Each year, more than 795,000 people in the U.S. have a stroke.  And because the major side of effects from a stroke can include problems with balance, hearing or vision, paralysis, decreased mobility and more, it’s a good idea to understand what Medicare will cover during recovery.

The words “Medicare” and “Medicaid” are so much alike that it’s easy to get confused. To add to the confusion, both are government programs that help people pay for health care. But that’s where the similarities end.

Generally, Original Medicare (Parts A & B) will not help pay for prescription sunglasses, contact lenses or eyeglasses. However, eyeglasses or other corrective lenses may be covered in cases where they are deemed “medically necessary,” such as after cataract surgery.

The best place to start learning about Medicare is with the basics – with Parts A, B, C and D. As the final part of our Medicare Basics series, this blog is about Medicare Part D.

Today, more and more health care providers are offering telehealth services. Telehealth services are virtual visits with a provider using a computer, tablet or phone. Your visit might include audio and video, or just audio, but video may help your health care provider better understand your question, symptoms, concerns and needs.

Medicare Part A costs will vary person-to-person, but for most people, Medicare Part A is premium-free. It still has a deductible, which you pay per benefit period, and it also requires copays for covered services in the hospital, a skilled nursing facility or for hospice.

Many people today have either started their own business or ventured into the workforce as a freelancer or contractor.  If you’re self-employed and are about to enroll in Medicare, you may not be aware how self-employment impacts your Medicare choices. And in some cases, you could actually gain some tax benefits as a self-employed individual.

Today, it’s not uncommon for people who leave the workforce around Medicare eligibility age (age 65) to return to work later on. In fact, it’s estimated that by 2026 about 30 percent of people ages 65 through 75, and 11 percent of people 75 and older, will be working. Maybe it’s a passionate side-gig, a part-time job or you’ve gone back full-time. In any case, when you go back to work, what does that mean for your Medicare coverage?

Mammograms may rival colonoscopies for the least-favorite screening test among women. In spite of this, many women stick to a regular schedule of getting them—and with good reason.

When a veteran becomes eligible for Medicare, he or she may already have other insurance such as from an employer, the Veterans Administration (VA) benefits or TRICARE. Because of this, you may ask the following: