Medicare open enrollment is a time each year during which people who are on Medicare can change their health plans or their prescription drug coverage for the following year. This year’s open enrollment period is from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7.Here are your benefit options:Original … [Read more...] about Medicare open enrollment: How to pick a plan
Health & Beauty
HMO vs. PPO vs. EPO vs. POS: Decoding the alphabet soup of health care
It's that time of year when we all seem to be mired in alphabet soup – and not the kind you eat. Open enrollment for benefits plans is here, and that includes choosing health insurance coverage.As employers and insurers shift more of the cost to users, the annual choice gets harder, whether you … [Read more...] about HMO vs. PPO vs. EPO vs. POS: Decoding the alphabet soup of health care
FSA vs. HSA: Which health-care tax savings is right for you?
It's open enrollment time in most workplaces, as well as for those who use the Affordable Care Act exchange, which means health care consumers are trying to make sense of the alphabet soup of the available benefits.One choice many face is how best to maximize the tax savings that come with some … [Read more...] about FSA vs. HSA: Which health-care tax savings is right for you?
Health Savings Accounts: the triple tax advantage
Health Savings Accounts (HSA) are great way to save for future medical expenses and to reduce your current taxes.As we all face increased out-of-pocket medical expenses, one method to prepare is to open an HSA, which is like an IRA but offers a triple tax advantage. Your contribution is … [Read more...] about Health Savings Accounts: the triple tax advantage
Save money on eye exams and eye wear
Eye exams and prescription eyeglasses can be pricey, and eye care might not be included in your insurance benefits package. But the health of your eyes is just as important as dental and other other medical procedures. Here are a few ways to save money on exams and eye wear, both glasses and contact … [Read more...] about Save money on eye exams and eye wear
Bike sharing for health & economy
Bicycles are ideal for trips that are too far to walk but too short to drive. They are are an environmentally friendly, economical and healthy way to get around town -- either your own town or a place you are visiting. Bike sharing is a way to reap the benefits without buying or maintaining a bike, … [Read more...] about Bike sharing for health & economy
Inexpensive ways to get fit
Looking to get a jump start on a fitness routine but don't want to spend a ton on equipment you don't know how to use or a gym memberships you don't have time to use? Check out these seven inexpensive ways to get fit in the new year.Jump rope This old school yard toy is a simple and … [Read more...] about Inexpensive ways to get fit
8 ways to get help with high drug costs and medical bills
Medical costs are rising across the United States, and patients are left paying a bigger percentage of the bill. Most Americans, whether their health insurance is provided through an employer, the Affordable Care Act exchange or the open market, are paying a higher share of their medical care costs … [Read more...] about 8 ways to get help with high drug costs and medical bills
Find free and low-cost mammograms in October
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a good time to consider a mammogram. The National Breast Cancer Foundation recommends that all women over 40 get a mammogram every one to two years. If you have private insurance, Medicare or Medicaid, at least part of the cost of your mammogram should be … [Read more...] about Find free and low-cost mammograms in October
Free lead testing kits for home hazards
Lead is a hot topic these days with water crisis in cities across the United States. Even if your water is safe, there can be lead hazards throughout your home, especially homes built before 1960, which may have lead paint. Lead may also be in soil, jewelry, toys, furniture, cosmetics and … [Read more...] about Free lead testing kits for home hazards
How and when to sign up for Medicare
Think of it as a birthday with benefits. You turn 65 and you are finally eligible for Medicare. Signing up can be a breeze – under the right circumstances. Or it can be a confusing hassle.Lori McGinnis, a counselor with SHIP (State Health Insurance Programs), a federally funded program that … [Read more...] about How and when to sign up for Medicare
How to get a free breast pump through insurance
If you’re pregnant or a new nursing mother, you know that you’re going to either need a breast pump or will have to switch to formula feeding if you are going to go back to work or spend more than a few hours apart from your baby. While breast pumps can range from $25 for a manual pump to $300 or … [Read more...] about How to get a free breast pump through insurance
When medical bills go bad: Fixing costly insurance errors
Each year, the American Medical Association issues its health insurer report card, which reports on the costs and efficiency of health care billing. In 2013, they found that commercial health insurers made mistakes on 7.1% of submitted claims and denied coverage on another 1.8%. The numbers have … [Read more...] about When medical bills go bad: Fixing costly insurance errors
Find the best deal on $4 generic drugs
Many prescriptions go unfilled because people can’t afford to pay for them. But those prescriptions may be more affordable than you think. In recent years, major discount stores, and also some grocers, have started generic drug programs that will allow you to buy a 30-day supply of commonly used … [Read more...] about Find the best deal on $4 generic drugs
How to make your own toothpaste
Toothpaste varieties take up a large percentage of shelf space in the supermarket. A 2010 study predicted that the toothpaste market will reach more than $12 billion by 2015.Toothpastes come in packages of every color. There are ones that cater to kids; striped toothpastes; minty, cinnamon or … [Read more...] about How to make your own toothpaste
