans...for poor people only! What about all of the non-poor victims of Medicare Advantage plans? In the "Your Medicare Benefits 2024" we learn all about kidney dialysis for children. These victims of ESRD (End Stage Renal Disease) are eligible for Medicare coverage in spite of their youth due to a special clause in the Medicare regulations. New clients are disappointed to hear the wife's primary care physician (or the staff) assert that the practice will not accept patients covered by supplement plans. In the opinion of one expert, there is a misunderstanding or possibly a deliberate attempt to discourage patients with supplement plans. If there is an interesting explanation to this quandary, it will be presented in the future. Client Howard expresses concern about the future of Medicare supplement in light of recent political events. I expressed confidence that there will be a secure future for the best coverage available in the Medicare-verse. Finally, a situation that had been brewing for some time came to a head: a large chain of hospitals & doctors failed to renew their contract with BC/BS of Texas.    On the 7th of April they patched things up and renewed their vows. Contact me at: DBJ@MLMMailbag.com (Most severe critic: A++)                   Visit us on: BabyBoomer.ORG Inspired by: "MEDICARE FOR THE LAZY MAN 2025; Simplest & Easiest Guide Ever!" on Amazon.com. Return to leave a short customer review & help future readers. Official website: https://www.MedicareForTheLazyMan.com.

The Federal Government, specifically CMS, proposed some rule changes for MA plans. We list ten of them in the Medicare Advantage Minute. Your Medicare Benefits 2024: This segment tells us how Medicare will cover laboratory and non-laboratory diagnostic tests. An inquisitive prospective client named Jim has studied legal insurance documents and has a million questions to ask. A 50+ year veteran of the health insurance biz is able to field almost all of them without too much difficulty. However, Jim has a revelation during one Q & A session. Apparently, the excellent benefits of High Deductible Plan G had not been adequately explained to him until today. Finally, we take the WalletHub quiz to learn which they think are the healthiest and unhealthiest cities in the USA. Contact me at: DBJ@MLMMailbag.com (Most severe critic: A+)                   Visit us on: BabyBoomer.ORG Inspired by: "MEDICARE FOR THE LAZY MAN 2025; Simplest & Easiest Guide Ever!" on Amazon.com. Return to leave a short customer review & help future readers. Official website: https://www.MedicareForTheLazyMan.com.

In the Medicare Advantage Minute: Proposed regulations would mandate that MA agents should tell their sales prospects about Medicare supplement plans. The thought is that this might ease some of the confusion in the Medicare marketplace. In the "Your Medicare Benefits 2024" segment we learn how Medicare covers diabetic services and diabetic supplies. Finally, learn about the blood test that may confirm the presence of Alzheimer's disease with 90% accuracy. The most accurate current tests have maxed out at about 73% accuracy while primary care doctors doing in-office memory tests top out at 63%. Contact me at: DBJ@MLMMailbag.com (Most severe critic: A+)                   Visit us on: BabyBoomer.ORG Inspired by: "MEDICARE FOR THE LAZY MAN 2025; Simplest & Easiest Guide Ever!" on Amazon.com. Return to leave a short customer review & help future readers. Official website: https://www.MedicareForTheLazyMan.com.

"CMS Proposes New MA Audit Appeals Process. Don't worry, when it became apparent this was a proposal to benefit MA plans, I baled out very quickly. In "Your Medicare Benefits 2024" we learn how Medicare is likely to cover diabetes screenings and self-treatment meetings. Another rip-roaring contest from Wallet-hub: we learn about the 10 slimmest and the 10 fattest cities. Finally, four years after Dave first made contact he reaches out again with some unsettling news about his health and the need move more quickly on his plans for Medicare supplement than he originally anticipated. Contact me at: DBJ@MLMMailbag.com (Most severe critic: A+)                   Visit us on: BabyBoomer.ORG Inspired by: "MEDICARE FOR THE LAZY MAN 2025; Simplest & Easiest Guide Ever!" on Amazon.com. Return to leave a short customer review & help future readers. Official website: https://www.MedicareForTheLazyMan.com.

Randy Carson is temporarily suspended while we recount the sad tale of a multiple cancer victim who is fighting his disease and also fighting his Medicare Advantage plan, those who are supposed to help him get treatment. Just what a cancer patient wants to spend his time and energy doing! In the "Your Medicare Benefits 2024" segment we learn how Medicare is likely to cover depression screenings. Won't help the hero in the previous story though; Medicare Advantage participants have Medicare taken away from them! Good news for those who value a happy workplace: the number of physicians who are thinking about leaving medicine has dropped 22%. A resoundingly positive testimonial from our friend Dominick Regina! His personal experience appealing IRMAA surcharges by filing form SSA-44 has been very rewarding.  Finally, we dive into the Wallethub list of most and least "stressed" states.   Contact me at: DBJ@MLMMailbag.com (Most severe critic: A++)                   Visit us on: BabyBoomer.ORG Inspired by: "MEDICARE FOR THE LAZY MAN 2025; Simplest & Easiest Guide Ever!" on Amazon.com. Return to leave a short customer review & help future readers. Official website: https://www.MedicareForTheLazyMan.com.

In the "Medicare Advantage Minute" we learn what hospitals are trying to do about the tensions created by MA plans. For instance, in a recent year claim denials surged 55% on Medicare Advantage plans! In "Your Medicare Benefits 2024" some of the situations in which Medicare will actually pay for dental work are listed. Medical complications like some cancer treatments, transplants and undergoing treatment as an inpatient may be enough justification for Medicare to authorize payment for some dental procedures. Then enjoy a tutorial on the IRMAA penalty (Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amount) and my recommended method for trying to weasel out of it! Finally, Toni King teaches writer Laura, and everybody else, on the proper way to cause her Medicare Advantage plan to self-destruct so she can rejoin original Medicare Parts A & B and enjoy the protection her Medicare supplement was designed to provide! Contact me at: DBJ@MLMMailbag.com (Most severe critic: A+)                   Visit us on: BabyBoomer.ORG Inspired by: "MEDICARE FOR THE LAZY MAN 2025; Simplest & Easiest Guide Ever!" on Amazon.com. Return to leave a short customer review & help future readers. Official website: https://www.MedicareForTheLazyMan.com.

The message conveyed by this episode is, " Get out while you can!" MA plans are trimming their offerings in order to protect their profitability. The subject of "Your Medicare Benefits 2024": Defibrillators! How does Medicare cover their purchase price as well as installation. Which are the best (and worst) states in which for women to reside? Finally, the MLM Podcast has been awarded a Humanitarian & Investment fund in the amount of $10,500,000 American dollars. In recognition of this award I have just hosted my last podcast ever! Contact me at: DBJ@MLMMailbag.com (Most severe critic: A+)                   Visit us on: BabyBoomer.ORG Inspired by: "MEDICARE FOR THE LAZY MAN 2025; Simplest & Easiest Guide Ever!" on Amazon.com. Return to leave a short customer review & help future readers. Official website: https://www.MedicareForTheLazyMan.com.

In the "Medicare Advantage Minute" an investigation concluded that the vast majority of dental plans attached to MA plans do not meet the standards generally available from employer group insurance. The "Your Medicare Benefits 2024" segment revealed that Medicare will pay 100% of the charges for testing and treatment of Covid-19 (Wuhan Flu).  Ransom letters threatening data breaches have been received by several hospitals according to the AHA. In this podcaster's opinion, repeal of HIPPA would remove the incentive and free the medical industry of a great deal of costly burden. Valued client Dean, fresh from a trans-Atlantic trip across the Equator, expressed admiration for the classy way in which United American announced an upcoming rate increase. Finally, Kelly, a friend of valued clients Becky & Lester, wrote to ask how "Medicare Advantage Trial Rights' might be advantageous to her. APOLOGIES to readers of the newly released "Medicare for the Lazy Man 2025..". There are several typos that must be corrected.  Contact me at: DBJ@MLMMailbag.com (Most severe critic: A+)                   Visit us on: BabyBoomer.ORG Inspired by: "MEDICARE FOR THE LAZY MAN 2025; Simplest & Easiest Guide Ever!" on Amazon.com. Return to leave a short customer review & help future readers. Official website: https://www.MedicareForTheLazyMan.com.

