In the April edition of The Compass, we shared news about expanded coverage for lung cancer screenings. In July, however, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) did not support coverage of Computed Tomography Colonography (CTC), an alternative tool to screen for colorectal cancer. (If you’re interested, read about the decision here.) The real reason […]
Medicare and Social Security: The American Safety Net
Medicare and Social Security make up the tax-paid benefits of post-retirement healthcare coverage and income in the United States. Though distinct programs, they are highly interrelated and Medicare premiums are, in fact, deducted from Social Security payments. A high-level comparison includes: Timing Initial Medicare enrollment generally occurs in the 6-month period around the 65th birthday. Exceptions include individuals […]
Traveling Outside the US and Have Medicare?
If you are a Medicare subscriber who has planned a trip abroad, we want you to spend your vacation enjoying the sights, sounds and flavors of your international destination — not worrying about medical emergencies! So, please be aware that in most cases Medicare coverage does not extend to foreign countries. Healthcare costs incurred out […]
Breathe Easier: Medicare Expands Coverage of Lung Cancer Screening
In a win for advocates of accessible preventative care, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that it is expanding the Part B reimbursement eligibility for lung cancer screening using low dose computed tomography (LDCT). LDCT, also known as a low dose CT scan, is the only recommended test for lung cancer. In a […]
Diggin’ Vitamin D
Most physicians and nutritionists recommend getting your vitamins and minerals from food versus taking supplements. One of the few exceptions to this is vitamin D, which is harder to absorb in its natural form –– especially as you age. According to a June 2021 article from AARP, “as little as 10 to 15 minutes in […]