Part D
Do I pay a Part D penalty if I had VA or employer drug coverage?
Generally no. VA benefits and most employer drug plans count as creditable coverage, so no penalty builds while you have them. If one is applied anyway, you can fix it.
Part D
What is the annual out of pocket cap on Medicare drug costs?
Medicare drug coverage now has a yearly limit on what you pay at the pharmacy. What counts toward it, what does not, and when it starts over.
Part D
What is the Part D late enrollment penalty?
A late fee added to your drug plan bill for each month you went without drug coverage that counts. Here is how it works and how to fight it.
Part D
What are Part D drug tiers and copays?
A tier is a price group. Every Part D plan sorts its drugs into tiers, and the tier sets your copay. The same drug can sit on different tiers in different plans.
Part D
Can I switch Part D plans if my drug is dropped?
Usually not. A drug coming off your plan's list mid year does not let you switch plans. You get notice, often keep it through December, and can ask for an exception.
Part D
What is the Part D deductible?
The Part D deductible is what you pay for prescriptions before your plan starts paying. Medicare sets a yearly maximum, and plans can charge less or none at all.
Part D
What is creditable drug coverage?
Creditable drug coverage is coverage at least as good as standard Part D. While you have it, no late penalty builds up if you wait to join Part D.
Medicare
Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage: what is the difference?
Original Medicare with a supplement lets you see any doctor for a set monthly cost. Advantage costs less each month but uses a network, and going back is not guaranteed.
Health and ACA
Do I qualify for an Obamacare subsidy?
It comes down to household income, household size, and whether you can get coverage another way. Here is how the Marketplace decides.
Health and ACA
Can I get Obamacare if I am self employed?
The Marketplace was largely built for people in your situation. How to report an income that moves, and the tax deduction most people miss.
Health and ACA
What is the income limit to qualify for Obamacare?
There is no single dollar cutoff. The limits are percentages of the federal poverty level, and your household size moves the line.
Medicare
What happens if I miss my Medicare enrollment deadline?
Two things happen: a penalty is added to your premium for good, and you wait for coverage to begin. Many people who think they missed it still have a window.