The last portion of this episodes takes a leisurely stroll through the newest in the series: Medicare for the Lazy Man 2025, Simplest & Easiest Guide Ever! There are several new elements and other radically revised sections. The overall effect is to give the book a fresh approach for those who are reading it for the first time while offering additional interest for returning readers, of which there will be many! This episode starts with the Medicare Advantage Minute reporting on a discovery: Medicare spends 27% more on those who flee from MA plans back to Medicare than it does on those who have never left Medicare! In the segment on "Your Medicare Benefits 2024" I take a very deep & lengthy dive into how Medicare covers one type of DME (durable medical equipment): crutches! Contact me at: DBJ@MLMMailbag.com (Most severe critic: A+)                   Visit us on: BabyBoomer.ORG Inspired by: "MEDICARE FOR THE LAZY MAN 2025; Simplest & Easiest Guide Ever!" on Amazon.com. Return to leave a short customer review & help future readers. Official website: https://www.MedicareForTheLazyMan.com.

Unfortunately, the dopes in this recording are not aware of that yet.  They do present an MA Minute wherein a new official names Medicare Advantage denials as the top revenue priority at Orland Health! In the "Your Medicare Benefits 2024" we learn how Medicare covers "Counseling to Prevent Tobacco Use and Tobacco Caused Disease". Perks of being an insurance broker: Humana invitation to an afternoon of Pickleball and beer! Meanwhile, Randy is parked in the Brazen Head, a Dublin pub founded either in 1198, 1613 or 1754 according to a confused Perplexity AI. Next a run through the list of recent Medicare advantage rate filings makes the point that Medical inflation is still with us and still exerting upward pressure on insurance premiums. Finally, we hear some tips to protect against Medicare scams!   Contact me at: DBJ@MLMMailbag.com (Most severe critic: A+)                   Visit us on: BabyBoomer.ORG Inspired by: "MEDICARE FOR THE LAZY MAN 2025; Simplest & Easiest Guide Ever!" on Amazon.com. Return to leave a short customer review & help future readers. Official website: https://www.MedicareForTheLazyMan.com.

Medicare Advantage prior authorization rates keep on climbing! In "Your Medicare Benefits 2024" we read about how Medicare might cover Cosmetic Surery Finally, Bill's wife Susan has hatched a plan to enroll in an MA plan while she is healthy and switch to Medicare + a supplement if she gets sick. Why would it work? They live in New York with no health questions asked of applicants for a supplement plan. Why might it fail? There are only certain times of the year during which one can disenroll from an MA plan and those are the only times one can make the switch to original Medicare and then purchase a supplement. Contact me at: DBJ@MLMMailbag.com (Most severe critic: A+)                   Visit us on: BabyBoomer.ORG Inspired by: "MEDICARE FOR THE LAZY MAN 2024; Simplest & Easiest Guide Ever!" on Amazon.com. Return to leave a short customer review & help future readers. Official website: https://www.MedicareForTheLazyMan.com.

In the Medicare Advantage Minute, we learn that the Dept. of Justice is investigating United Healthcare billing practices. Billions of dollars of fraudulent government payments suspected for questionable diagnoses.  In the "Your Medicare Benefits 2024" segment we learn how Medicare covers CPM (Continuous Passive Motion) and CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machines. Finally, Bill asks a series of questions about Medicare for the benefit of his friend Cathy who may need to leave her job and make the switch very soon. Contact me at: DBJ@MLMMailbag.com (Most severe critic: A++)                   Visit us on: BabyBoomer.ORG Inspired by: "MEDICARE FOR THE LAZY MAN 2024; Simplest & Easiest Guide Ever!" on Amazon.com. Return to leave a short customer review & help future readers. Official website: https://www.MedicareForTheLazyMan.com.

Medicare Advantage Minute, content provided by Diane Omdahl: MA plans typically have two caps on out-of-pocket, unreimbursed costs; one on the drug benefits and one on the medical expenses.  Your Medicare Benefits 2024: How does Medicare cover Concierge Care? Not at all. How does Medicare cover Continuous Glucose Monitors? Very likely if your doctor asserts that you meet the criteria for eligibility. Some purchasers of Medicare supplement plans are risk averse and afraid of the very limited cost sharing imposed by the low priced High Deductible "High Value" Plan G. State birthday rules to the rescue! More and more states are mandating rights to change Medicare supplement plans under certain circumstances without having to show evidence of good health. This removes much of the perceived risk of this best of all Medicare choices.   Contact me at: DBJ@MLMMailbag.com (Most severe critic: A+)                   Visit us on: BabyBoomer.ORG Inspired by: "MEDICARE FOR THE LAZY MAN 2024; Simplest & Easiest Guide Ever!" on Amazon.com. Return to leave a short customer review & help future readers. Official website: https://www.MedicareForTheLazyMan.com.

Backlash in the wake of the murder of Brian Thompson brings out complaints from dissatisfied patients of MA plans. In the "Your Medicare Benefits 2024" segment, Medicare will apparently cover Social Determinants of Health Risk Assessments. We address an article stating that the health industry is bracing for the arrival of RFK Jr. Finally, we have a complaint about Too Much Medicare Marketing.   Contact me at: DBJ@MLMMailbag.com (Most severe critic: A+)                   Visit us on: BabyBoomer.ORG Inspired by: "MEDICARE FOR THE LAZY MAN 2024; Simplest & Easiest Guide Ever!" on Amazon.com. Return to leave a short customer review & help future readers. Official website: https://www.MedicareForTheLazyMan.com.

The shocking headline in our Medicare Advantage minute:                   Problems with MA plans keep mounting! Denial of service and slow care approvals seem to be used as methods of profit maximization. The "Your Medicare Benefits 2024" segment takes a deep dive into the specifics of how Medicare covers "commode chairs". Finally, when the IRS tries to extract the IRMAA success penalty from Mark, his reduced retirement income allows him to successfully employ the weapon I suggested he use against them.     Contact me at: DBJ@MLMMailbag.com (Most severe critic: A+)                   Visit us on: BabyBoomer.ORG Inspired by: "MEDICARE FOR THE LAZY MAN 2024; Simplest & Easiest Guide Ever!" on Amazon.com. Return to leave a short customer review & help future readers. Official website: https://www.MedicareForTheLazyMan.com.

In the Medicare Advantage Minute, we hear again about all of the negative changes coming to MA plans in 2025.  The "Your Medicare Benefits 2024" segment describes the requirements one must meet in order to be colonoscopized on Medicare's dime. I think there is some wiggle room there. New client Tim writes to say that he is convinced that High Deductible Plan G (HDG) is the best choice for him. However, he wants to know how cautious and conservative he should be when selecting his Medicare supplement insurance company. Contact me at: DBJ@MLMMailbag.com (Most severe critic: A+)                   Visit us on: BabyBoomer.ORG Inspired by: "MEDICARE FOR THE LAZY MAN 2024; Simplest & Easiest Guide Ever!" on Amazon.com. Return to leave a short customer review & help future readers. Official website: https://www.MedicareForTheLazyMan.com.

In our Medicare Advantage Minute, we learn that ten companies are exiting MA markets in 2025. Do you need cognitive assessment? Some say that I do! Read all about how Medicare will pay for that plus care plan services. Finally, I use perplexity AI to provide information to prospects who are considering the purchase of dental & vision insurance. Ameritas and NCD by Metlife are the first two companies I suggest. There are many, many others to choose from! Contact me at: DBJ@MLMMailbag.com (Most severe critic: A++)                   Visit us on: BabyBoomer.ORG Inspired by: "MEDICARE FOR THE LAZY MAN 2024; Simplest & Easiest Guide Ever!" on Amazon.com. Return to leave a short customer review & help future readers. Official website: https://www.MedicareForTheLazyMan.com.

Part of the cautionary tale about thalidomide illustrates the fact that Medicare alone is often not enough to persuade doctors to perform non-emergency treatment. In the Medicare Advantage Minute, we learn that: "The Great Disruption is coming for Medicare Advantage"! In "Your Medicare Benefits 2024" we take a brief look at Cognitive Assessment and Care Plan Services. If you have failed to enroll in Part B of Medicare, the General Enrollment period can bail you out. We enumerate the three big reasons people may end up in that predicament. Finally, we list six common, everyday things we all  grew up with that appear to be disappearing. Contact me at: DBJ@MLMMailbag.com (Most severe critic: A+)                   Visit us on: BabyBoomer.ORG Inspired by: "MEDICARE FOR THE LAZY MAN 2024; Simplest & Easiest Guide Ever!" on Amazon.com. Return to leave a short customer review & help future readers. Official website: https://www.MedicareForTheLazyMan.com.

Contact me at: DBJ@MLMMailbag.com (Most severe critic: A+)                   Visit us on: BabyBoomer.ORG Inspired by: "MEDICARE FOR THE LAZY MAN 2024; Simplest & Easiest Guide Ever!" on Amazon.com. Return to leave a short customer review & help future readers. Official website: https://www.MedicareForTheLazyMan.com.

