There are a lot of different kinds of cancers to be aware of as you age, and preventative screenings are important. And if you are diagnosed, chemotherapy and radiation may be part of your treatment plan. Fortunately, Medicare does provide coverage for various cancer-related screenings and health care services.

Some people are eligible to have both Medicare and Medicaid. These people are considered “dual eligible,” and they also qualify to enroll in a special kind of Medicare Advantage plan known as a Dual Special Needs Plan (DSNP).

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?