In the Medicare Advantage Minute we learn that algorithms used by the big 3 MA companies automatically reject 1 in 4 requests for post-acute care. Your Medicare Benefits 2024 teaches us how the program is likely to cover Chronic Care Management Services, in case you ever need them. In answers to questions from Randy, I explain that the Part D drug plan online enrollment process has been improved to allow me to enroll my clients. On the other hand, in order to select the "best" plan I must be able to predict the needs of the client will face in the coming year. Otherwise, my recommendation is just a worthless crap shoot. Finally I review the changes in drug plans in 2025, list the three benefit stages of a drug plans and list just a few of the problems one might experience with a Medicare Advantage plan.  Contact me at: DBJ@MLMMailbag.com (Most severe critic: A+)                   Visit us on: BabyBoomer.ORG Inspired by: "MEDICARE FOR THE LAZY MAN 2024; Simplest & Easiest Guide Ever!" on Amazon.com. Return to leave a short customer review & help future readers. Official website: https://www.MedicareForTheLazyMan.com.

Enjoy the fascinating story of how the geniuses at Medicare failed to figure out that Medicare Advantage plans have been dodging the claims of their members who also receive treatment at the VA! In "Your Medicare Benefits 2024", we learn how Medicare pays for Children's Kidney Disease and Chiropractic Services. Doug's wife has been a happy client with High Deductible Plan G and now his 65th birthday is approaching and he wants in on the fun! Finally, we learn that some new programs are coming down the pike, including dementia support services in which volunteers are trained to care for dementia patients. (By volunteers we probably mean family members) Contact me at: DBJ@MLMMailbag.com (Most severe critic: A+)                   Visit us on: BabyBoomer.ORG Inspired by: "MEDICARE FOR THE LAZY MAN 2024; Simplest & Easiest Guide Ever!" on Amazon.com. Return to leave a short customer review & help future readers. Official website: https://www.MedicareForTheLazyMan.com.

In the Medicare Advantage Minute, we learn: Government Scrapped a MA Rule Over Industry Opposition Let the Billions of dollars in fraudulent payments continue to drain the US treasury! MA plans have managed to drag their feet for ten years after government review of patient records fails to find treatments they thought they had paid for. Check out how Medicare will pay for Chronic Pain Management in "Your Medicare Benefits 2024". Looks like they are planning to cut doctor reimbursements again but the AMA purports to be fighting that action. We should all want to have happy, prosperous doctors serving Medicare! Client Shauna writes with some questions that show she has forgotten some of the great benefits of having Medicare + a supplement. History & trivia department: Henry VIII's flagship Mary Rose rolled over and sank in 1545. It was finally raised in 1982.   Contact me at: DBJ@MLMMailbag.com (Most severe critic: A+)                   Visit us on: BabyBoomer.ORG Inspired by: "MEDICARE FOR THE LAZY MAN 2024; Simplest & Easiest Guide Ever!" on Amazon.com. Return to leave a short customer review & help future readers.ontact Official website: https://www.MedicareForTheLazyMan.com.

Program note: Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain! This episode was recorded after I endured the "Fungus Among Us" but is  presented out of order. References to my disease should be ignored. The "Peoples' Action Network" sounds like the Symbionese Liberation Army. On at least one day last summer they expressed interest in making a health insurance company more accountable to its customers. In Your Medicare Benefits 2024, we learn how Medicare will help you if you have more than one serious medical condition and need expert assistance. Finally, Jeffrey, who says he is a big fan, writes to ask for guidance in coordinating retirement dates, enrollment dates, effective dates and HSA deposits for him and his Mrs. Contact me at: DBJ@MLMMailbag.com (Most severe critic: A+)                   Visit us on: BabyBoomer.ORG Inspired by: "MEDICARE FOR THE LAZY MAN 2024; Simplest & Easiest Guide Ever!" on Amazon.com. Return to leave a short customer review & help future readers.ontact Official website: https://www.MedicareForTheLazyMan.com.

In Texas, South West Health Resources is ending their Medicare advantage plans due to "headwinds" from our Medicare Advantage Minute. Your Medicare Benefits 2024 describes how Medicare will cover checkups and testing for female problems. David writes a lengthy paragraph full of questions about how the insurance each of his family members will be affected when he enrolls in Tricare For Life.  Talk about a complicated situation! Contact me at: DBJ@MLMMailbag.com (Most severe critic: A+)                   Visit us on: BabyBoomer.ORG Inspired by: "MEDICARE FOR THE LAZY MAN 2024; Simplest & Easiest Guide Ever!" on Amazon.com. Return to leave a short customer review & help future readers. Official website: https://www.MedicareForTheLazyMan.com.

According to "Your Medicare Benefits 2024" Medicare will pay to have your cataracts burned off those baby-blues! You might have some decisions to make, though. United Healthcare lost another of their in-network hospital chains in six states: Trinity Hospitals. Finally, a fan of MLM named Lola wrote in with a perplexing question: She is on Medicaid and will soon turn 65. Can she ignore Medicare? Turns out, Perplexity AI said no, she can't. The good news is that after she enrolls in Medicare, Medicaid may step up to pay the Part B premium for a "dual eligible" like Lola. Last I heard, she was heading for the phone to confirm this with her Medicaid caseworker!   Contact me at: DBJ@MLMMailbag.com (Most severe critic: A+)                   Visit us on: BabyBoomer.ORG Inspired by: "MEDICARE FOR THE LAZY MAN 2024; Simplest & Easiest Guide Ever!" on Amazon.com. Return to leave a short customer review & help future readers. Official website: https://www.MedicareForTheLazyMan.com.

In the Medicare Advantage Minute, a hospital chain based in Huntsville, AL and environs parts company with United Healthcare, leaving many former members in the lurch. If you acquire a caregiver (or "caretaker" as I prefer), and that person needs some training in order to perform effectively, Medicare will assist in accomplishing that. In a lengthy segment we wrap up the podcast by listing nine changes affecting Medicare in 2025. Contact me at: DBJ@MLMMailbag.com (Most severe critic: A+)                   Visit us on: BabyBoomer.ORG Inspired by: "MEDICARE FOR THE LAZY MAN 2024; Simplest & Easiest Guide Ever!" on Amazon.com. Return to leave a short customer review & help future readers. Official website: https://www.MedicareForTheLazyMan.com.

United Healthcare sues the Feds due to a reduction in star ratings. This trouble started with a single marketing call that went south; probably a secret shopper. Learn how Medicare would cover cardiovascular counseling and screenings. If your doc accepts Medicare reimbursement you will probably pay nothing for these procedures. A lengthy list of insurance company rate filings shows that we are still suffering the ill-effects of a long inflationary spiral. Finally, Steve's brother-in-law strongly suggested the purchase of "Medicare for the Lazy Man". While waiting for delivery he thought up some questions, the answers to which may help guide his next steps. Contact me at: DBJ@MLMMailbag.com (Most severe critic: A+)                   Visit us on: BabyBoomer.ORG Inspired by: "MEDICARE FOR THE LAZY MAN 2024; Simplest & Easiest Guide Ever!" on Amazon.com. Return to leave a short customer review & help future readers. Official website: https://www.MedicareForTheLazyMan.com.

In the MLM Medicare Advantage Minute we address the following: "Insurers Brought In $50 Billion Through Questionable Diagnoses!" It's an old story that never seems to end; evidence is that MA plans are fabricating "proof" of the rotten health of many of their clients, thereby earning larger payments from the US Treasury! This is known as "Upcoding". In the "Your Medicare Benefits 2024" we take a look at Cardiac Rehab and how Medicare would cover that if your heart problems required serious medical intervention. Then we read a list of the top 20 hospitals in the US which have maintained pricing transparency. In my opinion, that is the last item on the mind of someone who requires hospitalization! Toni King fields a question: Should I purchase a Medicare supplement or Medicare Advantage plan? In the view of this reporter there is only one answer to that question. A client writes to ask what his Medicare supplement's next premium increase is likely to be and whether it would be time to do some shopping for a better price on a different plan, maybe using the Nevada Birthday rule? Finally, consider the likely increase characteristics with Plan G as opposed to High Deductible Plan G as the years pass. Contact me at: DBJ@MLMMailbag.com (Most severe critic: A+)                   Visit us on: BabyBoomer.ORG Inspired by: "MEDICARE FOR THE LAZY MAN 2024; Simplest & Easiest Guide Ever!" on Amazon.com. Return to leave a short customer review & help future readers. Official website: https://www.MedicareForTheLazyMan.com.